Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Patrick Sarran is one of those designers with a passion for the world of gastronomy. In his workshop in Toulouse, he invents small series of items intended for the world of restaurant service. He always knew that chefs need beautiful, good-quality objects to set off their work. One example is the “Keza” cheese service produced in association with master cheese-refiner Xavier Le Fromager and chef/restaurant-owner Michel Sarran. As well as offering good looks, this smart object maintains the cheese under ideal conditions of humidity and at temperatures approximating those of a refining cellar (about 12°C) throughout the service. The wood and “glass” (in fact made of acrylic resin) limit the effects of condensation. Product quality is maintained, even for service outdoors in hot weather. His latest creations can be discovered on his website : www.patricksarran.com
Adding a touch of design to a classic interior is the challenge taken up by the new “Toile Demain” collection from Ka International. Green, raspberry and blue rub shoulders with stone and écru while printed fabrics inspired by Jouy motifs present very up-to-date patterns. The winner in terms of texture : cotton. 10 rue Commandant-Vidal, Cannes (04 93 68 16 99).
Flamant and rvb share the same values of tradition and quality. Together they have designed the “Flamant/ rvb” collection, two lines of furniture and faucets for bathrooms. “Docks”, the most design-oriented (photo), has a chrome finish with wooden (or leather) levers. The more classic “Butler” combines matt nickel with treated oak or porcelain. Sales at Le Temps Retrouvé, 18 rue de la Liberté, Nice (04 93 87 47 60).
In the trade, she could well be dubbed “Madame Spa”. Because while working as an interior designer for the past 15 years, Marie-Pierre Martin Charpenel has specialized for the past six of them in the world of spas. By chance to begin with. Her sensitivity and accomplishments then opened doors for her to private clients, luxury hotels and other palatial establishments. “Each spa must be an artwork linked to our own spiritual feelings, capable of making us feel the quintessence not only of the treatments, but also of our own well-being.” Marie-Pierre does not, however, confine herself to this sector alone. She’s interested in everything, as evidenced by her “book” : villas, apartments, real-estate agencies (Nice Properties bears her signature). She also works abroad, from London to Dubai, without neglecting the Côte d'Azur. She designed the new decor of “Le Before” in Nice. Richard Virenque’s villa too. Obviously, this woman with a very full order-book has lots of projects, including a spa of 700 m2 in Dubai, an apartment of 200 m2 in Monaco and two villas, one in Nice, the other in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. A place close to paradise that she knows well, as she joined the company Artec, a design and architecture firm, in 2003. While remaining independent and as free as air. Marie-Pierre Martin Charpenel, Artec, 18 avenue Honoré-Sauvan (04 93 01 37 29).
Remember, it was just one year ago. A young and highly resourceful young woman launched her sheet peg, “LaPàDD” (La Pince à Drap de Dorothée). Instant success ! And after the 18 “LaPàDDs” pre-printed on a fuschia ribbon, here’s the blank template to be customized. Available in mother-of-pearl, turquoise or pearl grey. 06 11 02 77 94.
The manufacturer intended it this way : now, the walk-in closet adapts to the needs, tastes and desires of its user. Even better, it reflects his or her personality. This has led to extended possibilities and constantly evolving models. The “Square” and “Wave” doors come in new versions, opening wide to give a depth of 1.3 metres, a combination of different colours and finishes, as well as improved grip. On the inside : a mirror, compartments, pant, tie and shoe racks... All with details of exemplary perfection. Molteni, chez Loft, 25-27 rue de la Buffa, Nice (04 93 16 09 09)
<u>Nice</u> Purifying the curves of Art Deco with the help of exotic species (Macassar ebony, Indian rosewood, Vanona walnut…), Philippe Bresson gives wings to furniture design. His latest passion ? Adding warmth to metal or wood by adding inlays of crocodile, ostrich or sturgeon skin. Materials he obtains from the great Parisian tanner Gordon Choisy, and sometimes tints. In his studios here in Nice, Philippe produces his superb hybrid consoles, giving free rein to his imagination and designing creations highly-prized by collectors. For this cabinet-maker, who trained at the Fresnay school in Vence and is influenced by masters such as Printz or Majorelle, moves between decoration and the fine arts. A status that led him to exhibit as a duo with sculptor Bernard Pagès in 2007, then to hold an exhibition this fall at the Château de Cagnes-sur-Mer, to participate in the art-fair in Dubai and the Biennale at the Carrousel du Louvre. The eighth edition, which unveiled in early December the perfect equation that exists today between craftsmanship and contemporary creation. 48 rue Beaumont (www.philippe-bresson.com).
“Spice Club” is made of hand-blown glass. Everything about it evokes refinement, balance and perfection. To sublimate the tea ceremony, try “Sweetheart”, the imperial Yin Zhen from Mariage Frères : a white tea in the shape of a heart that blossoms in simmering water into a beautiful crown of roses and jasmine. 48 € per box with its 9 “Sweetheart” hearts and 190 € for the teapot. Mariage Frères, 01 43 47 18 54 and on mariagefreres.com
It’s new, has an environment friendly finish, dries very quickly and emits hardly no smell at all. It’s called “Estate Eggshell”, the latest offering from Farrow & Ball, ideal for indoor wood and metal. For good citizenship. Sales at Stuc & Matières, 1486 chemin de la Plaine, Mougins (04 92 28 57 98) and Jolie Maison, 7 rue Verdi, Nice (04 93 04 41 45).
It was not really chance that led Agnès Crépin to revisit aeronautics via the decorative arts. Born in Antibes, this great-grand-daughter, grand-daughter and daughter of artists was initiated to painting through the work of great masters like Turner and Robert Taylor. But it was during a stay in Canada in 1998 that she really got off to a flying start by producing her very first aeronautical paintings. A topic that fascinates her, especially as her husband is an airline pilot. One thing led to another, Agnès exhibited her work, accepted commissions from collectors and then began designing unique items, recycling historic aircraft parts sometimes from the far side of the world, not without a few setbacks with the customs… Which explains the appearance in her studio in Mougins of these superb sculptures of polished propellor blades, wall-lights made of Mirage F1 brakes and even an amazing “Mirage III” desk entirely made of aluminium and Securit glass ! Discovered on aviationcreation.unblog.fr
Here’s an innovative approach to the futon ! The starting point is a flat model that can be transformed into three dimensions. The “Kuutio Futon” from the Finnish Woodnotes thus plays on the versatility of its basic form and can be used as a bed or as seating. Beautiful, ingenious and comfortable. From 1,496 €. Sales at Lluck, 16 boulevard du Jeu-de-Paume, Montpellier (04 67 60 52 04).
Spotlight on the autumn-winter 2008/2009 collection from Anne de Solène. Alongside garden inspirations, one discovers a line called “Les Intemporels”. Embroidered or printed Percale, damask satin, white or neutral tones and elegant finishing touches characterize the various sets of bed linen. As exemplified by “Allure” and “Discrétion" (above) in white, beige and gray satin, whose pillow-cases feature a double flap enhanced by a fine, matching border. Sales at Galeries Lafayette, Cap 3000, Saint-Laurent-du-Var (04 93 14 82 12).
The necessary and the superfluous coexist in this recently-opened store. If Literie & Design seems rather like a Swissflex centre for Nice, Isabelle has united everything in this showroom that makes for a home’s charm and functionality. “This winter’s major trend is for bedding in leather, compositions with luminous panels, contemporary stage-sets, with beds mounted on platforms.” One finds a lot of lacquer, an entire range that is resolutely baroque with daybeds in wood and red velvet, designer lighting and offerings from Dutch designers, such as vases carved from stone or ceramics coated in metal. Star features include ultra-modern bio-ethanol hearths from Planika and Saffretti, the world of the bedroom signed Misura Emme and the inevitable convertibles with silver or gold lamé fabrics. Literie & Design, 3 rue Gubernatis (04 93 85 61 33).
“Matrix” by Paolo Piva gives back the kitchen its original role. This place of preparation, often of sampling and always of sharing, provides large surfaces and generous volumes. Inspired by minimalism, its decidedly contemporary style gives each element its own importance. Each area has been designed with maximum practicality and ergonomics in mind. Varenna at Zen Design, route des Plages, Saint-Tropez (04 93 55 11 22).
The traditional fireplace has certainly had its innings ! Now, design creeps in everywhere, especially for hearths. As evidenced by "Corrano", a model built into the wall with a surround of modules in frosted glass. An original and unexpected combination that is surprisingly effective. Godin, 764 route de Grenoble, Nice (04 93 08 11 08)
Because we should drink in moderation, Eurocave has designed this mini-cellar to preserve the aromas of two bottles of wine opened up to 10 days previously, but also to accommodate 12 bottles at tasting temperature. Dubbed “La Petite” due to its small size, this very citified wine-cellar fits perfectly into an apartment. From 1,000 €. Eurocave. 19 boulevard Victor-Hugo, Nice (04 93 87 57 31).
Walls are dressing up in fragments of glass beads and Japanese straws, becoming become huge pictures in which colours and materials combine to form a decor. “Paille Japonaise” is a collection both delicate and natural, highlighted with gold and silver thread. "Perles de Verre” plays on iridescent transparency against a background either plain or with a design. Another way for Elitis to keep its back to the wall. In sales at Etat d’Esprit, 21 rue des Ponchettes, Nice (04 93 62 60 53) and De Waroux Décoration, 16 avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (04 93 76 14 89).
<u>Nice</u> L’Univers du Placard has had the same address and the same experts (carpenters, cabinet-makers) since 1989. A store that gives pride of place to storage and dressing-rooms, 100 % customized and therefore perfectly scalable. Closets, for example : once the customer’s needs have been assessed, the team proposes the most suitable model with sliding, opening or folding doors. A room in its own right, the walk-in closet follows trends : lacquered glass and the Japanese screen style are currently very popular. Also in favour, built-in beds, ideal for saving space and ensuring incomparable comfort. 18 boulevard de la Madeleine (04 93 44 85 41).
This shop’s size is inversely proportional to its choice. A small boutique painted all in grey, Inspiration presents the full range of Bleu Nature lighting. PH Diffusion is also well-represented through its concrete consoles, together with Fame & B’s steel consoles with concrete surfaces, seats (also in steel) and appliques in a variety of colours (grey, beige, black, red... ). You will discover rugs bearing the American label Chilewich, a wealth of gift ideas (candles, artificial flowers, photophores...) and lots of catalogues to choose the decor for your dining-room or bedroom. Inspirations, 27 rue Hôtel-des-Postes, Nice (04 93 87 19 92).
Their popularity, in whatever form, requires no explanation. Always combined with very fine cotton, velvets from Sahco’s “Cut & Loop” collection guarantee extreme refinement. Made of silk and cotton, with a lattice design, “Nano" (above) dresses classic or more original armchairs with equal flair. For lovers of fine fabrics. L’Européen, 1390 avenue du Campon, Le Cannet (04 92 18 09 16).
