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0:00:19 > 0:00:24- Designer, Leah Hughes, - keeps me company during the series.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26- In this programme...
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- ..Christophe Pillet's masterpiece - in Paris.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- The colourful Fronlas hotel - in Llandeilo.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- In South Africa, a hotel which - blends nature and design perfectly.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- Offering Zen by the Seine...
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- ..Christophe Pillet - went from designing furniture...
0:00:59 > 0:01:04- ..to designing Hotel Sezz, a gem - in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- Hotel Sezz is a French joke.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20- This is in the 16th Arrondissement, - or the 16th area of Paris...
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- ..so seize became Sezz.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24- There is no lobby here...
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- ..so they've dispensed with - that air of formality.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- Someone greets you at the door - to welcome you into the hotel.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- That barrier between you - and your room has disappeared.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43- The public areas in this hotel - are situated here around the lift.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- You come to this area - to read newspapers and magazines.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- This is the bar where people - eat their breakfast in the morning.
0:01:54 > 0:01:55- It's a multi-purpose space.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- The building's shape is reflected in - the club chairs around the tables.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- There's champagne - chilling in the fridge.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11- This is an area which can be - made private, using these doors.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- It could be a conference room.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- The furniture is different again, - but the design is cohesive.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- What do you think of it?
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- What do you think of it?- - It isn't what I expected it to be.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- It looks traditional - from the outside.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- It looks like - a typical Parisian hotel.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57- It's very chic inside.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- It's certainly very sleek.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- The interior certainly - contrasts starkly with the exterior.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- The colours and the style...
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- ..express Christophe Pillet's - vision of Paris today.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- He has used a grey palette.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- There are different shades - of grey here...
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- ..with flashes of red and green - to represent the energy of Paris.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- I had no idea he designed - all these pieces of furniture.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- Yes, he not only - designed the interior...
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- ..he also created the furniture - and everything else here.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- He designed - this wonderful chandelier...
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- ..which follows a static, - horizontal design.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- It's interesting to see how - he has divided the space into areas.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- In the back room, you can see the - same furniture and the same shape.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- There are also - two oversized pods in there.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01- There's two of everything, and - it gives the design a homely feel.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- Is the symmetry a masculine thing?
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- Is the symmetry a masculine thing?- - Men certainly can't multitask!
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- We're in one of the best rooms - in the hotel, on the seventh floor.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- We're in the roof, as it were...
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- ..which explains - the architectural features here.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35- The striking thing about it is the - way the bed almost seems to float.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- There's a desk and a phone there.
0:04:40 > 0:04:46- Behind me is a stone wall which - is set out in overlying strata.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- You can see some - fossilized creatures here and there.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- It stands alongside - this subtle, clean, modern design.
0:04:57 > 0:04:58- The result is striking.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- Over here, in the utility area, - you have a bath.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- It's a bath for two, - with a cushion at either end.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- It must take - most of the river Seine to fill it!
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- You've done everything else together - whilst you've been here.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- What better way to end the day - than here, sipping champagne...
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- ..looking at the Eiffel Tower?
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- What inspired this design?
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- It's a very masculine design.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- It looks like a bachelor pad.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- The curtains - are made of a pinstripe fabric...
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- ..and everything is quite dark.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- There are many colours - from the same palette here.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02- We must talk about the most - amazing feature of this room.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04- The exhibition area!
0:06:04 > 0:06:09- The glass wall separates the two - areas to create a unique feature.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- I'd be happy to lie on the bed, - watching someone else bathe!
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- It's fine, as long as - you're with the right person.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- I think this is beautiful - in its own right.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- The marble and the walls - are wonderful.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- But I struggle with - the designer's determination...
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- ..to force guests - to exhibit themselves.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- I have a problem with that.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- If you had a modesty curtain here, - it wouldn't be so bad.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- There's no escape!
0:06:56 > 0:07:02- The beauty of Hotel Sezz is that - Christophe Pillet designed it all.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- He created the furniture, the - interior design and the products.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- It's testimony to the fact designers - can tackle every aspect of design.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- Yes, he's created a design - full of hard surfaces...
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- ..but it's also - cosy and comfortable.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20- Yes.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- We're outside - Fronlas hotel in Llandeilo.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- It's a solid, Edwardian house - in an ordinary street.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- But there are nods to - the interior style out here.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Its colour is unusual.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- The plant pots have been precisely - placed on either side of the steps.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- The sign is very distinctive.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- Something about its style - and about the lettering...
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- ..tells us it's going to be - unusual inside.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- What am I doing - in a bed & breakfast in Llandeilo?
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- Quite simply, size isn't everything.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- It's quality that counts.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- This is the sight which greets you - when you enter the building.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01- It's simply furnished.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- Subtle colours are used here.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- The pictures on the walls - are of the local area.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- The lights stand out - against this cool canvas.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- This multifunction room - is a dusty moss colour.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- It goes brilliantly - with the black and grey furniture.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- You can sit and read here...
0:09:33 > 0:09:34- ..or choose a DVD.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- You could even have a drink...
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- ..before you head out - to sample the delights of Llandeilo.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- It's very tasteful.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- Yes, and it's dressed - quite sparsely.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- Your attention is drawn to - the fine furniture...
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- ..and the strong, horizontal shapes.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- The dark colours emphasize this.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- It's easy to forget there are - some original features here.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21- Yes, and they work really well - with the contemporary furniture...
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- ..and this fantastic, - modern lighting.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- They've respected and restored - the skirting boards...
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- ..the cornice - and the four-panel doors.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- It sets the standard - in this old townhouse.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- There are no personal photographs - on the walls.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- No, the personal elements - have been stripped away...
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- ..so you know it's a business.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- The graphics on the doors - reminds you this is contemporary.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- This is a very fashionable boutique.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- The furniture is very interesting.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Yes, it's very modern and yet, - it has a retro appearance.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- There are Kartell lights - in the hallway and in here.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- This is a Tom Dixon lamp, - which looks like a 1960s piece.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- The orange is fantastic - when it's switched on.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- It works well with the black - and the ebony furniture.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- I wonder what on earth - you like about this room, Leah!
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- The colour is stunning!
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- It goes fantastically well - with the mushroom brown colour.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- It's an intense colour.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09- It's captivating.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- I'm glad you're sitting there.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- If you were standing by the bed, - I wouldn't see you!
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- There's a kaleidoscope of pattern - on the wall.
0:12:21 > 0:12:22- There are flowers...
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- ..and circles, which are replicated - in the light and in the mirror.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- I love the fact you can see - through it and it's totally unique.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- Yes, it was individually designed - by Colliss & Quinton.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- They create murals, - rather than wallpaper.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- What came first? - The wallpaper or the light?
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- The unity between colour and pattern - makes it a successful design.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- As you've already noticed, - each room has its own colours.
0:13:14 > 0:13:20- This is room number three and its - colours are greens and pale brown.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- If it were simply that, - it would be pleasant enough...
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- ..but this is the - cherry on the icing on the cake.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- This is the cat's pyjamas.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- The design - created especially for this space.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- It's totally unique.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- These details - make this a successful design...
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- ..such as the use of the wallpaper - to line the lampshade.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- That makes this design as effective - at night as it is in daylight.
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0:15:02 > 0:15:06- Next, we go on safari - to The Outpost hotel.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- This hotel is in a remote part - of Kruger National Park...
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- ..in South Africa.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- At first glance, this hotel - doesn't seem too promising.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- There's a grey, corrugated roof - along the top.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- There's a hint of sophistication - in the way this wall was cut.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- It was built by skilled workers.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- It contrasts well with the - brick wall with the concrete screed.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- The two walls form a funnel - which sucks us in, like a hoover!
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- It promises better things.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- Well!
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- When someone mentions a safari - lodge, you don't expect to see this!
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- I expected a straw roof - and some poles!
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- There's a level of sophistication - and design expertise....
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- ..you'd struggle to find in a city, - let alone out here!
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- The contrast between this - contemporary, subtle design...
0:16:29 > 0:16:34- ..and the nature which surrounds it - is truly awe-inspiring.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- It's incredible.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- We're in a national park...
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- ..so there must be strict - building restrictions in place.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- Yes, and those restrictions - shaped the design.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- We're high above the ground, - minimizing the impact on the land.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- This also creates these open spaces.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- It's effective and unique.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- The bedrooms, or the living spaces - as they're called...
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- ..are dotted around the hills.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- Yes, and the path from here to - the living spaces is raised high...
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- ..and it's built around the trees.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- This is an unusual - and effective touch.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- What about the colours in here?
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- What about the colours in here?- - Some are traditional.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- You expect to see canary yellow - and terracotta in South Africa.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- These tables are wonderful.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- Yes, those fantastic table legs - look like tusks.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- Yes, they're quite novel.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- They look like elephants - who are about to walk away!
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- Other than the poles, - the thing which defines this area...
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- ..is the way - the furniture is set out.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- There are three walls here, - in essence.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- One there, and this one, - where the fireplace stands.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- The bookcase forms another wall, - though you can see through it.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39- It feels like a drawing room, where - you'd sit by the fire after a meal.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- These vases have been set out - in a very artistic fashion.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- The furniture has similar markings - to those which you see on the floor.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51- This is a huge space...
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- ..but this area feels like - a cosy nest.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- There's a blend of irony - and history in this area.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- These square pouffes are covered - in the skins of Nguni cattle...
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- ..the local breed of cattle.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Down the centre, - there are low benches...
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- ..on which sit a lion and a lioness.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- There are - snake and buffalo carvings, too.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- These are the animals - you'll see here.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- Unlike other hotels, where the rooms - are all bunched together...
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- ..these are dotted along the hill.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- This is the same polished concrete - flooring used in the main building.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- There's a tusk-legged table here - - the chairs and stools are the same.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- There's unity in the design.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- Over here, to the right, - there's a big sofa.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- You sit here to enjoy the view.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- That in itself - would have been enough...
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- ..but where is this view?
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- Well, if you want to see it, - you must press this button.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- The most amazing thing and possibly - the whackiest idea I've ever seen...
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- ..is that this room - has only one wall.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- There are no windows here, either.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- All you have - are these canvas screens.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- They lift to leave you - at one with Africa, on a balcony.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- There's Africa, in all its glory.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- This is the biggest luxury.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- You can stay in this simple, - minimalist living space...
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- ..and be this close to nature - at the same time.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- The rooms are similar in appearance - to the main building.
0:21:48 > 0:21:54- Yes, design of the living spaces and - the main building is very honest.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- The structure is clearly visible.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- You can see the concrete - and these posts.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01- It's very honest.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- Its construction is there - for you to see.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06- There's a lot of this!
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- There are horizontal - and vertical lines.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- It's geometric, - which contrasts with nature.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- If you ignore the luxury, - it's quite an industrial structure.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- Yes, it certainly hasn't been - over-designed.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- Even the blue of the sofa - is a natural colour.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- It blends into its surroundings, - which then leads your eye outside.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- I've already - ran out of superlatives...
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- ..but the very thought of having - a bath here is utterly jaw-dropping.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Imagine lying here, - in a bath full of bubbles...
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- ..watching the contents of - Noah's Ark amble across the river.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- It's a surreal experience.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- This may sound a little strange...
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- ..but experiencing this pure, - aesthetically perfect design...
0:23:34 > 0:23:39- ..is as incredible as the experience - we'd have if we went on safari.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- Yes, this ingenious design - is an attraction in itself.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- It's an homage to minimalist design.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50- The Outpost - is featured in design magazines...
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- ..and people come here for this - rather than a bush adventure.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones