Blue Home

Far from having a gloomy aspect, I can think of few rooms with a more festive case of the blues than those of M. Faré's apartment in the rue Faubourg St Honoré.

Decorator Marcel Bouhébent has used exuberant blues and mauves with subtle tones

of grey, stone, and yellow whose overall effect makes me think of the beauty of a brillantly colored butterfly’s wing.

The talent of the illustrator communicates iridescence.

What a welcoming place to come home.

The furnishings are covered in suede, the curtains lined with cream colored satin, drawings by Cocteau exhibit the graceful contours of the hand; this was the home of a maître gantier whose gloves were appreciated by the haute couture.

The jardin d'hiver is paved with pebbles, as is the adjoining terrace.

Its ceiling stretched with canvas to match the seating and recall the carpet of the other rooms.

Pour le plaisir des yeux.

illustrations by Pierre Mourgue

from Plaisir de France, 1943

Pied-à-terre Jansen 1943

The colors in these illustrations of Mme M's Parisian pied-à-terre by Jansen are a pure delight. Illustrator, Pierre Mourgue, better known for his work in fashion , captures the glowing quality of burnt tones set off by the surrounding cool violet-touched silver sophistication.

This elegant apartment served for receptions and as an after-theatre gathering place. It was created in 1943 when wartime transportation had become unreliable making Mme M's grand suburban residence unattainable during the late hours of her Parisian social life. This former atelier in the rue Saint Didier with loggia and a multitude of nooks made original interpretations of the space possible. The silver folding screen, modern tapestries by Legueux et Planson and heavy curtains of bordeaux velvet hung from the ceiling give a characteristic theatrical feel -

all worked in with the supreme refinement of the color scheme.

I couldn't help but think of another divan by Jansen in seeing this image...

The enviable object is here in the home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

These illustrations by Mourgue are from the Gazette du Bon Ton and date to the 20s. Alas,

I didn't have an example contemporary with the interior to show.

Illustrations such as these are full of color inspiration - be it for clothing or interiors.

As for Maison Jansen, probably the first of interior design firm, it was such a large operation and lasted so long (1880-1989) that at any given moment there are furnishings to offer on the market. In passing, a design school now occupies Jansen's manufacturing sites.
These sconces are to be found on eBay until the 21st of November.



The following three pieces were part of the Manalo March sale last October at Christie's. March was one of the firm's most important clients, after the Shah of Iran, during the second half of the 20th century.
Ormolu and glass table by Stéphane Boudin circa 1960

Lacquered brass and lapis lazuli gueridon circa 1965 by Pierre Delbée of Maison Jansen Christie's

4 green painted and parcel gilt side chairs circa 1965

Pierre Delbée of Maison Jansen Christie's