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We are starting this year as we mean to go on… with a sense of art and eclecticism! Meet Odin and Archibald, two iconoclasts with a passion for divergent design. A true marvel, this home is hidden close by the Marché Saint-Ouen furthermore appropriating the extensive art collection within it. Canvases by up-and-coming painters infused with a collection of 40’s ceramics, the house showcases and combines the styles of Odin and Archibald seamlessly. Having acquired a sense of taste due to the artistic upbringing they both received their preference in style was shaped by their meeting and continual friendship. For me the home combines a sense of time-gone-by and contemporary enthusiasm, a place providing real and raw inspiration.
Odin, Archibald, who are you ?
I’m Odin.
And I’m Archibald.
Why did you choose this house ?
It’s in a corner… away from undesirables !
It was an ideal choice for us, a blank page. We struggled during the process of development either with a loss of inspiration or by the scale of the project we wanted to apply. And we didn’t plan on staying so long actually.
How do you find the dynamics of living together ?
Usually, the decoration hides the mess that Archibald creates and spreads. I live somewhat simply… I couldn’t imagine living with anyone else in this way except Archi, I’m much too dull.
It’s natural for the head of the house to be this way… I am rather territorial so I’m still shocked by the fact I am living with someone else.
You are both proponents of design, how did you choose the overall decor ?
For the colours we had to repaint several times but in the end we were in agreement. Blue for the living room, red for the stairs etc. The only constraint was the final shade decision from the Farrow & Ball colour card. Archibald had some pieces from his old apartment, we combined that with things we couldn’t sell and items we wanted to keep.
In terms of colours, we obviously choice for our own rooms and I chose mine completely wrong.
Blue for the living room, red for the stairs etc. The only constraint was the final shade decision from the Farrow & Ball colour card.
Any particularly favorable artists, styles or icons?
In terms of music, it’s “Lait de Coco” by Maya! That is basically the soundtrack of the house. But for the others, I’d say it’s a schizophrenic inspiration mix, luxury liners to villas in Nice.
I’m into this gypsy rapper from Moldova called Foku Me. Takis and Rubens are also inspiring.
How do define your style in terms of furniture?
I’m unsure. I guess I just see what I like and envision it somewhere or another, most likely because it reminds me of something or somewhere. I suppose I don’t really have an answer for this question.
I agree with Odin about the sense of memory but also almost nothing of what I love was around when I grew up. Quoting Odin, my style is somewhat ‘boring’… Joking aside, I believe a lot of what I like goes back to architecture. I think I would enjoy living amongst the miniature figurines. France Miniature theme park in my living room would be pretty cool.
Tell me of your education in relation to art and design of 20th Century?
My mother was working in the markets before me so I saw passing trends from the 80’s, 90’s etc and very early began seeing things in terms of commercial potential, supply and demand, rarity and desirability. But especially this made me sure to visit exhibitions and be generally aware of the current artistic spirit.
My father was a designer but with an Art Deco sensibility. I wasn’t so influenced by my parents so I learnt what I know from my work.
In terms of decor, how exactly do you begin when you arrive in a new space?
Understanding how you will occupy the space before anything.
Who goes in which room ? In which room will you keep the crap ?
Something cheap you are particularly proud of ?
My destroyed Noguchi lighting fixture !
Something I’ve sold already for a generous profit.
What is missing at your home?
A butler.
A secretary.
A restaurant you last recommended ?
Last as in last before I die?
Or the one we last to and would recommend?
Photography: Constance Gennari – Text: Constance Gennari – Translation: TextMaster @thesocialitefamily
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