Jean-Michel Frank
Musings on minimalism from a Francophile
Jean-Michel Frank, known for his minimalism, absorbed the mantra of one of his patrons, Eugenia Errázuiriz: “Elegance means elimination.” His designs were simple and monochromatic, a stark contrast to the rich color and pattern of the Art Deco era in Paris in the 1920s and 1930s. However, he rejected the label “minimalist” as he masterfully layered opulent materials.
“A room should feel as though nothing is there- yet everything is in its place.”
-Jean-Michel Frank
“Edit” has been the word at the forefront of my mind this year. We recently sold our home and are preparing to open our first retail shop in a few months. While we loved our house and the acreage that allowed me to fulfill my gardening dreams, we’ve always been on the fence about making forever updates. The right buyer came along at the right time, and it just felt right to sell.
We are currently living in our second, fully furnished, airbnb. A passion project that I lovingly curated, and couldn’t wait to open. Now, I am thankful we have a little haven where we can take our time to rest before deciding where to go next, but I have one too many lamps (and if you know me, you know just how many)
I have found the need, especially during the busy toddler season, to distill things down to what is essential: a painting by my grandmother, a little tchotchke from a trip, or a cocktail in my favorite coupe. I’ve enjoyed the process of taking time to define what I deem essential in all areas of life, including relationships, quality ingredients, and fast fashion.
Jean-Michel Frank’s approach to design resonates with me this season. Upon first glance, his aesthetic is simple. His use of material was anything but simple, though. Mica lamps, shagreen tables, parchment paneled walls, and marquetry provide sumptuous layers, laying the groundwork for quiet luxury, curating through the process of elimination. Intentionally curated, well-edited.
Jean-Michel Frank brilliantly blended old and new, something I aspire to achieve in my interiors. I find value in sentimental pieces, family heirlooms, and traditions passed down. The juxtaposition of antiques paired with modern collections and personality touches often provides the perfect balance. As a lover of all things French, I am especially drawn to Jean-Michel Frank’s eye. His innovation was revolutionary, drawing from traditional French pieces, he designed furniture and lighting in collaboration with Alberto Giacometti, Christian Bérard, Salvador Dalí, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Hermès. Among his clients were Nelson Rockefeller, Vitcomte Charles de Noailles, Templeton Cocker, and Robert Chevalier. He also opened a shop with cabinet maker Adolphe Chanauz on 140 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
He also taught at Parsons Paris where he challenged his students to design a table that could be covered in any material while retainging it’s integrity, resulting in the “T-square table” which we know as the “Parsons Table”
I have always loved this staple coffee table by CB2
