Interview Charlie Crane x Lisa Gachet
How did you first encounter Charlie Crane, and how did you choose the patterns for this collaboration?
It's a brand I'm very fond of — my children have Charlie Crane furniture and we actively follow each other on social media: no doubt because we share a love for
useful and colorful objects!
Do you use Charlie Crane furniture for your children on a daily basis? And if so, which ones?
Yes, I used the LEVO bouncer a lot, and right now the KIMI bed for my son.
Where does your love of color and patterns come from?
I've always been drawn to what is colorful and what shines. I love that color can serve as a personality trait, that it can leave a mark and catch people's attention in a positive way. I think we tend too much to normalize grey-black-beige in our everyday outfits. For me, wearing color is an act of boldness, of courage. And it's contagious, like a smile.
Could you live in a beige and white interior? What for? I think it would take a great deal of effort for me to live in a neutral interior, a blank shell to furnish. Having a colorful cocoon soothes me as much as it inspires me. Color is my safe place.
Can you give us some tips on how to combine a love of patterns and colors in your home, even for the more timid?
What helps is being able to visualize: I work a lot with physical moodboards, large sheets of paper to test color and pattern combinations.
You can also place certain objects side by side to see if they work well together. If you don't dare repaint a wall, you can simply hang a large piece of colorful fabric. You can hunt for second-hand furniture and repaint it in bold colors, or even play with smaller objects like prints or ceramics. The key is to just go for it!
We know you've always had a great love for the world of children. There have even been a few Make My Lemonade pieces for kids. Is a MML children's line a project you're working on?
The children's world is already a very competitive sector. I prefer to create collections occasionally, as we have done when it makes sense, rather than competing with those who have been doing it as their trade for a long time.
Can you introduce us to your family?
My family consists of my partner Kevin, Suzanne (2 and a half years old), Lazare (1 year old), and my 13-year-old cat Frida.
You have two children in a short space of time. In your opinion, how do you survive having children close in age while also being a mompreneur?
First of all, you need to clearly distinguish between the two in the way you operate: a family is not a business. It's less linear — a lot of effort doesn't necessarily mean a lot of success. I think you have to know how to let go, accept that things are imperfect, that today's daily victories may be tomorrow's failures (and that's okay). And above all: take each day as it comes, with a philosophical mindset, and savor every moment because it goes by so fast.
And how do you combine children's décor and adult décor in the same space?
By embracing color, of course! It invites us to reconnect with our inner child and can very easily bring together the world of little ones with that of grown-ups.
Last but not least: can you share your favorite spots for a kids-friendly day out in Paris (shopping, outings, food…)?
When the weather is nice, I head out on my Gaya bike with my little tribe behind me. Recently, I discovered the Jardin des Dunes et des Vents at La Villette — a giant playground I highly recommend! On the more artistic side, I really love the music initiation classes designed for little ones at Le Bon Ton, in the 9th arrondissement. And lunch at Bao Express: they have a great kids' menu.
