Schiltach, July 2022. A self-described “interior and emotion” architect, Paris-based Tristan Auer sees himself as a stage director, with his clients, whom he regards as accomplices, in the starring role. Although renowned for the sensuality of his designs and for his vibrant mixing of colors, lights and eras, Auer never imposes a style on his clients, among whom are some of the world’s most famous – and distinctive – personalities. Rather, Auer studies them, draws inspiration from them, and creates singular interiors tailored to their individuality.
What happens when the distinctive individual for whom Auer designs is himself? The original bathroom concept he developed as part of the AXOR project DISTINCTIVE would seem to hold the answer: “For me, it was a gift to be able to do this project because it’s always very interesting to work for myself,” he explains. “I could be crazy and not have to please anybody or seduce anybody or teach anything.”
As someone who takes inspiration from place – not just the sights but the sounds, smells and textures – Auer was particularly excited about the brief’s suggestion of a high-rise apartment in Hong Kong. “You know ‘Blade Runner’ from Ridley Scott? Hong Kong is like that – something which is building on top of itself. Different layers. You have the crowd on the street level, and then, as you elevate, it’s more and more futuristic. It’s why I combine old antiques pieces with very modern textures.”
Among the textures Auer utilizes is the diamond-cut pyramidal pattern of the AXOR Edge faucet by Jean-Marie Massaud. “AXOR Edge is great, and not only because Jean-Marie is a good friend,” says Auer. “I would have liked to have designed it before him!” Noting the similarity between the AXOR Edge pattern and that of the iconic Dupont lighters he remembers from the 80s, Auer continues: “I don’t smoke, but I like to touch. So that sets the stage – Dupont, those colors, those ambiances.” Finished in Polished Gold Optic, the AXOR Edge washbasin faucet and free-standing bath faucet set striking contrasts to the surrounding materials, while the AXOR ShowerHeaven and the AXOR Edge thermostat provide cutting-edge functionality within the shower area. The use of the new AXOR Universal Rectangular Accessories designed by Philippe Starck adds a timelessly modern touch to the bathroom.
Building on the bold, clashing 80s aesthetic, Auer combines reflective stainless steel with neon lighting and offsets it with a graphic mix of light and dark travertine stone. “It’s disruptive and very masculine,” Auer says of the travertine. “It’s very 80s, as well. You know, you had some perfumes that were very strong in their masculinity. It was a little bit of a reference to this period.”
In case there was any doubt as to the personality Auer had in mind when designing, he explains without hesitation: “It’s for a man. Definitely selfish. The guy is only thinking about himself. He likes to collect. He’s a hedonist.”
Asked about his approach to bathrooms in general, Auer replies, “I prefer to say, ‘room with a bath.’ It’s a real room where you do something – you live in it. That’s why you need to have a niche for arts – maybe a painting, maybe some object that’s usually found in your living room. So, let’s bring it in the bathroom! That’s also why I design freestanding washbasins – it’s a piece of furniture.” But whatever space he’s designing for, from bathrooms to tailored car interiors, Auer makes clear that individualization is at the heart of his process. “I started my career first with Christian Liaigre, which was totally bespoke at that time, and I learned to design everything – every single door handle. I know the artisans. I know the process. And individualization is very interesting because, for me, that’s luxury, to have something made for you. And that changes everything. When you have something made for you, you just need it once. So, it’s going in the right direction for not consuming too much. And you’re working with the people who have the know-how, who are artists and craftspeople.”
So, how does such a distinctive designer define DISTINCTIVE for himself? “DISTINCTIVE means being an influencer and not a follower. Trust yourself, trust your taste, and assume it and show it. But this is a sort of dandy approach, not to show off and tell people, ‘I’m better than you,’ but just to say, ‘Okay, I’m like that.’”
Individualization has emerged as one of the megatrends of our time. With globalization advancing, creating a sense of sameness through standardized products and one-size-fits-all solutions, people everywhere seek more personal expressions of luxury, style and well-being. A widespread and rising sense of uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity has only accelerated the trend, especially in the home, creating a demand for spaces and objects that reflect one’s own personality. How can architects and interior designers better understand their clients’ personal evolving desires, developing distinctive and sustainable long-term solutions that give meaning and satisfaction for years to come? And how can their clients get to spaces designed for their very individual needs? These and other questions are explored in our new project DISTINCTIVE", says Anke Sohn, Head of Global Brand Marketing AXOR.
For more information: www.axor-design.com/int/inspiration/bathroom-concepts/tristan-auer
About AXOR
AXOR conceives and manufactures iconic objects for luxurious bathrooms and kitchens. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned designers – Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud and Barber Osgerby among them – AXOR products come in a variety of styles. All AXOR faucets, showers and accessories are produced to the highest standards of quality. With an expertise that extends far beyond the products themselves, AXOR inspires and enables architects, interior designers and the design-savvy public. Together with AXOR, they shape water-related spaces that reflect the unique personality of the user. Part of the Hansgrohe Group, AXOR is a forward-thinking brand dedicated to developing distinctive products, manufactured with excellence.
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