Loire Design Lab - Chapter 3: Revelation

The Unexpected Twist in Our French Home Journey and What It Really Meant to Us

When we first dreamed of our French property adventure, we imagined a straightforward path: one beautiful building to transform, one story to tell. But life had other plans. Suddenly, we found ourselves with not one, but two residences — an unexpected twist that shook up our original vision and challenged us in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

At first, it felt overwhelming. How do you adjust when the story you’ve been writing suddenly changes chapters? But this experience reminded us of something we always tell our clients: it’s okay, and even necessary, to pause, reflect, and redefine your goals before moving forward.

Taking a Breath and Re-centering Our Vision

With that mindset, we decided to focus all our energy on the first building, turning it into a living showroom, a place that would not only showcase design but also embody the way we believe people can truly live well, even in smaller spaces.

We gave ourselves the gift of time to understand what this home, and this journey, really needed.

A little advice from our hearts:

Whenever you’re facing big decisions, especially about your living space, give yourself permission to slow down. Clarity comes with patience.

The Loire Design Lab: Where Challenges Became Our Creative Playground

We named this project the Loire Design Lab because it’s exactly that: a place to experiment, learn, and innovate. Here’s what we focused on to bring this vision to life:

• Creating Flow: We wanted the first floor to feel open and inviting, where every step feels natural.

• Bringing in Light: Natural light has a way of lifting spirits, so we looked for every opportunity to brighten the space.

• Making the Most of Every Inch: This home isn’t large, but we wanted to prove that thoughtful design can be impactful.

• Building Flexibility: Life changes, and so should your home. Spaces here needed to adapt to different moments and moods.

Falling in Love with the Heart of the Home: The Central Staircase

One of the things that captured our hearts from day one was the central staircase. Made of local tuffeau limestone with original slate steps, it’s a beautiful piece of history quietly waiting to be rediscovered. It was hidden behind a closed hallway, almost like a secret treasure.

Our goal became clear: to bring this magical feature back into the light, making it the soul of the ground floor. This matters because homes carry stories. Preserving and celebrating these stories connects us to the past and enriches the present.

Living Small, Living Fully: Our Showroom Dream

We wanted this living showroom to be more than just a space; it needed to be a testament to the idea that living small doesn’t mean living without. It means living smart, intentional, and beautifully.

We set out to create a warm, welcoming home with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, where every corner feels purposeful and every detail tells a story.

Step by step, we finalized floor plans, carefully crafted mood boards for each room, and brought together a team of talented artisans who share our passion for quality and authenticity.