October 17, 2025 | PEOPLE
HUMBERT & POYET
a QUIET KIND of LUXURY
words Onur Baştürk
photos Villa Odaya & Portraits - Francis Amiand /Courtesy of Humbert&Poyet
Elegant yet bold. These two qualities run through the work of Humbert & Poyet, the architecture and interior design studio founded by Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet, whose shared interests extend from design to fashion.
For YUZU, we look at two projects that reflect their interpretation of the Mediterranean spirit, while our conversation with the duo offers a closer view of their approach, references and idea of luxury.
LOW-KEY LUXURY IS AT THE HEART OF OUR WORK
How would you summarise your design philosophy?
Our philosophy is to approach each project in a unique way, drawing inspiration from its history and surroundings. We place great importance on craftsmanship and detail, and we often work with local artisans. By bringing together references from different periods and sources of inspiration, we create layered and distinctive spaces.
Since founding the studio in 2008, we have focused on creating interiors that are both elegant and rigorous. We work with materials such as marble, wood and bronze to create timeless spaces. The idea of “low-key luxury” lies at the heart of our work.
Above all, we aim to create an emotion that can then be translated into volume, material and atmosphere. Contrasting colours, patterns and textures allow us to play with the idea of luxury and give it a more expressive quality. In this way, luxury can become simpler, more playful and more approachable.
What inspires you during the design process?
We are inspired by the building itself — its heritage, its surroundings, its relationship with local culture and, of course, the client. We are also deeply interested in the history of art and design, particularly Art Deco, Modernism and the Memphis movement, often combined with a certain sense of classicism.
Rothko’s paintings inspire us when it comes to colour, while Pierre Soulages influences the way we think about wall textures. We greatly admire both artists.
Among designers, Gio Ponti remains a favourite. He was both a humanist and a genius, with a unique and joyful worldview that ran through everything he created. We are also drawn to the coherence of different design periods. In particular, we admire the work of major early 20th-century Art Deco designers such as Jean-Michel Frank and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann.
WE BOTH LOVE GOING TO GREECE
What are your favourite destinations in the Mediterranean?
CHRISTOPHE POYET: We both love going to Greece. It has some of the most extraordinary places in the world, and the landscapes are beautiful.
EMIL HUMBERT: I’ve travelled along the Ionian coast and visited all the Cyclades islands. I’ve also crossed the Corinth Canal by boat. For me, Greece is almost an essential part of every summer.
And where do you usually spend your summers?
We spend much of our summer holidays in Sicily and on the Aeolian Islands, the volcanic archipelago north of Sicily.
TWO PROJECTS, ONE MEDITERRANEAN SPIRIT
1- VILLA ODAYA: Set on a hill in the South of France, Villa Odaya offers 360-degree views over Cannes and the Lérins Islands.
For the interiors, Christophe and Emil combined marble, brass and wood with mid-century furniture and modern art, all set against a blue palette inspired by the Mediterranean. One of the defining features is the sculptural staircase, whose geometric composition connects the villa’s four levels.
2- ULTIMATE PROVENCE: For Ultimate Provence, a winery in the heart of Provence, Christophe and Emil moved away from the traditional codes of winery design to create a more intimate and urban atmosphere.
While responding to the functional requirements of the space, they combined raw and contemporary materials such as concrete with richer elements including aged oak, marble, brass and leather. The result gives the winery a more distinctive and unexpected character.
