Bringing Light and Art Nouveau Elegance to Our Home: A Tale of Transformation

From a Practical Need to an Artistic Vision

When my wife and I decided to decorate our 100-year-old house in the South of France in 2022, we were drawn to the elegance and charm of the Art Nouveau style. we infused this theme into the house with specific furniture choices and my some own paintings in the style of artists like Van Gogh, Klimt, Schiele, or Mucha. Yet, one area stood out as needing improvement: the double doors separating the living room from the entry corridor.

These non-transparent doors limited light and perspective while the living room itself, though spacious enough for 13 guests, felt constrained during our family Christmas gatherings of 20 people. We envisioned a larger opening that could accommodate a table extending into the corridor, bring in more light, and enhance the space with Art Nouveau charm. And so, in January 2024, our renovation journey began.

The old door separating the living room from the corridor.

A Remarkable Find for a Unique Vision

One of the pivotal moments in our renovation journey was discovering the perfect door. While browsing "Le Bon Coin," a popular French secondhand marketplace, we stumbled upon an exquisite 4-panel wooden door. Its design immediately resonated with our Art Nouveau theme. Featuring delicately sculpted floral motifs, a waved shape, and elegant hand-blown glass panels, the door embodied the style's signature blend of nature and artistry.

The door’s natural cherrywood finish added warmth and character, and the textured glass brought a timeless charm. As it sat in our garage, waiting to be mounted, it became a tangible reminder of the transformation we were about to undertake—melding functionality with artistic beauty.

The new door waiting in the garage to be mounted.

Uncovering the Past: Removing the Old Door

Although the wall between the living room and corridor wasn’t load-bearing, it housed two old tree-trunk beams supporting the first floor. Unsure of the impact of enlarging the opening, we consulted a structural architect. The recommendation was clear: support the beams during the work to prevent movement.

Support for the wooden beam holding the first floor.

The first step in the transformation was to remove the old double door. As we dismantled it, we uncovered the inner structure of the wall—a fascinating glimpse into the house’s history. The wall was a mix of materials: 5 cm-thick stones, an air gap, and a layer of plasterboard on the surface.

The structure of the wall and the top beam in an old tree branch.

Above the door, we discovered a thin 6 cm wooden beam—evidence of a non-carrying wall. This reassured us that the solution we had planned would be sufficient and safe for the renovation.

The fragility of the old frame confirmed that our planned approach to enlarging the opening was not risky, aligning with the structural architect’s assessment.

Preparing for the Work: A Dusty Surprise

Before cutting into the wall, we set up a plastic sheet enclosure to protect the rest of the house from the inevitable dust. The sheets were carefully taped to the ceiling and walls, creating a sealed working zone. Confident in our precautions, we proceeded with the heavy cutting machines to enlarge the opening.

Plastic sheets for dust protection, and how my friend and I looked after the wall cutting!

Unfortunately, we quickly discovered that the enclosure wasn’t as airtight as we had hoped. The air pressure changes caused by the cutting machines forced fine dust particles through even the smallest gaps, spreading it across every corner of the house. The aftermath was a thorough cleaning effort on all floors—a less-than-glamorous but necessary task that came with the challenge of discovering by doing!

Breaking Down the Wall: A Team Effort

Once the wall cutting was complete, the next task was to carefully break and remove the wall in pieces. This phase required extra caution to avoid excessive vibrations that could disturb other parts of the house. It was a true team effort: my 90-year-old father, a pillar of determination, joined me and a close friend in this meticulous work.

Armed with tools and a shared sense of purpose, we chipped away at the stone and plaster, piece by piece.

Finally the cut wall. My 90-years-old father and my friend in action. Take care of your finger!

The photo from that day captures a moment I’ll always treasure—two generations of hands shaping the future of our home. It wasn’t just about demolition; it was about building memories and honoring the history of the house as we prepared it for its next chapter.

Framing the Future: Building the Structure

With the wall cleared, the next step was to build the wooden pillars and beams to match the exact dimensions of the new door. Precision was crucial, as the structure needed to align perfectly with the Art Nouveau door while providing robust support for the enlarged opening.

My father enjoying the new perspective. Building the wood pillars.

In the right photo, you can see me and my mother standing by the completed wooden frame. She, ever-dedicated, took up the broom to help keep the workspace clean. The frame, crafted from sturdy 10x10 cm beams, was securely mounted with cement to ensure stability. Fitting the remaining space between the beams and the wall on top took us quite a time.

Final shape of the opening.

This phase was a satisfying turning point—seeing the opening take its final shape was a rewarding moment that brought our vision closer to reality.

Finishing Touches: Refining the Threshold and Edges

With the wooden frame in place, the next task was to address the floor at the base of the new opening. The tiles beneath the old door didn’t extend under the wall that had been removed, leaving an uneven surface. To create a seamless transition, we carefully cut the existing tiles at the threshold of the old door and cleared the area to align with the new opening.

We selected two wood-look ceramic tiles to match the style of the house, cut them to size, and installed them to recreate a clean, continuous threshold. Finally, we applied joint tape and finishing plaster to smooth and refine the edges of the new opening. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that the enlarged space looked polished and harmonious with the rest of the room.

Final threshold of the opening and smoothed edges.

A Frame Designed with Love and Expertise

The highlight of the project was the Art Nouveau-style frame and door. Our second daughter, currently studying architecture, joined us in designing the frame. Inspired by the floral motifs and flowing lines characteristic of Art Nouveau, we sketched a design that would complement the house’s existing decor.

Design of the new frame for the door in Art Nouveau style.

To bring our vision to life, we enlisted a skilled cabinetmaker who had the rare fortune of inheriting a supply of 30-year-old dried cherrywood from a retired fellow craftsman. This was a stroke of luck, as finding cherrywood in such a perfectly aged and dry state is quite rare. Using this exceptional material, the cabinetmaker crafted the frame and installed the 4-panel door with remarkable precision. The door itself, with its sculpted floral details, waved shape, and hand-blown glass panels, was a stunning piece of Art Nouveau artistry. Once installed, the frame was treated with wax to protect and highlight the wood’s natural beauty.

A Space Transformed: Beauty and Function in Harmony

The result exceeded our expectations. It is a stunning blend of functionality and artistry, perfectly suited to the Art Nouveau theme of the house. When the door is closed, the intricate floral carvings, waved shapes, and hand-blown glass panels exude timeless elegance, turning the living room into a warm and inviting space. When open, the large frame creates a seamless connection between the living room and corridor, allowing light to flood both areas and showcasing the natural stone walls beyond.

The new door closed and opened.

The new opening not only brought more light into both the living room and corridor but also created a beautiful visual perspective that celebrates the elegance of Art Nouveau. During family gatherings, the larger space now accommodates an extended table, allowing everyone to sit together comfortably.

A new perspective !

Beyond its practical benefits, the door has become a centerpiece—a conversation starter that reflects the effort, vision, and love poured into this home. It’s a testament to how thoughtful design can honor the past while creating a welcoming space for the future.

A glimpse into the hand-blown glass of the new door.

This project was more than just a renovation—it was a labor of love that fused practicality with artistry. Every time we see the light filtering through the hand-blown glass panels, we marvel at how they transform the view beyond into an impressionist tableau, softening edges and blending colors like a painted dream. It’s a daily reminder of the creativity and effort that went into making our house a home, where functionality and beauty coexist in harmony.