Isabelle and her husband settled in Bordeaux with many ideas. And the first of them was to open a decoration and tableware shop that won the hearts of Bordeaux residents and visitors alike: Lodge. And as can be read on the Shop blog At Lodge, we love wood and natural materials that tell a story. We love artisans who shape with respect what the Earth offers them.
Lodge is, first and foremost, the story of a career change and a need to live differently. We had opened a bistro in Paris, in the Marais, a lovely project that we both pursued with joy, but also with what it entails: a very intense pace of life, completely off-kilter hours, and many sacrifices, especially concerning our son who was 1 1/2 months old when we opened.
We couldn't stand Paris anymore and wanted to offer our son something else. At the same time, we reached an age where our needs and desires had evolved, especially the need to do what we truly love, even if it might involve risks. I had always dreamed of opening my own small decoration shop, and this was the time. So, we packed our bags for Bordeaux, which, by the way, offers us the quality of life we were looking for, and we opened Lodge.
JR: As soon as you step into the shop, you want to buy everything! Everything seems to have been selected with the greatest care. How do you do your shopping? What are your selection criteria?
Both with the greatest care and at the same time with a bit of «feeling.» Our selection truly reflects what we love, so the choices are made almost instinctively. The world of Lodge is wood, natural or recycled materials, soft colors that recall those of nature, sober designs, raw elements, and craftsmanship. When I walk through trade shows like Maison&Objet, I stroll through the aisles, stop at a booth that catches my eye, and if the aesthetic of the items appeals to me, I inquire about their manufacturing, origin, and the manufacturer's ethics.
We wish to offer Products that are kind to nature and people. That's why we opt for fair trade whenever possible. We truly believe that the beauty of an object is not just about its aesthetics or design. Its story is very important. In any case, we prioritize craftsmanship, whether local or not. We love "Made in France," of course, but we absolutely want to keep our doors open to the incredibly rich and diverse craftsmanship from around the world. What joy it is to find harmony by mixing pieces and objects from different cultures, styles, and backgrounds.
JR: Can you tell us a little more about one of your favorite brands?
It's very difficult for me to choose, because I truly have several favorites. I'm going to cheat a little, I'm going to tell you about my two favorites., BsaB and Nkuku.
BsaB, that’s the brand I’ve chosen for all my home fragrances and candles. I was already familiar with these products before opening Lodge; I’d discovered the coconut candle in a Parisian boutique and was completely won over. For me, it’s the go-to brand—the one that embodies everything we love about Lodge: artisanal production, essential oils, natural soy wax and beeswax, recycled materials, and a fully eco-friendly approach—from product design to packaging, right through their production workshop (solar power, achieving complete energy self-sufficiency in 2015).
They were inspired by ethics. Wabi-Sabi, hence their name BsaB (Bee-sa-Bee), which advocates for a return to simplicity, a peaceful sobriety that can positively influence existence, where one can recognize and feel the beauty of imperfect, ephemeral and modest things (the Wabi refers to the fullness and modesty one can feel in the face of nature, and the Sabi to the feeling one gets when confronting things in which one can detect the work of time or men).
And then, undeniably, Nkuku, which offers fair trade decorative objects, kitchen utensils, and tableware. Nkuku was born from multiple trips and encounters with several artisans, mainly in India, but also in Africa and Turkey. On some items, we find the Anglo-Saxon inspiration of their creators, but the general atmosphere truly highlights the craftsmanship, know-how, and aesthetics of the different countries. We particularly love their collection of mango wood tableware and boards, which has become a staple at Lodge.
JR : What will we be able to discover at Lodge in 2015? Are there any new products planned?
There will definitely be a lot of new things, because the shop is small, I am limited in space and in what I can offer in the store. The advantage is that, as a result, I regularly get new things that I couldn't offer before. I'm currently working with a Bordeaux couturier-upholsterer to be able to launch our brand of cushions and textiles from spring 2015. In this way, we will be able to offer an exclusive product for the Lodge universe and promote local craftsmanship.
In 2015, we will try to participate in as many fairs, small trade shows, and festivals as possible to find rarer products, which we might offer in the form of capsule collections.
JR: Finally, can you name a hotel or a bed and breakfast that you particularly like or that you dream of?
My list is very, very long! I haven't found my little slice of paradise, the hotel or guesthouse of my dreams, where I'd like to settle down for a while.
For a long time, I've admired the photos of Domaine de Murtoli in Corsica Forgetting the everyday in these little shepherd's huts or bathing in these natural pools, between mountains and sea, tempts me greatly.
Otherwise, not too long ago and with the intention of planning a little getaway, I discovered the Domaine Sainte-Colombe «Haven of peace, silence, and tranquility, Domaine de Sainte Colombe is ideally situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Provençal and Languedoc hinterlands. In the heart of the Petite Camargue, this estate covers 120 hectares.» I love what emanates from this place, the very natural decor, the openness to the surrounding nature. Spending a few nights in one of their lodges is on my wish list for 2015.
We find Lodge à Bordeaux 6, rue du Pas Saint-Georges and here: https://www.facebook.com/lodge33
