JEMA
A French-American interior designer, Jeanne has long been bringing together different cultures, places, and sensibilities. In her light-filled, typically Marseille apartment, she has created an interior that reflects her personality: elegant, lively, and rooted in her neighborhood. We chose Marseille for this chapter of our lives because of its light, its Mediterranean Sea, its authenticity, and its culture.
When the time came to sell this unique property, Jema naturally chose ARCHIK to assist her, convinced by our sensitive approach to real estate and our keen understanding of architecture and usage. And it was with Manon that the adventure came to fruition, smoothly and seamlessly.
Tell us about this apartment in Marseille. What attracted you to it when you first saw it?
J – For me, it all started with the terracotta tiles. Having grown up in the south of France, it was a non-negotiable criterion: we absolutely had to have that type of flooring. When we walked in here, even though it wasn’t perfect, it was already magnificent. It was love at first sight. And then there were the volumes, which are impressive. Everything is open and airy. What inspired me was precisely this contrast: we are right in the city center, a stone’s throw from La Canebière, Noailles, and the lively city of Marseille… and yet, this apartment inspires total serenity. You almost forget that you’re in the city.
In terms of decoration, I wanted to preserve this blend: an urban feel, but with a very subtle Mediterranean touch in the materials, paints, and tiles. Everything has been designed to embrace the idea that we are on the Mediterranean coast… even if you can’t see it from the window.
When you arrived here, did you have an immediate overall vision, or did everything develop gradually?
J – I had a few ideas, but the apartment was pretty much a blank canvas. We didn’t do a complete renovation, but we did change a lot of things: the kitchen, the bathrooms… At first, I was more confident about the construction work than the decor. I wanted to avoid the cliché of a Mediterranean home, which isn’t my style at all. At the same time, after living in Brooklyn in a very busy interior, I wanted something more refined here, almost Japanese in style.
Ultimately, as I chose colors and materials, I ended up with an interior that I find quite masculine: lots of leather, dark wood, dark terracotta tiles, stainless steel in the kitchen, wrought iron on the door…
I wanted a space that was both Mediterranean and urban, almost New York-style. A place where you could be in Marseille… without necessarily realizing it right away.
“We chose ARCHIK, also to ensure that the next owners would appreciate this interior that we have cherished so much.”
So, what did you bring back from the United States to this apartment?
J – Many things, especially in terms of style.
The renovation is more inspired by my childhood home: the paintwork, the bathrooms, one very art deco, the other Moroccan-inspired, almost like a hammam.
But in terms of decor, there is a clear American influence, very Donald Judd: simple lines, refined yet minimalist materials, wood, leather… A form of warm minimalism.
Another key feature of the project is the openness of the space.
J – Yes, absolutely. When we first saw the apartment, it seemed huge… but strangely closed in. There were doors everywhere, partitions, unnecessary dividers. Before even making an offer, I said to CJ: “We have to open everything up.” We had to let in the light. We removed the doors and knocked down the partition in the guest room to create a fluid perspective. Now, you can walk through the apartment without interruption, without obstacles. It’s not for everyone, but for me, that’s its greatest strength. CJ, who is a director, also loves this natural staging: on one side, someone is drinking coffee, on the other, someone is waking up… two different scenes in a single glance. Visually, it’s magnificent.
You chose ARCHIK to sell this property. What motivated this choice?
J –For me, it wasn’t even a question. ARCHIK was the only agency capable of selling this apartment. It’s the only agency in Marseille that really understands this type of property: aesthetic choices that are sometimes impractical, but essential.
And it’s pretty crazy, the apartment was sold to buyers from New York!
J – Yes, it’s very funny! It feels like we’re swapping lives (laughs). That’s also why we chose ARCHIK, to ensure that the next owners would appreciate the interior that we loved so much. Today, they are in a similar position to where we were two years ago. There was immediate trust because we share similar experiences and the same commitment to Marseille. It’s also reassuring to know that they have similar tastes and will take over the apartment almost intact, without changing everything.
How was your experience with ARCHIK, from the first meeting to the sale?
J – What I appreciated most was her patience.
I contacted Manon in March, almost a year before the sale. Nothing was certain. She came over, we talked, we did an appraisal… without any pressure. And when the project became concrete after the summer, everything went very naturally, transparently, smoothly. We thought it would take time, but in the end everything happened quickly, at the right time.
THE TOP 3
THE ROOM IN THE APARTMENT
J – The bedroom. It’s my haven of peace, it’s quiet and cozy, and in the morning it’s bathed in light.
THE ADDRESS
J – The Ivresse wine bar. The only place in Marseille with the right lighting: you can hardly see anything, which is perfect.
And House of Pain, for our daily bread. Leaving that behind… it’s going to be difficult.
Interview and photo credits: Julie Fleutot