- Interior
With Casa de O, Cédric Capron realises a renovation project that succinctly encapsulates his vision of interior architecture. The existing waterfront villa in Cap d’Antibes, with direct access to a small beach and a lush, mature garden, formed the starting point for an intervention that deliberately remained restrained. The focus was not on transforming the place, but on refining what was already there. The new home can be read as a carefully composed whole, marked by deep respect for the natural environment.
Cédric Capron built his career over nineteen years from a distinctly technical foundation. Originally trained as a plasterer and painter, he developed an in-depth knowledge of construction and finishing, which today positions him as a highly sought-after figure within design and interior architecture. His path led him, among other places, to Asia and California, where he worked on prestigious and often confidential projects, including for international clients. This international experience strengthened his network and led to collaborations with established names in the sector, without weakening his ties to the French artisanal tradition. He is known for his uncompromising standards and his preference for working according to the principles of traditional craftsmanship. Capron’s trajectory as a self-taught professional, complemented by an independent application as Compagnon du Devoir, underscores an attitude of continuous learning and discipline. Since February 2022, he has translated this vision through his own architecture and interior design studio in the centre of Nice, where he consciously fosters a family-oriented working atmosphere and regards the transfer of knowledge as an essential part of his practice.
Capron’s design philosophy is closely interwoven with his way of working. As he himself states, everything starts with the client: ‘I study their needs, expectations, and lifestyle, then I try to make them dream through unique creations crafted specifically for them. The best choice is the one that combines beauty, meaning, emotion, and functionality’. Moreover, in all his designs he strives for high-quality craftsmanship, so that every creation bears the mark of manual precision, authenticity and an ‘obsession’ with detail. All of these qualities formed the pillars of Casa de O; an idyllic place on the Mediterranean Sea. 
Risen from its surroundings
Casa de O is not a new building, but an existing seaside villa whose exceptional location already defined a strong identity. The clients approached Capron with a clear wish: to transform the house into a family home on a human scale, suitable for welcoming guests in an elegant and timeless setting. From the outset, it was decided to leave the landscape untouched. The spacious garden, embedded within a protected natural context, remained entirely intact. All attention was directed towards the interior spaces and the way architecture can be shaped through light and materials. Rather than imposing a preconceived concept, Capron allowed the project to evolve gradually. The house itself, its relationship with the Mediterranean Sea and the specific Mediterranean light determined the direction of the design. This approach resulted in an architectural language that aligns with a contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic. Soft volumes, rounded lines and a fluid transition between spaces create a sense of continuity throughout the home. This spatial approach contributes to a constant sense of calm, reinforced by a phenomenal view. 
A key principle within Casa de O was the limited material palette. The interior architect resolutely opted for natural and noble materials such as stone, wood and travertine, applied with great attention to texture and ageing. Walls and ceilings were entirely executed in plaster and finished with lime paint, giving the spaces a pronounced mineral and almost sculptural character. The play of light across these surfaces enhances the feeling of connection with the surroundings. The choice of lime and plaster is rooted in Capron’s background in these disciplines. Moreover, he believes that collaborations with specialised craftspeople contribute to the soul of each project, ensuring that everything was executed down to the finest detail. Authenticity, respect for materials and human craftsmanship were central. At the same time, this also presented a challenge, as Capron points to the scarcity of craftspeople who continue to practise their trade with the same precision and dedication. This is precisely why he attaches great importance to the transfer of knowledge and to making these skills visible within his projects.
While Capron himself has an affinity for deeper, more intimate atmospheres, he deliberately kept the palette of Casa de O restrained and attuned to the natural light
Tailored to the sea
A significant portion of the furniture was designed specifically for Casa de O, with stone and travertine playing an important role. Other pieces of furniture and objects were carefully selected based on their materiality, quality and timeless character. Art and craftsmanship occupy a modest yet meaningful place within the interior. Local artists and craftspeople contributed sculptural and ceramic works that lend the spaces additional personality. Although the interior studio masters the full spectrum of colour, they often work with natural tones such as beige, grey and soft pastels. While Capron himself has an affinity for deeper, more intimate atmospheres, he deliberately kept the palette of Casa de O restrained and attuned to the natural light.
One of the greatest challenges of the project lay in finding a balance between technical precision and apparent simplicity. The home needed to feel refined without becoming distant, and comfortable without losing its sharpness. This balance was achieved through careful attention to details that do not immediately stand out, but that make the use of the spaces feel intuitive. The house is designed to be lived in and shared, at any moment of the day. 
Shaped by feeling
Casa de O appears to have risen naturally from its lush, southern surroundings. The villa defines itself through cohesion: cohesion between inside and outside, between the chosen colours and materials, and between the atmosphere of the home and its exotic environment. It is a house guided as much by feeling as by form, and another beautiful achievement on the list of Cédric Capron. His practice is founded on the transfer of knowledge, a strong passion for the profession and the belief that one must continually challenge oneself in order to grow. According to him, design is therefore not only about aesthetics, but also about heritage, responsibility and improving everyday life. Which projects are still on the studio’s bucket list? ‘Thousands. I will never have enough time to realise them all, but that is precisely what keeps me dreaming and moving forward.'
Photography by Cedou
Text by Carolien Depamelaere