Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
He defines himself as a creator of atmospheres and a coach in interior decor. With 12 years’ experience in the field, Bastien Saffer mainly works for private clients, proposing associations of materials and colours that are sometimes innovative, as well as his very sure taste for home decor in general. He also works with top-notch editors, from Rubelli to Pierre Frey, Canovas and Elitis, and is particularly fond of Italian design while always respecting his clients’ wishes. At’Home design (06 23 74 11 29).
Alinéa has launched its new commercial site. A major turning point for the brand, which now proposes some 5,000 products on the Web, plus home decoration advice, a direct link to stores, a human resources site, its catalogue, a newsletter and interactive discussions. A new departure for this firm founded in Avignon in 1989. www.alinea.fr
Olivier Grégoire is one of today’s most promising young French designers. Furniture, luxury items, technical products and even architecture, nothing escapes his creative urge. An innovative and accessible vision of design motivates this ultra-talented artist brimming with imagination, who here presents his latest concepts. The “Leonardo Dining Table” produced in partnership with Bertrand Clerc is inspired by a moment of intimacy in a couple, a surprising sculptural creation that invites us to share closer human relationships ; the “Tapisofa” is designed to take advantage of corners, an unused part of the home whose natural shape adapts to all kinds of positions imaginable… and the magnificent “Ömusic” box, a new, compact concept for hi-tech hi-fi… www.oliviergregoire.com.
Breaking with traditional segmentation codes, this “extra virgin” olive-oil and Modena balsamic vinegar called “ Z Duo” benefit from a new style of elegant and contemporary presentation and a delivery system that is in fact a spray. For both seasoning and cooking, these two rechargeable condiment sprays can be used for all culinary preparations. They are light, unbreakable and the small 25-cl format makes for easy handling. 11 € per pair. www.chezvalentine.com.
Halogène has moved into new premises on Rue François-Guisol, in a building with lofty proportions and visible stone ideal for creating atmospheres that mix authentic (architecture) and contemporary (products). “The store will become a centre for cultural life, with exhibitions, concerts…” Among the brands on display, Moooi, Edra, Zanotta, MDF, BD Barcelona etc., everything that’s currently tops in sofas and seating in general, beds and other indoor furnishings. And what’s happened to the old address ? It’s still there, devoted to Kartell, nothing but Kartell. 15 rue François-Guisol (04 93 88 96 26).
We were already familiar with “Vynil”, the collection of stickers from Domestic ; now here comes its little sister, “Wall Drawings”. While the first obtained visual impact from lines and flat areas of colour, the second makes way for graduated tones, more elaborate textures, manual or photographic prints, and superimposed layers of colour. www.domestic.fr.
Upright or a baby grand, a piano can play its part in decorating your home. At Music 3000, the choice is vast, with a Bosendorfer designed by Porsche as the star model. In 1,000 sq. metres, the shop offers real marvels for all music-lovers. Classic guitars rub shoulders with hard rock models and leading brands are all represented, from Fender Custom Shop to Taylor, Martin and Gibson Custom Shop. You can also hire instruments and high-tech equipment for special occasions. Music 3000, avenue Maréchal-Juin, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, (04 93 07 64 31).
Very distinctive, this new collection signed Wiel Arets comes in a flashy moss green (also available in white or dark chocolate). Intended for small spaces, it is composed of a handbasin unit with two bowls, a small “Nomade” unit on wheels (with a hand-lacquered finish) and coordinated faucets designed by Oras (handbasin from 975 euros, low unit 964 euros). JCD, 127 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 39 23 24). www.laufen.com
To complete the “Travel” range, this trundle bed has a laminated structure of veneered particle panels, grooved on the outside (in black, white or aluminium) and fitted with four wheels with brakes. For the lower section, and as options, a storage drawer or an occasional bed with a slatted base. As its legs can be raised, the occasional bed can be positioned at the same height as the main bed. Ligne Roset, 4 avenue Léon Bérenger, Saint-Laurent-du-Var (04 93 31 06 06).
The Besson family has worked in home design and interior decoration for the past three generations. Self-taught Philippe “trusts his feeling” and sees himself as “close to the way people live”. He admits to sticking as closely as possible to the needs and desires of his clients, occasionally going as far as to combine different genres. After “the glorious years with the fortunes of Middle Eastern countries”, he now works in Switzerland, Paris, and between Cannes and Monaco. “I advocate a new kind of ethic, leaning towards a global and synchronised concept, between the architect with a state diploma and the interior decorator. Building a house based on these two principles means that one can address a project from a more rational point of view.” 06 10 84 80 77.
Philippe Starck’s very famous armchair called “Mademoiselle” is now clad in Burberry. As inspired as ever, this genius of a designer decided to take an interest in the world of ready-to-wear for this new edition, producing a range that he has dedicated to the colours of Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Missoni Home, Moschino, Trussardi and Valentino. 472 €. Kartell, 119 rue Paradis, Marseille (04 91 33 18 50 et www.kartell.com).
To say that Adriano Garbarino is an interior architect is correct… but terribly limited. Based in Monaco for the past 30 years, he has more than one string to his bow : this passionate fan of art history is also a great traveller, an enlightened collector and a well-known designer. He has designed many pieces of furniture, though he owes his reputation primarily to his carpets. In 1995, he exhibited his first collection at the “Maison & Objet” fair in Paris. Entirely handmade in pure New Zealand wool or wool and silk, his models are all hand-knotted (and produced in Népal) or hand-tufted (in India). For the inauguration of his new showroom, all glass and transparency, Adriano Garbarino presented a collection of jewellery including several unique pieces and antiques of Japanese origin. An address reflecting the image of the master of the house, unique and multi-facetted. 40 boulevard des Moulins (00 377 93 30 68 00).
This showroom opened very recently. In place and stead of Jean-Christophe Bruniaux, it’s now the Design Room which occupies the premises. The decor has been completely changed, with minimalism the rule of thumb for displays all in nuances and up-to-the-minute sobriety. Here, Flexform and Arketipo top the bill and present their latest collection. Design comes out all the better for it. 4 place du Commandant Lamy, Cannes (04 93 99 20 32).
You’re interested in design and like surfing on the Web ? Then www.deco-smart.com is made for you ! Born of the ingenious idea of providing all fans of deco and design with access to private sales (held three times a week), this new site is a real success. Creations by Starck, Daum, Driade etc. are proposed 30 to 70 % cheaper than in the stores. Date on deco-smart.com
From their earliest days in the profession, Géraldine Darlington and Pia Karlsson have kept their passion alive. These two interior architects manage their office-showroom, Intérieur Sud, with incredible energy but also lots of discretion. From successive extensions to a double address (they now occupy two different premises on the Place du Commandant-Lamy), they have expanded their team and taken on more clients. “We mostly work for private clients, both in France and abroad, very often on houses in “bastide” or intemporal contemporary styles.” Their challenge and their strength : “Producing what the client likes without falling into stereotypes, and adding our signature to the project”. There’s no lack of work sites at the moment, from apartments in a very prestigious complex in London to a restaurant in the Emirates (possibly to be followed by an hotel), not forgetting a very lovely country house in Grimaud. The bonus offered by Intérieur Sud is that its proposes, alongside top brands such as Flamant, Designer’s Guild, Elitis etc., a wealth of accessories and decorative items, as ideal gift ideas. Intérieur Sud, 2 place du Commandant-Lamy (04 93 39 06 55).
Now that it’s time to go back to work, revamping one’s office becomes a priority. Herman Miller has launched “Sense”, a new range of furniture offering intelligent design to meet three essential needs : rapid and simple installation, practical and modular spaces, personalisation and good looks for the work place. Furthermore, “Sense” gives priority to the use of recyclable and long lasting materials. To protect the environment, of course ! En vente à La boutique du dos, 6 rue Valperga, Nice (04 93 62 11 11).
Because our agendas are full of parties and and occasions for celebrating special events, the Galeries Lafayette group is introducing a new concept for gifts in six of its stores, including Nice and Marseille. Organized into six areas on different themes, it makes life a lot easier, whether one’s broke, in a hurry or short of ideas : from a little gadget to a de-luxe product, the objects selected (jewellery, fashion accessories, decorative items) range from 1 to 2,500 € ! Galeries Lafayette, 40-48 rue Saint-Ferréol, Marseille (04 96 11 35 00).
Has the ordinary flowerpot to be placed on a window-sill managed to survive ? Yes, reply in unisson Marion Pierret, Mauro Canfori, Edouard François, Sebastian Bergne, Fernando and Humberto Campana, Konstantin Grcic, Fabio Bortolani, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Patrick Blanc, Alexis Tricoire and Tomas Alonso. For Teracrea, all these designers have come up with a new way of putting nature in a pot. Original, contemporay ways that enhance the container but also its contents. On the floor, suspended, like a totem or in a wall of plants, each creation re-interprets the art of displaying plants. As long as it’s off the beaten track… In sales at Halogène, 15 rue François-Guisol (04 93 88 96 26).
Carl Öjerstam designed the “Tirup” armchair that pivots on a metal base, like the palm of an open hand in which one would like to curl up and relax. The visible seams emphasize the vintage aspect of this model, certain to appeal to fans of 1960’s design. Also available in black and yellow. 349 €. www.ikea.fr
It’s more lifelike than nature (appearance, touch and colour) and requires neither up-keep nor watering. Green Gazon sells and installs synthetic grass, highly-prized by home owners for their gardens or the areas around pools. “Natural +” is considered as the top end of the range. 35 € per m2, plus cost of laying. 36 rue de Toulon, Méounes-les-Montrieux (06 62 83 17 30).
