Le Cann

A | Profile:

Key points:

• Founded in 2021

• Raphaëlle Robert and Guillaume Fantin are interior architects and designers

• Met at École Bleue and worked at prestigious Parisian agencies (Marie Deroudilhe, Thierry Lemaire, Andrée Putman, Joseph Dirand)

• Their passion for drawing translates into designs with clean lines and light

• Influenced by 1930s design tradition

• Aim for minimalist atmospheres balanced with artistic references

Nationality: French designers

Style: Minimalist

Clean lines

Light-enhancing volumes

References to art, design, and architecture history

Attention to craftsmanship and materials

B | Overview:

Studio Background: Founded in 2021

Raphaëlle Robert and Guillaume Fantin founded Le Cann in 2021. They met at École Bleue and trained at top design firms before launching their own studio. Their approach is rooted in drawing, precise design, and 1930s ensemble tradition, aiming for timeless minimalism infused with references to art and history.

Founders : Raphaëlle Robert and Guillaume Fantin

Approach, design philosophy: Simplicity is timeless

Guillaume and Raphaëlle believe that “simplicity is timeless.” They energize minimalist atmospheres with layered references - from architectural history to fine and audiovisual arts. Their focus on detailed drawing helps harmonize space down to the smallest object.

Style: Clean lines with emotional warmth

Their style balances strict, clean lines with emotional warmth. Their work follows classical drawing principles and a disciplined design foundation, resulting in designs that are elegant, expressive, and quietly impactful.

Main inspirations: We don't want to be locked into one aesthetic

“Inspiration can come from a journey, a cinematic detail, or a series. You have to be very permeable and open to all forms of inspiration, without judgment or hierarchy. We don't want to be locked into one aesthetic. Every project is shaped by its context and constraints.” (Source : Podcast Lobby Talks)

Identity and aesthetics: Duality of strictness and softness

The identity and aesthetics of Le Cann are characterized by a duality of strictness and softness. Their design ethos favors refined, minimal environments, enlivened by detailed material choices and gestures that evoke emotion and character.

Values: Trust, creative dialogue, and client empathy

The studio values trust, creative dialogue, and client empathy. They prioritize deep listening and tailor each project to the client’s lifestyle and setting, aiming to make each space “simple and obvious” through rigorous planning.

Creative process: Empirical design

The studio’s creative process is based on empirical design. “We draw a lot, going back and forth on tracing paper, selecting ideas and refining them collaboratively.” They always work in tandem, ensuring both voices shape the creation. “We don’t impose; we explain. What matters is making the client understand the concept.” (Source : Podcast Lobby Talks)

Production and materials

They often work with “sisal, travertine, brocade,” and use common materials like IKEA kitchen bases when budgets are tight. “Constraints often lead to the best ideas.”

“Travertine: we used a low-grade version with natural flaws ; it turned out beautifully.”

Production methods

Le Cann values hands-on involvement, favoring close relationships with artisans and local businesses. They adjust production to context and location, collaborating with trusted artisans for custom furniture and detailing.

Main categories

• Furniture

• Lighting

• Residential interiors

• Hospitality spaces

Notable collections

• Custom-made furniture collections (2021–2022)

Major projects

• Guesthouse in Castillon-du-Gard (2022, France): 32m² space with bold architectural gestures and refined detailing. Widely shared on social media.

Recognition

The designer’s talent was recognized by:

• AD magazine in 2023 as “Emerging decoration talents”

• FD100 Prize in 2024

• AD & Range Rover Awards in 2024

Press/media quotes

• https://www.studiolecann.fr/le-cann-infos

Awards and distinctions

• 2023: Emerging decoration talents by AD

• 2024: FD100 Prize

• 2024: AD & Range Rover Awards

Headquarters and website

• 31 rue de Menilmontant, 75020 Paris

• https://www.studiolecann.fr