Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Much in vogue, stone no longer contents itself with adorning outdoor areas. While it still adds its appeal to our gardens, terraces and pools, it is creeping more and more frequently into our homes, decorating, among other things, our bathrooms. Importer “Bati Orient” proposes oriental stones from the plains of Tibet, islands off the coast of Australia… And its glass mosaics, the fruit of painstaking workmanship, are perfect for creating personalised compositions. Chemin du Moulin de Losque, Cavaillon (04 90 75 17 15).
<u>Bonifacio</u> The “Bonnet” collection has so far been composed of pouffs in different shapes, covered with a knitted “bonnet” in merino wool and proposed in a wide range of colours. Perfect for matching them with the rugs. This spring, the brand has introduced two new items. The “Bonnet” range has been enriched by throws designed by Liset van der Scheer : available in three different models, they include the new “Occhio” and “Quadri”. Plus a new selection of rugs called “Jewel”. In 100% Chinese silk, with ultra-fine, handmade loops and short pile, giving them a superb, velvety sheen. In sales at Unica Punta, 65 quai Banda-del-Ferro (04 95 73 28 13).
The unusual inspires Florence Polvérino. That’s how she chose the name for her boutique, opened very recently in the old village of Mougins. Nestling in an old stone house, it gives a place of honour to original items. Florence relies on flashes of intuition and is fond of craftsmen’s expertise. You’ll find tableware, glasses, a few pieces of furniture and baggage, all found in flea-markets and carefully refurbished. 84 rue des Lombards, Mougins (04 92 92 01 94).
La Route des Caravanes is full of treasures that Maud brings back from her expeditions to Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, India and China. Currently on show, tote-bags and cushions from Turkmenistan, antique silver rings, Afghan spice boxes. The store also proposes creations signed “Changement de Décor” : pants, skirts, tunics, lingerie… La Route des Caravanes, 12 rue Gioffredo, Nice (04 93 80 41 01).
<u>Nice</u> Launched by Marie Robinson three years ago, this workshop now hangs out its sign. Originally, it had no intention of becoming a boutique, but its door gave onto the street, so passers-by were always dropping in to get a closer look at design in action. “So I opted for a workshop-boutique,” says Marie who, thanks to her success, no longer works alone. With her team, she still makes house linen (curtains, bedspreads, bedhead covers, tablecloths and runners…) which she proposes in two collections, spring/ summer and autumn/winter. Egyptian cotton, linen and silk are still her preferred materials, and this spring subtle colours and pastel shades are the order of the day in a harmonious blend of contemporary and timeless. Because she’s constantly working on something new, Marie also displays a variety of items. She has unearthed a piece of workshop furniture made of zinc, porcelain and a range of earthenware saucepans. She also sells Rachel Espinasse tableware and Telise chairs (metal models designed by Xavier Pauchard, back in 1934). By getting bigger, her workshop has lost none of its charm. Quite the contrary ! La Maison Robinson, 13 rue Théodore-de-Banville (04 93 98 91 49).
The terrace has become an extension of the home, an area where one can live outside several months a year. A new website puts you within mouse-reach of lamps, lighting, parasols and outdoor furnishings. Not forgetting indispensable heating, enabling you to enjoy being outside when the weather gets cooler. User-friendly and easy to surf, the site also provides a technical notice which can be downloaded, instructions for installation and up-keep. <a href="http://www.ma-terrasse.com/">www.ma-terrasse.com</a>
Cinzia Baccon and Maurizio Sacco created Lemani to give free rein to their imagination. The aim is to propose ambiances worthy of a futuristic life-style. Hence lines of furnishings made of exclusive materials. Lemani appeals to architects and interior decorators prepared to pursue unique scenographic projects. <b>06 10 70 85 66.</b>
It’s the end of a fine Spring day. That magic moment when you can still enjoy the pool and last rays of sunlight, when a shroud of intimacy falls over the pool, when the living room becomes your refuge, when candles and torches spread their soft light. To set the scene, zinc columns, looking like works of art, square candle cups, a terrazzo cup and a maxi lantern in metal and glass. A superb collection designed by Bougies La Française. In sales at Botanic, 999 chemin des Gourettes, Mouans-Sartoux (04 92 28 31 00). and at L’Autre Venulys, 7 rue Lecerf, Cannes (04 93 39 27 22).
Oxygène Design and seven hundred square metres of showroom feature any number of solutions for lighting. In fact OD is two companies, one for furniture and the other for light fittings. The former is an exclusive dealer for Bontempi, the second features the best form of lighting around today, cubes with luminous shafts. Olivier Seguy and Jonathan Maurino have imagined spaces, a beach, garden and even an apartment of 150 m2. Both importers and manufacturers, they have the answer to every question of lighting. Oxygène Design, 19 rue du Docteur-Sigallas, Sainte-Maxime (08 75 46 78 62).
Valdivia is a town in Chile, but also a brand of jewellery 100 % bio-ethical and unique, made of vegetal ivory. Also known as “tagua”, this ivory is the hardened albumen of the fruit of palm-trees which grow in certain valleys in South America. An alternative to animal ivory, it behaves in exactly the same way and offers the same possibilities. The brilliant colours are obtained by the use of vegetable pigments. Everything’s made in the Andes with traditional craftsmanship, before ending up around the necks of fashion victims who care about nature. www.valdivia.fr
In keeping with the modern era, tea, without losing any of its aura, is now purchased on the net. A little click, and there you are, in an almost magical world where these precious leaves offer themselves just to you. Learn to appreciate them for their different origins, discover all the benefits tea can provide for your organism and treat yourself to your ideal tea-pot, favourite bowls and the numerous accessories that accompany tea-time. A few minutes on line and you’ll be an expert on the origins, history and legends of this homely but venerable brew. www.thes-kanzen.com
When Karina Bouthier planned her concept store, her single aim was to combine beauty and quality. Clothes (Milanese brands and luxury de-stock, Prada, D&G…) are displayed alongside furnishings, accessories and refined groceries. You’ll discover Salviati vases, objects by Lisbeth Dahl, Designer’s Guild items, festive gift-boxes from Nicolas Feuillatte, Io olive-oil… Beautiful and of excellent quality. 73 boulevard Carnot, Cannes (04 93 68 46 11).
A towel covered with graffiti, sold in a paint pot… How’s that for an original idea ! Françoise Dubost uses this unexpected support like a canvas, proving that this kind of painting has indeed become legitimate contemporary art. Graffiti are thus about to invade our bathrooms and beaches all over the planet. www.grandes-marques.fr
Atelier LZC continues to develop its famous silk-screen designs. Two models, “Jardins japonais” (opposite) and “Fruits déguisés” give our Spring dinner tables a beautiful contemporary feel. To be complemented by the equally new and original “Aurore” and “Nocturne” trays. In sales at Scirius Gallery, 809 boulevard des Ecureuils, Mandelieu-La-Napoule (04 93 49 58 63).
Joël and Sonja design their modern furniture far from the bustling city life. Everything is made on site, from design to manufacture. Originally he was a joiner, she a decorator. “We offer made-to-measure furniture and kitchens.” Right now, “Les Amandiers Home” features six lines, including “French Riviera”. And the couple, who also work with Flamant, Scapa Home (exclusive dealers on the Gulf) and Libeco, offer customers an advisory service before managing their project from A to Z. Les Amandiers Home, route du Muy, Sainte-Maxime (04 94 97 68 68).
Who said coffee was only a southern thing ? Certainly not Stelton. The brand asked Kim Buck to create a new coffee set sporting for the first time ever a Scandinavian design. It is called “Visby” and bears no relation to anything you have seen before. The set consists of cups, a milk jug and sugar bowl… In sales at Designers Avenue, 9 bis avenue Désambrois, Nice (04 93 62 48 15).
It is all about light at Zimmer + Rohde, shiny and glittery materials. “Global Glam” is all about subtle radiance with silk and satin that set the tone : shades of gold, silver, copper and grey symbolizing elegance and refinement. “Modern Palace” and “Velvet Lounge” (above) bring luxury into our daily lives. The former revisits the past but steers clear of needless nostalgia. Quite the opposite. This is all about modern splendour where opulence vies with freshness. Linen adorned with pearl, fabrics that crumple and fold… With “Velvet Lounge”, it’s time for comfort and softness. The House sets out to be contemporary and to meet the wishes and needs of a world on the move. The collection delivers a sensual perception of motifs and materials. For seats, distinctly modern graphic patterns, stripes on elegantly radiant backgrounds. This is the union between velour and chenille thread, intertwining with overstitch taffetas or looped thread. 1390 avenue Campon (04 93 45 68 76).
For 25 years now, Nature Bijoux has been the specialist for fancy jewels made from natural materials. To prove it, look at “Caraïbes” (opposite). This line, which includes a necklace - available in two versions - and a ring, takes us to the heart of the Caribbean. Bamboo coral alongside black horn in a style of distinctly tribal inspiration. A real change of scenery. In sales at Art et Vie, Nice-Etoile, 24 avenue Jean-Médecin, Nice (04 93 92 91 24) and at Galeries Lafayette, 6 rue Maréchal-Foch, Cannes (04 97 06 25 00).
At once environment-friendly, natural and refined, linen is a firm favourite with Libeco. In 2008, the brand broke new ground with children’s garments and Libeco Home Luxury, which focused on the extreme refinement of finishing, as shown by “Margaret” bed linen. This classic and timeless line is developed in delicate colours and is enhanced with beautiful piping. For its part, “Vernassa” (see photo) plays with bright, gay colours that give some exciting combinations. A must-have for the impeccable quality of manufacture, the softness and pureness of linen and the fashion-transcending chic of the company’s designs. In sales at Blanc de Blanc, 5 rue Tony-Allard, Cannes (04 93 38 65 62).
“There are no big or small projects, just projects…” So says Carol Djandji, a specialist established in Monaco since 1980. His design office, Djandji Interior Design, offers a variety of skills for both individuals and corporate clients. To his credit he points to private residences and apartments across the world and, of course, projects. In the Principality, he has committed to fully refurbishing 500 m2 of office space. Still on the “Rock” of Monaco, at Park Palace, he is preparing to restyle a bachelor pad from A to Z. His strengths ? Unfailing passion for his trade and finding a major interest in each job he does. Respecting deadlines, budgets, and consequently the customer. Palais de la Scala, 1 avenue Henri-Dunant (00 377 93 50 84 12).
