1 0 favourite things

Paris-based designer Sarah Lavoine, who is now selling her home collection in Australia, on the things she can’t live without.

1. COLOUR My universe is defined by colour. I even created my own blue called Bleu Sarah. 2. ART BOOKS I love collecting them. Luis Barragán is one of my favourite architects and I keep a book of his close at hand. His use of geometrical lines and bright colours are a constant source of inspiration. 3. FLOWERS Gardens and terraces are poetic. You don’t need much space for nature to express itself. My favourite f lowers are peonies and I love wildf lower bouquets. 4. CERAMICS I love both vintage ceramics, such as those by Robert Picault (above), and contemporary designs like my own line, Sicilia, handmade in the south of France. 5. CANDLES I’m obsessed with candles; I have thousands of them at home. I even developed a special scent called Songe d’Orient for my Syracuse candle. 6. VINTAGE FURNITURE Whenever I feel a little down, I go to Paris f lea market Les Puces de Saint- Ouen or browse vintage websites. A vintage piece is always on my birthday list, like the Jean Prouvé chair with its simple lines and timeless look. 7. MUSIC I can’t live without music. ‘Life on Mars’ by David Bowie makes me high! 8. CASHMERE My go-to fabric — it’s chic and comfortable for any occasion, day or night. I have also designed a collection of cashmere jumpers. 9. DELPHINE CAULY She is a talented illustrator who draws beautiful, colourful girls with a touch of ’70s nostalgia. She also designed the cover of my book, Chez Moi. 10. THE ROCH HOTEL & SPA, PARIS The first five-star hotel I designed. It is warm and welcoming yet simple and contemporary. VL