Founded in 1988, Damyel’s delectable chocolate creations have long been known for its fine craftsmanship, unique flavours, and artisanal quality.

Tasked with designing a flagship store that reflects the understated elegance of the Damyel brand, designer Jessica Barouch and Francesco Balzano joined forces to create a compelling narrative that brings the chocolate store’s vision of pureness and calmness to life. The creative collaboration stemmed from a shared passion and appreciation for craftsmanship and noble materials. As a gallerist, collector, and interior designer, Jessica’s work embraces her unique flair and simplicity that highlights materiality and form; Francesco, on the other hand, values the beauty of timelessness.

Upon entering the establishment, guests are welcomed into a bright and minimalistic interior with monochrome décor in ivory stone. Monolithic furniture captivates the eye, making its presence and purpose felt without being overbearing. Subtle details including the alcoves in the wall make for a discreet display. Refined fluting, brass accents, and decorative pieces add to the space without taking away from the hero of the store - the beautiful Damyel chocolate creations. The setting is intended to be minimal, yet comfortable and inviting.

The décor captures the refinement of Damyel chocolates with an understated elegance that takes time and contemplation to truly understand its quality. Just like savouring the subtle yet complexed tastes of Damyel chocolates, the thoughtful design details at the Damyel Flagship store will only emerge if you slow down and appreciate the moment.

About Jessica Barouch 

As a gallerist, collector and interior designer, Jessica Barouch is a professional who can draw on her expertise in a variety of fields. Her quest to discover new talent is driven by a passion for decorative arts and design. For ten years, Jessica Barouch has been exhibiting her latest inspirations in her gallery, mixing influences, styles and artists in a way that comes naturally to her. She is an instinctive collector, her fanatical search for the next surprising or moving object leads to remarkable discoveries and creative encounters. Pieces by George Nakashima, Marcel Gascouin and Isamu Noguchi find common ground in her apartment gallery. The young woman also enjoys sharing contemporary new talent. With a sharp eye, she is able to discern the substance of an artwork, one need only look at the work of the artists she exhibits, like Floris Wubben, Frédéric Imbert and Ryosuke Yazaki. Her sensibilities lean towards textured, primitive, expressive pieces with a natural palette, in which the power of form, materiality and gesture reflect the emotion. Alongside her gallery work, Jessica Barouch also undertakes interior design projects in which she fully realises her alchemistic talents. Whether she is choosing a layout, sourcing materials or selecting works, her watchwords are always simplicity, precision and attentiveness.

To learn more about Jessica Barough, click here.

About Francesco Balzano

 Francesco Balzano is a designer based in Paris. His research work is a permanent tribute to the beauty of timeless things. The simplicity is used as an ultimate sophistication, mixing noble materials, purity of lines and essential functions of everyday lifestyle. The designer makes custom and limited-edition pieces for art and design galleries anround the world. Francesco Balzano is represented in the USA/Canada/SA by Studio Twenty Seven, in Paris by Kolkhoze and in Belgium by Caroline Notte. His work is also produced by Theoreme Editions and Ormond Editions.

To learn more about Francesco Balzano, click here.

Project Details

Project Name: Damyel Paris Flagship Store

Interior Design: Jessica Barouch and Francesco Balzano

Photography: Annick Vernimmen