Lacquer, Reimagined

Between heritage and modernity, lacquer and gilding are experiencing a remarkable revival in luxury hospitality. Far from old clichés, these centuries-old crafts become vehicles for contemporary expression, elevated by ­Pierre-Yves Rochon’s vision.

Midavaine, A Modern Screen
Atelier Midavaine embodies the transmission of an demanding craft. Founded in 1919 by ­Louis Midavaine, the workshop has preserved unique techniques throughout the century, including its renowned crackled lacquer. Under the direction of ­Anne ­Midavaine, the atelier has reinvented itself, collaborating with houses such as Cartier, for whom it created monumental panels featuring its iconic panthers. In Suite 814 of the Four Seasons Hotel ­George V, this expertise takes the form of a lacquered screen. More than a decorative object, it structures the duplex space, introducing a precious mineral quality and a contemporary brilliance that complements the suite’s warm palette of gold and cognac tones. Here, lacquer is not merely a finish but an architectural element that transforms a traditional object into a modern design feature.

Mériguet, The Elegance of a Discreet Touch
­Pierre-Yves Rochon has worked closely with Atelier Mériguet-Carrère on several landmark projects, extending well beyond lacquer alone. At Chopard’s Hôtel Place Vendôme, the collaboration included meticulous gold leaf gilding as well as the restoration and enhancement of frescoes in selected rooms.
The spirit of Mériguet—renowned for its lacquer finishes and gold leaf techniques—enhances the quiet elegance of the architect’s interiors. In Suite 815, with its Champagne and Grey palette at the Four Seasons Hotel ­George V in Paris, inaugurated in 2024, lacquer finishes, whether matte or polished gold, capture the Parisian light without reflecting it harshly. A discreet yet essential technique that helps create the “optimized volumes” and gallery-like atmosphere sought by ­Pierre-Yves ­Rochon.

Gohard, Gilding in Motion
A leading atelier in bespoke gilding and cold metallization, ­Gohard has become a reference for architects and contemporary artists. Its expertise lies in the diversity of its applications and its mastery of light across surfaces. At The Woodward Geneva,­Gohard’s influence is omnipresent, although often almost invisible because it feels so naturally integrated into the architecture. The monumental wrought-iron entrance, hand-decorated with gold leaf, exemplifies this exceptional craftsmanship. Gohard excels in architectural gilding that brings immediate warmth to a building while demonstrating that gilding can also be a refined, contemporary design element.

These three houses share the same philosophy: placing craftsmanship at the service of emotion. Rather than ­using lacquer and gilding as decorative statements, they employ them to shape space, capture natural light and create subtle visual landmarks. In doing so, they contribute to a form of authentic luxury—one that is lived rather than displayed, transforming the hotel stay into a truly Parisian art of living. •

Photos: Cabinet at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, lacquer panel by Anne Midavaine, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Paris, France • © Augustin de Valence • Cabinet, Atelier Midavaine, Four Seasons collection • © Augustin de Valence • Meubles UK Atelier Midavaine • Laque midavaine laque soleil