Home Inspiration With Margot Guralnick
Have you ever noticed how an unattractive light switch can really drag a good room down? On the flip side of the spectrum, meet Meljac of France, makers of, if you ask us, the World's Most Beautiful Brass Switches, Sockets, and Other Wall Fittings. We discovered the company in 2013 and have since checked back in many times to see more. Here's what we found.
Above: Established 20 years ago by engineer Andre Bousquet, Meljac has supplied wall hardware to Versailles, the Louvre, and a who's who of French designers. Its designs are solid brass that comes in more than 25 finishes (brushed nickel with brass buttons, for instance, is shown here). All are made to order at the company's factory outside of Paris and can be customized.
Two years ago, Meljac established LVL-USA to introduce the line to the trade in the US and Canada. Contact LDL for pricing and ordering information.
Above: Meljac's lighting controls for the US market are focused on home automation systems—not meant for replacing a switch or two, but intended to work with full lighting setups. The outlets and data plates, however, are all UL-listed for standard US line voltage, so they can easily work in both new construction and retrofit jobs.
Shown here, at Hotel La Reserve in Paris, Meljac's Tuliipe reading lamp with an anthracite finish alongside a wall switch with push buttons for scene lighting and an all-off toggle switch.
Above: A sampling of Meljac's toggle lighting controls and, on the far left, a bronze-finished video intercom system plate, which can be used to replace an existing plate. The white light switch is back-painted glass.
Meljac toggles and push buttons are available as either "latching" (simple on/off) or "momentary," which allows for them to dim and also to serve as window shade and curtain controls. Jean-Luc Deschaine of LVL reports, "We are currently developing a line voltage dimmer switch that will allow for a simple replacement of your light switches."
Above: Meljac refers to its light switches as keypads. Here, a chrome-finished brass version with push buttons for multiple lighting options and on/off control.
Above: The company also makes minimalist outlets for walls and floors—these flush-mounted, waterproof Sol models are in architect Joseph Dirand's Paris kitchen. Meljac's outlets for the North American market have UL-listed tamperproof sockets. Photograph via T.
Above: A double USB outlet (bottom) and series of keypads, including, far right, a custom version laser-engraved with the client's own hand-drawn symbols.
Above: A double light switch and outlet in a finish known as argent patiné. For advice on where to position outlets, consult our Remodeling 101 series, including Where to Locate Outlets, Kitchen Edition.
Above: Meljac makes thermostat covers (shown here, top) and alarm system plates, too, that are on our wish list. For more details, go to LVL.
Not upgrading your electrical system anytime soon? Consider replacing your Switch Plate Covers for a small change with a big impact. And take a look at Walhub's Hardworking Switch Plates.
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Architecture & Interiors With Alexa Hotz
Architect Hans Verstuyft works his magic in a duplex penthouse located in a 1960s office building in Antwerp, Belgium. The building's exterior is nothing special (think repetitive stacks of steel and glass), but the interiors tell a different story.
Photography via Hans Verstuyft Architecten, unless otherwise noted.
Above: The exterior of the building in downtown Antwerp.
Above: A view of the interior wraparound space.
Above: Filtered light through the courtyard tree is sketched across interior walls, shifting throughout the day.
Above: The brass ceiling lights, seen here and throughout the penthouse, were designed by Hans Verstuyft from solid brass. Verstuyft patinated the brass, he says, "for a more sober aspect." Photograph via Indico Painting.
Above: Floor-length curtains offer privacy.
Above: The raw-edge sofa is upholstered in Kvadrat wool.
Above: Verstuyft designed the kitchen, which features massive sandstone blocks. "The idea refers to an old brick build kitchen, like the earlier days in French farmhouses," says Vertstuyft. The countertops and narrow shelf are also built of sandstone, and the shelf sits on a set of custom brass support rods.
Above: The kitchen interior features wooden storage boxes, which, as Vertstuyft says, "make it all less designed and more alive." Photograph via Indico Painting.
Above: The table and countertop shelving are American walnut. Photograph via Indico Painting.
Above: Fireplaces add a homey ambience.
Above: Closets are built into the walls with vertical lats on each cabinet to serve as pull levers.
Above: In the bedroom, the rhythmic nature of hidden storage creates the effect of a wall finishing.
Above: The freestanding bathtub was made to measure in aluminum. It was initially to be covered in stone but midway through the project Verstuyft changed his mind and clad the tub with boat paint inside and a thin brass sheet outside. Verstuyft patinated the new Vola bath faucet by brushing it with an acid treatment.
Above: Outside, a counter flow rooftop pool allows for swimming with the Antwerp skyline.
Above: The floor plan details the ground office floor (L) and penthouse levels (R).
For more modern design inspiration, see our posts.
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Home Inspiration With Remodelista Team
Noticed lately: A move toward glamorous minimalism. We're gearing up for a week of luxe, understated design.
Above: Lighting by Apparatus Studio, a premier purveyor of the new look in luxury.
Monday
Above: World's chicest bath? We think so; it's just one of many features we're admiring in Monday's Architect Visit.
Tuesday
Above: A new line of beds and bedding from a Swedish company in our Bed Linens and Beds departments.
Wednesday
Above: Light switches and outlets so attractive they qualify as decor.
Thursday
Above: Janet explains the ins and outs of metal doors in our Remodeling 101 section.
Friday
Above: Trend alert: We're rounding up our favorite curvy (and glamorous) staircases.
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