I’ve had all things French on my mind for the past week. After posting about a Jean-Louis Deniot designed apartment in Paris filled with contemporary art it left me thinking of other amazing apartments filled with wonderful treasures, and lead me to a London townhouse decorated by another stellar Parisian, François Catroux. The owners – Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie Chantal of Greece (the former from the Miller family of Duty Free fame, whose family commissioned a Palladian style Villa in Hong Kong by NY based Fairfax & Sammons) – have a stunning collection of art which Catroux has worked his magic with. The Princess claims their home took 3 years of serious house-hunting to find, but I think it was worth the wait…
A Hervé van der Straeten chandelier hangs in the entrace above an English Regency mirror and a c. 1917 Viennese ebony & silver bench.
In the main living area antiques such as the Viennese ebony chair and a Regency mirror mix harmoniously with more contemporary pieces such as the Hervé van der Straeten designed lamp and cabinet, a Christian Liaigre side table, and custom pieces designed by Catroux. The Flowers painting above the fireplace is by US artist Donald Baechler.
A Jean-Michel Basquiat painting provides some colour in the otherwise neutral library. The custom sofa and chairs are by Catroux, the coffee table is from Christian Liaigre.
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings designed dining chairs by Saridis around a Catroux designed dining table. A custom Claude Lalanne chandelier hangs above and a Hervé van der Straeten mirror sits above the fireplace.
All photos from House & Garden November 2006, photography by Robert Wyatt.
Just amazing light fixtures!
The French have such flair and chic. I am loving the Viennese ebony chair.
Just imagine – I love the chandelier too – in fact I love all of the Herve van der Straeten peices they have. So chic!
C.P. – Catroux has done such a great job of making the art the focal point, the Basquiat is so stunning it should take centrestage!
M&Co. – thanks for visiting!
TTI – I’d love to see the images of their former apartment if you ever find them…the article didn’t say what part of London it was in, but its such a beauty!
Jennifer – I’m still on the french kick actually…if you find images of the other Catroux apartment, I’d love to see them!
Emily – I love it too..and RIP to H&G indeed…I’m really missing it!
Ooo, I have this issue of H&G (RIP!!) and I love the entryway and living room. So sophisticated!
I think the Deniot apt. got me on a French kick too! I love the Catroux designed home here. In fact, I recently came across a 1960s image of Catroux’ home- rather mod!
This is an incredibly beautiful home! I wonder where it is in London? I remember seeing their former home in some magazine years ago, and I recognize the Donald Baechler from the old home. Great post!
Oh gosh this is just soo stunning! Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
This is to die for. I love rooms in which artwork takes centerstage (the Basquiat), but in the other rooms, the furniture and accessories are so interesting that they serve as art. I love the sculptural table lamp in the living area.
oooh I love that first chandelier……and how the artwork becomes a wonderful feature in such a neutral room.