Christine Gachot Conceives a Timeless Living Room Around a John Currin Artwork

Galerie asked the Gachot Studios principal to cultivate an interior using a remarkable canvas from a favorite artist as inspiration

Collage of furniture and art pieces, including a chair, sofa, lamp, table, decorative art, and stone texture.

Known for conceiving cozy yet minimalist residential interiors and approachably glamorous restaurants and hotels, Christine Gachot, who heads Gachot Studios with her husband, John, often visits museums and galleries to find interesting color combinations in paintings to produce her own sophisticated decor palettes. Here, she crafts an eclectic living space layered with a striking combination of elegant and whimsical pieces. 

Woman in black sleeveless top stands confidently against a plain background, gazing directly at the camera.
Christine Gachot. Photo: DAVID URBANKE, COURTESY OF GACHOT
Surreal painting of three women posing around a table with a turkey, roses in a vase, and grapes, in an ornate room.
John Currin, Thanksgiving, (2003). Photo: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND GAGOSIAN

“I love how this John Currin painting is very celebratory but eerie at the same time. Amid a very dark moment, everyone is glowing, which is off-putting yet incredibly beautiful”

Christine Gachot

Vintage brass pendant light with a dome-shaped shade, hanging from a ceiling, showcasing elegant and classic design.
Oscar pendnat by Roman and Williams Guild. Photo: COURTESY OF RW GUILD
Close-up of a textured stone surface with layered patterns of beige, gray, and brown hues.
Travertine from ABC Stone. Photo: COURTESY OF ABC STONE
Long wooden table with dark finish, featuring thick legs and a smooth rectangular top, suitable for dining or meetings.
Table by Joaquim Tenreiro from R & Company. Photo: Joe Kramm; COURTESY OF R & COMPANY
Decorative box with a geode lid and gold metallic finish around the edges, creating an artistic and luxurious appearance.
Box by Nancy Lorenz. Photo: KEITH BARRACLOUGH
Tall, wooden floor lamp with unique spiral design base, dark brown color, standing on a light background with a visible cord.
L141 lamp from Philippe Anthonioz from Ralph Pucci. Photo: ANTOINE BOOTZ
Modern metal and beige upholstered chair with armrests and minimalist design.
Chaise X by Maria Pergay from Demisch Danant. Photo: Courtesy of Demisch Danant
Modern glass and bronze coffee table with geometric design featuring four interconnected square glass surfaces.
Biennale cocktail tables by Robert Marinelli. Photo: Courtesy of ROBERT MARINELLI
Beige sectional sofa with thick cushions, wooden base, and modern design against a white background.
Mesa sectional by Lawson-Fenning. Photo: COURTESY OF LAWSON-FENNING
Modern low wooden cabinet with open shelving and a sliding metallic door, standing on two legs.
Riflesso cabinet by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina. Photo: COURTESY OF CASSINA

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2022 Summer Issue under the headline “Feast for the Senses.” Subscribe to the magazine.