The French Connection

-- Interior Design, 10/31/2009 12:00:00 AM

Interior and furniture designer Jiun Ho is inspired both by his Asian background and his travels abroad when creating his east-meets-west furnishings. His latest collection once again channels cultural encounters and sights, this time from a biking trip through France's castle region of the Loire Valley. Simply called the French Collection, it comprises 20 pieces ranging from seating and tables to case goods. The majestic arches of the valley's chateaus informed the curved legs of the St. Cere chair, covered in a natural cowhide, as well as the steel base of the walnut-and-lacquer Hans side table. Meanwhile, the marble tabletop of Samur takes its shape from old French keyhole plates. The Chambord sofa and the Montresor console—in steel, lacquer, walnut, and leather— are both modern takes on Louis XVI—era style. The Louis XV steel and marble table is a paired-down rendition of Rococo flair. And the Amoise table gets its arches, not from the chateaus but, rather, the centuries-old bridges seen throughout the Loire. C'est magnifique! 415-437-2284; jiunho.com. circle 479