We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Paris-born designer, Caroline Beaupére to learn about the inspirations behind Ville Lumiére, her new collection for New Ravenna. Explore the enchanting streets, iconic landmarks, and rich history of the City of Light with us, as we walk through Caroline's favorite Paris neighborhoods that inspired this captivating mosaic collection.
Paris earned its nickname, the "City of Light," due to its prominence as a hub of knowledge and enlightenment during the 17th and 18th centuries. The city further validated its moniker in 1828 by becoming the first in Europe to illuminate Champs-Elysées with gas lamps.
Caroline's collection delves into the realm of light and enlightenment, drawing inspiration from the exquisite stained glass rose windows adorning Parisian landmarks and the captivating architectural elements that define this enchanting city.
Place Vendôme: A Celebration of Glamour and Sparkle
The Place Vendôme mosaic is an ode to glitter, glamour and sparkle, inspired by the luxury jewelry stores that surround the obelisk in this iconic square in Paris. "For me, it was about interpreting jewels through this pattern. The idea is not just to focus on a piece of jewelry but in the architecture of the Place Vendôme itself," says Caroline of the pattern.
The mosaic design of Place Vendôme reflects the area itself, with the center representing the square and the surrounding triangles symbolizing the sparkling jewels found in the stores around the plaza. The glass application truly captures the essence of gemstones with a captivating luster. The stone offering provides a subtle way to convey the pattern's allure using shades of grey from carefully chosen stones that reminded Caroline of Paris.
With its delicate patterns and luxurious colors, this mosaic brings a sense of opulence and sophistication to any space. Add a touch of elegance and a reminder of the city's timeless allure with the Place Vendôme mosaic.
Place Vendôme Mosaic Inspiration
Notre Dame: The Artistic Inspiration of the South Gothic Rose Window
The Notre Dame mosaic is a tribute to the artistic inspiration of the South Gothic Rose Window of the famous cathedral. Caroline is thrilled to debut this collection in conjunction with the highly anticipated reopening of Notre Dame, which is scheduled for later this year. In honor of the cathedral's restoration, this collection captures the essence of its beauty and serves as a symbol of hope and resilience.
With its detailed floral motifs and couture colors, it brings a sense of beauty and spirituality to any space. The design of this tile is inspired by the breathtaking stained glass windows of the cathedral, known for their intricate details and stunning craftsmanship.
The Chimera shown in the art panel of the vibrant colorway was added by Caroline as a special homage to Notre Dame and was designed for New Ravenna's 30th anniversary. It is based on a stone element found on top of Notre Dame. The Chimera is offered as an additional option, but not included in the standard pattern.
Incorporating this mosaic in your design, whether installed or framed as a work of art, brings elegance to any space, along with a nod to the rich, artistic heritage of Paris.
Notre Dame Mosaic Inspiration
Sacré Coeur: Awe-inspiring Beauty of the Basilica
The Sacré Coeur mosaic tile captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the Basilica of Sacré Coeur. With its artistic pattern and soft colors, it brings a sense of spirituality and tranquility to any space. The design of this tile is inspired by the magnificent architecture of the famous landmark in Montmartre that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Having once resided in Montmartre, Caroline wanted to create a stylized take on a heart or "coeur," that would capture the romance of the promenade surrounding the basilica. This area is adorned with charming art galleries and cozy cafes, creating the perfect ambiance to unwind, sip a glass of wine, people-watch, and simply relax.
The colors convey the soft charm of the area, using Rose Quartz with Pearl + Moonstone glass and Celeste with Thassos marble as the primary colorways. The stone design expands to a larger scale, featuring a central flower as its focal point. While the glass version cannot incorporate the flower due to material differences, it offers a smaller, stylized pattern. Create a serene and sacred atmosphere, reminiscent of the peaceful ambiance of the basilica in your next project.
Sacre Coeur Mosaic Inspiration
Printemps: Artistic Reflections of Art Nouveau Elegance
Printemps is a captivating mosaic tile that reflects the elegance of the Art Nouveau movement. With its elaborate pattern and delicate colors, it brings a touch of artistry to any space. The design of this tile is inspired by the beautiful stained glass cupola of the Printemps department store in Paris, known for its stunning architecture.
Art Nouveau style is renowned for its graceful and flowing curves, and this mosaic tile embraces that aesthetic perfectly. By skillfully combining the curves and vertical lines seen in the Printemps cupola, Caroline flawlessly recreated the famous stained glass artistry.
The glass version beautifully replicates the depth of the original stained glass, while the stone option offers a timeless color palette that effortlessly embodies the glamour of the Art Nouveau era. Integrating this tile in your home or design project will add a sense of timeless beauty and decorative charm.
Printemps Mosaic Inspiration
Ile Saint Louis: Exquisite Reflections of Parisian Mansion Facades
The Ile Saint Louis mosaic captures the essence of the Parisian mansion facades that line the streets of this charming neighborhood. The baroque detailing of the pattern brings a sense of grandeur to any space. The design of this tile is inspired by the architectural beauty of Ile Saint Louis, an island in the Seine river, known for its elegant mansions and picturesque views.
The Ile Saint Louis pattern is a true embodiment of the architectural beauty found in the island's stunning mansion facades and intricate stone details. The pattern showcases the coat of arms, incorporating the fleur-de-lis, a symbol of royalty and French cultural heritage.
Caroline's personal favorite is the glass colorway, which features a vibrant blue accent to add a pop of color. The stone option incorporates 24K Gold Glass, a true representation of royalty. Whether you opt for stone, glass or a custom colorway, this mosaic transports you to the romantic streets of Paris, evoking a feeling of timeless luxury.
Ile Saint Louis Mosaic Inspiration
Tour Eiffel: Iconic Beauty from Below
The Tour Eiffel mosaic tile captures the iconic beauty of the Eiffel Tower when viewed from below. With its geometric patterns and deep hues, it brings a sense of modernity to any interior. The design of this tile is inspired by the structural excellence of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
A new take on the prominent landmark, this avant-garde approach looks at the Eiffel Tower as though you are standing at the center of the base, looking straight up. Caroline found that from this new point of view, you can truly appreciate how massive and spectacular the wrought iron structure is.
The color selection was intentionally curated to embrace darker hues, reminiscent of the metal itself. This rich mosaic pattern delivers a touch of Parisian charm, serving as a reminder of the city's architectural marvels.
Tour Eiffel Mosaic Inspiration
Place Des Vosges: The Heart of the Marais District
The Place Des Vosges mosaic captures the heart of the Marais district, one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Paris. The classic pattern brings a sense of history and charm to any space. The design of this tile is inspired by the beautiful architecture and winding paths of the Place Des Vosges, a famous square surrounded by elegant townhouses and art galleries. This pattern embraces the atmosphere of the Marais district, where past and present intertwine.
The pattern celebrates the architectural design of the square, thoughtfully recreating the park's layout. The graceful lines guide you along the enchanting path, making you feel as though you are strolling through the square, passing by the fountains and admiring the well-known arches that adorn the park's surroundings.
The smaller format glass mosaic is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to backsplashes and walls, while the larger stone option allows for a grand statement on floors and larger spaces. The vibrant blue colorway in the glass brings a sense of light and energy, while the timeless grey and white of the stone exudes a refined aesthetic.
Place Des Vosges Mosaic Inspiration
Discover the Brilliance of the Ville Lumiére Collection at Decorative Materials
Experience the brilliance of the Ville Lumiére collection at our Decorative Materials Showrooms. Caroline Beaupère's culturally chic mosaic collection brings Parisian design right to your door. Incorporate this collection in your next design project to add a touch of French charm and elegance to your space.
While the designs are featured in two colorways each, we offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor each mosaic to your space. Explore this exquisite collection at our Colorado tile stores or reach out to us for personalized assistance in finding the ideal mosaic for your next project.
