In the heart of Paris's 7th arrondissment, or online (if you're not fortunate enough to be in the city of light), you can see the simple, yet sumptuous style that is Thomas Boog. A former shoe designer turned interior decorator, Boog has a penchant for the ornamental, and a particular love for coquillages, i.e. shells and corals. Unlike the famous shell queen Marian McEvoy -- the former editor-in-chief of both Elle Decor and House Beautiful, and author of Glue Gun Decor -- who nearly covered her entire New York apartment with seashells, Boog limits his shell appliqué to single decorative pieces, such as mirrors, consoles, candlesticks, and pedestals. In addition to home decor, Boog creates elegant jewelry, from the simple single shell on a leather strand, to a complex fan of elaborate corals. This past September I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Boog at the semi-annual Maison & Objet trade fair. Not only was he charming and debonaire, he was generous too, insisting that I wear home one of his bijoux confections as a souvenir. Speaking of gifts, Boog's pieces make excellent presents for those who love the sea, or those who simply have everything else already. To buy his wares in the states, contact Bergdorf Goodman...
