R5 Jean Carrau

 

 

FAVORITE ANTIQUES STORE: Designer’s Corner in Larchmont. They have a big selection, the prices are good, and they’re always open to discussion.

 

FAVORITE LIGHTING STORE: Arrow Designs in Larchmont, where Craig makes my custom lighting.

 

EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE: Something to remind you of where you grew up.

 

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT I HAVE: A set of recliners from Bob’s Discount Furniture in my den. They are soooo comfortable. The kids live in them. 

 

FAVORITE FABRIC: Clarence House Dragon Empress. 

 

MOST UNUSUAL REQUEST: A client from Oman wanted to install a pipeline in his garden, with a gas flame burning all day and night, like the ones you see in the Middle East. We convinced him not to. We ended up putting a fountain on his sidewall instead.

 

UNUSUAL CHALLENGE: To make a ballroom feel like an Italian palazzo, where a client’s racing car collection could be displayed.

 

WORST DESIGN MISTAKE: Ordering two comfortable armchairs with the client’s wife, forgetting that he wanted only beautiful Italian pieces. Needless to say, I own the armchairs now.

 

BIGGEST DESIGN INFLUENCE: François-Joseph Graf, the French designer, who creates beauty in the right proportions.