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Simon Porte Jacquemus may be best known for his viral-prone fashion design, but his side gig as a restaurateur is picking up steam. Remember Citron Cafe, which he recently opened in partnership with Caviar Kaspia in Paris’s Galeries Lafayette? Well, it looks like the duo has teamed up again—this time for a full-blown restaurant. It’s called Oursin (“sea urchin” in French) and, as the name suggests, it is all about emulating summer-by-the-water vibes.
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Specifically, summer-by-the-Mediterranean-water vibes. Inspired by the sparkling whites and blues of the coast, the restaurant has brought effortless South of France style to the bustling capital. Even the menu is in on it, featuring simple seafood dishes and sweet treats (like cassis sorbet and figs in honey ice cream). Jacquemus’s latest outpost has essentially provided us with a recipe for achieving the look:
Start With a Plaster Backdrop
Nooks were carved into walls coated in lime plaster to display an eclectic array of vases, vessels, and candlesticks. Even the lights are wired into the niches, further emphasizing the cutout effect.
Toss in a Tree (or Two)
A climbing vine growing smack in the middle of the restaurant certainly helps bring the seaside atmosphere to life. Mimic the look at home with a few potted trees from the region, like olive or lemon.
Pepper in Some Wicker Furniture
Handwoven chairs add warmth to the space, balancing out the plaster banquette seating. Whether you go with rattan chairs or a pendant light, this is a surefire way to perfect your indoor-outdoor–living setup.
And Finish It Off With Ceramic Accents
Jacquemus, jack-of-all-trades that he is, is personally responsible for most of the objects you see in the various wall alcoves—though if your creativity lies elsewhere, you can find similarly unique pieces at shops like Coming Soon and The Primary Essentials. For tableware, take a page from Oursin and opt for a mix of different plates instead of a matching set. The ones in the restaurant were made by an Athenian ceramist, and their variety makes the space even more inviting.
Already miss summer? Here are a few ways to keep the season going, inspired by Paris’s coolest new eatery:
Pari Rattan Chair
Anthropologie
Linen Table Runner
Once Milano
Raw Tube Planter
Bari Ziperstein
Potted Olive Tree
Viva Terra
See more European style tips: European Kitchen Design Trends to Know We Asked 3 French Women Where They Shop for Decor This Is How You Set the Table Like an Italian