After spending a second exhilarating but exhausting day at the renowned design show in Paris, Maison & Objet, where designers and retailers from around the world visit to discover the latest trends, products, materials and colours for the home, I could not wait to retreat to my hotel for the night.
Soaked and shivering from the sleeting rain, I ran up the steps at the Saint James Paris, to be welcomed into another world.
The lobby is pure theatre — a grand staircase painted black and white, red walls, dark panelling, velvety plush furnishings, huge mirrors and a cluster of chandeliers create a riveting scene.
I am no longer tired!
Saint James Paris is a magnificent chateau situated steps away from the Champs Élysés, set in its own magical garden. Its history began in 1892, when the widow of Adolphe Thiers, who was former president of the republic, commissioned the construction of the Theirs Foundation.
The neo-classical building was a boarding school for brilliant but poor university students on scholarships for close to a century.
It was purchased in 1985, changing to a private club hosting intellectual debates. A decade later it became a hotel, and 2008 the new owners took a fantastic step into the future of hotel design and decoration by giving designer Bambi Sloan free reign to transform the chateau into a unique hotel with the atmosphere of a club and a massive sense of style.
Bambi Sloan is a fascinating woman, She embodies an exciting combination of unorthodox and eccentric vision with a vast knowledge of fine fabrics and furnishings, art and architecture.
Her imagination is limitless, fed by history and an awesome ability to mix styles and colours with abandon. Every suite in the hotel has its own story. Or you can make up your own scenario within the kaleidoscope of rich colours and grand furnishings. This is Sloan’s wild vision of an extravagant Family Townhouse, her style dubbed as “crazy chic.”
Sloan mixes authentic pieces with second editions discovered during her bargain-hunting trips through France and around the world. Fabrics and wallpaper are from illustrious manufacturers including Designer’s Guild, Pierre Frey and Lelievre.
In the suite shown here, the walls have two competing wallpapers, soft florals framing the bed, and then a great sweep of bright green leaves that lead to the covered terrace. Complementary shades of plum and blue upholstery set up a contrast between the lush red draperies that hang just outside the doors, and the bed’s canopy. And a grand bed it is. You really do feel pampered surrounded by such luscious accoutrements.
Sloan delights in playing with trompe l’oeil effects as seen in the bedroom’s “herringbone parquet” carpeting. Elsewhere you’ll see a panther motif on the library floor and the lounge’s armchairs, and carpet that imitates black and white tile in the hallways.
The chateau was built at the location of the first Paris airfield. Paying homage to the Montgolfier balloons that rose from this spot, there are three balloon arbours on the terrace that offer privacy in the whimsical garden setting. As I always do, I have taken away memories of a lovely stay, and also renewed determination to make the most of each room in my home with an accent on what makes me happy.
www.saint-james-paris.com.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email your questions to [email protected].
