Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
It’s now possible to choose the model, size, arm-rests, legs, fabric, colour and compose your ideal sofa at no extra cost ! The Italian firm Mazzoni Salotti which, for half a century, has proposed a full range of products (pouffes, sofas, sofa-beds, beds, mattresses and bed linen), has now introduced a line called “La Misura Perfetta” to meet all your desires. Its expertly designed offerings conform to the most contemporary tastes and the quality/price ratio is undeniable. Mazzoni Salotti is based in Parma, but delivers to clients in France, again at no extra charge, and within approximately 30 days from the receipt of your order. Don’t hesitate to explain your requirements to Roberta, who will provide excellent advice and draw up a free estimate. roberta@mazzonisalotti.it and www.mazzonisalotti.it
After several months of work, Fauchon has just unveiled its new premises in Monaco. 120 m2 of pure indulgence, in a candybox of pink, white and black. For a new setting, new products. In addition to teas, coffees, honey, champagne…, we note the appearance of pastries and chocolates. Vanilla, caramel, almond and lemon praline, violet ganache coated in black… These cocoa candies promise a threefold surprise : visual, gustatory and emotional. C.C. Le Métropole, 17 avenue des Spéluges, Monaco (00 377 97 70 57 54).
A melting-pot of cosmopolitan culture, AKA Design is one of the most prominent agencies in Marseille. Thanks to the collaboration of talented young designers, it has made a name for itself in the major leagues ! As witnessed by the innovative visual communication for “Le Temps des Cerises” dreamt up by this team of highly creative personalities... To be continued ! 30 bis rue Neuve-Sainte-Catherine, Marseille (04 91 33 11 94 and www.tousdesk.com).
Just imagine : silence only disturbed by the occasional birdsong. A forest. And in the middle, a river flowing by. It is in this peaceful setting that Moonlight eco-lodges have recently opened their doors. In no way spoiling the overall harmony. They are built of local and environment-friendly materials such as stone, larchwood or driftwood. The colours are natural, white or ash gray. Solar panels provide hot water and part of the heating. 2 cabins and 2 duplexes to see life through green-tinted glasses... 8 rue Rumpelmayer, Saint-Martin-Vésubie (06 89 25 36 74).
To light up your summer table, test these craft-made candles unearthed in Belgium by Valérie Frimas. A quality product available in about fifteen colours and a score of shapes and sizes ! A la maison, 475 rue Paradis, Marseille (04 91 71 82 69).
“A nut : what is there inside a nut ?†sang Charles Trenet. Inside this shell of high quality resin, which will find its place quite naturally by the side of your pool, there is a lounge proposed in 65 colours and 140 colours for the covers. The four armchairs in the lounge called “Ball†all fit together, allowing for easy and esthetic storage. Innovative and elegant, Nicolazi designs top-quality outdoor furniture in woven resin which transforms itself into lounges, tables, loungers and chairs with timeless lines, combining practicality with pleasure, and flaunting Italian finesse. Modular and customized models by request. Boulevard de la Déco, ZA route d’Aix, 405 avenue des Cinq-Ponts, Saint-Maximin (04 94 72 40 90).
Imagine crystal-clear sound, a perfect image with finger-tip control, technology dedicated to your leisure time, in harmony with your home, offering ergonomics and full integration… Such are the solutions proposed by Tesia, which has amassed a set of hi-tech solutions from Sharp, B&W, Marantz and Sonos, to offer you the best of home automation with a highly architectural approach. A benchmark too in spearhead outfitting for yachts. 45 voie Ariane, ZI Athelia 1, La Ciotat (04 42 62 98 17 et www.tesia.fr)
She’s been caught more than once with her hand in the bag ! The captivating Paris Hilton has inspired a line of handbags, distributed exclusively in Nice by Catwalk, the specialist for fashion accessories. A boutique conveniently located at the heart of the “Golden Squareâ€, a magnet for fans of shopping. Catwalk, 5 rue Alphonse-Karr , Nice (catwalk-nice.com).
Over 11 years and 150 swimming pools, Serge Staël (20 years of building experience with reinforced concrete) and his team have developed expertise meeting all requirements in terms of quality and customization : classic rectangular pools harmonizing with the architecture of your home, free-form for a landscaped oasis or pools in natural colours with rockeries and waterfalls. All Cibel creations are distinguished by their added value in decorative terms (infinity or mirror-style pools, submerged surrounds or wooden decks...), but also by outstanding follow-up from construction work to post-delivery service (maintenance contracts, SMABTP 10-year guarantee). Hosted by Sandrine, their on-line store also offers a pleasing selection of accessories, garden furniture and cleaning products (wwwcibel.fr). Cité Artisanale, 108 chemin de Sainte-Hélène, Valbonne-Sophia-Antipolis (04 93 65 65 52).
In a Zen-like setting designed by the firm Intérieur Extérieur, Nice’s first Korean barbecue offers a new way of enjoying non-fatty grills with individual barbecued dishes : duck, beef, lamb and fresh seafood, all accompanied by vegetables or “kimchi†(pickled Chinese cabbage). Don’t miss the house specialties : “bibimpap†(rice in a hot pot with beef and mixed vegetables) and chicken or salmon “teriyakiâ€. 18 boulevard Risso, Nice (04 93 89 16 30).
Signed Ionna Vautrin for Foscarini, “Binic†is a brand new lamp with simple lines, bright and colourful design. Thanks to its small size, it fits perfectly into the decor of any office or bedroom, its cheerful “take-away†character guaranteeing instant appeal ! www.madeindesign.com
Laurence Le Crocq, creator of Fleur de Soleil, has come up with a collection both lively and elegant. Tablecloths, place-mats, table runners, napkins, cushions etc. propose patterns of flawless inspiration : flowers, corals, stripes, swallows, butterflies, dots, graphic shapes… Furthermore, she backs certain causes that the informed consumer will particularly appreciate. In fact, in partnership with a C.A.T. (Help Centre based on Employment), she helps to support French manufacturing, continuation of the industrial approach, research into new products and preservation of the environment. Waterproofed and anti-stain, the coated cotton of her tablecloths contains no solvents, unlike oilcloths, offering a more esthetic draping and machine-washable at 40°. With Fleur de Soleil, mealtimes and picnics promise to be both enjoyable and festive! www.fleurdesoleil.fr
At the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales, LM Design has become an institution, especially for fans of Italian brands. This specialist in contemporary kitchens proposes the most beautiful models designed by Nolte and Schiffini. Also offering enviable bathrooms, the store provides all the components you need to perfect this very personal part of your home. A designer address for those wanting to pursue improvement projects as per the rules of the art. www.lmdesign-cuisines-bains.com
Exposed stone walls, retro clothes at the far end of the boutique, an unusual setting chosen by Michael Naumain to stage these vintage treasures. This antique-dealer now focuses on the period from 1930 to 1970, with black shelves designed by Mathieu Matégot, a bronze and glass table signed Willy Rizzo, an egg chair, Weltron radio. . . . 6 rue Martin-Seytour, Nice (04 92 04 13 60).
A mooring ring, a marine knot or a life-buoy : choose the charm to accompany you all summer long ! Light, unsinkable and colourful, these amulets signed Laurence Alessandri are mounted on a leather band. More formal, the collection called “Terres” proposes its strings of multicoloured beads as “desirable necklaces”, “insolent sautoirs”, “miraculous links” etc. www.acquadila.com
Stéphanie Philippe, an architect by training, and book-seller Catherine Glady have come up with a (brilliant) idea : to combine their talents to open a bookstore specializing in architecture. After the on-line version, you can now discover the boutique, on Rue Defly in Nice. To date, 6,000 references for both pros and novices. From designer items to local planning, architecture will hold no secrets for you. 4 rue Défly, Nice (09 53 36 88 69 and ww.planlibre.com).
Habitat has inaugurated its 27th address in France. Already present in Nice and Monaco, Habitat opened its doors in Antibes on April 28th offering a new backcloth for its exclusive collections with the accent firmly on design. Located in the Terriers Nord commercial zone, east of the Route de Grasse and south of the A8 motorway, this store of 2,300 m2 proposes the entire Habitat collection of furnishings and accessories, including garden furniture. Staging has been studied to offer a stroll around the store where modern design becomes a real pleasure. False ceilings, picture windows and lighting effects create an intimate atmosphere while setting off the products in settings that everyone can project into their own homes. . 0 826 10 72 07.
Kitchen designer and creator of emotions, Arte Design was founded in 1997 by Philippe Multedo, who has devoted 25 years to the profession. Thanks to his expertise and a top-notch selection of suppliers (Armony, Eggersmann, Modulnova for fixtures and fittings, Smeg, Siemens, Gaggenau, Miele for appliances), Arte Design has convinced architects, developers and private clients. Le Panorama, 456 chemin de Carimaï, Mougins (04 92 18 92 11).
These eco-friendly metal boxes in bright colours contain organically produced tea that has scored a resounding success. The leaves of LØV Organic teas have never set eyes on fertilizers or pesticides. Pop design and subliminal names : “LØV is pure”, “LØV is good”... Si le thé m’était conté, 12 rue Saint-Firmin, Montpellier (04 67 02 81 57).
Christian Bœuf has transformed a former silkworm farm into a guest-house of undeniable charm. Built of golden stone, La Bastide des Magnans is a model of hospitality... The five guest-rooms, tastefully and audaciously decorated by Marie-Ange Bœuf, offer distinctive worlds that encourage the mind to wander. The restaurant, clad in sophisticated tones of beige, is the favourite rendez-vous of Epicureans, and during the summer, the inner courtyard, delicately shaded, is an invitation to indolent lunches. The local cuisine prepared by Ludovic Cosnier gives pride of place to ingredients, enhanced by a technique that is not revealed (hallelujah !). Taken at random from the menu : piccatas of duck “foie gras” with violet artichokes, slab of turbot with morel mushrooms, roast rack of lamb with Provençal herbs... all harmonizing perfectly with amazing local wines. Here, the quality of today’s art of living has not lost an ounce of its traditional savour. 20 avenue de la Résistance, Vidauban (04 94 99 43 91 and www.bastidedesmagnans.com).
