emma de pourtales

Weightlessness store in Tokyo

February 13, 2014 by emmadepourtales

The Japanese design studio Nendo has styled the Compolux store in the Shibuya district in Tokyo. The big wide open space has been visually divided by white iron fences. Both the fences and the mannequin are attached to rails in the ceiling, so they can be easily rearranged. It seems that gravity has been taken off the space, the lightness is palpable and the whole space seems to be floating, giving strong visual impact to the herringbone pattern of the […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: compolux, design, nendo, seibu departement store, shibuya, store design, tokyo

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Simple timeless chair.

February 3, 2014 by emmadepourtales

The Branca chair (2011) designed by Industrial Facility and manufactured by the Mattiazzi factory. The curves flow so perfectly, one would think that such shape should be made out of plastic or metal tubes. And yet it is made out of wood. Complex forms and joints have been produced using computer-controlled robots. For each back upright of this chair, an 8-axis robotic arm cut, shaped and drilled a pre-shaped piece of wood. Traditional hand and factory methods were used to […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., LONDON

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Afteroom Coat Hanger.

February 2, 2014 by emmadepourtales

Afteroom is a Swedish design company, founded by Hung-Ming Chen and Chen-Yen Wei and dedicated to create beautiful, simple and honest products, the kind you want to grow old with. The kind of objective I adhere to. They claim their inspiration derives from an intriguing interest of forms, senses, proportions, materials and cultures. I find their new Coat Hanger for the design collective Menu interesting. A clean, urban […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS. • Tags: afteroom, Chen-Yen Wei, Coat Hanger, eames coat rack, Hung-Ming Chen, menu, swedish design, Swedish design company

Kids retro.

January 17, 2014 by emmadepourtales

I have been a little obsessed by kids furniture lately as I redoing my daughter’s room in view of the arrival of her little sister. I came across this “reversible” armchair designed in 1953 by Genevieve Dangles and Christian Defrance. The chair evolves with the child, as he grows, it can be turned upside down. Definitely has a timeless feel to it but could not manage to get hold of one so far, so if you do know, please contact […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., Uncategorized • Tags: Christian Defrance, Genevieve Dangles, kids furniture, Retro

Contemporary Flat to rent in London.

January 12, 2014 by emmadepourtales

The place is a former shop which has been converted into a contemporary home of approximatively 100 sqm. Thank to a south facing front window of approximatively 4 meters by 4 meters, it is extremely bright. It is located within minutes from delightful open space of Highbury (lovely park & playground, sports centre and swimming pool) and only a few minutes from Highbury & Islington Station (Victoria Line and Overground). The area of Islington is both trendy and children friendly. The […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN LONDON., LONDON • Tags: contemporary space, flat for rent, highbury, islington, London, rent

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1920’s 100sqm flat refurbishment

December 26, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Complete refurbishment of a ca. 100 sqm flat in a 1920’s building. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, turned into a 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms flat, with open kitchen. Work duration: ca. 4 months. Here are a few before – after pictures…. More to come. Click on one picture to open slideshow. Before… During… And after… And a few close ups… all pics, copyright Philippe Brunel.

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., GUESTHOUSES., REVERIES. • Tags: 1920, 1930, before-after, interior decoration, interior design, refurbishment

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Mad about grey.

December 10, 2013 by emmadepourtales

I have a confession: I have always been mad about grey. Hence I found this entry about how to choose the right shade of grey paint on madaboutthehouse.com very edifying and thought I would share it with you. Here are some examples of variations of grey. For the full article and advice on how to work with grey, see choosing the right shade of grey paint.

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., REVERIES. • Tags: choosing the right grey, fantastic grey, grey, paint, shades

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Perfection in Paris.

December 7, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Harmony. Serenity. Beauty. These are the words that are coming to my mind during this virtual visit of talented architect Joseph Dirand ‘s flat in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This beautiful flat located in an hotel particulier in Paris has been beautifully refurbished by the architect who restored original features, giving this space a timeless yet contemporary feel thanks to the choice of furniture, colours and materials. Superbe. via AD Magazine, Le Luxe minimal selon Joseph Dirand, article by Sophie Pinet.

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., PARIS, REVERIES. • Tags: Architectural Digest, beautiful spaces, Joseph Dirand, Minimal Luxury, Paris

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Chinese fairtrade and exquisite cushions.

December 4, 2013 by emmadepourtales

We all be prejudiced against any material produced and/or sourced from China and sometimes, we should not. Tù Textiles is a design company, founded by an American architect and Australian designer, both based in Beijing, which demonstrates that the Chinese textile industry is able to supply material produced in a way which is both environmentally and socially responsible. That is for the philosophy. As for the result, judge by yourself: I find these cushions made of 100% organic cotton, reproducing […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: Beijing, China, Fair Trade, TùTextiles

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Tableware and French utmost luxury.

November 7, 2013 by emmadepourtales

I came across Marie Daâge beautiful hand painted tableware. This fine porcelain de Limoges has this timeless elegance which conveys a delicate sense of abundance and warmth. Have a look at the “horizon” collection. This will definitely add an exquisite christmassy feel to your table…. and well I can only adhere to creations which contributes to preserve and perpetuate traditional crafts…. To have a glance on how beautiful and magical refined craftsmanship can be, click on this link.

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., PARIS • Tags: Art, craftsmanship, French luxury, handmade, porcelaine de limoges, savoir faire

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Spanish lighting.

November 3, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Marset is a Spanish based light manufacturer. I could have said lamps manufacturer, but actually light is what Marset is about really, in the sense of creating an atmosphere. Marset team designs and manufactures all of its products. Here is my favourite one: the Scotch Club Lamp.

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS. • Tags: lighting, Marset, Scotch Club, Spain

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Hartô.

November 3, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Hartô is a French design brand and young designers studio, created in 2011. Hartô launched its first collection in September 2013. Its products are designed in-house by a team of designers and produced in France or Europe by small factories and workshop where manual work is at the heart of the production process. Hence clever design and attention to details which results in beautiful products with high quality standards. Have a look and if you happen to be in Paris, […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN PARIS., PARIS • Tags: craftsmanship, design, Furniture, Hartô, Paris

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