A French apartment filled with second-hand finds

By Christianne Raymer

Published: Wednesday, 13 July 2022 at 12:00 am

‘My terrace is filled with flowers and looks out over the neighbouring church. I hear the bell chime throughout the day. It feels as if I live in a village – it’s really lovely,’ says Laurence Delibie, the owner of this floral sanctuary in the centre of Bordeaux, France.

Laurence used to live in a villa by the sea in Arcachon, and was in need of a green, tranquil space when she moved to the city. She chose the Chartrons neighbourhood of Bordeaux, which is particularly appreciated for its village-like atmosphere and second-hand shops.

When it came to making the move here, Laurence had several strokes of good fortune, particularly in finding this apartment. ‘I didn’t even have to look. A local restaurant owner was moving out and told me about it. I was very lucky – it’s a rare find in the city centre,’ she says.

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As the daughter of an ornithologist, and having grown up in the countryside, Laurence has a love of nature. This passion is reflected in the interior of the apartment, decorated with floral and bird motifs.

‘The whole scheme began with the wallpaper in the living room. I fell in love with it when I saw it in the interiors shop below the apartment, RKR. This design, by Nathalie Lété, represents everything that I love: nature, bright colours, and a light, fresh style. Anne, who runs the shop, is a friend of mine. One evening before I moved in, she asked if I could leave her my keys so that she could have a drink on my terrace. When I came back the following day the wallpaper was up. It was a great surprise’, says Laurence.

On moving to the city, Laurence switched her classic antique furniture for vintage, pop pieces: apple-green hanging lights, late 1950s Tulip chairs upholstered in a psychedelic print and mid-century sunburst mirrors. The look could be in danger of becoming a little pastiche but white walls, rustic floorboards and a good smattering of contemporary items (think a digital-print quilt and a pair of ceramic cockatoos) keep things on the fun side of stylish.

The colours and floral motifs are echoed in the wallpaper. Again, it was the people in the neighbourhood who came to her rescue: ‘It was adorable. The local vintage dealers would call me saying, “I’ve got something you might like”. Thanks to them I was able to find most things second-hand and furnished the apartment really quickly,’ explains Laurence.

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On the sideboard in the living room sits her favourite object, a bust of Brigitte Bardot as Marianne – a symbol of France. ‘It’s the only piece I will never part with. I think she’s the most beautiful woman in the world. To me, she represents the 1950s-1960s – a fabulous era marked by great freedom,’ says Laurence.

For someone who loves the outdoors so much, the large terrace – accessed from the open-plan living and dining rooms, kitchen and Laurence’s bedroom – was an important draw. The suntrap has been covered with rustic planters, turning it into a bucolic haven right in the heart of the city.

‘When I moved here, I managed to recreate what I had left behind – a house with a big backyard. The morning is my favourite time here, with the birds singing. And, at night, the church is lit up in blue. The atmosphere is magical,’ she says.

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From Laurence’s modern terrace, views of the neighbouring church top and stone balustrade are a reminder of her apartment’s historical setting.
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Laurence Delibie, owner of Pia Pia fashion stores in Bordeaux and Arcachon, lives here with her daughter Julia (19). Laurence grew up in the French countryside, so it’s no surprise that her home is full of flower and bird motifs.
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The Jardin wallpaper by Nathalie Lété was the springboard for the apartment’s design scheme. Laurence saw it in the interiors shop RKR, located below her apartment, and fell in love with it immediately.
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Vintage furnishings with a 60s look – such as these swivel chairs and hanging lights – fill Laurence’s home. She accessorises with decorative ceramic pieces.
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A bust of Brigitte Bardot as Marianne, a national symbol of the French Republic.
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On the walls, photographs of French icon Brigitte Bardot hang alongside glazed, decorative birds. More eclectic ceramics and statement glassware add interest to understated furniture in the living area. The striking dipped cockatoo statues are from Dutch brand Pols Potten.
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Bold wall art, painted metal chairs, a terrarium and apple-green KitchenAid inject colour into the kitchen.
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A cane wardrobe with wrought-iron hinges and matching desk and chair are complemented by bedding in muted natural shades.
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Laurence sourced most of her furnishings from local second-hand dealers, who would call her when objects they thought suited her style landed.
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Laurence arranges striking jewel-green vases on a vintage mirrored dressing table for a glamorous art deco look.
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More tropical bird ornaments add interest to a retro desk in Laurence’s bedroom, which leads out onto the terrace.
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A wide selection of verdant plants, in oversized pots and rustic planters, turn the terrace into a ‘bucolic haven’. Inside, the shades of green are echoed in the furnishings and the accessories.
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Decorative mirrors adorning the walls of the terrace add charm.
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At night-time, the church is lit up, and with little else spoiling Laurence’s view from the terrace, she can imagine her city-centre apartment enjoys a more pastoral setting.