Recently, French interior designers and architects have flexed their muscles on 2 real life projects: preserving the grandeur of French style, while giving the renovated showroom a touch of contemporary look; and designing a modular house concept based on eco/techno solutions.

Texts by Charlotte Louise Ho

Lelièvre, 13 rue du Mail 75002 Paris

Lelièvre, the high-end fabric designer and manufacturer, has reopened its historic showroom at 13, rue du Mail (the high-end textile street in Paris ’ 2nd arrondissement). Since its establishment in 1914, many still see Lelièvre as the paragon of French fabric excellence. Unique creations and unparralled know-how are Lelièvre’s trade-mark. Lelièvre’s portfolio of brands include: Kenzo home, Missoni home, Tassinari et Chatel, Alcantara, Gaston y Daniela.

Architect Jean-Philippe Nuel has designed this exquisite space. To respect the individual character of each brand and yet highlight each product the renovation had to be discreet. Nuel refreshed the traditional Parisian style, applying shades of prune and echoing the circles on the ceiling with the circles on the floor.

The new concept “Tomorrow’s House” was recently presented at Batimat Tradeshow in Paris . The concept showcases the future of individual housing in terms of the environment, architecture and technology.

Designed by architect Eric Wuilmot, the house is predominately made of wood. Wood was chosen for its qualities unmatched by concrete or stone, and because wood is plentiful. Facing south, the house is built around a glass-covered patio, which, like a convertible is removed in the summer. The combined use of glass roofs and solar screens, provides primary energy for light, heating, etc.

The 2,153 sq feet house is made of 3 pre-fabricated modules, designed to be assembled in approximately a month. Each module serves different purposes: the entrance, sleeping and living areas. Wuilmot designed the house to have a facile form and lucid lines allowing the owner to personalise their home. Simple in style, the concept includes enough technological advances to please a tree-hugger, house a designer or excite a techno-geek. For instance: The owner can control the house’s function with a universal remote control.

Jacques Garcia at Versailles

World famous interior architect Jacques Garcia just finished the artistic layout of the latest exhibition in Versailles, “When Silver Furnished Versailles”. A total of 150 pieces all made of silver are displayed in the King’s Apartments to recreate the atmosphere of the Sun King’s flamboyance.

All of the pieces on exhibit were made for European Royal houses in the early XVIIIth Century. The Sun King’s collection was rapidly melted, having to be turned into money to finance a war against the Augsbourg League. On display are decorative pieces of impressive dimensions: 6 feet tall candelabras, mirrors weighing a ton, 1-ton balustrades, and even tables…

Grand Rex

Where NY has the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Paris has the water works show at the Grand Rex. Last of the movie-palaces of Europe, The Grand Rex was inspired from the American concept that a movie-palace was to impress the spectator into feeling like he was outdoors while he was sitting in the luxury of a red velvet seat. The Rex’s stats certainly impress: 2,650 seats; a 3,100 sq-foot screen…

Built in the 1930’s, the Grand Rex has preserved its 30’s architecture and décor. The façade is Art Deco, and its interior evokes the shores of the Mediterranean. The waterworks date back to the years when a show was put on before the movie started. This year’s show is an evocation of the four seasons: if you go, you’ll see rain and snow from the very comfort of your seat!

LE BON MARCHÉ

The luxury left-bank department store, stepped-up its home gift department for the holiday season. Over 2,000 sq feet are dedicated to gifts for the house, and are just another reason to shop south of the river Seine. This temporary display is located on the 3rd floor right next to the furniture department. To be found are designer decoration objects, such as cub-ar’s obsidian objects.