The lobby of the Mercer Hotel gave me my first real hit of Liaigre envy. It was cool and calm, elegant but comforting, and so easy to dream of having a giant wall of books just like that at home. The décor was the brainchild of French design impresario Christian Liaigre and hotelier André Balazs. And miraculously, it has never needed a speck of updating: The lobby looks just as fresh and contemporary today as the first day it welcomed guests. Liaigre, for his part, has just opened his first stand-alone showroom in the U.S. (34 E. 61st St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-201-2338), located in a four-story townhouse that conjures the vibe of a soothing residential cocoon. This staircase, made from custom-bent veneer and hardwood solids, is transportative in and of itself. Photo: Wendy Goodman
The longer the desk, the better, and this gorgeous Connetable desk made with a metal frame and topped in leather can be ordered to your specifications (from $23,250). Photo: Wendy Goodman
One room installation features a Rocco slipcovered sofa that comes with two throw pillows and ash feet (from $13,200); it’s long enough to accommodate even your tallest napping friend. The Galet coffee table is fully upholstered in leather with decorative seaming and available with or without Valentin walnut trays (from $5,970). Photo: Wendy Goodman
This handsome Sierra oak desk ($14,550) features breadboard ends. Photo: Wendy Goodman
