Born into a wealthy family, French born designer Jean Royére (1902-1981), began his career as a banker in the import-export trade, leaving it behind in 1931 at the age of 29 to pursue his passion for design. Under an apprenticeship with Pierre Gouff, he learned cabinetmaking and meticulous craftsmanship. In 1934, Royére won a prestigious competition to design the restaurant of the luxurious Hotel Carlton on the Champs-Élysées finding immediate success.

In 1942 Jean Royére founded his own company and built an international career with global clientele including the Shah of Iran, King Farouk of Egypt and King Hussein of Jordan. He pioneered an original style combining bright colors, organic forms and precious materials with a vivid imagination. His international clientele was captivated by his elegant, yet playful style and his patrons entrusted him with the design and layout of their palaces. Royére continued to produce imaginative luxurious pieces until 1972. Since his pieces were made to order His pieces are highly coveted across the world today with furniture garnering six figures, $500,000 and up.

The “you’ll want to melt into” “Ours Polaire” sofa (French for polar bear) is one of the most coveted pieces ever designed by Royére. With its organic, rounded “come to me” frame, this piece has a cult following among the Hollywood elite including Jennifer Aniston and Kanye West. Upholstered in a soft woolen velvet reminiscent of a plush polar bear, nothing says “let’s stay in” better than this sculptural piece, c. the 1940s. Royére’s pieces work beautifully with work from another icon of French Modernism, Jacques Adnet.

Royére’s “Liane” wall light, consists of organically shaped arms with five suspended parchment shades creating a spectacular focal point in any space. He offered these lamps in various configurations with varying numbers of lights, c. 1959.

A rare lounge chair model “Varsano” upholstered in plush cornflower mohair with an organic profile and oak legs, c. 1950-79.

Classic Royére design, this whimsical “Vague” coffee table is constructed of lacquered wrought iron and ceramic tiles, c. 1950s.

A very rare piece, the documented “Tour Eiffel” slate top boomerang table, noted to appear in the Shah of Iran’s palace decorated by Royére around 1945.

Royére’s wall light constructed of wrought iron with perforated metal shades in a bright pop of red is a perfect example of his vivid imagination and calculated use of materials to create unexpected shadow effects on the surrounding walls, c.1939.

The “Tréfle” sideboard in sanded oak/veneer wood, leather and brass boasts Royére’s playful style, yet remains visually striking and functional, c.1942.

Do you love homes with unique character and style? Are you passionate about design and architecture? Beyond Shelter would love to help you find a classic Los Angeles home to showcase these distinctive furniture pieces by French designer Jean Royére. LA is home to many, Spanish, Mid-Century Modern and Historic Estate properties. Our passion is connecting buyers and sellers of these classic properties. We believe in helping our clients live well, live beautifully and live beyond!

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