living room with multiple round carpets holding balls
In the light-filled “Salon de la Lune” (Moon Lounge), the typical Parisian architecture with original moldings, fireplace, columns and parquet beautifully contrasts with contemporary design pieces, including several balls and rugs by Muskhane, as well as the Première Mue stool by Hors Studio and Bold Design that adorn the floor. Next to the window, the Mélomane I speaker by Timothée Musset is made in oak from old church frames. Elisa Uberti designed the Zénith #3 lamp and the “Fontaine #1” piece to complement the fascinating atmosphere. Photographer by Jérôme Galland.

February 7, 2025

Words: Karine Monié

The Stars Align In This Interactive Art Installation In Paris

Offering an avant-garde experience and new interactions with objects and furniture, the installation “Cosmos and Matter” forces us to take another look at the different facets of our interiors in a splendid Haussmann apartment in the heart of Paris. Born out of the Sustainable Design Association, founded in 2021 by Hélène Aguilar, and co-curated with entrepreneur Marie-Cassandre Bultheel, the project aims to promote virtuous practices in the design world. “We want to introduce a new art de vivre that takes care of the future while being deeply imbued with ancestral knowledge and wisdom,” says Bultheel.

Filled with pieces created by innovative designers, artisans and artists who use natural materials with low environmental impact, the 2,690-square-foot ephemeral installation can be experienced barefoot. Visitors explore a variety of sensations in a sensory journey that leads to 10 scenes in different rooms: the Botanic Bar, Table of the Living, Moon Lounge, Sun Lounge and Cosmic Soundscape room. “This place is more than a showroom or a gallery,” says Bultheel. “Here, a new aesthetic of luxury is expressed through reconnection, sustainability and harmony.”

Although this first iteration is on view in the French capital until Feb. 16, 2025, the ambition of “Cosmos and Matter” goes far beyond. Bultheel and Aguilar aim to bring the exhibition—in different forms—to other cities and countries in the next months.

‘Cosmos and Matter’ Installation Introduces A New Art de Vivre

living room with multiple round carpets holding balls
In the light-filled “Salon de la Lune” (Moon Lounge), the typical Parisian architecture with original moldings, fireplace, columns and parquet beautifully contrasts with contemporary design pieces, including several balls and rugs by Muskhane, as well as the Première Mue stool by Hors Studio and Bold Design that adorn the floor. Next to the window, the Mélomane I speaker by Timothée Musset is made in oak from old church frames. Elisa Uberti designed the Zénith #3 lamp and the “Fontaine #1” piece to complement the fascinating atmosphere. Photographer by Jérôme Galland.
entrance to bar with floral sculpture and white walls
The “Bar Botanique” (Botanic Bar) is an invitation to discover a floral sculpture in recycled paper by Tij, a ceramic bowl by Marcela Paz Undurraga and the Nénuphar stools by Little Anana. To complete the experience, a natural home fragrance from Paysan Parfumeur awakens the senses. Photographer by Jérôme Galland.
room with large lighting fixture stacked with orbs
The Fontaine de Jouvence lighting fixture and the Eclipse 1 chair by Elisa Uberti are two key pieces in the “Salon de la Lune” (Moon Lounge) where a ball by Muskhane sits on a circular rug by the same brand. Photographer by Mathilde Hiley.
hallway with two white doors and oval mirrors
The two “Réflecteurs” by Sacha Parent and Marie Simon-Thomas are made of raw wicker and recycled aluminum, showcasing the importance of favoring natural materials to promote sustainable design. The masks are by Anna Alexandra. Photographer by Mathilde Hiley.
room with curvy wooden tables and samples on wall
In the room titled “La Table des Vivants” (The Table of the Living), Baobab stools surround the Haricot table, all by Little Anana, while the plates are by Timothée Musset. On the wall, the fermentation jars were created by ShiraBio. Photographer by Mathilde Hiley.
two women standing in room with paneled doors
Marie-Cassandre Bultheel (left) and Hélène Aguilar (right) are the co-curators of “Cosmos and Matter.” Photographer by Mathilde Hiley.
entrance to room with multiple sun pieces all around door
The Sun plates and Aphrodite basin by Linda Pappa frame the entrance of the Moon Lounge, bringing visual dynamism to the space. Photographer by Mathilde Hiley.
room with multiple sun motifs all around
From floor to ceiling, the mesmerizing “Fresque Galaxie” by Arnold d’Alger in copper foil gold and gum arabic stands out in the “Salon du soleil” (Sun Lounge). Photographer by Jérôme Galland.

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