Quiet Luxury for Old Money

A Home Designed for a Collector Couple

Lausanne

Switzerland

Client Overview and Design Brief

A family owning a semi-historic property contacted us with the intention of transforming their residence into several high-end apartments. As part of their sales strategy, they requested design concepts and photorealistic renders to be included in the marketing dossier.

Project Objectives

The objective was to present each unit with a strong, coherent visual identity — enhancing its perceived value and helping potential buyers envision refined, livableinteriors that respect the building's heritage while introducing contemporary comfort.

Design Approach

Our design approach was rooted in a deep understanding of both the architectural context of the semi-historic property and the lifestyle aspirations of the future buyers. We began by crafting a detailed buyer persona — identifying educated, design-conscious individuals or couples who value a blend of classic charm and modern comfort. These profiles guided every spatial and aesthetic decision we made.

We sought to preserve the essence of the building’s heritage while translating it into a contemporary design language. Historical features such as original cornices, high ceilings, and classic window moldings were retained or interpreted through soft interventions. These were paired with sculptural furniture, curated lighting, and bold yet restrained material choices to create a space that feels refined, approachable, and emotionally resonant.

The living and dining areas were designed as social yet intimate zones, with emphasis on tactile materials, muted tones, and punctuated moments of visual drama — such as the velvet ochre armchair, the asymmetrical marble dining table, or the sculptural ceramic vases. Metal slatted partitions subtly divide without disconnecting, bringing rhythm and verticality while allowing light to flow.

Throughout the apartment, the design language conveys elegant livability — one that speaks to buyers looking for character, craftsmanship, and a sense of timeless sophistication in their future home.

Implementation Considerations

•Soft, Warm Palette in the Living Room: The overall colour scheme embraces soft, warm tones to evoke comfort and understated elegance, aligning with the principles of quiet luxury.

•Walls Intentionally Left White in Living/Dining Area: All walls were purposefully kept white to serve as a refined, neutral backdrop—enhancing the presence of existing artworks and allowing them to breathe within the space.

•Subtle Separation Between Kitchen and Living Area: The kitchen and living room are gently divided through an elegant architectural gesture—creating flow while still defining individual spaces.

•Continuity of Materials Between Kitchen and Dining: Due to the absence of an island, the same natural stone was used for both the kitchen countertop and the dining table—creating harmony and a sense of visual continuity.

•Integrated Induction by Gaggenau: A concealed induction solution by Gaggenau was selected to maintain the clean lines and minimal aesthetic of the kitchen while offering advanced functionality.

Outcome

The final design proposal successfully bridges the elegance of the property's historic character with the expectations of today’s discerning buyers. Through carefully crafted interiors and high-quality renders, the project now speaks a clear visual language — refined, inviting, and full of narrative potential. This enabled the client to elevate the perceived value of the apartments, presenting each unit not as a blank space, but as a curated lifestyle opportunity. The imagery and spatial storytelling now form a powerful tool in their sales dossier, helping future buyers emotionally connect with the property from the very first impression.