The Baroness

From the same lady who created this, from the cover of Elle Decor April 2008 (photographed by Roger Davies)...

...remember? We now also have this to drool over...

from the latest Australian Vogue Living (photographed by Richard Powers).

The Baroness de Pampelonne has created a spectacular apartment in Paris for a wealthy Russian client, who received the apartment as a present. As you do.

Its absolutely stunning, and easily one of few spaces I've ever seen I feel I could move right into without changing a single thing. The colours, the furniture, the art...the mix is perfection. I spy pieces by Hervé Van der Straeten, Gio Ponti, Eric Schmitt, Angelo Mangiarotti, Les Lalannes, Baguès, Ico Parisi, Jean Royere, Otto Wagner and Philippe Hiquily...its like a roll call of my favorite designers! I won't spoil it for you by posting all the images, even though I'm tempted. So make sure you go buy a copy, because the entire apartment is to die for.

Hervé Van Der Straeton

I'm absolutely smitten with these new pieces from French designer Hervé van der Straeton's latest collection - Manipulations. Check out the entire collection and an interview with the man himself on Luxury Culture.



I love the iridescent quality of the glass this chandelier is made from.



An amazing mix of luxe materials on such an unusual design.




And last but not least, this is definitely my favorite piece. The "Soulages" writing desk shows Van Der Straeton's eye for detail. Parchment lined interior with lighting, and custom hardware that is actually part of the design. Just stunning. Is it too soon to be making a wish list for Christmas?

Herve Van Der Straeton

I found these pics of Hervé van der Straeton's (one of my favorite designers, wh0 I'm sure will be - looking back -an outstanding figure of 21st Century design) Paris apartment on photographer Simon Watson's website and had to share - just because I'm thinking all things French this week, and because I've not seen them published elsewhere. Enjoy - and have a great weekend!

Un rêve d'or

I'm loving this spread in the latest Architectural Digest (French edition). A stunning collection of objet d'or by some of the greatest contemporary designers of our day, I wouldn't mind getting any of these from Santa this year!

The even more stunnng backdrop is the Hôtel Arturo Lopez, just outside of Paris. Built in 1903 by Italian architect Paul Rodocanachi (a frequent collaborator of Jean-Michel Frank), the Hôtel was bought by the wealthy Chilean Arturo Lopez in 1930. Every room has a different theme including a miniature copy of the hall of mirrors from Versailles, and a room entirely covered with shells. At the moment, from what I can make out, this incredible home (which was purchased by the local municipality in 1971) is now being used as a museum. I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I did!


This is probably my favorite pic...how stunning is that marble! The bronze table is by Meret Oppenheim, and the two gold spheres - one resin, the other gold leaf - are by Pierre Giraudon.


The light fixture on the left is by Hubert Le Gall, and the bookshelf on the right is by Vicenzo de Cotiis.

In front of a Herve van der Straeton mirror is a chair by Philippe Hiquilly, on top of which sits a rock table prototype by Arik Levy.

Above a plexiglas and polished pink mirror table by Guy de Rougement is a mirror by Hubert Le Gall.

A small box by Elizabeth Garouste sits atop a piece by Herve van der Straeton.

From Architectural Digest (France) No. 80, December 2008 - January 2009. All photos by Philippe Garcia.