French designer Julien Renault grew up near Paris before studying industrial design in ESAD Design & Art School in Reims, France, and ECAL in Switzerland. These two different educations have helped to form his approach to his work – a combination of objective and rational methods with artistic and personal freedom. Currently based from his studio in Brussels, Julien’s ability to find inspiration everywhere means he is not afraid to beautify the ordinary. Convinced that all objects have a subconscious effect on our daily lives, Julien manifests the interconnection between objects and their surroundings in his designs, which he creates for a number of international brands. For HAY, Julien has designed the Pastis Collection, the Layout Collection, the Compass Lamps, and the Deville Collection.
Deville Collection by Julien Renault for HAY
HAY introduces the Deville Collection, a contemporary take on the classic bistro set by French designer Julien Renault. The collection takes inspiration from the spirit and aesthetics of iconic 1920s Thonet chairs, after a trip to a restaurant in his hometown of Brussels. 'I have always loved the atmosphere of this place, and the simplicity of the set tables and their wooden chairs,' says Renault. 'Reinterpreting the bistro chair through the use of aluminum seemed like an interesting starting point.'
Deville Chair / Ceramic Table / Terrazza Parasol
Defined by generous proportions and softly curved frames, the Deville collection balances durability with an open, welcoming character - an invitation to sit, linger, and enjoy time outside. It includes stackable chairs, armchairs and tables in a variety of colours - from Thyme Green to Cream White and Iron Red - a long with seat pads to match. The compact tilt-top tables, in round and square options, can be paired easily with a variety of chair styles. 'It is a rather gentle collection: the table base is visually very simple, while the finishing brings a uniformity to the surfaces, making the whole ensemble feel harmonious and luminous,' says Renault.
Deville is crafted from at least 60% post-consumer recycled aluminum and combines several manufacturing processes, including casting and bending. 'Like the wooden chairs it takes inspiration from, Deville is composed of several elements assembled with screws,' says Renault. 'This makes it easy to dismantle, which in turn facilitates both recyclability and repair.' The rust-resistant collection is built to last while remaining easy to move and rearrange whether that's around a home or a restaurant terrace.
Named after Henri Étienne Sainte-Claire Deville, the first French chemist to discover a method for producing aluminum on an industrial scale, Renault explains that the name also carries a double-meaning: 'In French, Deville sounds like 'de ville', which means 'from the city' or 'for the city'.' A clever nod to the cityscape that inspired the design in the first place.
Deville Armchair / Deville Table / Host Portable Lamp / Terrazza Parasol
Deville Armchair / Deville Table / Terrazza Parasol
Deville Armchair / Deville Table / Terrazza Parasol
About Julien Renault
