As anyone who has been inside a genuine Parisian’s apartment would know, the locals’ sense of style extends well beyond their wardrobes and into every aspect of interior design. How do they get their homes looking so chic? With the help of exceptional French designers and artisans and, essentially, the concept stores that work with and promote them. Below are the best places in the French capital to shop for furniture and decor that are on trend and off the beaten path.
Empreintes is the Haut-Marais’ newest craft concept store, occupying four floors and 600 square meters of a bright, airy building by the Carreau du Temple and the Marché des Enfants Rouges. The tableware, ornaments, jewelry, furniture, lighting, and artwork it carries are either unique or limited edition and come from the workshops of France’s most talented artisans. The space was designed by Elizabeth Leriche with the express intention of creating ‘a subdued and linear atmosphere that places almost exclusive emphasis on exhibited objects.’ A true destination, Empreintes also features a café, library, a projection room, and exhibition space.
Head to Fleux’ for striking contemporary furniture | Courtesy of Fleux’
Opened in 2005, Fleux’ is a stalwart of the Paris design community, the place to go to find out the latest trends and get inspiration for home decoration and gifts. The store has an impressive selection of lighting, from designer bulbs to suspended ceiling lamps, and furniture, tableware and ornaments. Fleux’ also carries brands which represent the best of contemporary design, including & Tradition, Bloomingville, Ferm Living, HAY, Normann Copenhagen, OMY, and Seletti.
Open Monday to Friday, 10:45AM to 7:30PM, Saturday, 10:30AM to 8PM, and Sunday, 1:30PM to 7:30PM.
Bobart’ is a boutique near the Centre Pompidou which specializes in smart, funny, but always stylish objects and curios. The business is a family-run affair, founded by two sisters with a taste for entrepreneurship and design. Aside from a large gift selection, there is a lot on offer in the way of home decoration, from vases and mirrors to high-tech gadgetry and cooking utensils. Bobart’ is the perfect place to shop for those finishing touches that make a design scheme come together.
Another design hot spot in the Haut Marais area, Merci was founded in March 2009 and was one of the first concept stores in Paris to bring together the worlds of men’s and women’s fashion and interior design. The household range includes luxury bed linens, indoor and outdoor furniture, wallpapers, designer lamps, decorative objects, and a gorgeous selection of ceramics. The wide range of design choice is matched by the variety of culinary options at Merci, which boasts three cafés and restaurants, one of which is situated within a 10,000-book library.
The 107RIVOLI boutique is a kind of museum gift shop and concept store hybrid, offering an exclusive range of objects which complement the latest exhibitions at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. The shop windows facing Rue de Rivoli are constantly updated by leading contemporary designers, and the items inside reflect the institution’s preference for ancestral craftsmanship and expert manufacturing. The 107RIVOLI likes to give young designers their first big break and the store is filled with brilliant examples of avant-garde decorative objects.
La Trésorerie was designed with old-school general stores and bazaars in mind, bringing together household objects that are as beautiful as they are useful. This concept store is situated in a repurposed administrative block (hence the name) and many of the original architectural features have been retained: the bars on the windows, the national insignia, and the wooden double doors. The type of treasure inside has changed but, for those who love interior design, it will be no less valuable.
Mayaro opened just one month ago in the 7th arrondissement and is the chicest shopping option for interior designers in town. What sets this particular establishment apart from other concept stores is that it’s primarily targeted at men. The expertly assembled collection of luxury goods on offer reflects the best of French artisanal craftsmanship and features leather goods by Guy Chanel and high-tech fine furnishings by IOTA Element. Mayaro will also collaborate with its creators on limited edition pieces, early examples of which include leather glasses and a handmade bicycle from heritage brand Maison Tamboite.
Open Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 6PM, and Saturday, 11AM to 7PM.
