Chez Pierre Herme: A home with taste

Pierre Hermé is a French pastry chef most famous for his macarons, often with unusual flavor combinations. French Vogue magazine dubbed him "The Picasso of Pastry." Having begun his career at age 14 under the legendary Gaston Lendtre, he was only 24 when he became the pastry chef at Fauchon. He remained there for 11 years, until 1997, when he was asked to assist with the opening of Laduree, a prestigious French pastry shop. In 1998 Herme was called to branch out in his own name -- in Tokyo -- in the form of a bakery in a top hotel. That was followed in July 2000 by the opening of a tea salon. During that time he also was collaborating with some of the great restaurateurs and chefs in the United States. Yet it was not until August, 2001, that he conquered Paris in his own name with the opening of his own pastry boutique, Pierre Herme Paris.

Just this past issue, Elle Decor France featured the Maestro's home in Paris's 17th arrondissement, where his office and creative workshop are close by, just next to Monceau Park.

Walls of chocolate.
Pierre Hermé takes a pose on the landing decorated with a Murano glass sconce and with a bas-relief by Beatrice Arthus-Bertrand.

Pastry mouldings: A perfect mix of modern and classical achieve a perfect balance for the office shared by Pierre Hermé and his associate Charles Znaty. 

White Meringue: In the mezzanine, a diving view to the dining room. The wooden and marble table was designed by Patrick Jouin. Chairs "Thalya" by Patrick Jouin (Kartell). Floor lamp "PO 98" (CAPPELLINI). 

Floating islands: Light plays off the floors paved by slate! Under the glass roof, the table designed by Patrick Jouin is highlighted by suspension lights designed by the sculptor Daniel Dufois (Création Patrick Jouin-Sanjit Manku).

Rose macaroon: A touch of pink for the library stands in front of the kitchen (Bulthaup) where the team led by Mickaël Marsollier fullfils creations of the master chef.

I hope you enjoyed your house tour this morning and was inspired by this amazing pastry chef who has captured the world of baking at such a young age. Makes me feel so unaccomplished!

Of course, if you are ever in Tokyo or Paris or London, please stop by one of Chez Herme's boutiques and taste for yourself his marvelous creations.

(text and photos by Elle Decor France)

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