When flowers meet design, in Cordelia de Castellanes's private world

As you make your way along the path leading to Cordelia de Castellane’s home, it becomes instantly clear why this place is described as a "fairytale setting". Located an hour north of Paris, in the Oise region, this property is much more than a countryside retreat: it is a reflection of its owner’s soul.

A home reflecting her creativity

“My style is spontaneous, it evolves in step with my desires", says Cordelia as she walks us through rooms where vintage finds, travel mementos and family antiques coexist. “I wanted to give this house the feeling that it has always been the place of our memories", is how she explains her plan for the home she purchased six years ago.

The main house’s six bedrooms feature a harmonious blend of floral tapestries and printed wallpapers adorning the walls, enhancing the charm of the place. “I have no limits when it comes to mixing things up", she says of her decorative approach, citing the defining influence of Emanuel Ungaro, with whom she began working at age 16: “He and his wife taught me to try out daring combinations”.

The garden, her first love

“This is truly where all my projects begin. It’s the place where I feel most at peace", she shares, speaking of the garden that she has become her true creative laboratory. Her passion for gardens and flowers – one shared by the late Christian Dior – even led her to create her own flower farm near Paris.

“I believe this house gave me a deep connection with Monsieur Dior’s private life. Like him, I love escaping to the garden every weekend. Gardening was his grounding force, something that reminded him of his mother – his very own sensory experience recalling vivid childhood memories", she explains, drawing an emotional parallel with the founder of the house for which she works.

This is truly where all my projects begin.

Treasures that tell a story

“I like every object to tell a story", she says. Among her most cherished pieces, she mentions “a beautiful table by Madeleine Castaing that I found while antiquehunting" and “small wall sconces with magnificent lampshades” that once belonged to Hubert de Givenchy. In the renovated outbuildings, Cordelia chose a toile de Jouy wallpaper – a nod to Christian Dior, who was particularly fond of the motif. “Working for Dior is not just a job; it’s about stepping into a world that deeply resonates with my sensibilities", says the Artistic Director of Baby Dior and Dior Maison.

A return to her roots

Cordelia revient sur son parcours impressionnant. Entrée chez Chanel à seulement 13 ans, elle passe ensuite 10 ans chez Ungaro avant de lancer sa propre marque de vêtements pour enfants, C de C, en 2008. Aujourd’hui, elle jongle entre ses responsabilités chez Dior et de nombreux projets : la décoration de l’abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, la rénovation du restaurant Laurent, ou encore le renouveau des boutiques Ladurée.

Cette demeure marque aussi un retour à ses racines : « J’ai grandi dans la nature. Et cette maison m’a permis d’y revenir ». Cette acquisition coïncide avec un tournant à la fois dans sa vie personnelle et professionnelle : « Elle est arrivée à un moment où beaucoup de choses changeaient. Je venais de perdre mon père… et de lancer mon studio. La nature m’a rendue plus heureuse. Elle m’a redonné du bonheur ».

Cordelia reflects on her impressive journey. She joined Chanel at just 13 years old and then spent ten years at Ungaro before launching her own children’s clothing brand, C de C, in 2008. Today, she juggles her responsibilities at Dior with numerous projects, including decorating the Vaux-de-Cernay Abbey, renovating the Laurent restaurant and revitalizing Ladurée boutiques.

This home also marks a return to her roots: “I grew up in Nature and this house allowed me to reconnect with that”. The acquisition coincided with a pivotal moment in both her personal and professional life: “It came at a time when many things were changing. I had just lost my father… and launched my studio. Nature made me happier and helped me recapture joy ”.

Floral art

Personifying the art of living well, Cordelia shares her vision of natural beauty and French elegance.

How would you define floral art?

It’s something spontaneous attuned with the seasons, rather than art for art’s sake.

Where does your love of flowers come from?

It dates back to my childhood and is a legacy from both my mother and my grandmother. I cannot imagine a home without a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Can you tell us about your café-florist’s boutique?

I wanted to bring a bit of the countryside to Paris, with flowers from my garden in spring and summer, my vintage cups, my fabrics and prints. It’s a little haven in the city. You can enjoy a tea or a latte accompanied by a delicious pastry in this enchanting setting.