ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 67 66 SUMMER 2026 P H O T O G R A P H Y N AT H A L I E B A E T E N S A quartet of Montagut’s collage pieces that combine engravings of classical Greek statuary with natural flora. A rtist Stéphanie Montagut likes to contemplate the garden of her home in Montreuil, an exurb of Paris. It is visible through glass sliders in a renovated warehouse that was formerly used to store antiques. “The opening frames a view like a painting,” she observes. “I often sit there before beginning my work, leaning against the banquette, the light and proportions offering calm and inspiration.” Stéphanie Montagut Montreuil, France home practice Vollebregt began channeling holistic energies into her artworks at least in part because “O.Sítio is located on one of the biggest crystal plates on Earth,” she says. “When NASA takes photos of the area, it emits light.” But, she adds, “I was also influenced by Buddhism, and other religions and philosophies. I was looking for a universal language.” This translated into works that were also architecturally informed: interactive sculptural installations and objects such as “building piercings,” spirit house-like structures where viewers can leave a message and wishes, totems, tree talismans, cosmic eggs and curvy metal works studded with crystals. “My work is an invitation to see through things,” reads her artist statement, “to be conscious of the invisible, but sensible.” The retreat she designed in Alto Paraíso is a physical embodiment of that invitation. LEFT Outside Casa Arco is one of Vollebregt’s “spirit house” installations, where people can leave messages or wishes. BELOW The stone wall curves around, partially enclosing a jacuzzi and pool. Behind it, the regenerated forest.