Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Emu, Triconfort, Kettal, Hugonet, Fermob... present their latest collections of garden furniture in a farandole of sun-loungers, chaises-longues, armchairs, parasols. In this superb showroom, the garden and its star players take centre stage. Very fashionable this season, hybrid furnishings are at ease both indoors and out, but are, of course, necessarily weather resistant. Alongside a tempting selection of accessories (picture-frames, photophores and other decorative items), light fittings (including Inov) and exclusive designs. Les Jardins du Sud, 600 route de la Roquette, Mouans-Sartoux (04 92 28 54 16).
Bérangère Lesueur selects most of her items while strolling through the twice-yearly show “Maison & Objet” in Paris. Items that she then displays in her showroom, completely dedicated to interior decoration. Contemporary styles predominate, though she doesn’t entirely neglect baroque, of which she is especially fond (a lamp with droppers, for example), nor certain pieces of Art Deco (a dumb waiter, perhaps…). Bérangère thus puts on show a vast choice of furnishings (tables, chairs, sofas, sideboards…) and quality objects (lamps, photophores, candlesticks…), both chic and original. Début de Siècle is also the exclusive distributor of Ressource paint, a very wide range for both colours (almost 500 !) and effects (whitewash, glacis, satin, matt…). Furthermore, Bérangère suggests that you coordinate them with fabrics with the Casamance label. A decor programme you can mix and match just as you please. Open from 10 to 12.30 a.m. and 2.30 to 7 p.m. closed on Sunday and Monday morning.
Garden sheds and other wood chalets provide good storage solutions, and even extra living space. With them, getting away from it all is sometimes at the bottom of the garden, requiring just a few well-organized planks to take you to the Tyrol ! On show at Les Abris de Provence, which also proposes a full range of garden accessories as well as sauna cabins (from the catalogue only). Les Abris de Provence, 272 route de Grasse, Grasse Le Plan (04 93 77 82 58).
Marco and Gianluca Sardi are the talented managers of Segraeti, a showroom that doubles as a design office. A showroom that presents their expertise, but is also a showcase dedicated to Armani Casa. Which is logical when you know that, for their design activities, they work as a team with the illustrious Italian brand. They mainly like to work for private individuals, though they put their name to the Métropole spa and other projects for the Société des Bains de Mer in Monaco. From A to Z, the client’s requirements are followed up by a team of architects and interior designers who will create a setting in its entirety. Furniture, lighting, decor, house linen, tableware... Segraeti proposes a “ready-to-move-into” concept for the highly discerning.
Let there be light - and light appears, from the floor, miraculously ! The miracle goes by the name of “SP 524”. Six spotlights, each with three LEDs. Built-in, they are as pleasing to the eye as they are practical, after nightfall. They shed light on steps, a terrace or pool deck, all with real panache. So give free rein to your creativity - and light up your life.www.xanlite.fr
Brigitte and Marie are both browsers and their boutique, Version Déco, reflects their life. Rather like a travel notebook, uniting in a single place the furnishings and objects they have picked up here and there. Refined and trendy, with a touch of exoticism, each item tells its tale : that of a country, a craftsman, a culture. Materials are mostly natural and high quality : teak, banana wood, mother-of-pearl… Dreamers, creative souls and travellers without baggage will adore the furniture, jars, paintings, statues, mirrors and the 1001 gems to be discovered here. Version Déco, ZI des Tourrades, allée Dieudonné-Costes, Mandelieu (04 93 49 00 61).
We already knew that this boutique presented items signed D&M (known for their original vases and containers) and Country Corner furnishings (warm and convivial). Now you can discover the spring/summer 2007 collection from Sia (see photo). Exclusively distributed by this showroom of 70 sq. metres, on two floors. The manageress has opted for the “Sophistication” range and a few “Summertime” items. To be visited as soon as possible, for both Sia and the boutique’s new look. Sandrine B Décoration, 32 rue Arson, Nice (04 93 89 61 44).
The Spanish manufacturer Skyline proposes furnishings designed just as much for indoors as out. Lightness and resistance are the main characteristics of these models in woven resin. Resistance to the sun, chemical products, the onslaughts of passing time… ecological as well ! Lightness in the real as well as the figurative sense, with airy design offering a new approach to furniture for terraces, gardens, the pool area. From the spring/summer 2007 collection, choose from modular sofas, armchairs, loungers, low or high tables, chairs… Together with unusual structures in the shape of an apple, egg or shoe, perfect for relaxing. Very decorative flower pots also add a touch of design to outdoor living. To be discovered live or in Universal Décoration catalogues.
The very latest customized Aga has finally arrived ! The colors ? Periwinkle blue, golden yellow, pistachio green or heather mauve. It will adapt to accommodate your two, three or four burners and allow you to create the cooking range of your dreams. The Aga naturally still has its cast-iron heat accumulation system, which guarantees repeated successes for all your dishes. Price estimates are given for the multi-coloured model, which is available by order. www.agafrance.fr
Stéphanie Morel has had an unusual career. She even calls it an adventure. She worked for Cartier, Patek Philippe, Cachemire Crème... before setting off on an humanitarian mission to Benin, where she took care of orphans and prisoners. Today, with these human experiences still in mind, she has opened a den of curiosities in Saint-Tropez. In this unusual store, she displays unique or funky objects and furniture which are given a second lease of life. “Quintessence is my home,” she explains, “a link between different people and different periods”. She goes hunting for each item herself, restoring it or creating it. Quintessence is also, however, and above all, a springboard for the future. Because Stéphanie has a very precise aim in her life : that of building an orphanage.
At the hottest time of day, there’s nothing like an awning for lunch in the shade. All year round, a verandah enables you to create an extra room and benefit from an area that opens up directly to the outside. For both the first and second, you’ll need a professional. On-the-spot studies, plans, estimates - Policchi evaluates, advises and carries out each project combining esthetics with functionality, from the Italian Riviera to Saint-Tropez. Policchi, C.SO Inglesi, 634, Sanremo (00 39 01 84 66 72 11).
Catherine Grandidier always manages to surprise us. Her latest creation, “Illico” for Dix Heures Dix, turns lighting into an abstract painting. A wall-lamp full of spontaneity and lightheartedness, to be chosen with various caches in different colours. Clever little discs stand out from the base to catch the eye and contrast with the plain square support. Worth noting : one can add a personal touch by changing the place of the caches on the frame. From 811 €. Points de vente au 02 40 99 85 00.
The kitchen has become an essential room in our homes. Here, we share time with the family and friends, and try out our culinary talents. At Arte Design, kitchens are up to the minute, ergonomic, practical : they bear Italian signatures and flaunt their appeal like the rest of the home. Closets also come from across the Alps. Cupboards and walk-in closets which answer our prayers for storage space. All delivered and installed, of course ! Arte Design, 456 chemin de Carimaï, Mougins (04 92 18 92 11).
The famous Designers Guild reveals its latest summer collection, placed under the aegis of Japan : a beautiful variation on graphic and floral designs. The palette of colours offers a breath of fresh air : sharp and bright, with shimmering touches of pearl. A very successful modern interpretation of a timeless kind of elegance. Chez Interieur Sud, 2 place du Commandant-Lamy, Cannes (04 93 39 06 55).
With its sleek good looks, “Genesis E-310” is quite simply luxury and high performance disguised as a barbecue. This gas range has electronic lighters so that it can be used in all weathers and its vast cooking surface certainly makes light of the task. Thanks to its “Flavorizer” bars (gone with lava, harmful to the health) and its cover in enamelled or stainless steel, meat, fish and vegetables are prepared healthily for your enjoyment. With this little gem, in black, blue, greenor stainless steel, your barbecues will be a savoury success ! From 899 €. www.weber.eu
For the past 200 years, the Allavena family has worked with Mediterranean plants and gardens. Today, Giovanni and his son Frederico are at the helm. As nursery-owners, they propose a fine selection of trees, plants and flowers. Palm-trees, some centuries old, enjoy a privileged place, though one also discovers cacti, olive and fruit trees... As landscapers, they can transform a gardn from A to Z, with a fondness for the Japanese style. From northern Italy to Corsica and Marseille, these experts propose landscaping plans that they first prepare on the computer before attacking the work on site. The aim is to create an environment while respecting nature and the client's tastes. A programme that Giovanni anf Frederico Allavena carry out with mastery and skill. <a href="http://www.cactusallavena.com/">www.cactusallavena.com</a>
This Internet site that has become a reference for furniture at discount prices invites surfeurs to shop either on the basis of weekly flash sales or from its on-line catalogue of products. In just a few clicks, clients can then compose the leather lounge of their dreams. Contemporary, classic, ethnic or eccentric, the models proposed come in a wide choice of finishes for the leather, the colours and even the stitching. <a href="http://www.vente-unique.com/">www.vente-unique.com</a>
As soon as Fred Aracil finished his architecture studies in Paris, he hurried back to Toulon, “for a quality of life virtually non-existent elsewhere in the region”. After various work experiences and a job with BCG, he launched his own structure, just two years ago. The contemporary style is naturally his field of predilection and he readily admits that “The profession has some fantastic materials with which to work”. He sometimes has to face extreme regionalism and finds it hard to bear dogmas such as “ Window height has to be greater than their width”. When he gets time off, he wanders around with his camera and paints. Fond of movement, he creates “little fellows who are trying to escape”. Self-portraits ? It’s hard to say. For Aracil, modest and even secretive, reveals very little of himself. He exhibits his work, however, when the opportunity arises. Recently, his little characters were trying to escape from the Médiathèque in Hyères.
This pouff in Skaï imitation leather is the work of avant-garde designer Danny Venlet. “Q-Stool” rests on a base of galvanized aluminium and comes in four colours : white, green, blue and cocoa. In fact, it could easily assume lots of other useful functions : as an extra table, umbrella stand, foot-rest. A multi-purpose object…
For a stunning duo composed of a flat screen and speakers, check out the “Polk Audio RM” range with its rounded design and pewter or titanium finish, taking up little space and decidedly contemporary. In all, there are no less than 15 references with 2 to 5 speakers proposed by the brand. So no more excuses for not pairing trendy speakers with a superb screen.Booster Corp, 20 avenue des Tignes, Cannes (04 97 06 54 24).
