Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
<u>Cannes</u> The Bulthaup showroom in Cannes has just been treated to a facelift and currently features two flagship models : “b1” and “b3”. The first plays on purity and integration into the architecture of the living space. All with harmony in mind. As always, Bulthaup insists on excellence. Timeless forms, a luminous structure, this is the kitchen at its purest, in all its self-evident simplicity. As for “b3”, it goes beyond the kitchen to become a lounge. Forget the “basic” attitude, the kitchen is now a living-room in the fullest sense of the term. Thanks to the multi-functional “b3” wall, furnishings enjoy freedom, focusing on ergonomics and airy esthetics. The trend illustrated here is treated to a staging larger than life : armchairs, a table and low units invite you to relax. The laboratory becomes more human, congeniality is on the bill, the kitchen emerges triumphant. 6 rue de Constantine (04 93 38 00 39).
With a preference for graphics, bed linen follows the minimalist trend. “Emile” from Jalla (opposite) offers masculine design. The greys blur together, blending plain areas, patterns and stripes. Liou recalls the trendy trench coat in its “Chic Belt” collection in pure cotton percale, in black or khaki. Finally, Descamps pays tribute to “Ava” and “Gatsby”. Sophisticated silk and satin for the first, a masculine spirit in cotton satin for the second. Galeries Lafayette, Cap 3000, St-Laurent-du-Var (04 93 14 82 12).
The Ubik system gives priority to space. To benefit from it fully, it’s best to have a room of generous size. “Ubik” consists of wall panels fitted with storage amenities : wardrobes, lockers, racks for shirts, trousers, ties... all on different levels. The charm of this system thus lies in its modularity. Everyone can create the dressing-room that suits them best. Poliform, en vente chez J. Bonet, 25 rue Scaliéro, Nice (04 92 00 36 66).
Graphic designer Elisabeth Mione (formerly an art director in an advertising agency) has (finally !) decided to do what she enjoys most : interior decoration. After already designing several pieces of furniture, she is now devoting herself to her passion with admirable dynamism and real inspiration. She was responsible for revamping the hotel restaurant Anis in Nice, playing with digital-print fabric for the dining-room and also the bed-heads in the guest-rooms. Here she has opted for fashionable colours, very contemporary minimalism which, however, does not exclude a sense of conviviality. Among the projects currently underway, a consulting office at the Clinique Saint-Georges, also in Nice, Mala Beach at Cap d’Ail (now undergoing completion) and the Média Garden Hôtel at Sophia-Antipolis. Highly professional, Elisabeth also undertakes projects for private clients, using the same leitmotiv : enabling more modest budgets to attain their dream apartment while sticking as closely as possible to the dictates of fashion. Quite a challenge ! 6 place Sasserno (06 12 32 13 77).
Introducing a new fragrance from Di Toscana : Pelle Nera. Pelle Nera (or Black Leather) is the oldest olfactory memory in Florence. And today, it’s in the Piazza Santa Croce neighbourhood that one comes across a sudden blend of leather and bark, a delightful tradition as vivacious as ever. Sales at L’Autre Venulys, 7 rue Lecerf, Cannes (04 93 39 27 22).
Using plants to fight pollution is possible. Thirty-eight of them have unsuspected powers. Fans of indoor plants will be really thrilled : numerous studies have shown their effectiveness in purifying and regenerating the air. This book lists all the species whose aptitudes in the field are especially remarkable. Turn over a new leaf from page one to the end ! Les Plantes Dépolluantes, Editions Rustica, 15 €. Sales in Nature & Découvertes, Cap 3000, avenue Eugène Donadei, Saint-Laurent-du-Var (04 93 07 30 30).
They can be used to hide the dressing-room and provide a separation for the bedroom. Sliding façades are therefore indispensable ! Here, the appeal of alternating red and white, with decorative glass and semi-transparency. Manipulation is very easy thanks to rails fixed to the floor and ceiling. Worth knowing : this programme with tailormade dimensions proposes 18 references including six different colours (smoky, yellow, blue, red, green and grey). Archea, chez Les As du Placard, 69 boulevard gambetta, Nice (04 93 44 53 68). ww.archea.fr
Eggersmann is celebrating its centenary by presenting “Unique by Eggersmann” models. Mirror-like stainless steel, Corian in different colours, polished slate, metallic lacquer and the 1980 Pop Art “Memfizz” model. Originals that have set this family firm on the highest rung in the world of kitchens. The address in Antibes is a superb showcase with models laid out as in a home, most of them without handles, very trendy today, and replaced by a groove with which to get a grip. The fashion is also for nooks for get-togethers, with low items of furniture for congeniality. The slogan “With Eggersmann everything is possible” sees that everyone obtains their dream kitchen : almost everything is made to order (dimensions, colours…), with a wide range of accessories. Wels Décoration, 2567 chemin de Saint-Claude (04 93 74 03 00).
“Seattle” is the name given to this storage unit. A cabin trunk with very sober looks which nevertheless goes straight to the heart of the matter, making the most of available space and offering the most possibilities in the smallest volume. The door opens totally to reveal a hanging closet, shelves, drawers, a tie-rack and a mirror. “Seattle” comes in mokka iroko, dark or stripped oak. The model shown here is modular. Armani Casa, chez Segraeti, 17 avenue des Spélugues, Monaco (00 377 97 77 34 30).
Since its creation in 2004, Münchausen has become a benchmark for wall-paper, stickers and tiling. The patterns proposed in the two flagship collections, “Palm Springs” and “Toiles de Jouy”, continue to confuse the issue for the greater pleasure of unrepentant fans. Objects from flea-markets, micro-scenes with transgressive tones, decorum inspired by Hitchcock, all borrow a very graphic, 18th-century vocabulary, both encyclopædic and amusing. As per the wishes of the two designers, Philippe Rossetti and Simon Pillard, trompe-l’œil becomes a stage for anecdotes, with a tendency towards mythology. A bust of Heraclitus serving as the backcloth for a sculpture, motifs inspired by an engraving by Dürer, the Eiffel Tower rising above a pile of books are all pretexts for enrichment. Sometimes pedantic, the approach nevertheless rehabilitates secular forms in subtle and universal presentations. www.sainthonorewallpapers.com.
Behind this object, as beautiful as it is enigmatic, there in fact hides a nutcracker. Its exceptional design has sacrificed nothing to practicality ; quite the contrary, as it cracks even the hardest nuts with the greatest ease. Playful and useful, Menu’s “Nutcracker” is made of rubber and stainless steel, and bears the signature of designer Bruno Christesen. Chez In Oui, place de la Catalogne, Perpignan (04 68 34 00 00).
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).
