By Ruth Tchenio, founder of Maison Tchenio — interior designer and decorator in Aix-en-Provence
In Aix-en-Provence, interiors have soul: unique spaces, generous light, sometimes whimsical walls… Custom design is not a whim here, but often the most appropriate, sustainable, and elegant solution. Here are seven good reasons to consider it, from my perspective as an interior designer.
The perfect fit for actual volumes
Alcoves, sloping ceilings, recesses, irregular walls… custom-made carpentry fits the existing space to the millimeter, without patches or compromises. Unlike standard furniture that can be moved or “placed,” custom-made pieces fit naturally into the space: they blend into the architecture, enhance the volumes, and sublimate the constraints. Whether it’s a built-in bookcase, a discreet dressing room, or a bench with hidden storage, each creation becomes a solution to the needs of the space and its inhabitants.
Architectural advice — Accurately surveying the site (levels, plumb lines, networks) makes all the difference. It is the basis for a lasting, tailor-made solution.
Before/after: custom-made furniture designed to integrate everything. Here, a simple technical partition has been transformed into a multifunctional space that houses a kitchen cupboard, a desk, and hallway storage. The custom-made carpentry has created a more fluid space, optimizing every inch and creating a unique piece that blends harmoniously into the apartment.
Every inch works for you
Custom-made drawers, deep pull-out shelves, technical niches, invisible doors, discreet access hatches… With bespoke carpentry, nothing is left to chance. Every detail is designed to transform a simple space into a useful and elegant storage solution. The space adapts to your habits, follows your movements, and becomes almost invisible because it feels so natural. Here, ergonomics is no longer an option: it becomes a given, a silent rule that makes your daily life smoother and your interior more harmonious.
Aesthetic consistency throughout the home
Select woods, subtle grain patterns, deep lacquers, delicate grooves, discreet handles, rhythmic lines… With custom carpentry, every detail speaks the same language. This continuity creates a visual thread that connects the entrance to the living room, the kitchen to the bedrooms. The whole exudes harmony and fluidity, without ever falling into monotony. This is how high-end simplicity is born: elegant, timeless, and perfectly suited to the spirit of the home.
Quality, durability, repairability
Stable panels, high-end hardware, honest finishes (oil, varnish, hard wax)… Well-designed custom carpentry ages well and can be repaired. It’s a sensible investment: fewer disposable purchases, more value over time.
I like to choose stable cores (plywood, waterproof MDF for wet rooms), veneered edges on all four sides, and soft-close runners/hinges that ensure smooth operation year after year.
My advice as an interior designer: when your furniture is delivered, make sure you have a small “maintenance kit” (touch-up paint, color reference, hardware instructions, 2-3 spare parts). This will help you keep your surfaces looking great and make sure they can be repaired. In Aix-en-Provence, as elsewhere, true sustainability starts with quality… and the ability to repair.
My guidelines for durability:
- Structure: choose stable panels and proven assemblies.
- Hardware: full extension, soft-close, guaranteed, and replaceable.
- Finishes: reversible or repairable finishes, suited to the room and its use.
Integrating technology... beautifully
Integrated lighting, concealed ventilation, cable ducts, multimedia, blinds, home automation, acoustics: in custom carpentry, everything is planned and designed in advance.
Before construction begins, we map out networks and reserves: accessible LED drivers, magnetic hatches for after-sales service, ventilated baseboards for appliances, invisible ducts, anti-vibration felt for silence.
The result is clean, fluid, and easy to live with—the technology disappears to let the lines speak for themselves.
My rules for a quiet and practical interior …
- Accessibility: provide discreet access points (hatches, removable bottoms) where maintenance will be required.
- The right lighting: integrated LEDs (2700–3000 K), opal diffusers, and dimmers for everyday comfort.
- Technical comfort: ventilation of enclosed spaces, pre-planned cable routing, and charging points where you really need them.
A true asset for the property!
When custom carpentry is designed with precision, it brings order, visually enlarges the space, and simplifies everyday tasks. It doesn’t just look good: it’s a way of life. When it comes to resale, buyers instantly notice how well the space is put together—impeccable alignment, flush doors, smart storage solutions. This is the difference between a “well-maintained” property and a finished property. Investing in built-in features (bookcases, walk-in closets, headboards, custom kitchens) means creating useful square footage, and therefore lasting value for your apartment or house in Aix-en-Provence.
A peaceful project: a single guiding principle
My role as an interior designer is to orchestrate everything: from the initial sketch to the 3D model, from the technical plans to the selection of materials, from consultations with workshops to monitoring the manufacturing and installation process with our craftsmen in the Pays d’Aix region.
I take care of the decisions, deadlines, and coordination, saving you time and helping you avoid costly mistakes.
My three rules, which I apply to every project:
- Usability first: a plan is judged by how easy it is to use, not just by its beauty.
- Materials in the light of the space: I always approve samples in situ at different times of day.
- Room for maneuver: allowing for a 10-15% budget reserve makes decisions easier and ensures a successful outcome.
With this unique guiding principle, custom carpentry becomes a natural choice that allows the house to breathe and creates a coherent, elegant, and durable interior.
Where does customization make the difference?
- Entrance: storage bench, wardrobe, mirror, and built-in storage compartments
Living room: bookcase, TV stand, discreet bar, room divider - Kitchen: useful columns, island, functional credenzas
- Bedroom: walk-in closet, headboard, built-in dressing table, under-slope storage
- Office: suspended shelf, hidden archives, soft acoustics
My method (simple and demanding) for custom carpentry at my agency in Aix-en-Provence
- Briefing & taking measurements: your habits, your pace, your priorities.
- Precise survey: measurements, networks, constraints, lighting.
Sketches & 3D models: volumes, proportions, material options. - Technical plans & estimates: details, hardware, finishes.
- Manufacturing & installation: alignment checks, adjustments, acceptance.
At Maison Tchenio, interior designers in Aix-en-Provence, we design, draw, and coordinate your custom woodwork—bookcases, walk-in closets, built-in storage—combining elegance, functionality, and durability for a cohesive interior design in Aix, Marseille, and throughout the region. Contact us today: we will get back to you as soon as possible.
