Current Inspiration #23

As summer fades and autumn descends upon us, a new edition of Current Inspiration is crafted. Every season brings fresh sparks of creativity, and this edition celebrates the ideas, makers, and traditions fueling us right now, from French lighting design and biodynamic wines from Anjou, to the heritage craft of fermentation and the timeless charm of vintage details at home. These are more than trends; they’re lasting passions that merge artistry, sustainability, and cultural heritage.

Join us as we explore the studios and vineyards we love, the ancestral food rituals we’re mastering, and the century-old details we’re reimagining, all through the MAREDI Design lens.

Artisanal Lumière

This French lighting house is the creation of two incredibly talented women whose vision instantly captured us. Expect to see much more of their work in the Loire Design Lab!

Over the past 18 months, while scouting for ideal pieces for the Design Lab, we discovered La Quincaillerie Moderne, and they checked every box. From their storytelling to the refinement of their designs, they embody what we seek in modern lighting: timeless pieces inspired by design classics, focused on functionality, authenticity, and durability. What sets them apart is their commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. Each piece is made in Europe, pairing tradition with innovation, including 3D printing some elements of their lights.

The result is a thoughtful blend of heritage and forward-thinking design that makes La Quincaillerie Moderne a luminous force in contemporary interiors.

Anjou, Naturally!

Two subjects we’ve spoken about often: our love of natural wine and our love of our region here in France, Anjou. So what could be better than a family-owned winery dating back to the 16th (!!) century, producing exceptional natural wines for decades, right here in our backyard?

We discovered this producer, Domaine de Bablut, during the lockdown days of Covid, and they opened our eyes to the incredible nuances of Anjou’s grape varieties and the dedication required to craft truly remarkable bottles. Even more impressive is their commitment to biodynamic farming, rooted in a deep respect for biodiversity and the complete avoidance of chemicals or pesticides in their vineyards. Their wines have earned well-deserved recognition — you can even find one on the menu at Noma in Copenhagen.

And beyond the bottles, they’re simply some of the kindest people you’ll meet, welcoming visitors for inspired tastings in an unforgettable setting amid the rolling hills of Anjou.

Canned Heritage

While fermentation and canning have become very à la mode in recent years, these techniques have deep cultural roots around the world.

For us, with MAREDI Design’s blend of Serbian and French heritage, there’s a strong ancestral connection to both. We’ve been taking notes from generations past, especially during family gatherings, and are now channeling that inspiration into our own kitchen experiments. First up on our list: mastering the art of kiseli kupus (sauerkraut), a beloved staple across the Balkans. What we love most about fermentation and canning is how accessible and creative it is; it can be done anywhere and with more ingredients than you might imagine. From pickled vegetables to homemade jams, kefir, or kombucha, the possibilities are endless.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about extending the life of produce while deepening its flavor. We have big fermentation plans ahead…stay tuned for what’s next.

(Vintage) Details Matter

When we talk about vintage and antiques in the home, furniture is often the first thing that comes to mind. Next might be delicate objects, displayed like treasures in a museum. While those are classics, we like to push the boundaries, expanding the criteria to include functional, everyday pieces in our vintage sourcing.

For the Loire Design Lab, viewed through a sustainability lens, we intentionally sought vintage where it made sense, adding depth to the layered story of a space that’s over a century old. One of our favorite categories to source vintage is and always will be door hardware. At first glance, it might seem trivial, but it’s something we interact with daily, and it can carry the rich stories of the past in its patina and design, which was exactly what the Lab needed.

Incorporating vintage elements not only reduces waste but also weaves history seamlessly into modern life. And as for the other accessories we selected, including how and where… you’ll have to stay tuned for more from the Loire Design Lab.