Clarisse Demory in Bulgaria by

Issue 3 · European Travels · January 19, 2012

Clarisse Demory in Bulgaria

Issue 3 · European Travels · January 19, 2012

Paris-based designer Clarisse Demory never planned on purchasing a pied-a-terre in Sofia, but after a quick trip to Bulgaria a while back she found herself signing the papers on the way to the airport.

Demory has owned the flat for six years now; she spends her summers renovating the space, waltzing through farmer's markets and enjoying a slower pace of life. When it came to the renovation, her first order of business was breaking down the walls, upgrading the electrical system, and installing new Italian plumbing fixtures. As Demory says, "in a minimalist place like mine, the details are important."

The pied-a-terre of Clarrise Demory in Bulgaria

Above: Demory displays a collection of linens on an antique ladder. Photograph by Mai-Linh.

Antique enamel and flatware on the kitchen counter

Above: A kitchen tableau includes an enamel vase from a local bazaar, German porcelain dishes from the flea market, and glassware adopted from a friend.

A still life of fresh tomatoes and grapes on the table

Above: An array of local produce and vintage dishes on a marble countertop. Photograph by Maya Lipman via Ensuite.

White porcelain tableware and concord grapes

Above: A still-life display of grapes and glassware. Photograph by Maya Lipman via Ensuite.

A simple wooden day bed near an open window

Above: A simple wooden bed designed by Demory and built by a local craftsman in Sofia.

Light pink walls at a house in Bulgaria

Above: Demory retained the pink lime paint on the walls as an homage to the past as part of what she calls "the ecology of styling."

The apartment's open floor plan merges the kitchen with the laundry room

Above: A view of the flat's open floor plan.

Paintings, an antique stool and ladder

Above: During the renovation of the attic space, Demory discovered a small wooden stool, ladder, and antique housewares. "Everything was humble, but for me it was a treasure," says Demory.

An instant utility and laundry room

Above: The impromptu utility room features a tiny closet and a white metal drying rack.

Large bay windows open into the flat in Bulgaria

Above: Demory savors the quiet afternoons in Sofia; "the sunlight arriving through the window enchants me."

N.B.: Enjoying Demory's petite pied-a-terre? See 1,401 images of Small Spaces in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.



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