Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Cera’Style has been plying its trade for over 15 years. This is the kingdom of tiles and tiling, and for a piece of advice or for purchases, the team composed of real professionals provides help, explanations and assistance in your choice. A choice that will be made from brands such as Cotto d’Este, Rex, Imola, Floor Grey, Léa… 45 route du Plan, Grasse (04 93 70 00 32).
“Our collection is like no other. It is inspired by the beauty and nobility of materials and a melting-pot of influences, from the Far East and the West.” From the Kuta Gallery, a new address at the heart of Aix, the message comes loud and clear. Here you’ll find a selection of items for the home, made by craftsmen, in limited editions (logical !), which all tell a story. They include mango-wood vases, contemporary paintings and design, rice bowls or tea-cups to be used for different purposes (the first to serve gazpacho, the second for sorbets)… At the Kuta Gallery, the stage is set by Ceylon, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, India and many other exotic lands. With a single aim : to embellish daily life. 17 bis rue Frédéric-Mistral, Aix-en-Provence (04 42 26 08 74).
With “Dune”, shown here in its standard lamp version (the model also exists as a ceiling light, table lamp and wall-light), Jean-Paul Marzais offers the room stylized light. A telescopic column in steel, 1.20 metres high minimum and 1.95 metres maximum, with an elliptic shade in black or white PVC, this accessory intends to make itself indispensable ! Marzais Création, from Serra Luminaires, 2 rue Gubernatis, Nice (04 93 80 40 61).
Vanessa Lambert, Barbara Zorn and Mickaël Cailloux, the trio forming Atelier LZC, have produced collections called “Folklore”, “Géométries” and “Enfants”. Evocative and lively silkscreens which can be slipped onto cards, tea-cloths, mirrors, paper napkins, table mats and even tins of organic tea from Sri Lanka. Available from Lifestyle Bazaar, 35 rue Droite, Nice (04 93 54 50 64).
Vico Magistretti’s “Solaro” has fun combining the horizontal lines of large, low-level units with walnut slats with black marquetry and the semi-circles of metal handles. A contrasting effect guaranteed ! This modular kitchen defies tradition and offers new dimensions and undeniable charm to the space dedicated to culinary preparation. Midway between the professional laboratory and a warm room for living and sharing. Below, “Spezie” designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba. Their idea was to link the work surfaces and doors, create volumes that are both practical and pleasing to the eye. No break, therefore, between the various units to ensure harmonious continuity. Schiffini, from Universal Décoration, Z.I. des Tourrades, Mandelieu (04 92 19 64 50).
The “Ala” collection designed by Paola Piva offers a wide palette of possibilities. The bed offering practicality, clean design and real appeal can be complemented as needed by items from a vast choice of furnishings in the same style. In all, no less than ten ideas for layout are proposed. Poliform, from Sifas, 1010 chemin des Campelières, Espace Azur, Mougins (04 92 18 64 20).
Grange designs furniture in which history plays its part. A sense of the past which does not exclude modernity. Take a look at “French Line”, a collection recalling furniture designed for transatlantic liners. Each item conveys the elegance and timeless chic of genuine luxury, a feeling for the cultural richness of yesteryear. On sale from Meubles Astor, 27 avenue Notre-Dame, Nice (04 93 62 19 21).
Like a capital “i”, the “ifocus” hearth (left) offers flames the chance to soar upwards to the sky ! With this model, the fireside attains real excellence in terms of elegance. The fireplace becomes a tasteful nook for relaxation. A radical change of style with “Mezzofocus” (right). The base stands in the middle of the room and the hood (plain or with protective glass) blends classicism and minimalism. Interesting design for the cylindrical pipe and semi-spherical cupola ! “Mezzofocus” adds a touch of surprise to real simplicity. Focus, on sale from Focus Lynn, 370 route de la Roquette, Mouans-Sartoux (04 92 92 88 20).
“Morna 2” goes for unfussy design and the use of noble materials. Its two creators, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, aim for sobriety with no contrivances. The bedhead and platform come in mutenye, grey oak or wengé. The base and drawers offer a choice of pearl or black lacquer. You can also add special quilting for bedheads, in fabric or suede. An appealing extra which softens the linear silhouette of “Morna 2”. Molteni, on sale from Loft, 25-27 rue de la Buffa, Nice. (04 93 16 09 09).
This parallel dressing-room has a sliding façade in opal glass on a single rail. Once inside, essentials and extras make the best possible use of the space. Mobalpa, 230 avenue Francis Tonner, Cannes (04 93 64 30 41).
Fogliarini has just, in fact, won the “Ideal Store 2006” prize awarded by members of the home decor trade and the Italian press. What was just a carpentry firm back in 1934 has indeed come a long way. Today, the Fogliarini brothers, Piero and Enzo, head a powerful group which is a big name in home decor. The family also owns the magnificent store Fa Maggiore in San Remo. With exhibition space of 2,800 m2 and the most exclusive Italian designers, Fogliarini gives priority to top quality fittings and furnishings in superb stage-sets : kitchens, bedrooms, lounges, studies, walk-in closets, lighting and all kinds of decorative items. Not content with showing the best and most modern offerings (materials, techniques, contemporary lines…), the store is ready to meet all your requirements and will also help you to pursue a tailormade project to create a new look, from plans to completion. Strada Provinciale, Perinaldo (00 39 0184 67 20 23 24). www.fogliarini.com
They hide in your closet, yes, but is that sufficient reason for coat-hangers not to be attractive ? A young company called Gohé offers professionals and private buyers a collection with an impeccable finish. “Cuir”, “Cèdre” and “Prestige” combine good looks with practicality and original ideas. You’ll even be sorry you have to stash them away ! www.groupe-gohe.com.
One can excel in reproducing antique furniture while succeeding in contemporary design. As proven by Roméo Claude Dalle who unfurls a wide array of skills, and can even propose top-to-bottom decor in very different styles. A team of professionals to turn your dream home into reality - with maestria. Claude Dalle Romeo, 17 boulevard Croisette, Le Gray d’Albion, Cannes (04 93 38 93 36).
Artificial light is part of our everyday lives. More than ever before, it is a logical part of interior decor, enhancing areas and objects. A true architect of light, Valente has just inaugurated a new showroom in Cogolin. A showroom of 200 m2 designed by Christophe Tolmer from “Un Autre Regard”, giving priority to anthracite grey and fuchsia pink. Wall lamps, ceiling lights, table lamps, all the players are on stage. All the leading lights too, from Baccarat to Artemide, Flos, Fontana Arte, Foscarini… Clearly, Valente’s realm of light is henceforth a must. Valente, ZA de Cogolin, route de Saint-Maur, Cogolin (04 94 54 46 84).
The semi built-in hearth called “Drakkar” comes in brushed stainless steel and solid cherrywood. Settle down comfortably right in front of it, and take a good look. Doesn’t it remind you of a hoisted sail ? Already spell-binding, the glow of a fire here promises voyages to distant lands in countries so far little explored. Cast off the moorings and gaze upon new horizons… Richard Le Droff, 609 route de la Roquette, Mougins (04 92 92 14 38).
“Largo-LG” in “RAL” crimson stands out as a go-ahead kitchen with the accent on design. Its stand-alone concept with areas for rinsing and cooking becomes the central focus of the room : with a single surface in stainless steel, it treats itself to contrast in the form of an adjoining table with a solid wood top. Unexpected, yes, but decidedly trendy. Today’s kitchen is both practical and eye-catching. Leicht, 3 rue Eugène Emmanuel, Nice (04 93 88 50 80).
The Moghadam name is indissociable from oriental carpets. Decorative pieces, works of art in the true sense of the term. Alexandre Moghadam set up shop in Monaco in 1977. This autumn, it’s his son Kamyar who is making headlines in the Principality, and in the entire world of carpets. He has just inaugurated a new showroom where over 400 contemporary models make it Europe’s N°1 store for stocking his ranges. His slogan, “Fashion for floors”, neatly sums up his philosophy : welcome to the world of carpets, in leather, fur, patchwork, lizard-printed skin, sheepskin, all handmade by experts. “We visit the customer’s home to see his environment, measure up, then select models likely to suit his taste. Nothing replaces showing carpets “in situ”. We also propose tailormade pieces, and deliver and install all our products.” A heritage of originality and professionalism. Moghadam, 41 boulevard des Moulins, Monaco (00 377 92 16 12 16).
This storage solution called “505” was designed by Luca Meda, whose success is an on-going phenomenon. His “In progress” system of doors makes for constant change and adapts to the life and needs of the user. The bonus is a tonic colour and a playful approach of hide-and-seek. Molteni. En vente chez Loft, 25-27 rue de la Buffa, Nice (04 93 16 09 09) ou chez Issima, 88-90 rue Grignan, Marseille (04 91 54 74 58).
Balli Whalla. An intriguing name for this shop which has just opened in Marseille. In Indi, it means “The man with two ear-rings”, the nickname given to Eric Brouillet, a decorator for the cinema who fell in love with India. He abandoned everything to devote himself to importing arts and crafts, textiles and furniture. In particular, items made by nomad tribes in the north. 114 corniche Kennedy, Marseille (04 91 52 18 99).
This brand stays loyal to its mascot designers, Paolo Nava and Fabio Casiraghi. In “Modus”, they have each designed their own living space. Their kitchen thus became a stage opening out to the lounge. Its central island has a work surface, sink, cooking range and extractor hood. Thanks to a high credenza, it cleverly hides the less glorious aspects of certain operations. The hood combines extractor and lighting functions. Discreet elements also accommodate shelving and household appliances. The model comes in two versions : “Modus HT” (high-tech) with a shiny lacquer finish, steel surfaces, a central island and sliding cupboards in white lacquer (right), and “Modus CL” (classic) with a cognac, brown oak or natural teak finish (left). Binova, chez Mouvement, 21 place Crillon, Avignon (04 90 16 91 11).
