Les Lampes Plus Chic

With the weather so sunny and warm over the last couple of months I have been racking up a LOAD of photos for you taken during my wandering design walks through Paris.  Today let’s focus on the new lamp collections!

I have a thing with lighting, mainly I think because really it is an accessory.  You can do so much with a room just by adding an amazing light fixture.  It can add interest, fun and in some cases a bit of GLAM.

Here are a few for you to consider found on Boulevard St. Germain in the 5^th arrondissement.

This Roche Bobois lamp of a winding lacquered stair case is very dramatic and would add a lot to any space.  It instantly adds a unique flavor to any blandly decorated beige/grey room.  It’s with pieces like these that help you get away with a very neutral palette without crossing over into the land of boredom.

I love this sweet little side table lamp.  It would be perfect for a bedroom as would add a little sparkle to a lovely, contemporary boudoir.

This lamp is tres cool and the only change in design that takes it from a boring chrome floor lamp with a white shade to a contemporary piece of interest is the SHAPE of the shade.  Funky and modern, it is also a bit practical if you think about it as the shade removes all direct glare from the bulb.

We have all seen a lot of crystal ball, and glass lamp stands over the last few years and though not new still has its appeal.  However, change of shape to the glass stand creates a new look. 

 

Next time you’re out looking for new light pieces, try thinking of them as an accessory and not just as a necessity to light a space.  

Design Shop Profile: Merci

While wandering around Place Republique in the 3^rd Arrondissement yesterday I came across an amazing find.  I walked through an underpass and into a little court yard and stumbled upon a funny old little Fiat with a tree growing out of it.  What does this have to do with Interior Design you ask?  Well I`ll tell you.  Beyond that little Fiat was a massive expanse of design wonder.  A new design concept shop called MERCI.  It was created as a charity project in which 100% of the profits are donated to a charity association that helps women and children in Madagascar.  The space is incredible as it has a strong industrial feel to it with steel stair cases, a vast open space, loads of skylights and old brick walls.  The building itself even dates back to the 18^th century!

The merchandise is a wonderful blend of antiques and new designs.  I am in love with their floor displays which match beautiful, old flea market finds with new, spectacularly designed pieces.  Here are a few for you to peruse through.

This ancient looking dining table mixed with these very contemporary steel chairs is fantastic!  A great pairing of the antique farm look with chic industrial flavor.  I particularly enjoy the addition of the pewter rimmed china.  

 A similar look with antique Chippendale chairs.  I really love the look of the striking white painted on JUST the leg!

 

These tiles are GENIUS.  Each white square tile is fitted with either a little pot, hook for a tea towel or hanging ledge.  There is no destruction of your existing backsplash tiles for clunky storage shelves or hooks - Everything is neat and tidy and in its place.  Fabulous!

With lofts becoming THE number one location for young professionals seeking real estate have you ever wondered what to do with those massive walls?  I think this is unbelievably creative and a fantastic solution.  Imaginary windows painted onto your 20-something foot wall creates a new area for a makeshift garden!  I don`t know if you have seen these new `pots` but they are perfect for those of you who don`t have a backyard.  They are technically bags made out of recycled plastic and are perfect for a mini vegetable garden or just another window box for flowers!  In any case, they are perfect for us urbanites wishing we had more green.

 And with that I will leave you with a few more great images from my new go-to design shop!