During the press presentation held before Maison&Objet In the City, Tikamoon and the Opéra de Paris unveiled its timeless furniture collection by Charlotte Juillard, blending ballet-inspired elegance with craftsmanship.
The Tikamoon x Opéra National de Paris collection, a stunning limited-edition furniture line, owes its soul to the creative vision of Charlotte Juillard, a trailblazing figure in contemporary design. Known for her refined ability to blend materiality, form, and storytelling, Juillard’s work exemplifies why Maison&Objet launched its Women&Design initiative, spotlighting the achievements of female designers shaping the industry. Unveiled during Maison&Objet In The City, this collaboration celebrates not only the enduring artistry of the Parisian opera houses but also the strength of women driving innovation in design.
“This project was incredibly personal for me—not just as a designer, but as someone who grew up inspired by the magic of ballet and the elegance of the Opéra de Paris,” Juillard said in an interview with ArchiExpo e-Magazine at Deep Café in Marseille. “It felt like a full-circle moment to craft a collection that bridges tradition, innovation, and my connection to this world.”
Having no in-house designer, this first-ever collaboration with a designer could open the door to new possibilities for Tikamoon. The team branched outside of its comfort zone to accompany Juillard into a new adventure of quality. The partnership between Tikamoon and the Opéra National de Paris reflects shared values of timeless beauty and excellence, drawing inspiration from the dramatic interplay between tradition and modernity that defines the Parisian opera experience. The exclusive collection honors the duality of two iconic Parisian opera houses—the opulent Palais Garnier and the contemporary Opéra Bastille. Consisting of six sophisticated pieces, the collection melds artisanal woodworking techniques with a poetic aesthetic, resonating with the artistry of the ballet and the durability of oak.
From Metal to Wood: Bringing the Project to Life
Charlotte Juillard’s journey in designing the Tikamoon x Opéra de Paris collection was as transformative as the pieces themselves. Initially conceived during a collaboration with Made.com, the project centered around metal as its primary material. However, when the partnership fell through, Juillard found herself reevaluating the entire concept.
“The shift from metal to wood was a complete reimagining of the collection,” she shared. “With Tikamoon’s expertise in artisanal woodworking, it became clear that oak would be the heart of the designs, offering a way to reflect the warmth of Garnier and the sleek modernity of Bastille.”
This shift was more than just a change of materials—it was a redefinition of the project’s ethos. Juillard worked closely with Tikamoon’s artisans to develop designs that honored the Opéra de Paris’s duality while embracing Tikamoon’s commitment to sustainability. The technical demands of working with oak, such as mortise-and-tenon joinery and hand-finished surfaces, required collaboration at every stage.
“It was a dance of its own,” she explained, “balancing the weight of tradition with the fluidity of modern design, much like the ballet movements that inspired the collection.”
Despite challenges, including tight deadlines and the need to rework prototypes quickly, Juillard’s vision remained unwavering. From the intricate curves of the fauteuil to the seamless simplicity of the psyché mirror, every piece reflects her dedication to storytelling through craftsmanship.
“This project wasn’t just about creating furniture—it was about translating the soul of the Opéra de Paris into something tangible and timeless,” she said.
The result is a collection that not only embodies the elegance of ballet but also highlights Juillard’s adaptability and creative genius, proving her place among the leading voices in contemporary design.
Materials, Craftsmanship, and the Art of Storytelling
At the heart of the Tikamoon x Opéra de Paris collection lies Charlotte Juillard’s meticulous attention to materials and craftsmanship. Working with sustainably sourced European oak, Juillard embraced the challenge of crafting pieces that reflect the contrasting identities of the Opéra Garnier and Opéra Bastille. The warmth of varnished oak and walnut finishes evoke Garnier’s neo-baroque opulence, while lighter, bleached oak symbolizes Bastille’s modernity and lightness.
“The choice of oak was intentional—not just for its durability but for its ability to tell a story through texture, color, and finish. It’s a material that bridges tradition and innovation, much like the operas themselves,” Juillard explained.
Varnished oak exudes neo-baroque warmth and grandeur, while the walnut finish highlights natural grain and historical richness. Bleached oak, in contrast, embodies modernity and light, bridging tradition and innovation. Red velvet, reminiscent of the theater’s sumptuous curtains and seating, adds a dramatic and luxurious touch, while cream velvet brings sophistication, echoing the grace of ballet movements. The inclusion of linen, with its natural texture, evokes the costumes of dancers, adding comfort and simplicity to the collection.
“I wanted each piece to feel alive, to embody the fluidity of ballet movements,” she shared, recalling how the psyché mirror captures a dancer’s grace through its seamless, minimalist curves.
Her commitment to detail extended to construction techniques. The fauteuil, with its mortise-and-tenon joinery and feather-filled cushions, is a prime example of her emphasis on both elegance and functionality. Available in three finishes—walnut with red velvet, walnut with beige cushions, and light oak with beige velvet—this piece is as comfortable as it is striking. The psyché mirror epitomizes minimalist elegance. Standing tall with its mid-wood joinery, the walnut-stained oak frame nods to the fluidity of ballet, while the mirror‘s clean silhouette aligns with Bastille’s architectural ethos. Similarly, the bout de canapé side table marries functionality and beauty with its dual-level design, creating interplay between its solid oak base and open structure.
Juillard’s designs also incorporate subtle nods to the opera’s heritage. A medallion engraved with the Tikamoon and Opéra de Paris logos adorns each piece, inspired by the historic plaques on Garnier’s seats.
“These small details are more than decorative—they anchor the collection in its cultural context,” she explained.
Through these thoughtful elements, Juillard created a collection that not only celebrates craftsmanship but also tells a story of elegance, movement, and timeless artistry.
