Le Cann: Merging Neoclassical Elegance with Avant-Garde Design
people • INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Raphaëlle Robert and Guillaume Fantin, both designers and interior architects, have joined forces to create Le Cann studio. The two met at École Bleue and later honed their craft and aesthetic vision designing commercial, retail and residential spaces for Parisian design firms: she at Marie Deroudilhe and Thierry Lemaire, him at Andrée Putman and Joseph Dirand.
WEBSITE: studiolecann.fr INSTAGRAM: @le_cann_
Words: designeers
JANUARY 2025
DESIGNEERS
How would you describe the essence of Le Cann in just one sentence?
le cann
A neoclassical essence punctuated by an avant-garde vision.
DESIGNEERS
What are three words that define your design philosophy?
le cann
Legibility, elegance, sobriety.
DESIGNEERS
Your projects blend minimalism and warmth beautifully. What’s your secret to achieving this balance?
le cann
Our designs focus on clarity and precision, favoring simple volumes and clean lines for impactful, reliable spaces. Working within a minimalist framework, every detail gains importance, striking a balance between sobriety and subtle sophistication.
Anchored in a Neoclassical foundation, our style combines rigour, elegance, and symmetry, animated by unexpected, anachronistic touches. This timeless approach is complemented by our affinity for contemporary and futuristic influences.
DESIGNEERS
Tell us about a project that feels like the perfect embodiment of Le Cann ethos.
le cann
Difficult to choose! Each project reflects a unique blend of the owner’s personality and the essence of the space. Our latest endeavour, the Casanova Project, exemplifies this approach —an apartment on Rue Danielle Casanova, near Place Vendôme.
The apartment presented unique complexities: a highly partitioned layout, half-levels, and low ceilings. Our goal was to transform these constraints into strengths, creating a warm, functional, and intimate space for a couple.
We envisioned the apartment as the cabin of a ship, blending nautical and Parisian influences. By removing unnecessary partitions, we created an open layout that promotes fluidity while allowing for privacy when needed. Curved, lime-painted walls contrast with structured Corian and fiberglass elements for a dynamic interplay of materials.
Inspirations:
Science fiction cinema: Reflected in the fittings.
1930s neoclassical design: Inspired the structured layout and fiberglass reinterpretation of parchment panels.
Dieter Rams: Minimalist layers of milky whites and visible technical details.
Custom-designed pieces—such as the desk, sofa, sink, and fittings—blend with eclectic furniture and curated art to create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
The Casanova Project showcases our ability to turn challenges into unique, inspiring spaces.
“We don't think of a space in the South of France and a Parisian space in the same way. We really like to reinterpret regional codes. What's interesting about these legacies is to see how we can evolve them without literally re-using them.”
le cann
DESIGNEERS
How does your French heritage influence your approach to interior architecture and furniture design?
le cann
Our work is greatly influenced by interior designers from the 1930s, but also by modernist architects and design. Depending on our projects and their locations, our creative approach varies. We don't think of a space in the South of France and a Parisian space in the same way. We really like to reinterpret regional codes. What's interesting about these legacies is to see how we can evolve them without literally re-using them.
DESIGNEERS
Sustainability is key in design today. How do you incorporate eco-friendly practices or materials into your work?
le cann
We are aware that our approach of "if we have to produce, let's produce little and well" tends towards an economic model associated with luxury. However, this is the positioning that currently seems most relevant to us in our idea of the sustainability of design, objects and know-how.
We try to apply this same production economy in our interior design projects by making sure to call on local artisans, by selecting local materials and by pre-scribing mainly second-hand objects when they are not designed by us.
DESIGNEERS
Can you give us a sneak peek into any exciting upcoming projects or furniture collections?
le cann
Apartments in Paris, a villa on the French Riviera, a flagship in Paris and a few other surprises.
DESIGNEERS
On your coffee table right now?
le cann
Stacks of inspiring books - Palo Santo sticks in a Murano glass bowl- a Jacques Adnet nutcracker to enjoy some nuts when you’re feeling peckish.
DESIGNEERS
Dream project location?
le cann
In Kyoto or in the Piedmont countryside.
DESIGNEERS
Most inspiring building in Paris?
le cann
Auguste Perret's Corto room or the Musée d'Orsay.
DESIGNEERS
Favourite material to work with?
le cann
We don’t have a specific preference; rather, we are drawn to natural materials and the diverse finishes they reveal through the craftsmanship process. We also enjoy reimagining materials, repurposing them, and exploring unconventional uses to create intriguing anachronisms.
DESIGNEERS
Finally, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone creating their dream space?
le cann
Define your needs before your desires and don't be afraid of sobriety.
