Nonconformist to the Core

Géraldine Prieur’s Flamboyant Hues

Her unconventional and full colors define sophisticated and rare spaces. Born of a contemporary reinterpretation of the decorative arts, the furniture imaged by the designer presents original volumes and flamboyant colors. By combining the nobility of leather with the strength of wood and the splendor of lacquer, she creates a perfect union of luxury and artisty. Energized, gallant and feminine, each piece presents a rare design, breathing new life into the wonderful world of décor.

The door to the apartment opens and a brilliant color display erupts. Passing through one room after another we discover the colorful and non-conformist universe of Prieur. She opted for a vibrant palette of color, energising and full of pep, composed to exploit light by applying the additive color synthesis principle which superimposes the three primary colors: red, green and blue.

The original 1860 stained glass windows were restored, and the palm tree in brass gives a 70’s style exotic touch. To the left of the sofa, the Babylone standard lamp in lit, lacquered walnut is a Rouge Absolu creation. A Sexy Doll low stool with a brushed lacquer finish in two shades of green. The walls are painted in a fuschia magenta red and the doors are in liquorice black, creating a stark–yet beautiful–contrast. A pair of sculpted lights designed by Max Sauze frame the door leading to the corridor. The panther seat, created by a Californian designer in 1980, was bargain-hunted at the Puces du Design in Paris around fifteen years ago.

A family portrait painted by Charles Auguste Vandenbergue in 1824 is situated above a Louis XVI chest of drawers. Her husband’s collectors’ edition of the Rolling Stones lies open on its black marble. A bench seat with curving projections is covered in a Dédar velvet.

The stunning aquamarine blue walls create a beautiful contrast against the thick-fringed linen curtains, printed with a motif created by Prieur. A work by Damien Brunnier with a dominant pink note is situated behind the 1958 edition, American “Sol-Plafond” lamp. In the foreground, a 637 model Utrecht armchair imagined by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935 creates a timeless fashion. Prieur and her husband fell for the sculpture-like black wood coffee table. It is a unique piece bought in a London gallery. To the right of the fireplace an oil-painting entitled “Libellule” dates from 1968 and is signed by C.Jonckere. It represents concentric circles of colors. In front of the Busnelli sofa, padded with Elitis loom state good linen may be seen the UP TO YOU gueridon-table designed and produced by Rouge Absolu. It exists in all colors.

In the family seating room, a standard lamp and a pair of wall-mounted lamps apparently floating above the fireplace, are signed by Lunel, 1950. In front of the fireplace is the Exquisement coffee table in mahogany lacquered peacock blue, interior veneer in walnut and moveable ring in lightened French walnut.

Inspired by a 1930 ring belonging to the designer and given to her by her grandmother, this Up to You ‘consolatrice’ is in lightened French walnut with brushed lacquer and polished brass. The admirably worked, highly sculptural forms are what create its beauty. The veins in the wood are highly pronounced and there is a strong off-balance effect, which makes the piece very elegant, its angles being so different when we turn it.The rose Malabar of the dining room associated with numerous greens recalls the sweet taste from our childhood. It evokes the romanticism and coolness. The carpet, created by Prieur is laid on a black wall-to-wall floor covering.

19th century barbotines with bird and vegetal decorations ornament the mantle piece and the niche over the radiator screen. The original stained glass can still be seen in and above each door leading to the corridor. It diffuses a warm, amber light.A chandelier in white Murano illuminates the table.Veronese black glass wall-lamps are located either side of the fireplace. A floral composition signed by a Dutch designer and bought in Amsterdam harmonises with an 18th century Paris chest of drawers.

This absinthe green family kitchen is more than just a kitchen. It is a veritable living space where all the family likes to get together and talk. The central island, 4 metres long by 1.10 metres wide, has a grained black marble surface. It structures the space and movement. The armchairs are comfortable, height-adjustable and can swivel. They were designed by Prieur and have an Elitis Vinyl covering. To the right of the door leading to the corridor there are a pair of white wall lamps in Murano and below them the SEXY DOLL stool in chiselled oak, lacquered orange, designed and produced by Rouge Absolu.The herringbone parquet has been painted black while the mouldings, cornices and fireplace have been retained. There reigns an atmosphere of harmony and serenity in this space for living.Lotis model spotlights by Modular have been set in a casing above the central island for an even light

The alzarin red of this bedroom evokes passion and symbolises love, emotions and temptation. Finding it rich, powerful and energising, Prieur and her husband have always loved this colour for their most intimate of spaces.In front of the high window fitted with long Dédar satin curtains may be seen the GALANTE chair and collapsible table painted in yellow lacquer, both designed and produced by Rouge Absolu.The mat, a Prieur design, is laid upon red wall-to-wall carpeting. A photograph by Thomas Rush hangs in the angle to the left of the window. Above the bed there is a Graphist’Art work by Miokee Dylan bought in London.

A texture produced from the basic ingredients of wood pulp, wax and rapeseed oil overlays the high doors of the bedroom wardrobes.The designer’s bathroom walls have a small, red, Bisazza mosaic surface.The bath and hand basin are in matt resin.

Photography Credits: Francis Amiand