Interview: Benjamin from Cantik Bordeaux

If you're passing through Rue du Pas Saint-Georges in Bordeaux, take a little detour to Beautiful boutique. A stone's throw from the Alsace-Lorraine course, this little shop has what it takes to impress all lovers of decoration, especially Scandinavian decoration. Meet Benjamin.

Travellers Society Hello Benjamin, tell us about your background, what were you doing before Cantik?

Hello. I've been passionate about interior design for many years, and in 2007, I enrolled in an applied arts school to become a decorator. After graduating in 2009, I started my own business and worked for private clients and professionals on decorating and spatial planning issues.

In 2012, I wanted to create my boutique, and two years later, Cantik was born.

JR : Where did the idea of creating a shop specializing in Scandinavian references come from?

I've always worked a lot with the Scandinavian style, first out of preference, but also because pieces in this style pair very well with other influences, mainly due to their clean lines and elegant simplicity!

JR : How did you select your brands? What are your sources of inspiration?

I select brands that I like during my visits to trade shows; I also wanted to have some must-haves such as Bloomingville or Broste Copenhagen, Finally, I'm also looking for tomorrow's future «sure bets» like the sensational candles from SKANDINAVISK, for example. My sources of inspiration are numerous: blogs, magazines, trade shows, and the interiors of people I meet every day.

 

JR : What are your plans for this year? Any new developments?

I would like to open an online shop for Cantik so that I can supply all of France (and beyond... ;)). This requires time and a significant investment which I hope to be able to achieve in 2015. Otherwise, since this week, the new collections from our brands are arriving in the shop, and I think summer will be full of pleasant surprises.

 

JR : What are your favorite home decor stores? Do you have any favorite cities for architecture and decor?

My favorite decor shops are unfortunately not French, otherwise I'm a fan of the shop« Serendipity »to Paris. I love it Barcelona, it's such a warm city, the opposite of Scandinavia! Otherwise, Copenhagen remains a must for design discoveries.

 

JR : And in Bordeaux, what are your favorite places for dinner, drinks, or shopping?

I regularly go out to different places; I don't really have a regular spot! For shopping, fashion, decor, or food, I only see Pas Saint-Georges Street!!

 

Thanks to Benjamin for answering all our questions, and we highly recommend you discover the collections at Cantik: we've already fallen for the notebooks, candles, and tableware!