Newly opened Liberté on rue Saint Dominique is giving the traditional Parisian bakery a modern, minimalist makeover courtesy of acclaimed interior architect, Emmanuelle Simon. Liberté’s new location in the 7th arrondissement is the bakery’s fourth Parisian outpost, with another set too open soon and two locations already in Japan.
Liberté caused a stir when it first opened on rue des Vinaigriers in 2013 by serving up traditional pâtisserie fare that was informed by modern gastronomy trends; things like, baguette bread infused with charcoal and covered in sesame seeds or an all-white Buche de Noel cut like a slab of marble.
This nouvelle vague approach to pastries is reflected in the interiors of Liberté’s latest space, which reconfigures the traditional French bakery aesthetic to suit contemporary tastes. Interior architect and designer Emmanuelle Simon was given carte blanche to transform the small, narrow space into anything of her choosing.
What she chose was to create a wabi-sabi inspired cloister with white washed walls and arched nooks for single person seating. Simple Beachwood stools and monochrome vases decorate the space, while a blue stone floor, inspired by the paving stones outside the front door, brings a subtle touch of colour.
The shop maintains the same cosy and welcoming atmosphere of the typical boulangerie, but with a style that is drastically different from the rustic decor or pastel coloured, confectionary type displays that are typical of most.
It’s no surprise that Simon has managed to create a sliver of serenity in a challenging, tight space that could have easily have become just another cramped storefront. As an architect, Simon understands how to manipulate the dimensions of a room to maximum potential, and as an interior designer she understands how objects can utilise that space.
Simon honed these skills working with architect Jean-Marie Massaud and then designer Pierre Yovanovitch before launching her own agency in 2017. Just two years later she won a Wallpaper* Design Award for her sober design of Evidens de Beauté first Paris salon. She’s a precocious talent, and it is exciting to see her unique blend of Art Deco and wabi-sabi philosophy on display at Liberté’s.
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