By Hend Seif El Din
You were born in Lebanon, so when did the move to Paris happen?
I moved to Paris from Lebanon when I was 16 years old.
Were you educated in France? Tell me about your educational background.
I passed my baccalaureate in Paris and then decided to stay there to study architecture at the École des Beaux Arts.
So you never considered going back to Lebanon?
I considered going back to Lebanon after I graduated. My first target once I finished studying architecture was to help rebuild Lebanon after the war, so I went back then. But after 10 years in Paris, it was too different to move back to Lebanon. I do visit quite often though.
I know you started out as an architect, so when did you decide to move to interior design?
I began working as an interior designer a year after I graduated. By chance I met the designer of Buddha Bar and Man Ray and worked with him. Then I moved to Riyadh and worked on the InterContinental Hotel and Nayara.
Do you think you architectural background helps you when it comes to designing?
If so, then how?Architecture helps us directly target without losing space or ideas. It helps our major needs. I also learned during my studies to appreciate symmetry and structured spaces.
What type of projects do you usually take on?
The agency’s primary activity is focussed on individual clients, but I also work on commercial projects such as restaurants and shops.
Do you have any favorite projects?
I like most of the projects we have worked on and are working on. One of my newest projects is two villas in Sicily which I am sure will be very interesting. I always take advantage of the surroundings and here the view is amazing where you can see a little valley.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I love traveling and am fascinated by other cultures; I think you can see that in all my projects. From Japan to the US through to the Middle East, traveling enables me to reinterpret in my work images and atmospheres that have caught my attention. In Trullo Pinnacolo, the architecture is a mix of local Puglian architecture and Balinese zen style. You can especially see that in the pool area. In the interior, I like mixing objects that I have brought from different trips.
How would you classify your style?
In terms of my style, it is what you called fusion – a mix of modern and vintage. I love the ‘50s and ‘60s and I very easily mix some pieces(seating, lighting) of that period. I don’t like to have an interior that looks like a show room. Vintage gives sexiness and history.
What “makes” a project a “Fabrice Bejjani” one?
I think what makes a project signature is simplicity but being very well prepared, making it easy to live. Also, a mix of not too many materials but still luxurious, which makes it classy and timeless. A mix of modern and vintage pieces of furniture and lighting.
Which elements do you prefer working with?
In my work I like to mix materials, but never too much of them. I love marble and stone, but with a matt finish for a modern look. I mix this with a shiny lacquer. I also love to use resin for flooring as it unifies all the areas perfectly. I sometime use steel, a rough finish or lacquer if I want to create an industrial look. And I always use wood for doors, cabinets… My favourite is walnut wood.
What is your personal favourite interior design style?
My favourite style is one that should live through time and the people living in it should never get bored of a good design.
You also custom make pieces for your clients; could you tell me more about that?
Often with projects you have an idea of some of the needs but it is hard to find the right pieces. In this case, we go for custom made as we know it will answer exactly all the needs of the client and gives value to the plan. It is very interesting going from an idea to a finished project done especially for someone and the client appreciates the unique feeling.
When it comes to interior design, what are some of the guidelines everyone should keep in mind?
Don’t follow rules or fashion, create your style as it is the only thing that remains.
In your opinion, what are the dos and don’ts of interior design?
I would never really say don’t, but if you have any doubts, call an interior designer. For the do’s, I would push people not to follow rules or guides. You should shape your house as you like and just be careful not to do too much.
