The Artist’s Home of Yann Pierre-Jean

When I stepped into Yann Pierre-Jean’s home in Amsterdam, it felt calm—but quietly alive with creativity. Every object had a place, yet nothing felt staged. Born in Guadeloupe, with a background in fashion, Yann now runs Saint-Jean: a warm and welcoming plant-based bakery and deli in Amsterdam. He didn’t study pastry the traditional way, which makes the precision and beauty of his creations all the more intriguing. Just like his home, there’s care in every detail—and I’m curious to know what draws and excites him, and how his drive for exploring new things shapes both his home and his work.

Bio
Visiting The Artists’ Home of Yann Pierre-Jean
Yanns artistry: Baking, Cooking & Hospitality Concepts
Living in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

You seem to be someone who’s always drawn to the new—whether it’s a recipe, a way of living, or even designing your space. What sparks that curiosity in you?

'I think that spark for newness comes from my childhood. My mother worked in real estate development, so we were constantly moving. Each new home felt like an adventure. I remember how excited I was to discover a new space, decorate my room, and adapt to a new environment. That love for change stayed with me. Over the years, I’ve worked for several fashion houses, lived in four different countries and in five different homes just in Amsterdam, and opened two businesses in the past three years. Whether it’s imagining new pastries, curating objects, or launching a project, I’m deeply driven by the process of renewal. I think I’m always looking for ways to evolve while still holding on to a sense of balance.’

From Guadeloupe to Paris, London, and now Amsterdam—each place has a unique rhythm. Is there an object from one or each of those places that still lives with you and holds a special memory?

‘With my constant drive for the new, I’ve never been one to hold on to many objects from the past. But recently, I’ve found myself drawn to old family photos from Guadeloupe, especially of my grandmother, who was a big inspiration when I opened Saint-Jean. These images are a quiet reminder of where I come from, of the slower rhythm of life there, and probably where my love for baking and creativity first took root. I’ve now started gathering more of them, with the idea of creating a photo book; something personal and grounding that I can carry with me through all the changes still to come.’

Coming from the world of high-end fashion, you’ve made your own path in patisserie. What has self-teaching revealed to you that a school or university might not have?

‘Resilience. Teaching myself meant learning through constant trial and error, with no safety net or structured feedback. Unlike in school, where there’s a curriculum and someone guiding you, I had to trust my instincts, hold myself accountable, and keep going even when things didn’t work out. That process taught me how to stay committed, stay curious, and bounce back quickly. It also gave me a deeper sense of confidence, not just in my skills, but in my ability to figure things out as I go.’

What makes a space feel like ‘home'?

‘For me, a space feels like home when it reflects who I am and how I want to live, not just visually, but emotionally. It’s in the details: light that changes throughout the day, a scent that’s familiar, objects that carry stories, and the feeling that everything has been chosen with care. It’s also about rhythm, the way you move through it, the comfort it offers at the end of the day, and the sense of calm or inspiration it gives you. Home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling of being grounded in your own world. I have to say, my current home is the truest reflection of who I am, and the fact that I now genuinely prefer staying in over going out says a lot about how homy it really feels to me!’

You were deeply involved in shaping your home and interior—studying sketches, thinking in material, objects and colour. Why was that process so meaningful to you?

‘Aside from being a bit of a control freak , I just couldn’t imagine not being fully involved in shaping my home. It’s such a personal, intimate space - the closest reflection of who I am - so every decision felt meaningful. I’ve always had a genuine interest in architecture and interior design, not just aesthetically but also technically. Much like in my work or creative projects, I love understanding how things come together, and this process gave me the chance to blend function, feeling, and self-expression all in one space.’

Do you bake at home and if so, do you keep your kitchen quiet, or is there music that sets the tone for you?

‘I do bake, and cook, at home. It’s usually a bit messy, but in an organized way and I always finish with a clean and tidy workspace. I actually prefer to keep it quiet while in action; I’m not much of a talker in the kitchen... That said, I love setting the tone with some background music and a glass of wine when the mood strikes. I usually just put on my current Spotify playlist, a mix of soul, alternative R&B, and some electronic music. It creates a kind of flow that keeps me focused, but inspired.’

Is there a corner, quiet spot, or windowsill in your space that feels like a personal sanctuary? 

‘I actually have a few. My bedroom, especially in the late afternoon light, feels like a sanctuary. It’s the quietest, coziest room in the house, with a view over the Amsterdam rooftops that always brings me peace. The exposed wooden ceiling beams remind me of old Parisian apartments, which makes the space feel even more special. Then there’s my Togo lounge chair, where I start each day with a coffee and a cuddle with my dog Lenny. And of course, one of the corners of my couch, perfect for flipping through magazines or books for hours on end.’

Can you share five of your favorite things—a book, film, drink, object, and city—and why?

‘Book: I wouldn’t say I have one favorite, but I’m drawn to lifestyle books more than literature. My home is filled with books on travel, food, fashion, art, and interiors. I constantly find myself diving into them for inspiration.

Film: "A Bigger Splash". I’m fascinated by Luca Guadagnino’s work, and Tilda Swinton is endlessly compelling. The film strikes that perfect balance between drama and aesthetics. Timeless and visually captivating.

Drink: A perfectly brewed filter coffee, or oat milk cappuccino. Simple, and part of my daily ritual. I also make the best mezcal spicy margarita ;-) 

Object: My phone. I hate to admit it, but I can’t live without it. It’s like my personal assistant, always by my side.

City: Sainte-Anne in Guadeloupe. A beautiful coastal town where I return every year to see my mother and reconnect with my roots. It’s my escape and reset'.’

Beyond pastry, are there other creative forms you’re quietly exploring—drawing, writing, architecture, maybe even music?

‘Definitely architecture and interior design, mostly through my involvement in creative and potential business projects. I’ve always had a strong interest in how spaces are shaped and experienced. At some point, I would love to open a boutique hotel or B&B, a place where architecture, interior, and hospitality could all come together.’

And finally: what does the place you live in smell like to you? A childhood dish, a morning ritual, a flower, or something completely different?

‘It smells like freshly ground coffee, in its purest form. I drink a lot of it throughout the day, but that scent also lingers in other ways: in the incense I burn each morning, which carries a similar moody warmth, and in the soaps and interior sprays I choose, always with notes of wood, musk, coffee, bergamot, and a touch of freshness. It’s grounding, comforting, and very much a reflection of what I need my space to feel like.’

More info: WWW.SAINTJEAN.NL  @SAINTJEANBAKERY  @SAINTJEANDELI