Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Fly’s new 2007/2008 collection has three very distinct but complementary facets. “Génération Design” celebrates black and white, “Inspiration Nature” blends wood, polka dots, chocolate and aniseed green. And “Pop Attitude” is an excellent way of introducing real vitality into the home. Points de vente sur <a href="http://www.fly.fr/">www.fly.fr</a> et 03 89 62 35 07.
<b>Nice</b>1975-2007 : two key dates in the history of J.bonet. The first marks its creation, the second, its consecration ! Today, the store has grown and launched its home decor showroom (built in collaboration with Arch of Monaco). There’s now a design consultancy to complete a very extensive array of leading brands : Poltrona Frau, Moroso, Driade, Edra, Poliform, Vitra, Paola Lenti, Serralunga, Magis… You’ll find all the designers who count, from Piero Lissoni to Patricia Urquiola, not forgetting Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, Toshiyuki Kita… Originally specializing in office furniture, partitions and shelving, J.bonet has made it clear that contemporary furnishings now comprise its main field of predilection. J.bonet, 25 rue Scaliéro, place Arson (04 92 00 36 66).
Lapis, La Pierre in Sud, is enlarging its premises and inaugurating a second showroom. While the original store stocked flooring in Siberian wood (see photo), the new shop will be placing the accent on Lapis stone, fountains and pots. When wandering through the various displays, one finds materials for terraces, pool surrounds, walls and garden fencing, but also classic French garden fountains and highly contemporary water elements. Lapis, 497 route de Nice et 12 boulevard Carnot, Valbonne (04 92 98 16 77).
<b>Grasse</b>Stéphanie Marin began to take an interest in textiles in 1990, recycling old clothes and materials. In 2004, she embarked in the world of home decor under the name of “smarin” with a collection which was to win the hearts of leading decorators : the “Livingstones”. These giant pebbles made of pure wool and expanded polyurethane foam became pouffes, sofas, playful objects to be strewn here and there, all over the house. Now make way for “neo Livingstones”, made of neoprene with a waterproof foam interior, designed to be used outdoors, to adorn the pool area and garden, and to melt into the natural scenery. Home-owners adore them, professionals enthusiastically applaud this new, poetic, “living” concept. Smarin pebbles, nomadic outdoor furniture, ideal for creating lovely coves of escapism in your own home. Apsara, 10 place du Jeu-de-Ballon (04 93 60 05 68), <a href="http://www.smarin.net/">www.smarin.net</a>.
Introducing five new fragrances for a sublime collection of scents for home interiors, inspired by happy occasions in our lives and presented as candles, mini-candles, indoor perfume, perfume extract and pebbles. For a new arrival in the family, choose “Pœni Pink”, for a wedding, the “Yves Piaget” rose, for parties that of Lolita Lempicka, for love the “Extase” rose, and for oneself, “Papa Meilland”. <a href="http://www.aunomdelarose.com/">www.aunomdelarose.com</a>.
Swan Bourotte has come up with a very special light fitting for Cinna. It could well be mistaken for a luminous snake : made of protective sheathing for supersonic aircraft, it twists and turns in every direction with surprising flexibility. It’s called “Paranoid”. Of course… 719 €. Cinna, 11 avenue Léon-Bérenger Saint-Laurent-du-Var (04 92 12 94 11).
This family enterprise was founded in 1945 under the name “L’Affaire des Doubles Rideaux”. It naturally specialized in curtains, but also sun blinds, cushions, bedding, accessories, sofas and now furniture. In fact, home decor in the widest sense. All over France (with no less than 200 sales outlets), ADR boutiques (the firm’s new name) propose a wide choice, know-how and reasonable prices. Points de vente : 01 34 59 00 23 and <a href="http://www.adr-deco.com/">www.adr-deco.com</a>.
<b>Mougins</b> Hélène Padiou has grown again. Joining her showroom for building materials (tiling, marble, gates...), a new area hosts the world of minerals which rubs shoulders with plants. It’s called “ La Belle Hollandaise”, simply because the flowers and furnishings come straight from the land of windmills and tulips. Hélène thus completes an already wide array of offerings while also proposing her services for indoor and outdoor decoration. As for floral compositions, everything’s possible, from countrified to contemporary, with, of course, a tendency towards minimalism. Containers are original, combinations often bold (driftwood, stone...), the result is always convincing. As Hélène says : “From stones to flowers, my creativity is subtle and multiple”. And she proves her point. La Belle Hollandaise, 616 avenue Saint-Martin (04 93 75 12 94).
This store proposes Lea Ceramiche models in a choice of colours ranging from soft blond to anthracite and covering all the nuances of beige. The boutique is the brand’s sole distributor in the Alpes-Maritimes, except for Nice. Over the past year, clients have discovered a wide choice of products and a team of professionals providing top-notch service. 14 avenue de Cannes, Cagnes-sur-Mer (04 93 20 74 04).
A graduate of the Camondo School and the “Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts de Paris”, Pascale de Butler set up her own business and, like, most interior architects, restructures, renovates and transforms… Nothing very original given her training, until she came up with her “caravan department”. Wooden homes on wheels (very traditional in spirit) to which she gives a new spin “with old-fashioned charm and modern-day comfort”. Instant success ! Her “roulottes”, which can be dismantled and are delivered as kits or already mounted, invaded gardens and properties, became mountain shelters or guest accommodation. These “roulottes” are now part of her daily routine and bear her signature, though Pascale de Butler d’Ormond has many other projects. Next in line : an enormous villa on the Côte d’Azur where she will supervise everything, from the interior layout to the decor. Pascale de Butler d’Ormond, 7 boulevard de Cimiez (04 93 54 20 31 et 06 70 91 85 76).
Its case is made of sturdy aluminium and, for Porsche Design and Sagem, it has been an exercise in blending design and technology. The “P’9521” is a camera and video-camera with auto-focus, built-in flash and digital zoom. It boasts a pivoting screen, an MP3 player and three speakers, and also offers high-speed Internet access. On sale from September. 1,200 €.
The Manufacture de Monaco and Swarovski certainly make a sparkling match ! Tableware becomes an array of gems, giving the table a touch of glamour in which porcelain dresses up with crystal bracelets. After “Manhattan” and “Vienna”, here come “Stardust” and ”Constellation” with flowing and elongated design. 4 avenue de la Madone, Le Métropole, Monaco (00 377 93 50 64 63).
Two prestigious craftsmen want you to get a good sleep : Francesco Passaniti, designer of genius who gave concrete its letters of nobility, has just designed a bed for Lit National, the specialist for beds for the past hundred years. Francesco has invited himself into the land of slumber with a bed called “Space” which defies the laws of gravity. <a href="http://lelitnat.alias.domicile.fr/">www.litnational.com</a>.
<b>Nice</b> Valérie Arboireau made her name with chandeliers with crystal droplets that she painted and brought up to date. That was 10 years ago ! A decade in which she launched a real new trend. “I’m an artist, I follow my inspiration in a sensual, feminine world.” Glamorous jewellery followed, with pearls and crystal teamed with flowers and silk scarves. The latest concept is called “Les Carréments”. “In fact, I place my chandeliers in squares, whence their name !” A frame covered in vintage wall-paper (kitsch, rock, contemporary…), a light fixture, and there you go. Amusing, poetic, typically Valérie Arboireau ! Valérie Arboireau pour Merry Crystal, 11 rue Parmentier (06 60 10 88 71) et <a href="http://www.merrycrystal.com/">www.merrycrystal.com</a>
This store has just blown out its first candle. In addition to “boutis” bedcovers, you’ll discover house linen, tablecloths, curtains, cushions and other items for home decor. While the overall approach follows current trends with a preference for today’s favourite colours (beige, white and grey), fans of classicism will also find a treasure. Fans of originality will not be disappointed, either. 98 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 56 96).
In this enormous showroom, kitchens reign supeme. No less than twenty, all signed Veneta and all superbly staged. Visitors will find great classics which have made the brand’s reputation, plus, of course, “Oyster”, the latest model without handles, proposed in matte or shiny lacquer, or a wood veneer (teak, zebrano, cherrywood). Cucine & Cucine also provides an extensive choice of home appliances. Cucine & Cucine, via Padre Semeria 388, San Remo (00 39 01 84 66 30 24).
Before moving to Senegal, Marie-Hélène Legrand opened a home decor boutique called “L’Ane Bleu” with her daughter, Virginie. The store now displays her furnishings made of tin, items she designs in her studio at M’bour, surrounded by young girls whom she trains. “I only work with recyclable materials to safeguard the environment.” 1077 chemin de l’Angueiroun, Bormes-les-Mimosas (04 94 71 11 39).
The Narmino Fleurs boutique and Narmino Jardins service company are two structures which will meet all your needs for floral compositions, trimming, automatic sprinkler systems, terrace upkeep, landscaping... Their teams will help you to define what will best suit your requirements in terms of taste, the style of your home (for floral compositions or for harmonizing your interior with the garden), the amount of space available, sun and wind... They will advise on the most appropriate plants and flowers for your home. For special events (cocktails, seminars, weddings...), entrust them with the entire stage-setting ! You will enchanted by the firm’s experience and its family character. Narmino Fleurs started out in 1927 and is now managed by the great-grandson of its creator, Antoine Narmino.
“L’Artisan” from KitchenAid was already available in 15 colours. Here’s the 16th, apple green. Decidedly trendy, in fact very cheeky, this robot on a base has dared to dress up flashy. As for performance, needless to say, it’s the tops with its direct transmission (and silent) motor, its big bowl and more than ten accessories to be fixed on its single hub. 549 €. 0 800 38 10 40 26.
Flamant’s new collections take you into a chic and countrified world with pale wood, house linen in natural fibres... “Flashy Spring” is dynamic and full of good humor, “Flanders” goes for cosy designs with the reassuring feel of a cane-seated chair. Furnishings often seem to have come straight out of a holiday home, accessories add their charm to the whole. “Black and White” is a stage-set for fans of cars, while “Outdoor” is an invitation to improvised picnics and siestas on sofas with lots of cushions. En vente chez Le Temps Retrouvé, 18 rue de la Liberté, Nice (04 93 87 47 60).
