Inspiration

Gesa Hansen & Charles Compagnon

Gesa Hansen is a German-Danish interior architect and designer, founder of the Hansen Family. Charles Compagnon is a restaurant owner, sommelier and coffee roaster. When Gesa studied at the Bauhaus, Charles was at the École Hôtelière de Paris. Their paths crossed when Gesa arrived in France to work alongside the architect Jean Nouvel.

Today they live in the 10th arrondissement in Paris with Lou, Gesa’s eldest daughter, Finn and Romy. But the tribe escape whenever they can to their country home in Courances – a former post house that has been brilliantly renovated by Gesa. The stone building from the 1850s is a delightful hideaway to spend time with the family.

Charles Compagnon, Gesa Hansen and their children

GESA, WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE HANSEN FAMILY?

“My family has always worked with wood. I spent a lot of time with my grandfather, who made me little toys out of scrap wood. I took over his workshop and it was a place that was very close to the family, I didn’t see myself calling it Gesa Hansen.”

The Hansen Family
© Photo: Romain Richard

“I feel I have become who I am today through what my family has passed on to me. I didn’t want to just produce my own furniture, but also that of other designers.”

I find that in the word ‘family’ everyone can find themselves. Not only the relationships tied by blood, but also the ones you choose.”

Gesa Hansen in the family workshop

Gesa Hansen and her father

The Hansen Family’s Carpentry

Table The Hansen Family © Photo : Nathalie Mohadjer

Gesa Hansen

WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH YOUR FAMILY?

“It’s beneficial in terms of trust, everyone is considerate. However, discussions can take a very emotional turn. Of course, we reunite very quickly, just like after a family argument.
It’s all about understanding and well-being, everyone has to feel at home.”

Gesa Hansen and her son Finn in her Parisian studio © Photo: Nathalie Mohadjer

CHARLES, HOW DID YOU DESIGN YOUR PARISIAN RESTAURANTS LE RICHER AND LE 52 IN FAUBOURG-SAINT-DENIS?

“They were thought of as living spaces above all. They are places that change throughout the day, that are always on the move as we are open from 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. Guests have the choice to use the premises as they wish, for a work breakfast, a drink with friends, dinner or lunch.”

52 Faubourg-Saint-Denis, Paris, 10th Decorated by Gesa

“It was also important for us to have as much natural light as possible and to make the space evolve according to the time of day. The decoration had to be timeless. We used a lot of wood, leather and marble. Materials which weather with time without going out of fashion.”

Gesa Hansen and Charles Compagnon

Le 52 Faubourg-Saint-Denis, Paris, 10th Decorated par Gesa

HOW DO YOU JUGGLE YOUR JOBS AS A RESTAURANT OWNER, SOMMELIER AND COFFEE ROASTER?

“What I like about my job as a restaurant owner is that I am exposed to the whole world of gastronomy. It allows me to go back to the origins of the products and to learn a lot!
I also learned how to roast 4 years ago and since then, all the coffee in my restaurants is roasted by me.

This summer we bought a vineyard in the Beaujolais in the Pierres Dorées region. We made our first harvest this year and the wines are now being matured. We are super excited about this project.

In fact, I see my job as a whole, linked by its epicenter: the restaurant.”

@charlescompagnon

Roasting of Coffee Compagnon

Coffee Compagnon

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF YOUR HOUSE IN COURANCES?

“It was the first house we visited, and we fell in love right away. I am from the countryside and I was missing it. Charles took some time to find his place but now he has completely turned the countryside into a lifestyle.”

HOW DID YOU DESIGN AND FURNISH THE HOUSE?

“I especially wanted a warm and cosy house in winter. I think it comes from my Scandinavian origins. Naturally, the living room was created with cosy inspirations. I also drew a lot of inspiration from English and Scottish interiors. With a pop of colour.”

Family home kitchen in Courances © Photo: Nathalie Mohadjer

Family home bathroom in Courances © Photo: Nathalie Mohadjer

Family home living room in Courances © Photo: Nathalie Mohadjer

YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNS AT SMALLABLE?

“The Emil cradle by Bermbach Handcra ed, the bed linen by Camomile London, the ceramic Ferm Living basket and the Little Petra sheepskin armchair by &Tradition.”

Rattan Emil cradle by Bermbach Handcrafted

Little Petra sheepskin armchair by &Tradition

White Ceramic basket by Ferm Living

ANY PARTICULAR OR SECRET PARISIAN ADDRESSES?

“I have no doubt it will be Charlotte Chesnais’ new boutique. Otherwise La Trésorerie and the Hotel Rochechouart.”