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Interior architect and ardent resident of Paris’s 1st arrondissement, Sarah Lavoine
Credit: Instagram

“Any detail can bring inspiration as long as you take the time to look at it.”

Sarah Lavoine, interior designer du jour, says while recounting for GRAZIA the eclectic places from where she sources the inspiration for her singular style. Turns out the sky’s the limit for Lavoine when it comes to prompting that elusive creative spark – quite literally.

“A piece of jewellery, a photo, an artwork, Eva Jospin’s sculpture in the Cour Carrée du Louvre, Galerie Jerome de Noirmont, even the colour of the sky!”
Below, Lavoine, who recently spoke with GRAZIA in occasion of her largest project to date – creative direction for the newly-opened Le Roch Hotel and Spa in Paris’s first arrondissement – takes us on a walking tour through the heart of Paris in search of the finest designs and dim sum. 

Shop
“I have always lived in Paris, and so my list can be quite long! Stone Paris is a jewel boutique that I really love; it’s perfect to find gifts for my friends and for me too. The Galignani Book store located on Rue de Rivoli is a very authentic old place with a wonderful selection of beautiful books. There is Colette obviously, the first Parisian concept store, which is just below my office and I have my lunch there every day. I always find a great gadget to buy for my friends or my kids there.

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Colette’s subterranean Water Bar, where Lavoine recommends you order the Salade Colette
Credit: Instagram
“[Visit] the Saint Ouen Flee Market, of course, because you can’t be a Parisian interior designer without your favourite vendors there, and they know me well too!”
“On the fashion side, I really like Vanessa Seward’s style. She used to work for [Loris] Azzaro and now she’s gone solo and her lines are so elegant! It’s very feminine but not too obvious, that’s why I like it. Last tip, a boutique called Au Vase de Delft. They have the most amazing antique jewellery.” 

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The interior of Vanessa Seward’s second store, 7 boulevard des Filles du Calvaire
Credit: Instagram

Eat
“My favourite café is called Café de la Croix Rouge, it’s very picturesque! I order a Tartine Saint Germain. At Colette, I always have the Salade Colette and my favourite Jambon Beurre Sandwich is the one they prepare for me at the Café de la Coupe d’Or.

Le Loulou, the new restaurant of le Musée des Arts Décoratifs is a wonderful spot behind the Museum with a view on Le Jardin des Tuileries. Try Fred for their American Style Menu and Taokan for their delicious Dim Sum.”

Taokan
Handmade dim sum at contemporary Chinese restaurant TaoKan
Credit: Instagram

Visit
Galerie Kamel Mennour in Paris, he’s been a great friend forever and I really enjoy the galleries dedicated to his artists. I like his humanity. The A Galerie, that belongs to Arnaud Adida is also a great place to discover new signatures.”

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Lee Ufan’s work in situ at Kammel Mennour gallery at 28 avenue de Matignon
Credit: Instagram
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