Jean-Loup Daraux
By the Light of the Sea
Photographs by Mario Ciampi
The colors and textures and exquisite details captured
in this gorgeous book have inspired me as I’ve worked on
my husband’s study. Love the use of antique hardware
and reclaimed wood. The sonorous quality of deep
natural tones balanced with just the right amount of
color and light…
The artist, sculptor, collector Jean-Loup Daraux writes:
“I mixed contemporary with antique, languid serene colours with
others that were audacious, light refined materials with the raw, wood
and concrete, mosaics and metal. And of course I filled it with objects,
selected for their unlimited poetry.”
Detail of riveted door and antique French bronze watering can…
Jean-Loup again… “I love iron because it lies between the flame and
the anvil, because it comes down to us from the beginning of time”…
and “how can one not be enchanted by the successive repairs
on this very old watering can that I have had for so many years. “
A detail I hadn’t really noticed until I recently found my own little
18th century French watering can (above) …
It reminds me of the French term “belle laide”…literally
“beautiful ugly”. And, as usual, I wonder where it’s been…
You can catch glimpses of his antique watering cans
in several photos…I love homes that give a sense of
the passions of those who live there…
Here’s a larger photo that shows how all the elements are balanced…
the touch of purple…the verdigris of old copper in the cabinet…
the rough with the smooth…
Gorgeous composition of hard lines, strong color,
rough antiquity, Jean-Loup’s modern painting…
Traditional study elements…the ladder, leather club chairs, a trio of
classically moulded bookcases, simple drapery hardware…
Beautifully underscored by the modernity of rough etched
concrete floors, the antiquity of over-sized antique crystal and urn…
In a foreword on Jean-Loup Daraux’s style, Guillaume Tournier writes:
“…to decorate a home is not to “dress” it, but to give it life, to fill it
with dreams and the irreplaceable: humanity, friendship and beauty.”
Of course I’m only scratching the surface of this beautiful book…
Lightly written…it’s a bit like poetry…and I find something new in
it every time I look through it…
Trish
Thanks for sharing this is a gorgeous book. I love the traditional study and studio, it would be a place where I would happily spend hours upon hours…..
I know your re-make will be as poetic and beautiful. Your husband will be forever grateful.
cheers,
joanny
I love those greyish purple lamp shades!
I swear my heart stopped when I saw the first picture! Thanks for sharing.
I cannot wait to read this book, thank you for posting! I am enamored of the well-worn leather wing chair in the last photo. Beautiful photos, all of them, and Trouvais is a beautiful site–it’s a confection to be savored…:)
Well, you had me at the riveted door and made me a convert with the line about “I love iron because it lies between the flame and the anvil, because it comes down to us from the beginning of time.” Love the lush mix of textures, the story telling of time forgotten and time remembered. I feel my Mr. Amazon fingers twitching reading about this book! I wish with all my heart I had had my dad teach me how to weld. Just imagining his face at my asking him to do that makes me chuckle. I was a bit of a book-nosed priss…but now, ah the passion and fusion of fire and metal.
Trish I am in love with this, those lavender lampshaded lamps …the elements throughout are superb!
Come read a great interview, then enter my latest giveaway!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
my stars. what beauty. thanks so much for that wonderful look, Trish. And, yes, his words are just as beautiful.
think I must have that book…
Donna
Hello !
The old door is fantastic !
Thank you for this pictures…
Céline.
I desperately love your blog! 🙂
Incredibly beautiful! I loved the mix and especially the bit of relaxed flair… truly, this makes a house
a home—comfortable to sit, relaxed enough to enjoy. I cannot get over the library 🙂 I would love to
add this book to my Christmas list after seeing these…
I hope you are having a wonderful start to the week, Trish!
xoxo
I’m so glad I didn’t miss this post! I’ll be adding this book to my wishlist right away! The hardware on those doors…and the purple lampshades…GORGEOUSNESS!
Have a fabulous week!
Linsey
That is beautiful. Really inspiring. Love it.
Come to New Zealand!!
Hi Trish
Love those watering cans!!
Having trouble getting through to you by mail, new photos are up, I was going to suggest a chat!
Sharon
xx
I knew you would love the books of Jean – Loup Daraux!!!
xx
Greet
Hello Trish,
What a gorgeous book. I learn something new from you on each of your inspiring posts! Love the “belle laide” phrase. I never learned that one in any of my French language studies.
Carla
Amazing book!! I love the first picture you showed with the wooden horses! They are so beautiful/neutral/organic.