Get ready for a Parisian design adventure that will leave you feeling inspired and wanting more! This blog post is your ultimate guide to navigating the chic streets of Saint Germain, one of Paris’ most iconic interior design districts. Whether you’re an aspiring designer, a seasoned pro, or simply a design enthusiast, this walk-through will spark your creativity and introduce you to some of the most incredible showrooms in the city.
A Designer’s Dream Come True: The Saint Germain Design District
Imagine yourself strolling down cobbled streets, surrounded by stunning architecture and brimming with inspiration. That’s the experience you’ll have in Saint Germain. Every corner reveals a new design treasure, from traditional architecture to contemporary showrooms, all ready to ignite your imagination.
For those visiting Paris on the weekend, plan a quick visit on Friday, as many design showrooms are closed on Mondays. But fear not! If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Paris any other day of the year, this blog post will guide you through the best Parisian showrooms to discover.
A Visual Feast: Must-Visit Showrooms
Get ready to be wowed! Saint Germain is a haven for design lovers. To help you plan your trip, I’ve compiled a list of must-see showrooms, categorized by their unique offerings. Here are some of the highlights, but be sure to explore the map below for a full visual experience.
Literary Treasures & Textures Galore
Start your journey on Rue Bonaparte, a street teeming with design inspiration. Assouline, a haven for design enthusiasts, offers a curated collection of coffee table books showcasing art, fashion, travel, architecture, and more. Next door, immerse yourself in the world of Nobilis, a wonderland of textures. Explore their two-story showroom filled with exquisite wallpaper, rugs, and fabrics, perfect for adding luxurious accents to any design project.
Lighting Up Your Imagination
Just a short stroll away on Rue Bonaparte, Original BTC offers a stunning display of lighting solutions. Discover the latest trends in interior and exterior lighting, featuring sleek smoked glass, reeded glass, brass, and matte black finishes.
From Classic to Contemporary: A Textile Journey
Turn right onto Rue Jacob and discover Caravane, a charming home decor shop. Then, peek into the window of Sylvie Johnson to catch a glimpse of her next masterpiece. Place Furstemberg awaits, leading you to the legendary La Maison Pierre Frey, a textile powerhouse. Immerse yourself in Pierre Frey’s creative blend of classic designs and contemporary aesthetics.
A Parisian Gem: Flamant
Make your way to Flamant on Rue de Furstemberg, a showroom that seamlessly blends traditional and modern design elements. Experience an eclectic mix of furnishings, each piece thoughtfully curated to elevate any room.
Paint, Wallpaper, and Timeless Charm
Venture back to Rue Bonaparte and let Little Greene paints enchant you with their diverse color palette. Explore their captivating National Trust collection of lush green hues, dating back 300 years. Next door, Dedar unveils its exquisite hand-painted wallpaper, including the iconic Jardin D’Osier, a stunning Hermes design that’s sure to inspire your next project.
Embrace the Artistic Spirit
Take a moment to admire the architectural brilliance of the Ecole Nationale Beaux Arts, a testament to French elegance.
Now, make a choice: venture right onto Rue de Seine or left onto Rue des Saints Peres. Both streets are parallel to Rue St Bonaparte and offer a treasure trove of high-end antique shops, art galleries, and vintage stores.
Mid-Century Magic & Chinoiserie Elegance
On Rue des Saints Peres, step into L’Atelier 55, a haven for vintage mid-century design. Discover iconic pieces by Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Marcel Breuer, Verner Panton, and more. Across the street, De Gournay embodies elegance and sophistication with its bespoke hand-painted wallpapers, celebrating the art of Chinoiserie.
From Iconic Interiors to Artful Accents
Head back to Rue du Bac and discover the showroom of Maison Sarah Lavoine, renowned for its sophisticated designs. Then, explore the vibrant world of India Mahdavi, an AD100 icon known for her love of color and pattern. Her showroom and accessory shop, located on Rue Las Cases, promises to delight and inspire you.
A Glimpse into Haute Couture
Take a detour along Rue de Bellechasse and admire the majestic Yves Saint Laurent headquarters, a historical gem dating back to 1671.
Beyond the Walls of Saint Germain
For those seeking the world of Italian and European furniture design, wander along Boulevard Saint Germain.
For a deeper dive into art and antiques, explore Rue de Seine, Rue de l’Echaude, Rue Bonaparte, Rue de Beaune, and Rue Saints Peres.
Textile Tales: A Tapestry of Inspiration
Saint Germain is a textile paradise, with showrooms showcasing the latest trends and timeless designs.
Luxurious Textiles and Beyond
Head to Holland & Sherry on Rue de L’Echaude, offering an exquisite collection of rugs, wallcoverings, fabrics, and art.
Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Design Dreams
For those seeking inspiration for kitchen and bathroom renovations, these showrooms are sure to surprise and delight you.
Modern Design & Classic Elegance
Bains et Deco on Boulevard Saint Germain offers sleek faucets, sinks, and cabinets that elevate any kitchen or bathroom. Next door, Design & Bains features everything from taps to towel rails, adding a touch of modern design to your space.
Luxury Appliances and More
Miele, renowned for its luxury kitchen appliances, has created an “experience center” on Rue du Bac. Across the street, Porcelanosa showcases its signature luxury tiles, along with stunning kitchens, bathrooms, and taps.
Boutique Treasures: Discover the Unexpected
For those seeking a unique experience, venture beyond the well-known names.
Lighting, Furnishings, and More
Asteri, located on Boulevard Raspail, is primarily a lighting shop but also features a selection of furniture.
Iconic Designs and Vintage Finds
Cinna, famous for its iconic chairs, has a showroom on Boulevard Saint Germain. Moissonnier, located on Rue de l’Université, showcases the art of French cabinetmaking, with ornate and luxurious pieces.
L’Atelier 55, on Rue des Saints Peres, is a vintage haven for mid-century furniture, lighting, and art.
N’oblige, on Rue de Bellechasse, offers a curated selection of vintage art, ceramics, and furniture.
Wander, Admire, and Discover
As you wander through Saint Germain, take time to appreciate the intricate details of the architecture, from ornate doors to captivating street art. A must-visit is the Musee d’Orsay, a former train station transformed into a museum housing some of the world’s most prized Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
And remember, don’t forget to indulge in a celebratory glass of bubbles or a robust glass of red wine after your design-filled journey.
Bon voyage! I hope you enjoy this exploration of Saint Germain, one of Paris’ most captivating design districts.
