THE DIOR DESIGNER: Cordelia de Castellane Revives Historic Elegance at L’Abbaye.
Editorial
THE DIOR DESIGNER: Cordelia de Castellane Revives Historic Elegance at L’Abbaye
Few can turn a space into a living, breathing masterpiece like Ms. Cordelia de Castellane. As Artistic Director of Maison Dior, she doesn’t just design interiors, she conjures worlds. Her recent restoration of L’Abbaye isn’t just a nod to history; it’s a revival of elegance, art, and soul. L’Abbaye, situated in the idyllic countryside of Normandy, was originally built in the 12th century as a monastery. Over the centuries, it transformed into a symbol of refinement and culture, especially under the care of Baroness de Rothschild. Her vision turned it into a haven for artists and intellectuals. Cordelia’s restoration seeks to honor this legacy by thoughtfully incorporating details that reflect the
baroness’s love for art and creativity. Every element, from the selection of fabrics to the furniture placement, was designed to revive the estate’s rich history while breathing fresh life into it once more.“She was my main muse, of course,” Cordelia says with a spark of reverence. When tasked with designing the spaces of L’Abbaye, the presence of Baroness de Rothschild is inescapable. “She was a very inspiring woman, very ahead of her time,” she adds. Known for her philanthropy and artistic sensibilities, the baroness shaped much of the property’s identity. Cordelia’s goal was not to mimic but to embody the baroness’s essence. “It’s about channeling her spirit while making it feel alive and relevant today,” she explains.
“Rich textures, layered lighting, and an inviting mix of antique and contemporary elements create a dialogue between past and present. “It needed to feel lived-in. Something familiar yet extraordinary,” she says with a smile.”
For someone celebrated as one of France’s leading interior decorators, Cordelia’s humility is striking. When asked about her dream project, she deflects praise, saying, “That would be very pretentious to say. I love decorating beautiful places, and I do it with my heart.” Yet, she does share a personal ambition: “My dream would be to take back my family castle and make it home again.” The idea of restoring a place so deeply rooted in her history underscores the intimate relationship she has with her craft. Aside from design, she finds joy in nature. “The garden comes inside,” she explains. “I keep a lot of plants at home and in my greenhouse. I also take care of the bulbs and redesign a few beds. Many of my ideas are born here. Being in the countryside and the garden is so important to me, and the pieces we create are connected to nature.” I asked her to select one highlight of her illustrious career. She didn’t hesitate to reply—working with Laurent de Gourcuff founder of the hospitality company Paris Society—to transform L’Abbaye. “Laurent is a very old friend. We both started to work when we were 16,” she shares warmly. “He trusted me, and he gave me a beautiful place to express myself. I think it’s the most beautiful one!”. Their shared vision and mutual respect brought out the best in the project. “We’re very similar in our different jobs,” she observes, a testament to their collaborative synergy. “It was a very blessed moment to be able to work together.”
FULL STORY AVAILABLE IN THE FIRST VOLUME OF VICARIOUS VIGNETTES. RELEASED SUMMER 2025.