Living Artfully: Inside the World of Stéphanie Coutas, Where Elegance Meets Emotion 


Portrait of interior designer Stéphanie Coutas seated on a sculptural wool chair, with French art objects and greenery in the background

people • designers

Stephanie Coutas doesn’t just design spaces—she choreographs atmospheres. Known for her richly layered interiors that fuse French heritage with modern refinement, Coutas brings a couture sensibility to every project. Her work moves effortlessly between classical architecture, artisanal craftsmanship, and an intuitive sense of harmony that makes even the grandest spaces feel intimately personal. With projects spanning Parisian apartments, Middle Eastern palaces, and Riviera retreats, she has become a global force in luxury design. But at the heart of it all lies a simple yet powerful belief: design should stir the senses and reflect the soul.

In this exclusive interview with Designeers, Stephanie opens up about her design ethos, the role of emotion in beauty, and the personal rituals that keep her grounded, plus a few quick-fire answers that reveal the woman behind the vision


 

Words: designeers
juLY 2025

WEBSITE: stephaniecoutas.com
INSTAGRAM: @stephaniecoutas

DESIGNEERS

How would you describe your design ethos in three words? 


Stéphanie Coutas

Emotion, elegance and timelessness. 


DESIGNEERS

What does timeless design mean to you, and how do you achieve it? 


Stéphanie Coutas

Timeless design is an emotion that transcends eras. I achieve it by reinterpreting classic references with a contemporary eye, combining noble materials, clean lines, and exceptional craftsmanship. It’s all about harmony, subtlety, and precision, but always with a twist.

 
 
 
Striped chaise lounge with boucle upholstery and mustard pillow in a refined, wood-accented Parisian interior designed by Stéphanie Coutas
Contemporary dining space with a black oval table, textured chairs, and treehouse-themed wall art, showcasing craftsmanship and material layering
 
 
 

DESIGNEERS

Where do you begin when designing a space—with a material, a feeling, or a story? 


Stéphanie Coutas

Always with a feeling. I imagine myself living in the space, breathing its atmosphere. Every project tells a story, and often it starts with a material, a particular light, or a detail in the architecture that sparks the narrative.


DESIGNEERS

How has your style evolved in the last decade?


Stéphanie Coutas

My style has become more refined and essential, yet without losing its richness. I’ve learned to say more with less, to let the spaces breathe. There is now a search for flow, ultimate comfort, and a quiet kind of strength. 

 
 
Curved white boucle chair set against a beige geometric wall and organic wood-framed mirror in a serene, textured interior
Modern fireplace with fluted wooden casing, sculptural ceramics and textured wall finish in rich terracotta tones
Artisan-crafted wooden sideboard with brass inlay, surrounded by sculptural wood-framed mirrors and curated decorative objects
 

“My style has become more refined and essential, yet without losing its richness. I’ve learned to say more with less, to let the spaces breathe.”

Stéphanie Coutas

 
 
 

DESIGNEERS

You work closely with artisans and ateliers, how do you choose collaborators?


Stéphanie Coutas

I choose artisans with a soul. Those who listen, who understand, and who can elevate an idea with the mastery of their hands. I value human relationships above all, built on trust, excellence, and a shared love of beauty. 


DESIGNEERS

Are there particular cultural influences or places that continue to shape your design language? 


Stéphanie Coutas

French culture, with its refinement and decorative heritage. 


DESIGNEERS

How do you stay inspired creatively? Are there rituals or habits that help you reconnect? 


Stéphanie Coutas

Nature is essential to me; the sea, silence, and light help me recharge. I need solitude sometimes to reconnect with my intuition. I constantly draw inspiration from art, travel, and unexpected encounters.

 
 
 
Light-filled living room with exposed beams, sculptural coffee table and layered neutral tones, opening onto Mediterranean greenery
Minimalist living space with a white marble fireplace, abstract artwork and sculptural furnishings that highlight textural contrast
 
 
 

DESIGNEERS

Favourite flower to style with?   


Stéphanie Coutas

Peonies, for their delicacy and generosity. 


DESIGNEERS

Dream dinner guests, dead or alive?


Stéphanie Coutas

Yves Saint Laurent, Christiane Amanpour, Nelson Mandela, and my father. A table full of passion and stories. 


DESIGNEERS

A hotel that has taken your breath away? 


Stéphanie Coutas

La Villa d’Este


DESIGNEERS

What’s a guilty pleasure design trend you secretly love?


Stéphanie Coutas

Thick ivory carpets, there’s something nostalgic and incredibly cosy about them.


DESIGNEERS

One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?


Stéphanie Coutas

I am really faithful to the people I work with; most of my collaborators have been with me for over 15 years.

 
 
 
Elegant dining area featuring a hand-sculpted white tree relief wall, brass-accented table and velvet armchairs, emphasising French decorative artistry
 

PHOTOGRaphy credits

Francis Amiand, Anne Wohlgemuth and Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt

 
 

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