Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Designed by Antonio Citterio and Toan Nguyen, “Ottochairs” add novelty to the world of seating. Innovation lies in the back of the chair, made of two materials with different degrees of flexibility, one matte, the other transparent. This model comes with or without rollers, in various finishes (leather, fabric) and an enticing palette of colours. 192 €. B&B Italia. (00 39 031 795 213).
Zou’s life as an artist involves constant research on volumes and proportions. “Proportions make it possible to produce monumental works,” explains Zou. Monumental, indeed ! The next phase in her work consists of sculptures for gardens that crown years of patience and apprenticeship. She first learnt modelling with Michèle Leca, a well-established sculptor who left an indelible mark. Then she studied under Martine Freze before meeting Max Siffredi. Encounters which would mould her art. Her works recall sensuality, fulfilment, intertwined lines that one wants to stroke with one’s fingertips. “One has to give the statue a soul, an expression to make it unique. The imagination of those who look at it does the rest.” Totally feminine, Zou’s sculptures evoke her inner journey, a voyage of initiation into the deep-seated self and an endless search for spirituality. 06 19 57 81 72 et zou-sculpteur.site.voila.fr.
Two custom-made cupboards with doors and uprights that adjust to accommodate a sloping roof, shelves, drawers, a unit on wheels and a work surface, this “Bleu Provence” layout puts the accent on warmth. Also available in other colours for a very inviting den. Archea, 69 bd Gambetta, Nice (04 93 44 53 68).
On a desk (preferably) or elsewhere, “Toloméo” is making its way into our work-a-day lives. Because it’s both indispensable and attractive. Made of aluminium, this adjustable lamp bends over backwards to meet your needs. Perched aloft, it will even climb down from its pedestal to throw more light on your files. Available in several formats and colours, it’s a clear-to-see solution. From 230 €. Artemide, on sale from Serra Luminaire Contemporain, 2 rue Gubernatis, Nice. (04 93 80 40 61).
Dedon calls on the services of only three designers to create its collections : the American Richard Frinier, Frank Ligthart from Belgium and Nicolas Thomkins who lives in Switzerland. Diverse origins which may well explain the international image of timeless garden furniture. You’ll come across it on the terraces of palatial hotels the world over, in our gardens and at the edge of our pools. Each item is handwoven and uses the synthetic fibre Hularo, known for its robustness and resistance to the passing years. The minimalist lounger called “Leaf” which is all for a return to Nature, “Lounge” with its strict, straight lines and the well-rounded “Hémisphère” all offer very different aspects of a multi-facetted brand. On sale from Harmonie Décoration, immeuble Saint-Jean, route de Bastia, Porto-Vecchio (04 95 70 30 70).
Remember the collection “White is magnifique” ? In order to complete it, Bernardaud now proposes “Nice”, a limited but very appealing line inspired by flowers and plants. Lots of freshness for this tableware in gourmet colours : red, orange, brown, parma violet… From starter to dessert, your table will be… so nice ! From 16 to 20.50 €. On sale from Galeries Lafayette, 6 avenue Jean-Médecin, Nice (04 9 17 36 36).
One simply can’t resist this giant-size pouff which has everything going for it. A choice of refreshing colours, made-to-measure comfort, proven child resistance and easy cleaning. And the rectangular shape of your “Sit on It” can be transformed into an arm-chair or an extra bed. 250 €. On sale from Akseswar, 28 rue Lamartine, Nice (08 72 16 17 67).
If you’re looking for a Schiffini kitchen, the address you need is Universal Décoration. The showroom is now the sole representative of this Italian brand, from Monaco to Saint-Tropez. The star model is called “Cinqueterre”, all in aluminium and designed by Vico Magistretti. Aluminium is, in fact, the main feature for the doors and the basic structure of the fittings. A metal synonymous with long life, easy maintenance and hygiene. In the same innovative and avant-garde spirit, “Spezie” signed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba unites doors and work surfaces, offering the kitchen functional but esthetically pleasing proportions. In all, there are four different kitchens on display at Mandelieu, offering the very best of what’s available today at the top end of the range. Universal Décoration, ZI les Tourrades, Palace Center bât. A, Mandelieu (04 92 19 64 50).
This superb and spectacular space sets the scene for two types of closets. On the right, a cabin wardrobe, modular in both height and width, with sliding glass doors mounted on aluminium frames. On the left, a fondness for bleached oak for the doors. In both examples, built-in lighting, sets of shelving, drawer units, hangers for trousers and ties… The order of the day : stash it away ! Lema, on sale from Picconalbicocco, Bordighera (00 39 0184 261 432).
The “Stripes” ensemble has a lot of nerve ! Minimalist yet very spacious, the table goes for a really flashy look to match shelves treated in the same breezy style. Try it in an office to make a splash ! Fantoni, on sale from Tecno@Design, Gênes (00 39 010 53 09 21).
1956 : glass with bubbles made its appearance in a little village on the Côte d’Azur. 2006 : the Verrerie de Biot celebrates its 50th anniversary and is launching for the occasion the “Riviera” bowl, an example of the expertise of its master glass-blowers. This autumn will also see the “Savane” line joining all the other creations of the famous Verrerie. Between two layers of glass, bubbles in tones recalling Africa bring a touch of safaris to our tables. Biot : chemin des Combes (04 93 65 03 00).
Creative, fond of working with noble materials and benefitting from the know-how of traditional crafts, Aimé-Cécil Noury and Pierre Dubois, alias “Les Héritiers”, have this year launched a collection of superb lamps in blown glass, the essence of transparency. They complete their offerings with a very contemporary line of furniture. Wing chairs, desks, coffee tables… classics treated to a whole new look. Design. 04 78 37 17 03.
For more than half a century, Kartell has pursued its research into materials, experimenting with new technologies and collaborating with top designers. A highly intelligent concept which results in extremely innovative and easy-to-live-with furnishings ! Such as Patrick Jouin’s “Optic” table in transparent polycarbonate, to be composed as one likes, Piero Lissoni’s very amusing “Pop” armchair, and a bookcase which, under the guidance of Giulio Polvana, becomes modular, allowing you to add shelving in unlimited dimensions. On sale from Halogène, 21 rue de la Buffa,, Nice (04 93 88 96 26).
Whether you’re searching for tiles, garden accessories or ideas for decorating (or redecorating) your bathroom, don’t waste time ! In 1,700 square metres, you’ll find expert advice and everything you need. With 60 references for flooring, inside or out, you’ll be sure to come across the tile you need. And for bathroom fittings and fixtures, the choice is just as wide. Idem for vases, balustrades and pool surrounds. Freno Ceramiche has solutions for all your problems. Freno Ceramiche, Corso della Republica, 95 – Camporosso (00 39 01 84 29 22 77).
When Philips and Christofle get together, the result is unique. Here, it takes the form of a numerical frame which comes in silver and takes up to 80 photos. 6.5’’ LCD screen, resolution 133 pixels per inch and a display of luminous images, with the possibility of viewing all the photos every five seconds, for example. Limited edition, 400 ?. On sale from Galeries Lafayette, Cap 3000, avenue Eugène-Donadeï, Saint-Laurent-du-Var (04 93 14 82 12) et 6 avenue Jean-Médecin, Nice (04 92 17 36 36).
Think different ! That’s the challenge launched by Habitat which, under the directorship of Tom Dixon, yet again proposes a new and rather off-beat look at interior decor. The aim is to enable everyone to create their own style, associating items without any “a priori” and ignoring the dictates of fashion. As always, for the autumn/winter collection, designers have started with traditional products then added their own individual touches : flashy colours, unusual patterns… Good examples are the “Keane”, “Spout” and “Vera” vases, “Drum Metallic” or “Japanese Ball” lampshades, “Magnetic” rugs, tableware and decorative items. Nice Etoile, 38 avenue Jean-Médecin, Nice (04 93 92 14 21).
Designed by Alfedo Häberli for Alias, “Taormina” has the feel of something brand new. In a lounge, living-room, study or public premises, it is elegant in its leather version, practical in “FA Njord” upholstery. Structurally, the choice is vast : in steel, it comes with four legs, a sliding runner or lounge runner, a longer base and lower seat. On sale from A6, 14 boulevard Chancel, Antibes (04 93 33 11 75).
Sol Bois sets nature at your feet ! Specializing in the supply and laying of parquet flooring for the home and garden, the company also proposes advice on technical matters and renovation. From the plans to the finished achievement, the team takes charge of all the intervening stages. Pros from A to Z ! 46 rue Arson, Nice (04 93 51 42 12).
Hélène Padiou has made her mark in the world of paving, tiling, mosaics, ceramics and stone, for both indoors and out. In 2006, she is expanding. Her showroom now proposes six new booths for bathrooms, the hangar has been refurbished and the garden has been landscaped. Visitors discover contemporary ambiances, are offered a wide choice of products and can even watch slide presentations on an LCD screen. Outside, fountains, Japanese ponds and wrought-iron gates create different atmospheres (Provençal, oriental…). Hélène Padiou, 616 avenue Saint-Martin, Mougins (04 93 75 12 94).
Exclusive products, creative designers, quality materials… Since 1987, Meritalia has made a point of only proposing top-notch furnishings. Such as “Benedetta” in its sofa or armchair version, with very sensual curves ; “Cubana”, a sturdy but elegant chair which is upholstered in leather and doesn’t mind showing its zip ; or “Cat”, in leather and aluminium. As for couches, each one is more contemporary than the next, from “Ludo” to “Flight alto” or “Aurora”. Idem for the tables, beds… Decidedly trendy, that’s a fact ! Meritalia, via Como 76/78, Mariano Comense (00 39 031 74 31 00).
