Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
The hearth of the 21st century no longer has any ventilation conduit and offers incredibly flexible design. "Tower" thus becomes a decorative item to be placed here or there, in a lounge or maybe even near the pool. With a frame in steel and tempered glass, it is ecological, runs on bio-ethanol and clearly heralds the hearth of the future. 4664,40 €. Ecosmart, 0 820 200 312.
Cinna launched its website in 1998. Visitors find all the brand’s models, prices of articles, addresses of shops, maintenance tips, portraits of the designers... Today, the word is on-line sales. The first to benefit : “Smala”, a sofa designed by Pascal Mourgue. www.cinna.fr : an address to be learnt by heart !
An ergonomic chair with minimalist design and generous curves whose four legs are embedded in the seat… “One” just won the RedDot Design Award 2008. 169 €. In sales at BoConcept, les Portes de Sophia, 1254 route de la Valmasque, Valbonne (04 92 38 98 60) and Victor Palace, 32 boulevard des Moulins, Monaco (00 377 97 97 67 97).
How do you like your coffee ? “A Modo Mio”, ie. “My own way” ! So you will no doubt applaud this new machine co-signed Lavazza and Saeco. Fifteen bars of pressure are used to grind the beans, the coffee pours in 30 seconds, the exact time needed to prepare a true espresso made in Italy. Aesthetically speaking, “A Modo Mio” flaunts a rounded shape and is dressed in black or red lacquer. Starting from 159.50 € and 5.44 € for a box of 16 capsules. In sales at Darty, RN 202, Forum Lingostière, Nice (0 821 082 082).
<u>Cannes</u> “For well-born souls ...” The saying seems a bit hackneyed. And yet… What is one to think of this young architect with clear ideas and a not insignificant past, especially since it has a future ? Helena Voiland, diploma in her pocket, proved her mettle, for a good five years, as an independent associate. Among the projects on which she worked, design and realisation of contemporary villas, a public yacht marina, renovations of villas and apartments, housing for local workers and a student residence. Plus “Les Jardins de Babylon” in Mandelieu, a private yacht marina and projects that she handled masterfully for developers in Cannes and its vicinity, and you get a slight glimpse of her many skills. Today, the young architect has decided to strike out on her own and has opened her own office. In Cannes, her home town, in beautiful premises christened Agence LN.A., she has created a hub for complementary talents with decorators, designers... Messages that she would like to pass on to her partners : focus on contemporary architecture, of high environmental quality, use new building technologies and think about the long-term impact of any architectural undertaking. “An architectural project is not the work of a single person but a group.” LN.A., 7 boulevard de la République (04 93 99 80 14).
Essential to any kitchen worthy of the name, this foldable, spoon-shaped chopping board is made of flexible polypropylene. Designed by British twins Richard and Antony Joseph, its sides fold back making it easy to pour your foodstuffs into the pot. In fuschia, red, green, blue, white, black or orange, “Chop2pot” costs 17.50 €. Sales office : 05 56 42 11 93.
A deep frosty blue safe with a handle adorned with long chains and an interior dressed up in “trompe-l’œil”. It is in fact the beautiful refrigerator Limited Edition AEG Electrolux by Irina Volkonskii. With this essential item, creams and perfumes are now immune to variations in climate and other assaults made by passing time. Edition of fifty, for fashion victims only. 690 €. Sales office : 01 41 11 38 01.
<u>Vallauris</u> “Reviewing the past to find the first inklings of the future... Water in all its forms will arouse in you the peacefulness of a child and rekindle your joy, laughter and even your recklessness...” An entire programme that Yves Pertosa stages indoors and out, in private homes but also luxury hotels, fitness centres or spas. Highly spectacular, the rain bed (above) recreates the natural element and offers the user unprecedented sensations. As for bathtubs, there’s no shortage of surprises. Acclaimed when it was released, “Honoka” from the Evolution line combines sensual design with a trendy colour. “Oka” features straight lines and an overflow. Then there are spas. For really intense moments, “Flora” fits perfectly into a garden, near a pool or on a terrace. The brand’s latest offering, “Cube” is fitted with several seats and a bench of ergonomic design : its continuous overflow allows you to discover the bliss of large expanses of water thanks to a mirror effect. Riviera Bains Groupe Pertosa, 2720 chemin Saint-Bernard (04 93 65 26 67).
With “Volga”, 37°2 offers an unusual coffee table in fibre concrete. Impact guaranteed as soon as the flames appear (2,400 e)… This year we should see the arrival of “S/Safe” technology (an autonomous security system for ethanol fires). Automatic or semi-automatic, it controls the flame, fuel and quality of the air. It can be used with several types of fireplaces. 37°2, en vente chez La Maison de Léo, ZI les Paluds, Aubagne (04 42 04 05 85).
“Cinéline” is a wardrobe composed of two basic volumes which can be expanded modular style thanks to an additional unit with a door. The main part offers rails, shelves and drawers. The extra unit is fitted with shelves and closet rails. Cinna, 111 avenue Léon Bérenger, Saint-Laurent-du-Var (04 92 12 94 11).
Olivia Giacobetti invites us to test a unique experience on the “Route des Cafés”. A rare olfactory voyage, proposed by this well-known “nose” who works for Nespresso : five scented candles and as many mysterious lands producing the greatest coffees. “Terre Arabica”,”Bois de Maragogype”, “Fleur de Moka”, “Café Flambé” and “Grain d’Emeraude” can be enjoyed at any time and without moderation. 35 € each. Nespresso, 19 bis boulevard Victor-Hugo, Nice (0 800 55 52 53).
This “Mini kitchen” signed Meneghini has everything its big sister provides. And quite logically, it fits into our offices with great success. It camouflages its two electric hot plates and chrome steel sink, a fridge and drawers in a solid multi-layer wood cabinet with doors with laminated panels. Absolutely essential ! To discover on meneghiniarredamenti.com
<u>Nice</u> Nathalie Couadau and Alexandra Rossi share an almost immoderate taste for interior decor. They have turned their passion into their work, the first as interior decorator, the second as interior designer. Today, they are pooling their talents and launching Absinthe, a boutique and consultancy, necessary for several reasons. Why do people stop in to see them ? For a coffee, comfortably installed on the couch. To discover the many items that Nathalie and Alexandra unearth here and there (they are the exclusive representatives of “Absolument Absinthe, le Parfum d’Interdits” on the Riviera), to discuss a project or simply enjoy the atmosphere. “We like the ambiance in this working-class neighbourhood, the vitality which emerges from it.” Energy the pair certainly don’t lack, as they are capable of handling everything on a project, from the initial stroke of the pen to its final expression. Orders are in fact flooding in though, for the sake of discretion, nothing is divulged until contracts are signed. The boutique itself is in perpetual motion, following the flow of the arrival and departure of various objects. Depending on the seasons and events, the stage is set and then evolves. Coming very soon, a “chic and ad hoc flea-market “ that the locals are already awaiting impatiently. Absinthe, 54 boulevard Joseph-Garnier (04 93 35 71 31).
Because its aim is to represent contemporary art currents of the 20th century, Fondis sets its sights on a cutting-edge approach synonymous with architectural research and high-tech. Its fireplaces are presented in the form of collections (Minimal Art, Arte Povera, Art Deco, Abstract Art, International Style and Design) thus offering a concept both daring and appealing. For each model, there are three absolute musts : technicity, design and emotion. “Modis” (shown here) perfectly illustrates the point. A fireplace characterized by generous geometric forms, midway between sculpture and an item dedicated to heating, “Modis” proposes a gentle, elusive stance and combines two shades of marble with lines both elegant and sleek. In a choice of three configurations and six colours. Fondis Atry’Home, 9 avenue Georges-Pompidou, Grasse (04 93 09 04 90).
It just need thinking about... And Fissler did ! An exceptional pot, a masterpiece for fans of cooking... and jewelry ! Baptized “Diamond”, this little marvel, presented in a box of precious wood, is fitted with handles and the brand’s logo, forged from 739 grams of 18-carat gold and set with 270 diamonds polished by master cutters. Mostly for “potty chefs” ! 150,000 €. To order : 0 800 90 57 68.
<u>Vallauris</u> Three distinct lines, more than 500 basic models and hence thousands of possible combinations, all proposed by Ixina in general, together with a new showroom in Vallauris in particular. This entity belonging to the Snaidero group also offers an electro area, mainly dedicated to built-in models. Complementary and logical. Throughout the shop, an impressive number of kitchens are presented, answering to the names of “Cambia”, “Rialto”, “Loft” or “Prima”, all contemporary in their materials (stainless steel), design and colours. Naturally enough, electrical appliances include the major brands from Whirlpool to Scholtès, Ariston, Bosch, AEG, Fagor etc. A must for all those who dream of a kitchen in tune with the 21st century. 3030 Chemin Saint-Bernard (04 93 64 29 73).
“Smeraldo” is a precious bed, both gem and setting. A clever paradox, it nevertheless asserts a certain masculinity. Its sober design is set off by a bed frame with sensual and protective curves. Illustrating technical know-how, it is adorned with a silky fabric and offers a wide array of materials and colours, allowing each of us to imagine our perfect bed. Bontempi Casa, 28 rue Négresko, Marseille 8e (04 91 22 84 27)
Valente Design is known for its lighting and radiators. And, for one as for the other, the choice offers both quality, quantity and… design. The latest proposal to date from these committed professionals are one-off radiators. Like this one, an offering from Cinier, in stone and rubber worked in relief (4,800 e + VAT). “The customer can imagine all kinds of things,” says Sandra Valente, “incrustations with rhinestones, photos....” Valente Design doesn’t shy away from challenges. ZA Saint-Maur, route de Collobrières, Cogolin (04 94 54 46 84).
Tired of poster images and observing that wall decoration makes it impossible to sublimate the work of the photographer, Angéline Bailly, a graphic artist by training, has decided to develop quality digital printing. In addition to her large thematic works, she has now produced a whole range of images, cushions, wallpaper, lampshades, seating such as a small sofa, an armchair and chair, revolving around various themes such as the Beatles, the Big Apple, Marilyn Monroe... We appreciate her style and her judicious choices that contribute a note of gaiety to home décor. To discover on www.teojasmin.com
When Christian Duc reinvestigates the tie-dye technique, he sheds new light on the craft of his native Vietnam and invites us, with these “Eclipse” cushions made for Becquet, to admire the charm of neutral colour. His shades of gray and off-white give the bedroom timeless chic and sobriety, ideal for relaxing and dreaming. From 19 €. www.becquet.fr
