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!