In his sunlit studio on the island of Saint Martin, furniture designer Alexandre Chapelin works at the intersection of nature and craftsmanship. His latest collection of coffee tables captures the quiet magic of coastal landscapes, blending raw stone with translucent blue resin to create pieces that feel like fragments of the ocean itself.
Each table begins with carefully selected stones—their rugged textures preserved, their organic shapes honored. Chapelin then carefully envelops them in layers of hand-poured resin, tinted in soft oceanic blues. The result is striking yet harmonious: the weight and permanence of stone appearing to float within fluid, wave-like forms. When light passes through the resin, it creates subtle ripples of color across surfaces, much like sunlight filtering through shallow Caribbean waters.
What makes Chapelin’s work special is its balance between artistry and function. These are not just sculptures—they are meant to be lived with. A coffee table becomes a conversation piece, its swirling blues and natural stone textures inviting touch and contemplation. “I want people to feel a connection to the sea, even if they’re far from it,” he says.
Chapelin shares glimpses of his process on Instagram, where followers can watch rough stones transform into polished, dreamlike compositions. His work has drawn attention from design enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate how seamlessly it bridges the gap between raw nature and refined living spaces.
For those interested in exploring more, platforms like Colossal offer deeper dives into similar art and design innovations, along with opportunities to support independent artists like Chapelin. His tables serve as gentle reminders of the ocean’s beauty—bringing a sense of calm and wonder into everyday life.
Perhaps that’s the true magic of his work: a small piece of the coast, forever preserved in resin and stone, ready to inspire wherever it’s placed.