Rencontre Select: Elisa Meliani, founder of EB Studio Paris
Paris Select spoke to Elisa Meliani. A Parisian by birth, after a successful career as a model, she launched her own architectural practice. EB Studio Paris is the perfect crossroads between her different passions: architecture, interior design and art. She tells us all about it in a very Select and Parisian interview.
Elisa Meliani grew up in an artistic environment in Paris. After a successful career as an international model, which enabled her to nourish her culture through her many travels, she decided to make room for her passion, interior design. So it was at MMI Déco in Paris that she decided to cut her teeth in decor and space design.
In her work as a decorator, she plays with materials, volumes and light. She has a passion for detail and harmonious spaces. With a preference for raw materials and organic forms. Read his interview.
What was your path to becoming a decorator?
I started modeling at the age of 16. So I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot and work with a lot of artists. Now in my thirties, I wanted to find a career change and something I really enjoyed, because I’d done all I could with modeling. And decorating has always been an integral part of my life because my mother was an artist and always loved it. I was also a great chinaman. Whether it’s garage sales, Emmaus or flea markets, to find objects with a story behind them. So it made sense for me to make this switch. It was also a logical extension of my job, which was very aesthetic and visual.
Is this how your architectural firm, EB Studio, came into being?
It’s a young architectural practice, because at the moment I’ve really got two completed projects under my belt. A Haussmann apartment in the 8th arrondissement, and a 400m2 house in Normandy. And right now I’m busy with other projects. La Manoir de Saint Hymer, an 18th-century wine press. I’m going to have some real creative freedom, so I’m really excited about this project. And my side projects are for customers. This may involve the creation of office space, or residential development, but this is still a work in progress.
How would you define EB Studio’s style?
I’d say it’s pretty uncluttered. I like harmonious spaces and noble materials like marble, travertine and brass. EB Studio also offers the possibility of using raw materials, which are becoming increasingly expensive. But for this to happen, customers also need to have a degree of financial freedom.
How do you find the parts?
When it comes to works of art, I work with gallery owners, including Galerie Le Fell in Brussels, which has introduced me to a number of artists I really like. And if not, I go to the flea market a lot. The Puces de Saint-Ouen in particular. I find a lot of nuggets. Then, for the furniture, I spend a lot of time finding rare suppliers. Like Entrelacs, for example. These are French craftsmen, and it was important to me to use local artisans.
What do you enjoy most, and what difficulties do you encounter?
I love discovering new places, new projects and new customers. As far as the difficulties are concerned, I want my customer to have peace of mind. Difficulties can therefore arise from unforeseen technical events on construction sites.
How do you see EB Studio in 5 years’ time?
I’d like to work internationally if possible. Running hotels or restaurants would be a real dream too. With all the freedom you can have on such projects.
View the work of Elisa Meliani er EB Studio on ebstudioparis.fr
