Carouche

Carouche isn’t an ordinary furniture store, but a singular second hand showroom. Here, objects are interpreted rather than merely sold – they are hunted down, tidied up, and if necessary turned into something completely different. Owner Caroline Giraud has been painting and polishing to give found items new life for ten years – she’s travelled the world, particularly the US, to collect furniture from offices, factories, architects and farms. In her attractive boutique near the Charonne metro, huge pieces – school desks, dentist’s chairs, industrial shelving – are placed next to smaller but no less elegant objects (metal teapots, vintage mirrors) and a few samples of clothing by hot designers.