An interview with french interior design studio HEJU

In a conversation with NOOM, Principal Designers of Paris-based interior design studio Heju, Hélène Pinaud and Julien Schwartzmann, shared their insights into crafting minimalist spaces with Scandinavian and Japanese influences.

Enjoy the interview below!

Julien Schwartzmann and Hélène Pinaud, Heju Studio

What is the core philosophy behind your design process, and how did you discover and shape your studio’s signature style?

Our style has evolved over the years through various projects. Like everyone else, we follow current trends, but we always question whether they align with our style and if we can interpret them in our own way. We believe it is crucial to continually seek new ideas and avoid redundancy in our work. We enjoy designing by combining different disciplines and know-how. For us, there are no boundaries between art, design, and architecture.

We are particularly inspired by Japanese architects such as Sanaa, Sou Fujimoto, and Junya Ishigami. We admire how they visually expand spaces in small areas and seamlessly unite indoor and outdoor environments, bringing nature into their designs. These concepts are very important to us, and we strive to incorporate them into our projects.

How do you strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics in your projects?

For us, functionality is rooted in the plan, which is the first and most important aspect to consider in any space. Our goal is to create the most optimal layout with fewer corridors, fluid circulation, and multiple perspectives. On the aesthetic side, we adopt a sensitive and abstract approach to space, aiming to infuse poetry into our clients' daily lives. We utilize rectilinear lines and simple volumes to design timeless spaces, while also being bold in the mix of materials and colors. Our objective is to achieve a pure simplicity infused with personality, that gives in an impression of luminosity and tranquility.

How does your studio incorporate sustainability and environmentally conscious design into the projects?

Today, we focus on the origin, history, and the way how materials and furniture we use are made. Our goal is to educate our clients about the value of fewer but longer-lasting and higher-quality possessions. We aspire to embrace a simpler, slower lifestyle, finding happiness in little and appreciating the beauty in the simplest things.

Loft Sesquez by Heju Studio, 2022

How do you ensure a client’s vision is reflected in the final design while maintaining the studio’s signature style?

When we first meet potential clients, we make sure that they like our style and are open to being challenged. We propose a project that will surprise them by going beyond their initial ideas while respecting their desires, needs, and constraints. Our mission is to highlight the unique characteristics of the space by presenting a project that aligns with its style. We consistently strive to uncover something original and unique, a soul in the starting space, and to bring it to life. Ultimately, our work resolves various issues such as lack of space, light, or storage. The uniqueness of our projects lies in the careful balance between shapes, textures, and colors. We enjoy playing with contrasts, such as a bluish black paired with a pinkish beige or the striking combination of strong terrazzo alongside bright birch plywood.

Many of your interiors have a soft, calming palette and sculptural forms. What are your key criteria when selecting furniture and decor for your projects?

The goal is always to start from scratch regarding furniture and lighting, as we do in most of our projects. We pay close attention to even the smallest detail to ensure a cohesive interior and to create a comprehensive design. We collaborate with our clients to select all the lighting, furniture, and art pieces. The choice of materials, colors, and textures is central to our process, allowing us to create atmospheres that engage all the senses. In our projects, we aim to celebrate nature and authenticity, which is why we embrace artisanal, vintage, or handmade materials and furniture. We do this while maintaining a calm, neutral palette, using colors like soft terracotta, dark blue-gray, olive green, or nude beige.

What made the Gropius chair a fitting choice for several of your projects?

The Gropius chair, much like our projects, features clean lines combined with a sculptural style. It creates a graphic effect and adds a sense of geometry to any room. We always select fabrics that brighten the space, adding a touch of color and texture.

How do you discover new furniture brands or design pieces for your projects? Are there specific exhibitions, showrooms, or platforms you rely on?

Inspiration is all around us and can be found at any time. We are particularly curious when we travel, as we want to understand how people from different countries arrange their homes and daily habits. When we visit exhibitions, we pay attention to shapes and color combinations that we can incorporate into our projects. In all our work, you can find an echo to modern art: we use organic lines that evoke the works of Arp, incorporate sculptural details reminiscent of Brancusi’s sculptures, and create soft color associations in the style of Morandi's paintings.

Are there any particular designers, architects, or artists whose work has significantly influenced your style?

Since our studies, we have become admirers of the work of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. In all his projects, he achieves a remarkable harmony between aesthetics, functionality, and integration with the landscape. He skillfully bridges Scandinavian tradition and modernity. Aalto was one of the pioneers in using and promoting birch plywood, a material we cherish and incorporate into our own creations.

What will the living spaces of tomorrow look like?

We believe that the era of consumerism is coming to an end, and that living spaces will become more minimal. We hope that people will will focus more than ever on their purchases, making careful choices about what they buy. For our part, we will continue to prioritize raw materials over imitations and opt for second-hand products. While these items may have some imperfections and will not be identical, their unique qualities will enhance their beauty over time. We think this natural patina will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in future minimalist homes.

Appartement Aumale, 2024

Interiors & Photos by Heju Studio