Gergei Erdei, a Budapest-born, London-based decorator, has unveiled his new collection of hand-painted folding pinewood screens, describing them as “movable pieces of art.” The collection, part of his Objects of Desires series, features six unique designs inspired by various sources, including Italian couturier Elsa Schiaparelli and multimedia Art Deco creator Jean Dunand.
Erdei’s screens, standing over seven feet tall, showcase trompe l’oeil columns, wing-footed mythological figures, and interlinked geometric shapes. The mythological design draws inspiration from Pompeii’s ancient mosaics and frescoes, incorporating soft, ocher hues achieved through multiple coats of acrylic paint.
Screens have a long history, thought to have originated during China’s Han dynasty and becoming popular in Europe in the 17th century. Coco Chanel famously lined her Paris apartment with black-and-gold lacquer Coromandel screens. Erdei envisions his screens as theatrical backgrounds, perfect for behind a bed or sofa, or flanking a fireplace.
One of Erdei’s bespoke screens will be featured in his upcoming project, the interior design of a private riad turned hotel called Le M in Marrakech’s medina. The screens from his Objects of Desire collection are priced starting at $6,700 and are available on his website, gergeierdei.com.
In other news, the British chef Calum Franklin, known as the “Pie King,” is bringing his savory pies to Paris with the opening of Public House in the Opera district. The restaurant combines the brasserie format with the relaxed spirit of a British pub, offering a menu featuring Franklin’s signature pies alongside pub classics like Scotch eggs and sticky toffee pudding.
Passover, the Jewish holiday, is celebrated with a special meal called the Seder, featuring dishes that vary based on local cultures. “The Jewish Holiday Table,” a new collection of recipes curated by the Jewish Food Society, showcases recipes from cooks with diverse backgrounds, including Iran, India, Iraq, Israel, Morocco, Hungary, Denmark, and the former Soviet Union.
In Berlin, the amusement park Spreepark has been revitalized with the opening of The Eierhäuschen, a cafe and art space housed in a renovated 19th-century building. The cafe serves elevated German pub dishes, while the Spreepark Art Space features exhibitions by various artists.
Sanderson, a British wallpaper company, has collaborated with fashion designer Giles Deacon on a new collection inspired by British countryside florals. The collection features fabrics and wall coverings in pastel and earth tones, with Deacon adding his own unique touches to the designs.
Lastly, in Finland, the Original Sokos Hotel Royal in Vaasa has been renovated with a colorful, modernist design inspired by the work of Finnish architects Alvar and Aino Aalto. The hotel features bold colors, functional lighting, and vibrant textile patterns designed by KOKO3.
These stories showcase the intersection of art, design, and culture, offering a glimpse into the creative minds shaping the world of decor and cuisine.
