When people talk of style influencers, Dutch-born, Paris-based Li Edlekoort owns the title. The celebrated color and design forecaster, whose clients range from Moooi to Coca-Cola, describes herself as someone "who constantly lives in the future." But at home, she is anything but trendy. Her airy, three-story Paris house is simply furnished but layered with texture. We particularly like Edelkoort's kitchen, where she has combined African handicrafts with a collection of earthenware dishes and pots, which are testament to her own credo that "objects are narrative." Recreate Edlekoort's casual, worldly vibe with the following elements.
Above: Industrial steel fixtures are balanced with more rough-hewn elements such as the vintage work bench. Kitchen tools are hung from a simple stainless steel rail; for similar rails, see Kitchen: Open Rail Storage Systems.
Above: Wood floors are painted a light gloss grey. A collection of objects and plants are displayed on the window ledge, including a pumpkin from Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
Above: Comb your local antiques outpost for vintage work benches (if you lived in Devon, you could opt for Yarrow 155's Oak Workbench for £400) or consider a Reclaimed Pine and Marble Island from Williams-Sonoma; prices start at $999 for the smaller size.
Above: The Luzon Woven Round Tray with rope handles is $59 from Williams-Sonoma.
Above: The Ballon Carafe, $59 from Williams-Sonoma, is reminiscent of French wine jugs.
Above: Wooden Pedestal Bowl from Zimbabwe; $75.50 from Deep Dark Africa.
Above: Vintage African Senufo Stool; $450 at Ethno Gallery.
Above: Arcadian Scissors by Sibella Court for Anthropologie; $28; ideal for small kitchen tasks.
Above: Edelkoort has amassed an extensive collection of hand-thrown pottery; for similar pieces, go to Japanese shop Analogue Life, which offers items such as this Katakuchi Serving Bowl for $44.42.
Above: Cast Iron Teapot: $99.95 from Teavana.
Above: The Pia Wallen Crux Blanket is £583 from Skandium in the UK.
Above: On the windowsill, next to the aloe, are two specimens of Euphorbia milli (crown of thorns), a houseplant that produces colorful bracts almost year-round. Edelkoort has chosen to let hers grow leggy for their sculptural properties.