Maison Dominique
Founded 1922
Maison Dominique was a prestigious French interior design and cabinetry firm founded in Paris in 1922 by the complementary duo André Domin and Marcel Genevrière. A prominent figure of the Art Deco movement, it became renowned for its exceptional furniture characterized by a simple elegance, rigorous geometric lines, and early Cubist influences. By prioritizing precious wood species combined with discreet hammered or nickel-plated metal details, the firm embodied a muted luxury highly favored by interwar high society.
History
The firm was born from the unique partnership between André Domin, a self-taught designer, and Marcel Genevrière, a prominent journalist. Together, they conceived unique pieces, meticulously drafting full-scale designs that were scrupulously executed by highly skilled craftsmen.
From its debut at the Parisian Salons, the firm captivated an elite clientele, including silversmith Jean Puiforcat and the perfume house Houbigant. In 1926, Dominique joined forces with Pierre Chareau, Pierre Legrain, Jean Puiforcat, and Raymond Templier to form the legendary "Groupe des Cinq," uniting the vanguards of decorative modernism.
Furniture signed by Dominique is distinguished by the use of noble woods (Macassar ebony, rosewood, amaranth, sycamore) enhanced by subtle inlays of copper, tortoiseshell, parchment, or light bronze trims. Geometric volumes were counterbalanced by soft curves and the integration of fine fabrics designed by artists like Raoul Dufy or Hélène Henry.
During the 1930s, the house reached its artistic peak through collaborations with the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique. Most notably, they were commissioned to decorate one of the four grand luxury apartments aboard the legendary ocean liner “Normandie”, before the firm eventually closed its doors in 1970 under the direction of the founder's son, Alain Domin.
"Every useful object can be treated with beauty.”
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