Marina Life

Marina Life’s magenta-graffiti storefront may seem irreverent in its dignified stretch of rue Saint Dominique, but the concept behind it—to support a disappearing artisanal heritage—is anything but. Owner Marina de Charette is passionate about preserving a tradition of fine custom-made items for the home, and has scoured France and her native Italy to find artisans making contemporary versions of age-old luxuries: made-to-measure sheets, velvet bedcovers, chunky knit blankets in softest wool, table linens, colorful rugs, silk or linen lampshades, unique furnishings and small decorative items with a very Parisian flair.

Nearly everything can be personalized in a range of colors, fabrics and designs. Sheets in cotton satin, almost like silk, or a soft, easy-to-care-for cotton/linen blend only get better with time. Paired with pillowcases and shams—embroidered or with a transparent border of whispery cotton voile—a full set would cost about $500, says de Charette, “couture quality at a prêt-à-porter price”.

Area rugs, designed by Emmanuel Pierre and produced at the famous Parisian manufacturer Catry Codimat, come in 22 patterns, including colorful paisley, leopard, bamboo lattice and intricate florals that can be mixed and matched. Among the most popular items are handmade decoupage plates in all shapes and sizes, starting at about $60. All items are one-of-a-kind or limited series, and can be shipped anywhere in the world.

34 rue Saint Dominique, 7th. 01.45.55.83.15. website

Originally published in the March 2012 issue of France Today