Christine and John Gachot know how to create an elegant room. As the principals of Gachot Studios, the duo has overseen designs for Detroit's Shinola hotel, the Eaton hotel in DC, and the Glossier flagship in New York—among dozens of homes, from the Maine waterfront to the cobblestone streets of Tribeca.
Living and working together means it takes a different mindset for them to unwind and enjoy a beautiful space. From the Stockholm hotel that feels like a second home to the bar in London where a fancy dress is always welcome, the pair share three rooms around the world that they return to when looking for inspiration.
John Gachot: It was for a friend's wedding a couple of years ago that Christine and I went to Stockholm and first stayed at Ett Hem. We had a couple days without scheduled wedding events, and, when we weren't out exploring the city, much of that time was spent enjoying the hotel. We camped out in the living room as if it was our own—the hotel so aptly named (it's translation to English is "a home").
Christine Gachot: The amazing talent of Ilse Crawford is so apparent here. The design is full of warmth, both playful and elevated, and the hotel is furnished with a wonderful collection of vintage and modern pieces. A rich history combined with a truly thoughtful design makes Ett Hem one of a kind.
And the service was beyond! Impeccable! We hung out in the library and the sitting room playing games and having drinks from the honor bar. It really did feel like we were house guests. The team was so welcoming and the place felt so familiar and comfortable.
John: There are so many elements of the design that are super thoughtful and intentional. The higher coffee table in the living room is something that makes it an easy place to play a game or eat a meal or use a laptop without feeling too hunched over, maintaining a good level of comfort. The dining table in the library is surrounded by books, making it such a warm and layered room. The garden feels like an outdoor living room—a little oasis with lots of intimate spaces.
Christine: Ett Hem is hospitality at its finest. There is this element of trust in guests that is so special. We now use Ett Hem as a verb when we're designing certain spaces, as in we are "Ett Heming it"—bringing more warmth, making it more friendly, casual but still luxurious.
John: Another hotel that feels like a home away from home for us. As longtime friends and guests of the Greenwich Hotel, it's become our go-to spot for a local night away. We're frequently surprising one another with a day at the spa, one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon in New York. The moment the elevator doors first opened I think both of our jaws dropped. Talk about an oasis! From the living room to the wrap-around multi-level terrace, to the primary bedroom and bathroom, we were impressed at every corner we turned.
Christine: Axel Vervoordt is an absolute genius! It really felt like another world up there. The night we stayed in the penthouse, it was late May so the sunset was particularly great. Experiencing the natural light warm the already stunning palette was incredible.
John: The penthouse is such a great study in Wabi Sabi. The entire space feels thoughtful and authentic. The depth in the plaster walls and ceiling, the well-worn look of the fabrics in subtle natural hues, the warm wide plank floors, the textured wood and stone, the rough concrete—all the materials and finishes come together to create an interior that is completely timeless.
Christine: It's a palette and tone that we revert back to time and again.
Christine: I can't remember the first time I went to the Fumoir bar, but it was when I was working on Chiltern Firehouse with André Balazs Properties that it became one of my favorite spots in London. The idea of dressing up for a night out is something that felt more acceptable in London than in New York—you could wear black tie and not feel out of place. I would meet colleagues and friends in a fancy black dress for the sole purpose of a friendly drink at the Fumoir. And I felt right at home at that bar.
It has a proper sexiness to it, evoking a real sense of style. The dark, rich burgundies and brass, the high stone datum, the backlit bar, the fabulous artwork, and the moody glow—it all played into my fantasy of dressing up. There's even a Fancy Dress cocktail on the menu: "dressed up to impress in a celebration of style." And who doesn't love a little three-seater bar? My spot was on the banquette closest to the bar—perched in my formal wear with a cocktail in hand.
