Designer Profile: Yann Jallu

Designer Profile: Yann Jallu

While wandering through Maison Objet, I discovered a number of designers that I just adored.  Yann Jallu was one of them.  I find his work elegant, creative and beautiful.  I have included a few here to introduce you to him.

I absolutely adore this writing desk.  It has lots of little geometric slots for your materials - Functional while stylish and sophisticated.  My favourite combination!  I love the natural curve of the desk.  It adds a lovely feminine appeal to it. 

This little cocktail side table is smart and graceful with it’s straw marquetry, and tapered, sabre-style legs.  With it’s oval shape it harkens me back to the early 60’s circa MAD MEN.

Coffee tables don’t always have to only be clunky, functional objects.  Sometimes they can be elegant and refined, and here is an example of that.

This piece is light and sophisticated and would be a happy addition to a living room of the same look.

This console shelf is stunning and unique.  It is fantastically designed piece that adds interest to a space while being functional.

I love discovering new designers to see what they have to offer.  Yann Jallu is a master who understands that an interior requires style and grace. 

The New Life of Scrap

Scrap metal seems to be a big hit with the European design crowd.  I’ve actually been quite surprised with how many designers here are pursuing it in their collections.

There’s obviously a market for it, so let’s look at a few options we can choose from.

This chair by THOTMEA is mostly made out of old barrels.  The old metal is cold and harsh, but as luck has it, one of the barrels was painted red which really does heat it up a bit.  You can definitely add more comfort and warmth with throw cushions (but I think we can do a bit better than the one here- YUCK!).  Something like this could be a great corner piece in an urban loft or even as a collection of thrown together patio furniture. 

Next we have a workspace and desk by INTERIOR DECO.  It kind of looks like dad’s old work bench down in the basement, but I can see the appeal.  Makes you want to hunker down and get some work done!  It might feel more at home in a bachelor pad, but I can definitely see it working in a chic urban space with an edge.

These cut out rectangles of framed scrap are stunning.  They definitely have an ethnic appeal to them, and if you can see it in the picture, one is even being used as a headboard for a bed.  These really are gorgeous, and could be used for a number of amazing items.  For instance, you could use one to make a feature wall in a dining room and attach tea light holders to create an ethereal, dreamy feel.  

This little collection by VINCENT CADEAUX is fantastic.  Rusty metal, bolts and some old, flecked paint is all you need to create a stellar bar set.  It creates a fantastic look and would be perfect in a city apartment. 

This style is funky, young and different.  You’ll definitely cause a stir when you introduce this into your home.  Please note though, if it’s a true recycled piece you want, check with the designer, as some collections are only based on this sought after recycled look. 

Favourite Innovative Finds

 Maison Objet is one of the best places to find a plethora of innovations for the home.

Here are a couple of my favourites from the show.

This is a stellar item for clean freaks (like me) and moms!   MODERN TWIST EUROPE has developed silicon rubber place mats (as well as serving dish doilies and coasters).  I don’t know about most people but I am unbelievably anal about keeping my things in pristine condition and have always thought about how I am going to deal with having children.  I am definitely not one of those women that will be outfitting their dining table with Disney character, dishware and forks.  With this product I think I have found the answer to my OCD-like problems when I have kids. 

Some great facts about this product:

• Low chemical reactivity – making it resistant to staining or acidic foods (like vinegar, tomato sauce and wine), and household cleaning products
• Very low toxicity, making it safe for direct and prolonged contact with foods like oven bake ware, plate liners, cooking sheets.
• Does not support microbiological growth – bacteria and most other germs cannot grow on it, making it a very “clean” surface

 These placemats are beautiful, well-designed, practically indestructible and a breeze to clean.  They will protect your table from messes, look brand new for an era longer than it’s cloth counterpart and keep your dining room’s designer look all while being kid-friendly. 

A small but great answer to keeping at least one room free of ‘kid-stuff’ that has taken over the rest of your house.

This PAPER vase by VIRAGES is amazing.  You can change its shape by moulding it into a dish, a small bowl or vase according to what you want to use it for.  It may be thin and lightweight, but it’s design gives strength and resistance to its bowl shape.  When not in use you can fold it into itself so that it is paper thin.  It is innovative and eye-catching and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. 

Enjoy!

Sweet Little Chairs

And the adoration of Maison Objet continues.

Accessories are always a fallback if you find your room lacks interest and character.  Why not bypass that fallback and go straight for the main components of a room for those qualities?  Yes, there are only so many designs for a couch, and if you want something ‘designery’ and creative you’ll probably spend a small fortune on it.  But what about chairs?  Every room needs a single seater, and you’ll likely spend a lot less on a designer chair than on a designer couch.

Here are some great options I found that are different, sweet and attention snatchers.

This little number by MEMENTO grabbed me instantly.  The bright colour of the legs muted down by the more subtle shade of the seat is the perfect collaboration of loud and quiet.  It is finished off with a little ‘saddle bag’ and buckle adding an instant element of sweet diversity.

 

These beauties are from MAGIS.  From the front you have a contemporary stacking chair typical of the modern day kitchen seater.  From the back however, with a damask style mould, you now have an elegant, fresh twist on an everyday chair for your eating area.  I love this uptake because the adaptation was well thought out.  The only enhancement is on the back of the chair.  And really, how often do you look at the front of a kitchen chair anyways?  Someone is either on it or it is pushed under the table.  Bril.

These sweet seats from MUUTO are carved from wood.  They have an elegant and almost fairy like quality to them.   I think they are absolutely gorgeous and so unlike anything I saw at Maison Objet.  That is probably because they are used with a natural material, and to me, natural materials are what makes a house warm.  

This “Magic” chair by Davide Conti certainly had me fooled at first.  It is a fantastic illusion, and if you like having that shocking wow factor to amaze your guests, this chair is for you.

If you’re having trouble seeing how it is actually standing up, look more closely.  There are two pieces of plexi glass attached to the seat of the chair and the front leg.  I am always a sucker for the new and intriguing and I’m sure your friends are too.

Here is an updated version of Arne Jacobsen’s ‘Ant Chair’ (of which there are many!) by ASIATIDES.  It is pretty and cute and you could probably use it as funky patio furniture.  Adding the uncommon use of steel for residential furniture would be a great touch. 

So try to steer away from resorting ONLY to accessories to add those great final touches.  Let’s venture out and take home an extraordinary, fun, intriguing piece of furniture for your space.  You never know, it might inspire the rest of the room!

Ancestral Accessories

This is a subject I have wanted to write about for a while.  So when I kept coming across booths with these ‘special’ items at Maison Objet, I thought it was about time that I attack it.

The use of Tudor to Victorian style portraits as accessories in the contemporary home.  I’m not talking about people buying a portrait from an antique dealer and hanging it on their wall  -  But actually placing the image of Tudor/Victorian portraits on cushions, trays, wallpaper etc. etc. etc.!

It is everywhere here and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.

It’s not that I’m criticizing it at all – in fact I find it somewhat fascinating. 

These cushions are from Vox Populi.  The faces of these Victorian women are creepy and amazing and I think they are…..a little hilarious.  Some may disagree with me, but I think they would add some sort of whimsical humour to a space.  They are serious women that are supposed to be appreciated as a serious Victorian portrait, and instead their face has been stuck on a pillow!  Yes, quite hilarious.

In some cases these accessory portraits have undertaken the odd replacement of humans for animals dressed as Tudor figures.  Perhaps this is a certain take on the Tudors obsession for animal symbolism in their paintings but who really knows?  I must say thought that I find these ‘oh so fun’!  There is something, woodsy and ethereal about them.  They would be great in a library or study if you want to keep up their mock formality, but really they would look great in any space!  Especially where the main colours are light neutrals so they will stand out and grab your attention!

The design company, IBRDE makes a number of objects with images like these including trays and wall hangings. 

 These designs are quite ‘weird’, but will definitely add interest and intrigue to a space.  Everyone likes a conversation starter!

The Written Word

The writings on the wall

There is something beautiful about having special lines of poetry and favourite words stuck up on your wall for all your visitors to see.  You know magnetic poetry?  Same idea, but bigger and better.  The wall covering designer, Tracy Kendall, has really made a name for herself plastering larger than life decals on her clients’ walls, and more recently sticking a whole bunch of words up there too!

The two wallpapers below were featured at Maison Objet and I just LOVE them - Especially the black and white creation (below, left) that has a 3D element to it.  Sure we could just put up woven grass wallpaper to add texture to our walls, but this is taking it to a whole other level!

 The paper on the right I find produces such a beautiful old worldly feel yet is contemporized with the bright orange font colour.  The script is lovely imagery and even though busy, has a calming sense to it.

 These are different and innovative and will give your guests something to read while you’re mixing drinks! 

 Ok we’ve all seen mass produced canvas pictures, tables etc. with names of cities all over it.  There is something about this chair (From Now's HomeleBrun) though, that grabbed me.  The size, the shape and contours – there is something regal about it.  The contrast of the black and white really got my attention.  I think it could be very interesting as a pair opposite a sofa in a sitting room.

It would certainly reach your quota of ‘loud’ for your room.

 Note: Fabrics in white with black cursive writing on it are NOT so loud.  The contrast is not so stark and it allows for a more gentle imagery.  Where all caps letters are bold, flowing cursive lower case letters are not. 

 Stating the obvious – Is it really so bad?

I noticed quite a few pieces that had the object’s name emblazoned on them.  For instance a plastic chair had the word ‘chaise’ plastered all over it.  

Here is another option.  A little white table lamp from Exnovo with ‘light’ printed all over the shade.

Cute?  Yes.    Busy?  Quite.   

To have items like these in your home, you need to be a person who doesn’t get bogged down by brain pollution when you ingest too much media and graphics.  Negative elements aside, I still think it adds something very unique to a space.  But do be careful, too much will make the room loud and crazy.  You must always appreciate the delicate balance of too little or too much.  In other words, don’t reach your word limit!

Everything Maison Objet!!

If you haven't heard Maison Objet just passed through our little town of Paris.  Maison Objet is a HUGE, annual interior design show where the best and brightest from all over Europe (and a few from Asia as well!) exhibit their collections.
So stay tuned, I'm going to be churning out blogs like never before - there is so much to show you!
Get excited - I know I am!