Paris-based studio Le LAD was recently tasked with renovating an 18th-century thatched cottage set in a nature reserve near Saint-Malo, France. Although the cottage had suffered years of neglect, its thatched roof and stone exterior were in relatively good condition and required only a few updates. French interior architect Guillaume Terver led the project, and he decided to maintain the thatched roof in order to preserve the home's traditional identity—a theme that ran throughout the entire project.

Terver played with volume, texture, and muted tones to refresh the interiors. The bright and airy, multi-layered, open plan features designated zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing. The thoughtful renovation also provides ample, discrete storage to maximize the space.

Terver added several new windows—including a large bay window with bench seating in the kitchen. Inspired by medieval windows, the design brings natural light into the kitchen while framing the bucolic view. Terver blended elements of both the past and the present to create a light-filled modern home that respects the context of its original vernacular design.

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Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Le Lad / @guillaumeterverarchitecture

Interior Design, Cabinetry: Guillaume Terver, LeLad

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A Renovation Breathes New Life Into a Thatched Cottage in Brittany