Charlotte Bourrus and the Art of the Paper Globe: How a French Artist Maps the World by Hand
There is a particular kind of quiet that surrounds a well-made object. Not the silence of something empty, but the kind that comes from a great deal of attention, spent over a long time, on something small.
Charlotte Bourrus makes paper globes. She has been doing so for years, by hand, in her studio in France — shaping, layering, and creating a scenography, each one with the kind of patience that no machine has ever been able to replicate. The result is an object that sits in a room and changes it. Not loudly. Just enough.
From the Studio: How a Charlotte Bourrus Globe is Made
Every globe begins with paper. Not the smooth, indifferent kind you find in a printer tray — but paper with texture, with memory, with a surface that responds to the hand. Charlotte works with traditional paper art techniques, building up each globe layer by layer until it holds its shape and its weight.
The cartographic detail comes next. Each globe is hand-crafted — continents, mountain ranges, ocean, cities — rendered with the kind of details that makes you want to look closely, and then look again. Cities appear in careful script. Coastlines are observed, not approximated. The tones are muted and warm: aged ivory, deep sea blue, soft terracotta for land masses.
No two globes are identical. The hand that made them saw to that.
The Objects themselves
Charlotte Bourrus produces globes in several sizes — from intimate miniature pieces to statement globes that anchor a room. Each one belongs to a numbered edition, which means each one will, eventually, be the last of its kind.
At Etcheaz, we carry her full collection, including two editions created in exclusive collaboration with us: the *Globe Zürich* and the *Globe Switzerland *. These pieces were designed specifically for the Swiss market and Swiss lovers — for homes here, for people who feel a connection to this country’s geography and want to hold a piece of it on a shelf.
The Globe Zürich features the city’s lake, its hills, its boroughs — rendered with the same unhurried hand that Charlotte applies to every surface she works on. The Globe Switzerland takes a wider view: the Alps in full, the valleys between them, the country as a landscape rather than a border.
Both are available exclusively at Etcheaz in Switzerland, priced in CHF, with the option of in-person pickup at our Küsnacht showroom on Seestrasse 155.
Why a Globe, Still?
It is a reasonable question. We have screens that show us any corner of the world in seconds. Satellites map every street. The globe, as an information tool, has been obsolete for a long time.
And yet.
There is something the screen cannot do. It cannot sit on a table and be turned slowly, and felt, and admired from a particular angle in a particular light. It cannot age gracefully on a shelf. It cannot be the thing a guest reaches for without thinking, turns in their hands, and puts back gently.
Charlotte Bourrus’s globes are not about information. They are about the pleasure of the world as an object — something finite, holdable, beautiful. In that sense, they are more relevant now than ever.
A Note on Collecting
Charlotte’s globes are produced in limited series. When an edition closes, it closes. There are no reprints, no reorders, no restocks.
This is not a marketing strategy. It is simply the natural consequence of making things by hand at a pace that cannot be hurried. If you are considering one of her globes, the honest advice is not to wait too long.
Where to Find Charlotte Bourrus Globes in Switzerland
Etcheaz is the sole authorised retailer of Charlotte Bourrus globes in Switzerland. Her collection is available on etcheaz.com, with shipping across Switzerland and the option of personal pickup at our showroom in Küsnacht, on Zurich’s Gold Coast.
We are one of the few places in Europe where her work can be seen in person before purchase — which, for an object this tactile, this present, we recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Charlotte Bourrus globes unique?
Each globe is hand-crafted using traditional papier-mâché techniques and painted by hand. No two pieces are identical. They are produced in numbered limited editions, making them genuinely collectible objects rather than decorative reproductions.
- Where can I buy Charlotte Bourrus globes in Switzerland?
Etcheaz is the only authorised retailer of Charlotte Bourrus globes in Switzerland. Her full collection is available at etcheaz.com, with pickup possible at our showroom at Seestrasse 155, Küsnacht (Zurich). Prices are in CHF.
- Are Charlotte Bourrus globes limited edition?
Yes. Each globe belongs to a numbered series. Once an edition is complete, it is not reprinted. This is a direct consequence of the hand-made production process — each globe takes significant time and skill to produce.
- What sizes are available?
Charlotte Bourrus produces globes in several sizes, from smaller desktop pieces to larger statement globes. Our current selection at Etcheaz includes both, as well as the two exclusive Etcheaz collaborations: the Globe Zürich and the Globe Switzerland XXL.
- Can I visit the showroom to see the globes in person?
Yes. Our Küsnacht showroom at Seestrasse 155 carries a selection of Charlotte Bourrus globes. We recommend contacting us before visiting to confirm current availability: info@etcheaz.com
Behind the Puzzle: The Story of Taquin and the Wall Art that plays with Perception
Most wall art asks very little of the person looking at it. You hang it. You walk past it. Eventually, you stop seeing it.The Taquin collection works differently. It asks you to look, and then to touch, and then to think — and it refuses to let you stop seeing it, because the image in front of you is never quite the same twice.
Taquin is a sliding puzzle. It is also, depending on how you approach it, a painting, a game, a meditation on order and disorder, and one of the more genuinely original ideas in contemporary decorative art. It has been part of the Etcheaz collection since the beginning, for the simple reason that nothing else does what it does.
What is a Taquin?
The taquin — known in English as a sliding puzzle — has been around since the late nineteenth century. The original, invented in the 1870s, was a 4×4 grid of numbered tiles with one space missing. The goal was to slide the tiles into the correct sequence. Simple in concept, maddening in practice, and almost impossible to put down once you started.
The Taquin collection at Etcheaz takes this mechanism and applies it to something altogether different: a photographic or illustrated image, divided into a grid of moveable wooden tiles, mounted in a frame designed to hang on a wall.
In its solved state, it is a complete image — a piece of wall art like any other. But the tiles move. The image can be shuffled, rearranged, broken apart and reconstructed. What hangs on the wall is not a fixed thing but a variable one — something that changes each time a hand passes over it.
The Taquin collection at Etcheaz comprises seventeen configurations, spread across several image families. Some are photographic — landscapes, architectural details, natural textures. Others are more graphic, working with colour fields and geometric compositions that become almost abstract when the tiles are displaced.
Each piece is produced in a limited edition. The frame is clean and considered, designed to disappear around the work rather than compete with it. The tiles themselves are printed with precision: when the puzzle is solved, the joins between tiles are barely visible. The image holds.
Sizes range from compact desktop pieces — the kind that sit on a shelf and invite the passing hand — to larger wall formats that function primarily as art, with the puzzle element as a secondary pleasure.
All are available at Etcheaz.
The Space it occupies
There is a category problem with the Taquin collection, and it is part of what makes it interesting.
It is not a toy, though it has the mechanism of one. It is not conventional wall art, though it hangs on a wall and holds an image. It is not a game in the competitive sense, though there is a clear objective — return the image to its completed state — and a satisfying difficulty in achieving it.
What it is, more precisely, is an object that changes the relationship between a piece and the person who lives with it. Most decorative objects are passive. They receive your attention and return it unchanged. The Taquin demands something back: an engagement, a decision, a small act of restoration.
For someone who finds pure decoration slightly inert, who wants their home to contain things that do something — this is exactly the point.
A Note on the Name
The word *taquin* is French, and it means something like *teasing* — a gentle, persistent provocation. It is a good name for an object that unsettles a fixed image and then waits for you to restore it.
There is also, in French, the phrase *ne pas être taquin* — to not be a tease, to not withhold. The puzzle, to its credit, withholds nothing. The mechanism is transparent. The challenge is real. The image, when you complete it, is genuinely satisfying.
The Taquin pieces at Etcheaz are among the most consistently remarked upon in the showroom. Visitors who come in for something else — a candle, a globe, a cushion — stop at the Taquin display and spend longer there than they planned. The tiles move easily. The impulse to shuffle and re-solve is immediate.
We carry the full range of seventeen configurations, available in store at Seestrasse 155, Küsnacht, and online at etcheaz.ch
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Taquin wall art?
Taquin wall art is a limited-edition decorative object based on the sliding puzzle mechanism. Each piece consists of a framed image divided into moveable tiles — in its solved state it functions as wall art; the tiles can be shuffled and rearranged, making the image variable. The Taquin collection at Etcheaz comprises seventeen configurations, all limited edition.
- Is Taquin wall art limited edition?
Yes. All pieces in the Taquin collection at Etcheaz are produced in limited editions. Once an edition closes, it is not reprinted.
- Where can I buy Taquin puzzle wall art in Switzerland?
The full Taquin collection is available at Etcheaz — online at etcheaz.com and in person at the showroom at Seestrasse 155, Küsnacht ZH. .
- What sizes does the Taquin collection come in?
The Taquin collection is available in several sizes, from smaller shelf pieces to larger wall-format works. Specific dimensions are listed on each product page at etcheaz.com.
- Is the Taquin collection a good gift?
It is one of the more distinctive gifts in the Etcheaz collection — suitable for people who appreciate objects that combine craft with concept. It works well for design enthusiasts, people with curious minds, and anyone who finds conventional wall art too passive. Presented in its frame, it requires no additional wrapping.
How to Style a Spring Interior: Textiles, Candles & Design Objects
There is a particular feeling that arrives with spring.
The light changes first — softer in the morning, longer in the evening, finding its way into corners of the room that spent the winter in shadow. Then comes the instinct to move things around. To open windows. To replace the heavy and the dark with something lighter, something that breathes.
At etcheaz, we think of spring not as a trend to follow, but as a shift in feeling to welcome. Here is how we approach it — with textiles, scent, and objects chosen to make a home feel like itself again, only better.
Start with Light — Let your Textiles Breathe
Winter interiors rely on weight: thick throws, dark tones, layers of warmth. Spring asks for the opposite.
This is not about removing everything and starting again. It is about editing — swapping one heavy element for something that lets light pass through it, choosing colours that reflect rather than absorb.
What to change:
- Fold away the heaviest throws and bring out lighter weights — merino wool or cotton blankets in muted, natural tones
- Swap dark cushion covers for something with a graphic print or unexpected texture
- Move a throw from the sofa to a basket or ladder — displayed rather than just draped
What to keep:
Everything that already feels right. Spring styling is about addition and subtraction, not transformation.
Our pick: Voited CloudTouch Blanket
The Voited CloudTouch is the definition of a transitional textile. Waterproof, packable, and made from recycled materials, it moves effortlessly between indoors and out — on the sofa one afternoon, on a picnic blanket the next. Available in soft, considered colours that work in any interior.
Bring in Colour — but Let it Surprise you
Spring colour in interiors is often misunderstood. It does not mean pastels everywhere, or a sudden explosion of yellow.
The most considered approach is to introduce one or two unexpected colour notes — a saffron vase on a shelf, a glazed ceramic lemon on a kitchen counter, a cushion in a tone you would not usually reach for. The rest of the room stays as it is. The contrast does the work.
The colours we are thinking about this spring:
- Saffron yellow and warm amber — present without being aggressive
- Deep emerald and forest green — grounding, not heavy
- Soft opal and warm white — for light without coldness
- Terracotta and earthy red — connecting the interior to the season outside
Our pick: Vase MUSE
A single hand-blown crystal vase in saffron yellow or emerald green changes the quality of a shelf entirely. The MUSE by Fundamental Berlin is the kind of object that looks different at every hour of the day — catching morning light one way, catching evening light another.
One vase. Infinite rooms.
Also consider: Glazed Ceramic Fruits & Vegetables
A lemon on a windowsill. An orange on a kitchen shelf. Sometimes the smallest objects carry the most seasonal feeling — and the hand-glazed ceramic fruits at etcheaz do exactly that. An affordable, joyful way to bring spring into any corner of the home.
Change the Scent — Let Spring In through the Air
We underestimate how much a room’s atmosphere is shaped by what we smell rather than what we see.
Winter scents tend towards warmth and spice — amber, vanilla, smoke, pine. Spring invites something different: fresher, greener, more open. Citrus, fig leaf, white florals, clean cotton. Scents that feel like open windows.
Changing the candle on your table is one of the simplest and most immediate ways to shift the feeling of a space. It takes thirty seconds and it works every time.
What to look for in a spring candle:
- Natural wax — burns cleaner and carries fragrance more honestly
- Citrus or botanical notes — lemon, citronella, green tea, white flowers
- A considered aesthetic — the candle is an object on your table long before it is lit
Our pick: Candle N°2 Matin de Printemps — Les Choses Simples
Designed for the transition between indoors and outdoors, the citronella candle by Les Choses Simples is one of our favourite spring objects. Natural wax, a fragrance that feels like the first warm evening of the year on a terrace. Beautiful unlit, transformative when burning.
Think about the Transition — Inside and Outside
One of the defining characteristics of spring living is the blurring of the boundary between interior and exterior. The terrace gets a cushion. The picnic blanket comes out of storage. Objects start moving between the kitchen table and the garden.
This is worth designing for deliberately — choosing objects that work in both contexts, and creating a visual continuity between what is inside and what is outside.
A blanket that goes from sofa to picnic. Candles that burn equally well on a dining table and a terrace. Cushions that survive outdoor evenings as well as indoor mornings.
Our pick: Outdoor Cushion — Common Modern
Designed specifically for the transition between indoor and outdoor use, these cushions bring the same design sensibility to a garden chair or terrace bench as to a living room sofa. Durable, considered, and available in botanical prints that feel entirely of this season.
Edit one Surface at a Time
The most common mistake in seasonal restyling is trying to redo everything at once.
Instead, choose one surface — a shelf, a coffee table, a windowsill, a console — and treat it as a small composition. Remove what no longer feels right for the season. Add one or two new objects. Stand back and look.
Then leave it for a week before touching anything else.
A spring shelf composition to try:
- One vase with a single stem or branch of spring blossom
- One ceramic object for texture and colour (a glazed lemon, a small sculptural piece)
- One candle — unlit, but present as an object
- One book, lying flat, as a base for the other objects
- One empty space — resist the urge to fill it
The empty space is as important as everything else.
The Etcheaz Spring Edit — All in One Place
If you want to refresh your interior this spring without starting from scratch, here is where to begin:
- For textiles: [Voited CloudTouch Blankets](https://etcheaz.com/textile-throws-towel/)
- For colour: [Vase MUSE — Fundamental Berlin](https://etcheaz.com/vase-tableware/)
- For scent: [Natural Candles — Les Choses Simples](https://etcheaz.com/candles-home-fragrance/)
- For the terrace: [Outdoor Cushions & Blankets](https://etcheaz.com/outdoor/)
- For small details: [Glazed Ceramic Fruits](https://etcheaz.com/vase-tableware/)
Or visit us at our Küsnacht showroom — where the spring collection is already on display, and where we are always happy to help you find the right piece for your space.
Explore the full etcheaz collection
6 Meaningful Design Gifts for Mother’s Day 2026
This Mother’s Day, we’d like to suggest a different approach: not a bouquet that will fade, not a box of chocolates that will disappear, but an object with a soul. Something chosen with the same care and attention she gives to everything around her.
At etcheaz, we curate European design objects that carry meaning — made by designers and artisan houses who believe that beauty and intention belong in everyday life.
Here are six pieces we would be proud to give.
1. Mohair & Alpaca Throw by Brun de Vian-Tiran
For the mother who deserves to be wrapped in something extraordinary.
Brun de Vian-Tiran has been weaving in France since 1808. The 100% mohair or alpaca throw is the kind of object that earns its place on a sofa and stays there for decades — impossibly soft, naturally warm, and more beautiful with every year that passes.
It is not a seasonal gift. It is a lasting one.
Why we love it: The weight of it, the softness of it, the history behind it. There is no substitute for this quality of mohair and alpaca, made by a house that has spent over two centuries perfecting it.
Perfect for: The mother who loves her home and the objects in it. The one who notices quality.
2. Vase MUSE — Fundamental Berlin
For the mother whose home already tells a story — and deserves another chapter.
The MUSE vase by Fundamental Berlin is mouth-blown crystal glass, shaped with a quiet precision that only becomes more apparent the longer you look at it. Available in several colours — saffron yellow, opal white, emerald green, ruby — each one brings a different light into a room.
This is not a vase you hide flowers in. It is a vase you place somewhere and let it be.
Why we love it: It manages to be both sculptural and understated — which is one of the hardest things to achieve in design.
Perfect for: The mother with an eye for beautiful interiors. The one who already has everything, but would never have thought to buy this for herself.
3. Natural Scented Candle — Les Choses Simples
For the mother who creates atmosphere wherever she goes.
Les Choses Simples — “the simple things” — is a French design house that makes candles the way candles should be made: natural wax, fine fragrance, long burn time, and a considered aesthetic that makes the object itself worth keeping long after the wick has burned down.
Light it once and the room changes. That is the only way to describe it.
Why we love it: The scents are sophisticated without being overpowering. The design is refined without being cold. It is the definition of a considered gift.
Perfect for: The mother who appreciates the ritual of lighting a candle at the end of the day. The one who loves her home to smell as beautiful as it looks.
4. Tableau Taquin, Irène
For the mother who sees art differently — and invites others to do the same.
Meet Irène. The enigmatic woman in the beret, at once reserved and warm, carrying the weight of deep stories within her. The Tableau Taquin is a wooden wall art made of 16 sliding oak pieces — a frame you can rearrange, deconstruct and reconstruct, turning a portrait into an abstraction and back again.
It is a work of art that is never finished. Never quite the same twice.
Why we love it: It breaks the rule that art must be untouchable. Here, you build, you dismantle, you play. Designed and made in France, with a solid oak frame. 63 × 63 cm.
Perfect for: The mother who loves art but also loves the unexpected. The one whose home already has beautiful things — and deserves one that moves.
5. Cushion CSAO x Etcheaz — “Merci” or “Zame”
For the mother who deserves to be told, in the most beautiful way possible.
*Merci* — thank you. *Zame* — love, in Bambara. Two words, hand-embroidered onto red and blue gingham cotton, born from an exclusive collaboration between etcheaz and CSAO — a Parisian house with deep roots in African craft traditions. Each cushion is made by hand by skilled artisans, part of a limited Schweizerdeutsch capsule that will not be repeated.
This is a gift that says something. Because some messages deserve to be sewn into something you can hold.
Why we love it: The craft, the story, the meaning. An object born from two cultures meeting with care and intention — and available only here.
Perfect for: The mother you want to say thank you to. The one who surrounds herself with objects that carry meaning. Only 2 in stock — choose your word wisely.
6. Glazed Ceramic Fruit & Vegetable Collection
For the mother who smiles at the unexpected.
These hand-glazed ceramic fruits — lemon, orange, artichoke, eggplant, strawberry — are small objects with an outsized ability to bring warmth and personality to a kitchen or dining table. Each one is crafted with a care that only becomes apparent when you hold it.
They can be given individually or as a collection. They can be placed on a table, a shelf, a windowsill. They do not take themselves seriously — which is precisely why we love them.
Why we love it: At CHF 30, this is proof that a beautiful, meaningful gift does not have to be expensive. It just has to be chosen with intention.
Perfect for: The mother who loves her kitchen. The one who appreciates humour and craft in equal measure. An ideal addition to a larger gift.
Not sure which to choose? There’s always the Gift Card.
Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is let her choose for herself.
Our etcheaz gift cards are available in any amount, delivered by email, and valid on the entire collection — online and at our Küsnacht showroom.
Designer Vases: Sculptural, unique, european-made
Sculptural Objects for your Home
At etcheaz, a vase is never “just a vase.” It is a sculptural object, a point of contemplation, a statement of taste, and a way to bring a piece of design history into your interior. From Renaud Defrancesco’s Wavy Vases to Fundamental Berlin’s minimalist crystal designs, and Tsé-Tsé’s playful Vase Avril, each piece transforms a space while connecting you to the story of contemporary European design.
The Poetry of Materials
Glass that catches light, crystal that sparkles with refined elegance, ceramic that offers tactile warmth—each material tells its own story. Carefully selected for texture, color, and form, our vases invite you to experience the subtle beauty of everyday objects. The Vase Avril by Tsé-Tsé, with its distinctive organic curves and playful proportions, exemplifies the blend of design innovation and artisanal expertise that defines etcheaz.
Unique, Limited, European-Made
Every vase is limited edition, crafted with care, and produced in Switzerland or Europe. The focus on local expertise and artisanal savoir-faire ensures that each piece is both collectible and timeless. Owning one is more than acquiring a decorative object—it is introducing a piece of design history into your home. These are vases designed for those who value European craftsmanship and originality.
Styling Your Designer Vase
- Highlight a single vase as a sculptural focal point
- Combine vases of different heights, textures, and materials
- Pair with seasonal flowers, dried blooms, or greenery for a poetic touch
- Include playful forms like Vase Avril by Tsé-Tsé to add personality and movement
Why Etcheaz selects these Vases
We curate vases for the discerning collector: objects that embody design, craftsmanship, and elegance. With etcheaz, you bring artful, sustainable, European-made pieces into your home—functional yet poetic, minimal yet striking. Designers like Renaud Defrancesco, Fundamental Berlin, and Tsé-Tsé showcase the diversity of contemporary European design, allowing every piece to enter your interior as a story and a piece of design history.
Explore the designer vase collection and bring unique, European-made pieces that elevate your interior and connect you to design history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes a vase a designer piece?
Answer : A designer vase is created by a recognized artist or studio, combining original design, premium materials, and European craftsmanship, making it both functional and sculptural.
Q2: Are etcheaz vases limited edition?
Answer : Yes, all vases are produced in small batches, ensuring each piece is unique and collectible.
Q3: What materials are used for etcheaz vases?
Answer : Our vases are crafted in glass, crystal, and ceramic, each chosen for quality, texture, and aesthetic impact.
Q4: Can I style a designer vase with flowers?
Answer : Absolutely. Pairing flowers, dried blooms, or greenery enhances the sculptural design and adds life to any interior.
Q5: Why choose European-made vases?
Answer : European-made vases showcase artisanal savoir-faire, sustainable production, and design heritage, bringing a piece of design history into your home.
Q6: Which designers are featured at etcheaz?
Answer : Etcheaz features designers like Renaud Defrancesco, Fundamental Berlin, and Tsé-Tsé, offering unique vases such as the Wavy Vase and Vase Avril.
Q7: Can these vases be used in minimalist or contemporary interiors?
Answer : Yes, our vases are designed to complement minimalist, modern, and contemporary interiors, creating sculptural focal points and curated spaces.
ToyBoard: Fun, Design & Limited-Time Spring Promotion
Why the ToyBoard is More Than a Balance Board
The ToyBoard is a design-forward balance board that brings movement, play, and well-being into your home. Crafted in Biarritz, France, it’s designed for children and adults up to 110 kg, combining safety, functionality, and artisanal quality. It’s not just a board—it’s a piece of design history for your interior, playful and sophisticated at the same time.
Features & Specifications
- Dimensions: 101 × 38.2 × 15.5 cm
- Weight: 3 kg
- Cover: 100% recycled material, eco-friendly screen printing with water-based, solvent-free inks
- Care: Wipe with a towel; FAMILY models feature removable covers machine-washable at 60°C
- Artisanal Touch: Hidden zipper, precise overstitching, impeccable finishing
- Origin: Made in Biarritz, France
- Supported weight: up to 110 kg
- Warranty: 3 years covering foam sagging or stitching defects
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
How to Use & Style Your ToyBoard
Every ToyBoard is designed with sustainability in mind. Recycled materials and water-based inks reduce environmental impact, while the artisanal finishing ensures each board is functional, durable, and visually striking..
- Strengthen balance, coordination, and core stability
- Playful object for children and adults
- A design-forward statement piece in any interior
- Combine with other lifestyle objects from etcheaz for a curated home
Limited-Time Promotion
Spring is the perfect time to bring play, fitness, and design into your home.
For a limited period : ToyBoard on sale | CHF 230 – 410
FAQ
- What weight can the ToyBoard support? – Up to 110 kg, suitable for children and adults.
- Is the ToyBoard eco-friendly? – Yes, it uses 100% recycled materials and water-based, solvent-free inks.
- How do I clean my ToyBoard? – Wipe with a towel; FAMILY models have removable covers machine-washable at 60°C.
- Where is the ToyBoard made? – In Biarritz, France.
- Does the ToyBoard come with a warranty? – Yes, a 3-year warranty covers foam or stitching defects.
Renaud Defrancesco and the Radical Discipline of Less
In a time saturated with objects designed for instant attention, Renaud Defrancesco takes the opposite stance. His work does not compete. It withdraws. It removes. It distills design to its most irreducible gesture: the line.
Working from Switzerland, Defrancesco belongs to a lineage of designers who understand that restraint is not absence, but control. Every curve, every proportion, every intersection is intentional. Nothing is decorative. Everything is structural.
His objects do not ask to be admired. They assume their place.
At etcheaz, we see his work as part of a new generation of collectible Swiss design — one that privileges permanence over novelty.
Geometry as a language, not a style
The Cyre candles are not simply candles. They are exercises in verticality and balance. Their presence is architectural. Even before being lit, they alter the perception of space. They introduce tension and calm simultaneously — a paradox mastered through proportion alone.
The Circuit trays, conceived as vide-poches, are defined by continuity. Their lines do not begin or end abruptly. They flow. They guide the eye. They create order without rigidity. Placed on a console, a desk, or a bedside table, they transform the act of placing objects into a deliberate gesture.
The O and S forms push this exploration further. Here, the curve becomes autonomous. These shapes exist with an almost symbolic clarity — primal, universal, and deeply contemporary. They function as objects, but also as spatial punctuation.
The glass vase Wavy reveals Defrancesco’s understanding of material as a living element. Transparent yet present, it interacts with light, reflections, and its environment. It never appears exactly the same twice. It is both object and atmosphere.
This is not decorative design. This is disciplined design.
Renaud Defrancesco’s work resists trends because it was never designed to follow them. His pieces exist in a slower temporality. They are meant to be kept, moved, rediscovered. To age without losing relevance.
Against excess, for permanence
They do not fill space. They define it.
In a world of visual noise, his objects offer something increasingly rare: clarity.
Discover the work of Renaud Defrancesco at etcheaz — a radical expression of contemporary Swiss minimalist design.
5 Reasons to choose a Natural Candle
Natural Candles vs. Chemical Candles
To create a warm atmosphere, make your home smell wonderful, escape through scent, or simply enjoy soft lighting, we all love lighting a candle—especially during autumn and winter for that cozy, cocooning feeling.
But beware: not all candles are created equal. Some can even be harmful to your health.
So what are the real differences between natural and chemical candles?
And how can you choose a candle that is safe for you and your home?
We explain everything below.
1. Natural Candles respect your Health
Always choose candles made from natural waxes, such as beeswax or soy wax. Beeswax is a natural substance produced by bees, while soy wax is derived from soybeans. Candles made from natural waxes produce very little smoke and release fewer harmful substances when burned.
In contrast, many conventional candles are made from paraffin, a byproduct of crude oil refining. Paraffin is cheaper to produce, which explains its widespread use—but it comes at a cost.
When paraffin burns, it can release potentially toxic chemicals into the air, including benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, acrolein, and other indoor air pollutants. Inhaling these substances may lead to respiratory irritation, allergies, headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation. Poor indoor air quality is directly linked to numerous health issues.
Additionally, paraffin is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and its widespread use contributes to our ongoing dependence on fossil fuels.
Our advice: always check the composition of a candle before buying it.
2. Natural Candles burn Longer
Natural candles tend to burn more slowly and evenly than chemical candles, which means they last longer. While they may seem like a higher investment at first, they are actually more cost-effective over time.
3. Natural Candles smell Better
Natural candles offer a soft, authentic fragrance, thanks to the use of essential oils, high-quality perfumes (often made in France), or the natural scent of the wax itself.
Chemical candles, on the other hand, are often scented with synthetic fragrances, which can trigger allergic reactions or discomfort for sensitive individuals
4. Natural Candles are more Eco-Friendly
Natural candles are a more environmentally responsible choice. Soy wax comes from a renewable plant source, and beeswax production supports bees—essential pollinators that play a crucial role in biodiversity.
Paraffin candles are non-renewable and contribute to the carbon footprint of the oil industry, making them far less sustainable.
5. Natural Candles are made Ethically
The production of natural candles is often linked to more ethical practices. Beekeepers who produce beeswax are generally committed to protecting bees and their habitats. Likewise, natural candle makers tend to be more transparent about the origin of their raw materials and their manufacturing processes.
Natural candles may be slightly more expensive, but they are a true guarantee of quality, respect for your health, and care for the environment.
Choose products that make sense—and make you feel good.
Collection inspired by Mountains
There is something timeless about the mountains.
Their quiet strength, their raw beauty, their ability to make us slow down, breathe deeper and reconnect with what truly matters. At Etcheaz, this sense of altitude, authenticity and craftsmanship inspires our selection of objects designed to bring warmth, poetry and character into your home.
Our Inspired by the Mountains collection is an invitation to create interiors that feel grounded, serene and deeply comforting — where design meets nature and stories are told through materials, textures and savoir-faire.
When art becomes playful: Taquin “Schuss”
The mountains are not only about contemplation — they are also about movement, play and freedom.
The Taquin “Schuss” wooden wall art, designed in partnership with Les Petits Yéyés, transports us into a colourful, graphic and slightly vintage alpine world.
More than a decorative object, this piece is a playful work of art made of 20 movable wooden elements framed in solid oak. It invites you to build, deconstruct and reimagine the landscape, blurring the lines between art, design and game. Designed and made in France, it celebrates creativity, spontaneity and the joy of imperfection.
A cosy alpine spirit: Edelweiss and Mountains wool felt cushions
Nothing evokes the mountain spirit quite like wool.
Handmade, the Peak Moutain & Edelweiss wool felt cushion is a tribute to alpine heritage and ethical craftsmanship. Crafted from high-quality boiled wool felt, this cushion brings a soft, natural and comforting presence to your living space.
The iconic Edelweiss motif — symbol of purity and resilience — adds a poetic and authentic touch, while the generous dimensions make it both decorative and inviting. Each piece is carefully handmade by skilled artisans using responsibly sourced, biodegradable wool.
For a more graphic interpretation of mountain landscapes, discover the felt cushion inspired by mountain peaks. Its stylised two-peak design captures the essence of alpine horizons, blending modern aesthetics with traditional techniques. A perfect balance between warmth, texture and visual impact.
Mountain landscapes on paper: artistic posters
Mountains are also a source of endless inspiration for artists.
The Panorama poster by Madame Hubert offers a breathtaking view rendered entirely by hand in ink. Printed on high-quality rigid art paper, each piece reflects hundreds of hours of meticulous work, precision and passion. The result is a contemporary yet timeless landscape, ready to be framed and admired.
For a more poetic and colourful approach, the Viaduc & Mountains fine art print by Julie Guillem is part of the Carnet de Voyage series. Printed in limited edition on textured art paper using natural pigmented inks, this giclée print captures the harmony between architecture and nature. Minimalist, vibrant and delicately balanced, it brings a sense of movement and lightness to any interior.
Ultimate comfort: Alpaca throw by Brun de Vian-Tiran
After a day in the mountains, nothing compares to the feeling of wrapping yourself in warmth.
The Lima alpaca throw by Brun de Vian-Tiran is woven from 100% Andes alpaca, renowned for its exceptional softness, lightness and warmth. With its generous size and luxurious texture, it invites you to slow down, relax and enjoy the moment.
Made entirely in France by a historic wool manufacturer founded in 1808, this throw embodies centuries of expertise and excellence. A true statement of comfort and refinement, designed to last.
Miniature alpine worlds: Swiss Alps globes & ornaments
The magic of the mountains can also live in small, precious details.
The Swiss Alps globes and ornaments by The Map Studio, designed by Charlotte Bourrus, reinvent the traditional snow globe. Each piece is handcrafted and unique, inspired by memories, emotions and the intimate beauty of alpine landscapes.
From limited-edition ornaments to poetic Swiss Alps globes, these creations capture the magic of snowy peaks, chalets and winding slopes — offering a dreamy escape and a beautiful reminder of places close to the heart.
Bringing the mountains home
Through noble materials, ethical craftsmanship and poetic design, our Inspired by the Mountains selection transforms interiors into welcoming retreats.
Whether through a felt cushion, an art print, a playful wall piece or a luxurious throw, each object tells a story — one of nature, heritage and timeless beauty.
Let the mountains inspire your home.
Discover the collection on étchéaz and create a space where warmth, authenticity and serenity meet.
The Art of Slow Gifting - giving less, but better
At etcheaz, we believe that a gift should last longer than a moment. Every piece in our curated selection - from limited-edition design objects to timeless home decor - embodies the values of sustainable living and mindful design.
What Slow Gifting means
Slow Gifting isn’t extravagance or abondance.
It’s about intention – taking the time to find a sustainable gift that resonates with both giver and receiver.
Instead of dozen forgettable presents, imagine offering one thoughtful piece – beautifully made, useful, and designed to be passed down. That’s the heart of Slow Gifting.
Objects with a Soul - the etcheaz way
Each object at etcheaz is chosen not just for how it looks, but for the story it tells. We celebrate authentic design, local savoir-faire, and limited editions that preserve the humanc touch in a world of mass production.
Take the Brun de Vian Tiran Throws, for example – woven in France with centuries of expertise. Their textures, natural fibers, and quiet elegance brings warmth to every home, season after season.
Or the Zuri concrete Table Lamp, sculptural yet soft, handcrafted with minimalist precision – blending industrial design with poetic simplicity.
These are not just beautiful things. They stories you can hold – gifts that connect us to craftsmanship, heritage, and mindful living.
Why Slow Gifting matters
Choosing a sustainable gift is an act of care – for people and for the planet.
It supports small artisans, values natural materials, and encourages us to consume more consciously. When we choose quality over quantity, we create less waste and more meaning.
Slow Gifting is, in essence, sustainable storytelling. Every object becomes a chapter – of where it was made, who crafted it, and how it fits into a more balanced, intentional way of life.
How to embrace the Art of Slow Gifting
- Choose fewer, better gifts. Invest in pieces that will stand the test of time.
- Celebrate craftmanship. Look for handmade, small batch creations with character.
- Share the story. Tell the recipient about the maker, the material, the journey.
- Wrap with thought. Use natural or reusable materials – beauty lies in simplicity.
- Gift meaning, not clutter. Let your presents reflect your values and care.
In the end : a Gift that lasts
To give slowly is to give meaningfully. Through Slow Gifting, we move away from the noise of overconsumption and back toward what truly matters – authenticity, connection, and timeless design.
With etcheaz, every object is a piece of sustainable storytelling – created to be admired, used, and passed on.. A gentle reminder that the most beautiful gifts are not the ones that fill our hearts.