Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
In town and country alike, on the lawn or by the pool, garden furniture is the indispensable companion of sunny weather. Playful, colourful, comfortable, it invades gardens and terraces, as demonstrated by “Coach”, a range of leather seating treated with fluorinated resin (4,260 € for the corner sofa, 1,920 € for the armchair and 1,320 € for the ottoman, Duvivier). Ligne Roset, ZI Les Tourrades, Palace Center, Cannes-Mandelieu (04 93 93 57 27).
An amazing kitchen designed by Domenico Paolucci, “Dune” comes in a variety of compositions, finishes, noble woods, matt or shiny lacquer. Linear, built-in or an island fixture, this model always puts the accent on practicality, precision and harmony. “Dune” exists in shiny sand yellow lacquer with a “Staron solid natural” worktop : the lacquered dining surface is fully integrated and the hot-plate and sink in stainless steel are seamlessly built-in : shown here as a central island with stained walnut finish. In sales at Idéal Décor, 169 rue Breteuil, Marseille 6e (04 91 81 26 26).
To keep the sun at bay, hoist the main-sails and opt for cool or trendy colours. Square or triangular, they are made of polyester fabric and are easy to install directly on the walls, with a mast, or between two trees... From 59 to 219 €. www.jardiline.fr
For Marc Barani, architecture should logically be seen as directly related to man and his environment. In fact, he has followed three training courses, distinct but complementary. In addition to his degree in architecture, he has two more in anthropology and scenography. His first project was of a personal nature. “It was an unusual commission, the cemetery of Roquebrune Cap Martin !” Then followed the tram station in Nice : “An operation in which we put into practice everything that we believe.” He had to find the site, come up with a technical plan and extend the tramline to the foot of a building. “It became an urban project.” In 2010, there’s no shortage of files, from building a bridge in Nantes to construction of a Congress Centre in Nancy, via the staging of the tomb of Rafik Hariri in Beirut. “We have just obtained the authorization. We have devised a scenographic pathway, like a walk through the past.” Yet more evidence of the social, political and economic aspects of architecture. Atelier Barani, 27 boulevard Joseph-Garnier (04 93 51 08 10).
Chantal Thomass plays the game of seduction with remarkable brio. The bathroom proves to be a place in which she can give free rein to her imagination and taste for glamour. As evidenced by the series “Poèmes”, dreamt up by the designer for JCD. The mixer faucet testifies to a subtle alliance between fine china from Bernardaud and ingeniously worked metal. Chic and mischievous at one and the same time. JCD, 127-129 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 39 23 24).
“Amleto” is the perfect example of alternation between him and her in one and the same place. Dichotomy visible especially in the interior fittings of the walk-in closet that take each one's rituals into account. A wardrobe that becomes a space to be lived in everyday. Armani Casa, en vente chez Segraeti, 4 avenue de la Madone, C.C. Le Métropole, Monaco (00 377 93 50 09 07).
Laurent C. from the Var has designed cutting-edge collections of indoor/outdoor furniture using 100 % recyclable materials. Just before leaving to settle in the USA, Laurent Chagnard created two brands, Sérénité and Divine & Sense and launched, for AG Rock (an American clothing brand) furniture bearing the same name which will be on sale in 80 franchise stores to open worldwide. At the last Cannes Film Festival, he fitted out the stage-set at the Majestic, an operation to be repeated in 2010. In sumptuous hotels, on private beaches and in family homes, his designs seem to crop up everywhere. All-round approval of contemporary products that are weatherproof and sold complete with cushions, mattresses and protective covers. Laurent Chagnard (06 25 15 51 71).
Pascal Mourgue’s “Cityloft” is defined as “the international classic designed to out-live fashion”. In its sofa, armchair or ottoman versions, this model has a lightweight steel structure on high legs and with comfy cushions. The armrests of the sofa and armchair are the result of technical prowess : made of lacquered cast aluminum, their design is both beautiful and functional. Cinna, en vente chez Ameublement Canu, 231 avenue Aristide Briand, Menton (04 93 57 65 90).
New-generation awnings are no longer a dream but reality. The Marquises brand offers the “ON’X+” line, a 4-in-1 concept. Choose from a model up to 7 m wide and 4 m deep, another with a micro perforated rollable valance. Then there’s the “Lux” model with a light built into into the arms of the awning and “Lux Volant”, whose micro perforated rollable valance is fitted with LEDs. From 1,910 € +VAT. Lovag Aluminium, ZI La Canar-dière, Mandelieu-la-Napoule (04 93 90 22 99).
Already well-known in the Principality with its prestigious sign, AD Decoration is pursuing more and more projects both in France and abroad, for apartments, villas and yachts. In March, AD participated in Déc’oh !, the Riviera’s home and garden show. An absolute must, during which visitors were able to discover the new collection from Smania, “Costa Rey”, in its teak and woven resin version. Another star feature, “Queen of Love”, an extravagant arm chair signed Saw, available in black, white and a multitude of flashy colors. As for lighting, all eyes were on “Lady Jane”, a model of impressive dimensions designed by Marc Sadler. For indoors and out, AD remains a N°1 partner for design and decoration. AD Décoration, 6 lacets Saint-Léon (00 377 93 50 20 40).
“Cyane” reproduces the sensations offered by glass. Its minerality adds an incredibly chic touch to the overall effect. This model comes in metallic blue, metallic graphite and white gold, inviting pale walnut to distill its lightness. With its harmonious reflections and contrasting materials, “Cyane” is a dream kitchen. Mobalpa, 37 chemin du Puissanton, Vallauris
"Klee" plays on the geometric purity of a log hearth/stove, suspended between floor and ceiling. The originality of its wall hanging is empasized by the coarse steel cladding. An ideal line for heating large rooms and giving a perfect view of the fire. www.ruegg-cheminee.com
Located in the region around Grasse, Fragrances d’Hier et d’Aujourd’hui offers a line of scented candles and air fresheners presented in elegant Art Deco containers. Original scents with highly evocative names : “En fermant les yeux”, “Quand les fleurs rêvent”, “Mon cœur en folie”, “Pour être aimée”… Fragrances d’Hier et d’Aujourd’hui, 688 chemin du Castellaras, Pégomas (06 15 58 82 16).
“Multi-Forma” (above) is a line dedicated to storage, contemporary, practical and enhanced by beautiful frontages. The doors are available in swinging, sliding or folding versions, in glossy-finish lacquered glass or wood, in a wide variety of colours. “Metis Plus” (inset) is a bedroom programme in a choice of black or white. Its main feature ? A brilliant shine : legs in ultra-shiny chrome (or aluminum), bedside tables to match the bed (and thus in brilliant white). The drawers are fitted with aluminum-tinted handles that run across their entire width. Chez Henri Canu, 231 avenue Aristide Briand (04 93 57 65 90).
Blanc des Vosges continues on its “eco” path with new models in its organic range, for bedrooms as well as bathrooms. In addition to 100 % natural fibers, vegetable colours and patterns with a touch of exoticism are all reminiscent of nature. Chez Bon Litier, 6 avenue Notre-Dame, Nice (04 93 62 23 54) et Maison de la Literie, 2793 chemin Saint-Claude, Centre Galaxie, Antibes (04 93 33 12 30).
Who would dare to dress a washing-machine in leather ?… De Dietrich ! The combination of technology and a luxury material has given rise to a functional object of everyday life which becomes a hand-stitched showcase, surprising and bold, further embellished by glass and chrome. It is still, however, a washing machine and benefits from the latest innovations in terms of performance (Intelligent Control System, LCD display, delayed start...). “Haute couture” washing ! 0 892 02 88 04.
Christophe Lorenzoni has made himself a name for the cardboard furniture he has made for the past ten years. Today, he is focusing on another of his passions : barrels. He dismantles them, brushes the staves, varnishes them, ensuring that they retain their natural patina. His imagination and a few iron spikes do the rest. Wall sconces, bar stools, tables, this tireless researcher-collector-recycler is brimming with ideas and prides himself on proposing only unique items, “thanks to the specific nature of each component”. Le Vin sur Vin, a bar in Nice, has chairs and stools designed by Christophe Lorenzoni. A common point with his cardboard furniture, clean lines and the sensuality that emanates from all these objects. 21 boulevard de Cessole (06 10 68 36 07) et www.225litres.com
Tiling is part and parcel of interior decoration. Like faucets and bathroom fittings. No way can they be chosen at random. Edilceramiche therefore counts on a team of professionals with sound experience to advise its customers and offer coherent projects. The operation is pursued, always with the same attention to detail, for the choice of both colours and materials. The result is on a par with expectations, refined and tailor-made. Edilceramiche, via Circonvallazione, 71, Trinita (Cuneo) (00 39 01 72 65 20 32).
“Febo” is a new armchair signed Antonio Citterio. With its generous seat and back, it’s perfect for cuddling up. In the same series, the designer proposes sofas and chairs of different sizes, all extremely comfortable. Armchairs from 750 €. Chez Zen Design, rte des plages, Saint-Tropez (04 94 55 11 22).
