First dibs and other similar sites have opened up the world for those of us who enjoy “hunting” for the perfect pieces for our abodes. When I see the offerings it always makes me wonder what the designers shop looks like and how the furnishings look on display in the shop or showroom.
Last weekend I drove up to L’isle Sur la Sorgue, the 3rd largest antiques capital in Europe and had the chance to stroll through the amazing world of Xavier Nicod (click on the name to go to his 1st dibs page).
This man has a great eye, he focuses on timeless pieces that harmonize with most anything. I visited the shop the evening I arrived, it was an enticing setting, beautifully lit, but I went back the next day so I could explore the offerings again with the benefit of the sunlight.
The shop is an adventure to itself, the floor in this room is filled with pebbles, suggesting the pleasures of indoor~outdoor living.
Tree trunks are used for trim and design in this room.
These pieces are from a Venetian Chandelier they are in the process of restoring.
I am in love with this piece from the 30’s and want to use it as a buffet in my dining area, but I’m torn because I would want to change the top to a mirror, and that seems like such a waste of a gorgeous slab of marble. The interior of the piece is all lined in mirrors as well.
This armoire is monstrous, I loved exploring all of the stacks of unique items all around the store.
It’s the kind of place where you can walk by the same area a couple of times and find completely different things with each swipe.
Many wonderful sconces can be found lying around the shop.
He’s created an enchanting garden area with bamboo that is filled with great outdoor furniture. I love these folding pagoda style chairs, it is an exceptional set of 10 chairs, very unique.
The seat and back rest are made of tied rope.
Collections of mirrors, frames and paintings can be found throughout the shop, this chrome mirror is especially handsome.
I have always focused on antiques for my home, but for our apartment, we are going for a more contemporary look. It took all of the resistance I could muster to walk by this sweet bar trolley.
These tables are very cool — you are looking at 2 stacked on top of each other, I love the design. He has a third one in the garden as well, simple but strong design.
Two great Chinoise wooden panels, they would look great hanging on a wall or as a headboard for a bed.
The bamboo and the simple metal hanging lanterns are found throughout the magical garden.
The yellow aviary~palace would make a charming abode for some very special feathered friends.
Even the front of the store emits design genius.
More on this charming town in Provence and the beautiful light to come.
The Best of the Best at L'Isle sur la Sorgue without a doubt! Oh, I hope that you bought that buffet, it is an amazing piece…perhaps you could use the marble elsewhere?
Amazing, Emily! We missed him when we were in L'isle Sur la Sorgue. Next time a must! Love the pink pebbles! XOXO
Emily what a great place to explore! So many wondrous finds!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Probably not, Heather… and I have this guilty feeling over my head that those two have been together so long they shouldn't be separated, even though it is not connected (physically) at all.
Karena, the antiques and creative artistry here always inspires me, I think you would love it.
Jeannie, the pebbles are a surprise when you walk in, but it's sort of a way to say " this is not just another gallery", which is true… having very Seattle~like weather in Eze today!