Introducing dynamic design duo Atelier Sauvage

Atelier Sauvage is a youthful French brand making waves by creating one-of-a-kind objects that reflect the colours of the French countryside. Pictured: 'Anima'

(Image credit: Laura Bonnefous)

By Elly Parsons

last updated 8 August 2022

in Features

Paul Demarquet and Albane Salmon met when sharing a bench at Paris' École Boulle. As well as a workspace, the dynamic duo shared an upbeat, positive attitude towards design that made them perfect partners. 'We're both from the south of France, so we were friends at first sight,' Salmon explains. 'Plus, we both wanted to open a workshop after we graduated – it was obvious we should do it together.'

Since September last year, this is precisely what they've done, working together as Atelier Sauvage. Their optimistic outlook translates into a new collection of lighthearted pieces for 2016, including an asymmetrical concrete coffee table, a collection of pretty, pastel still-life photographs and a set of sea-blue wooden DJ decks – complete with a padded, vinyl-sized pocket.

'When we were at school we didn't have a precise aesthetic pinned down, but we both enjoyed colourful furniture, and were curious about new materials like concrete, stone and steal,' Salmon explains. Atelier Sauvage's practice remains driven by this playful curiosity, along with a more serious desire to communicate the rugged landscape of the south of France through their creations. Their tagline says it best: 'Atelier Sauvage is when rough, wild and beautiful nature comes to you in the shape of spare and refined furniture.'

Their commitment to sympathetically reflecting the French landscape anchors the collection. Everything is underpinned by a considered, consistent colour scheme, a sense of well-earned craftsmanship and cool simplicity. What's more, each piece would look right at home on the shady terrace of a Riviera villa.

We're particularly keen on 'Anima', an art deco-inspired lamp comprising two contrasting wood essences (sycamore maple and pear tree), which have been treated as naturally as possible to create a clean finish. Future versions, we're promised, will feature expressive 'solar colours', hinting that there's much more to look forward to from the new kids on the design block.

Albane Salmon and Paul Demarquet of Atelier Sauvage (pictured) met when sharing a workbench at École Boulle in Paris

wooden and blue painted DJ deck and with open shelves — They formed the brand last September, and have already produced an eclectic collection of high-quality furniture. Pictured: ’Bois Son buffet’ DJ decks

white wooden open cupboard with long legs — Their style is paired-back and minimal, yet full of fun and self-expression. Pictured: ’Enfilade Spiritueux’

wooden round side table — They explain, ’Atelier Sauvage is when rough, wild and beautiful nature comes to you in the shape of spare and refined furniture.’ Pictured: ’Basse Beton’ table

standing man in a white t-shirt holding a wooden table with blue legs on one side and a blue wooden table balancing on a grey rock on the other — Salmon continues, ’When we were at school we didn’t have a precise aesthetic pinned down, but we both enjoyed colourful furniture, and were curious about new materials like concrete, stone and steel.’ Pictured: ’Basse longs pieds’ table

pair of legs on a white table top wearing orange pants, black socks &amp; brown shoes — Atelier Sauvage’s practice remains driven by this playful curiosity

a pair of feet and a seated man balancing a long rectangular wooden table with his knees — Each piece would look right at home on the shady terrace of a Riviera villa. Pictured: ’Banc’

low wooden bench with navy cushions — We’re positive that there’s much more to look forward to from the new kids on the design block. Pictured: ’Canape Meridienne’

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Atelier Sauvage website

Photography: Laura Bonnefous. Courtesy Atelier Sauvage

Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.