Although art is typically an afterthought for most designers, for Sandra Benhamou, it was quite often the inspiration. As an enthusiastic art collector, Benhamou drew inspiration for her interior decor from the artwork which she loved to collect. Don’t let the art fool you; this newly curated Parisian apartment is a far cry from a boring museum. Despite featuring some of the most sought-after names in the art world, Benhamou’s apartment still manages to comfortably suit her husband and their three children.
The photography of celebrated Nan Goldin and Cindy Sherman grace the Parisian walls, not far from other works by Richard Prince and Louise Lawler. Italian designers Ettore Sottsass and Gio Ponti are some of the apartment’s favorites.
Having lived in New York and London, Benhamou somehow found herself returning to Paris. After deciding to settle there, she began working on designing its interiors. As an interior designer, Sandra Benhamou told Elle Spain her goal was “to create habitats in which the boldness of style and creativity are not at odds with life.” Take a look below to see her tasteful merging of home life with incredible style.
Living
The living space is a dashing spectacle of mid-century modern elements, and a true nod to 1960s design. The eye is gently led from the curving coffee table Paved with Good Intentions, 2005, of Ron Arad to the bold velvet Chesterfield sofa designed by Georges Smith. Looking up, a white 1969 Arteluce pendant lamp by Gino Sarfati hangs from the ceiling. The contemporary works, Stardust Showers, 2006, by Gary Simmons, and Does Marilyn Monroe Make You Cry?, 1988, by Louise Lawler make an appearance on the left wall, and above the fireplace respectively.
See Also: The Most Stunning Living Rooms with Blue Velvet Sofas
Dining
The dining room features several minimalist components balanced against pops of color. The sleek marble dining table was created by Angelo Maniarotti and is surrounded by the Superleggera chairs by Gio Ponti. Above hangs Suspension 2130 by Gino Sarfati, an orange 1969 Arteluce light.
Ceramics are displayed on the side dresser by Hans Wegner, beneath Cindy Sherman’s Untitled Film Still, 1978. By the window hangs a black and white tile work of Jean Pierre Raynaud. The two lamps are by Gino Sarfati and in the corner stands the sculpture Tree Light, 1984, by Ron Arad.
Below, we see a bright photograph from Cindy Sherman’s Clowns, 2003-04, series.
Breakfast Nook
The casual dining area undoubtedly takes inspiration from the quaint Parisian cafés found throughout the city. India Mahdavi designed the mirror-top table and Pablo Reinoso provided the surrounding Thonet chairs. The shelf holds work by Jack Pierson, Armand, William Kentridge and Jim Shaw from left to right.
{a few bentwood chairs we love}
