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As I prepare for my trip to Paris to explore Maison & Objet, I like to keep some time in my schedule to visit some of my favourite shops and galleries, to get inspired and to dream. I always end up making a wish list from the beautiful things I see.
On the Rive Gauche, I find Marin Montagut’s cute shop very charming. There he sells porcelains, glassware, wall decorations and silks, all hand-painted and made in France. Martin is great at sourcing artisans from all over the country. I like the bohemian style of his recycled glassware.
Talmaris has a more sophisticated selection of tableware, carrying everything from botanical to equestrian themes, with bits of chic silverware and Murano glasses. The feel here is small-scale and personal: you have to send a WhatsApp message to the owner’s phone, so he can come and open the shop for you.
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The way Galerie May displays its furniture and design pieces makes you want to buy the rooms as they are. Owners Maylis and Charles Tassin have impeccable taste, and they decorate the gallery’s rooms in a very elegant way, mixing their collections with antiques and emerging artists. I wish I had a bigger house to fit in their now-famous Regg sofa
Not too far from Galerie May, Emblem, with long roots dating back to the 18th century, is built on the site that hosted the ancient Carmelite convent of Grenelle, the D’Artagnan Hotel. Emblem manufactures pieces of design and furniture using some of the oldest and most important French houses, from cabinetry by Taillardat to enamels by Emaux de Longwy.
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India Mahdavi is probably one of the most prolific designers in Paris I know, and galleries under her name always have wonderful pieces and creations. I enjoy being surprised by new objects every time, alongside her collaborations with brands as diverse as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Nilufar Gallery and H&M Home.
I am a big fan of carpets and rugs, which I like to see hanging on walls, as well as covering floors. And a stop at Pinton 1867 is de rigueur. From abstract to geometric, hand knotted or flat-weave, there’s plenty of carpets to choose from. Maybe the one designed by celebrated artist Glenn Brown will catch my eye? In contrast with the new ones, Pinton has also a wonderful selection of antique Aubusson tapestries.
On the Rive Droite instead, Houlès has the very best trimmings, braids, fringes and tassels: beaded, crocheted, silk. These accessories really make curtains and sofas much happier.
For contemporary design, Hervé van der Straeten gallery is probably one of my favourite in Paris. His sleek designs – from consoles to mirrors, lights and chairs, are widely celebrated and are distinctive in terms of proportions, materials and shapes. He has such an innovative eye, and I like the way he embellishes his creations, pairing an air of experimentation with a keen attention to detail.
Since 2009, Pinto Paris has been associated with France’s beloved arts industries: from cabinetmakers, lacquerers and upholsterers to bronzers, stonemasons, parchment makers and lapidaries. Pinto’s furniture, tableware and accessories are predominantly one of a kind or limited edition. Each piece – designed and fully crafted by hand, using rare materials – is distinguished by precision craftsmanship. It’s without doubt a visual joy from a maison of taste.
For more design delights, head to Maison & Objet, which runs in Paris, and around the city, 19–23 January 2023
