Expert insight: Bertille Dobler on the creation of the Maison Kyka showroom

From the pavement, one catches a glimpse of the immaculate tower of Saint-Sulpice Church. On either side, passersby wander by as shopfronts lift their shutters. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is awakening. The pace naturally slows as the eye is drawn to the orange glow of a newly installed awning. This is the place.

Bertille Dobler — interior architect and artistic director of Maison Kyka — opens the door for us, its threshold framed by a mosaic that immediately hints at what lies within. Together, we retrace the story behind a singular architectural project unlike any Maison Kyka has undertaken before.

Chapter 1: The blank canvas

How did the Maison Kyka showroom project come to life? 

Bertille Dobler : “After several years of existence, Maison Kyka needed a space entirely dedicated to its clients. Sharing our vision of real estate and interior architecture is fundamental to who we are, so we wanted to create a hybrid destination — somewhere between a private residence, a showroom, and an art gallery. Projection is an essential part of any renovation project, and we wanted anyone stepping through our doors to feel instantly transported into the apartment of their dreams. Today, that vision has become reality.”

Why choose Saint-Germain-des-Prés?

Bertille Dobler : “As with every Maison Kyka project, the choice of neighbourhood is the cornerstone. In the case of the showroom, the Left Bank — and Saint-Germain-des-Prés in particular — imposed itself immediately. For a brand like ours, rooted in a contemporary and eclectic vision of Parisian living, it was the perfect setting. The 6^th arrondissement naturally evokes iconic landmarks such as Café de Flore or Saint-Sulpice Church, but above all it is a district steeped in history, synonymous with cultural avant-garde and bohemian-chic style.”

What inspired the design of the showroom?

Bertille Dobler : “From an aesthetic perspective, I began with Maison Kyka’s signature codes: the interplay of materials and patterns, a maximalist approach, sculptural curves, and above all an abundance of warm tones — burnt orange, cherry red, honeyed wood and soft beige. With immersion in mind, I conceived the ground floor as a vibrant and welcoming living space, while the upper floor is more intimate and contemplative. I was also deeply inspired by the scenography of the surrounding art galleries: that theatrical quality, never static, represented to me the perfect balance between the practicality of the spaces we design and the culture of beauty we champion.”

Chapter 2: The renovation

What technical challenges arose during the renovation?

Bertille Dobler : “Even before the renovation began, the main challenge was finding a space that fulfilled all our criteria: somewhere distinctive, with an inviting storefront, abundant natural light, and an upper level. The former cosmetics boutique we now occupy ticked every box. But designing within 51 sqm is no easy feat, and that became the project’s greatest constraint: defining distinct areas without sacrificing luminosity, incorporating clever storage solutions, and seamlessly integrating technical elements such as home automation, air conditioning, and underfloor heating. In the end, very much like the projects we undertake for our clients.”

Which original features were preserved?

Bertille Dobler : “As mentioned earlier, we immediately fell in love with the storefront — particularly its Art Deco ironwork featuring interlaced oval motifs. That visual language reappears throughout the showroom, most notably in the staircase, which is also crafted in wrought iron and echoes the same oval detailing. Incidentally, the staircase had to be dismantled during the works and stored in our logistics centre for the greater part of the renovation.”

Chapter 3: The art of detail

What role does bespoke craftsmanship play within the showroom?

Bertille Dobler : “Absolutely everything within the showroom was custom-made: the joinery, the parquet flooring, the kitchen, the seating — the list goes on. This is our vision of the art of living: a design philosophy that embraces the singularities and soul of a space in an entirely unique way.”

Which master artisans did you collaborate with?

Bertille Dobler : “At Maison Kyka, championing artisanal craftsmanship is something we deeply care about, always through a contemporary lens. There is true intelligence in the work of the hand — it is what guarantees the lasting quality of our interiors and brings an irreplaceable sense of soul. On the ground floor, the floor is covered with a magnificent mosaic created by Garance Dupont. The radiating lines formed by tesserae in varying colours are an ode to movement, naturally drawing visitors deeper into the space.

Along the staircase, one discovers a remarkable bespoke stained-glass piece crafted by the Fany Glass studio, with whom we collaborate regularly. This time, the design embraces a far more geometric vocabulary — a deliberate echo of the wallpaper lining the walls. Its twin stained-glass panel can be found one level above, distinguished by lush Art Nouveau-inspired botanical motifs — an unmistakable tribute to Haussmannian architecture.

Finally, the pièce de résistance awaits within the first-floor lounge and materials library: a fresco painted by Arnold d’Alger and embellished with gold leaf. It unfolds as a panorama of Maison Kyka’s dearest emblems: Paris, the key, the four-leaf clover, the stork. Each symbol evokes notions of home, good fortune, and transmission — values that are deeply meaningful to us.”

In what way was the showroom conceived as a gallery?

Bertille Dobler : “We spoke earlier about the showroom’s scenographic dimension. Its full meaning reveals itself as one wanders through the space and encounters genuine works of art throughout. I’m thinking, for example, of Christophe Mirande’s enamel-on-metal artwork, which reflects light in a fascinating way and invites almost spiritual contemplation. Another piece particularly dear to me is a ceramic work by Cécile Fouillade — delicate and organic, somewhere between a sea anemone and a feather. Every one of these works was carefully selected from the collections of Galerie Empreintes, which celebrates the richness and diversity of French craftsmanship and artistry.”