Elliott Barnes returns to AD Intérieurs this year with an ambitious installation that marries 17th-century artistry with 21st-century savoir faire.

Called "Le Salon d'un Collectionneur de Monnaie" in honor of the famous French sculptor and engraver, Jean Varin, and the coins and medals that he produced, Barnes' installation is found just after a whimsical, yet elegant installation of chandeliers by Mathieu Lustrerie at Le Monnaie de Paris.

Varin was named contrôleur et graveur général des monnaies de France (controller and engraver of French currencies) in 1647. He popularized the use of the coin press, replacing the manual production of coins by hammering. Barnes was inspired by Varin's innovations to pay homage to Varin and to create several avant-garde works of his own.

In the passageway between the chandelier installation and "Le Salon" sits a console that evokes the coin press that Varin championed.

Entering the salon, my first impressions related to geometry—an elliptical room, a round floor covering, round disks suspended between sleek columns, and various curves and waves. Then I noted colors—the white, silver, gray, and smoke of the canape, chairs, walls, sconce, and columns; the earth tones of the rug, table base, trunk-like posts, and light fixture frame...

Finally, upon approaching the various elements of the installation, I noted textures and temperatures—smooth, cold marble;

warmer and ever-so-slightly corrugated rounds of pressed leather;

even warmer fabrics of various weaves;

the parched earth appearance of a green ceramic vase...

Vegetal leather (leather tanned with vegetal components instead of heavy metals) is the "star" of Barnes' installation. It is his reference to the leather apron Varin wore when he worked. The uninitiated will find it difficult to spot most of the pieces made of this material and will be astonished upon discovering the items that are made from it!

The bench pictured below is a great example. It is composed almost entirely of pleated leather. The only element not made of leather is the tension rods that keep the folds intact.

In case you're wondering, YES, you can sit on it!

Have a look at these shelves:

And the base of this table:

And the frame of this "tattood" mirror:

ALL are made of vegetal leather!

The wall panels, which were custom designed for the room using a pattern that dates from 1740, are made from Cordoba embossed metallic leather:

Even the artwork is made of leather - this framed oeuvre by award-winning artist Samuel Levi Jones is composed of deconstructed encyclopedia covers:

And this watercolor by Daniela Busarello, commissioned for Elliott Barnes Interiors in 2017, is painted on leather:

AD Intérieurs 2017 will be open until September 20. Barnes will be on site from 2 PM to 4 PM on September 16, 17, and 19 to present his exquisite work. If you're in Paris, be sure to get over to La Monnaie de Paris to see it!

Monnaie de Paris
11, quai de Conti
75006 Paris
www.monnaiedeparis.fr
Hours: 11 AM - 7 PM
Entry fee: 10€

To learn more about Elliott Barnes and his designs, visit http://ebinteriors.com/.