Yet only one artist combines the disciplines of interior design, interior decoration and landscape architecture. 

At Hom le Xuan’s gallery on the Promenade, something unusual graces the window display. A custom bathtub defies traditional boundaries. The display is like Hom le Xuan himself–beautiful, refined, with a touch of whimsy. The sculpted bronze bathtub will transform the bathroom of a local chalet into a real living area. 

 

Stand Up, Stand Out

Hom le Xuan’s works are tailored to seamlessly integrate into their surroundings, yet still manage to stand out. Strong materials and clean lines dominate his furniture. Many pieces could be mistaken for purely aesthetic objects of art. Yet, even Hom le Xuan’s sculpted bronze chairs hide an unexpected comfort, which is not often the case with such designs.

Hom le Xuan is a master sketcher, and has been drawing since childhood. Descended from an ancient royal Vietnamese family steeped in culture, he had the opportunity to pursue a career in the arts and architecture in Paris, where he makes his home when he’s not in the Saanenland.

 

The Nature of Design

Gstaad’s ‘Come up, Slow down’ motto fits right in with Hom le Xuan’s design philosophy. His gallery here is the first to present new pieces, with an avant premiere for local chalet owners.

“I literally come to Gstaad to breathe,” says Hom le Xuan. “I love the energy of Paris, but here in the Saanenland I refresh my batteries.”

An avid walker, he can often be seen combing the local trails both in summer and winter. Amongst the trees and flowers, Hom le Xuan says he feeds the “calm center”, which inspires his work. 

 

‘Homely’ Xuan

Limiting Hom le Xuan’s work to a single genre is mission impossible. 

“What I do is much more than add a final touch,” insists Hom le Xuan, “It’s a spirit that encompasses a complete lifestyle.” 

It’s this lifestyle that many of his clients lead. Most have several international bases, with chalets in Gstaad as well as homes in the South of France and apartments in Paris or London. Hom le Xuan is often asked to design and furnish them all. With projects in the UK, United States, France and Switzerland, Hom le Xuan is a busy man, sought after worldwide. Yet, he still takes time to smell the roses, or more appropriately, the rosewood.

So it comes as no surprise that Hom le Xuan is fast becoming a household name in Western Europe. His refined elegance, easy charm and excellent sense of humour have made Hom le Xuan something of a media darling. The December/January 2015 German edition of Architectural Digest lavishes praise on his designs 

As for those designs, here in Gstaad they're for our eyes only, or rather, our eyes first. The gallery will host an exhibition of paintings by Themis Woellwarth-Lauterburg on February 3, followed by the vernissage of Hom le Xuan's new collection, featuring the spectacular bathtub, among other items, on February 17.

www.homlexuan.com