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!

The Look of the Alps - Part 2

I acquired so many photos of amazing styles I wanted to share with you from the Alps that I couldn’t cover it in just one blog or you would be scrolling down forever!

Here’s the last of the looks I want to share with you, a mix of interiors AND architecture from Val D’Isère.

These cushions are just perfect for the après ski look.  I particularly enjoy the local maps of surrounding ski resorts.  Cozy, cute and ski lodge chic, they would be perfect to comfy up a bay window or would be great as fire place cushions to help you warm up after a cold day.

This next piece might not be very different from furniture you would find in the Rockies, but I still love it.  The cow hide top and whittled down timber frame is just the perfect finishing touch next to a fire or used as an impromptu side table next to a comfy chair.

With these next few I would like to show you the different style of architecture that you find in the French Alps versus the North American Rockies.  While similar in some ways, I know you will definitely be able to see the added element of history and European flare.

 

I think my favorite look there had to be the slate and stone roves!  They are STUNNING!  Chiseled away to create beautiful, almost spear like tiles they create a unique look that is used everywhere in the town.

Another charming characteristic of European Alp lodges are the beautiful wood carving influences of the Alsace and Swiss regions with hearts, and curves it always reminds me of a beautiful gingerbread house. 

 If you haven’t seen it yet, I know with the next few you will.  The old, European history really stands out at me.  It adds this beautiful, ungraspable quality that you just can’t replicate in the new building styles of the Rockies.  The swaying foundations, centuries old stone exteriors and there tradition of carving the year they were built takes you back.

 

Whenever I go traveling I find that most of the pictures I take are of the extraordinary architecture and styles I pass (much to the dismay of my fiancé who would rather have pictures of us).  These different styles that are so different to what I grew up around influence me in ways that surely I’m not even aware of.  An interesting material, an intricate carving or even a new colour will most definitely get stuck in my head and come out in my designs in a way I probably won’t expect.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Take a second to look up and around – even if you’re just walking to work.  You’d be surprised by the beautiful things you’re missing out on.

The Look of The Alps - Part 1

I believe that the main reason I love design so much is based solely on all of the amazing experiences in travel and exploring I’ve had throughout my life.  When you travel and discover new things it opens your eyes to new styles that you have never encountered before.  Every single one of my travels has definitely influenced my personal style today.  One of these travel experiences was growing up skiing in Park City, Utah - Undoubtedly my second favorite place in the world (the first being my cottage).  The country, ski chalet look has always been a favorite of mine.  I recently went skiing in the French Alps, (a first for me!) and while it has similarities to the Rockie's style, it definitely has it’s own look influenced by Swiss architecture, its VERY long history (we found a building that looked just like many of the new buildings but was from 1759!), and the laid back yet chic French lifestyle. 

Here’s a mix of interior styles that I would like to share with you.

This graphic, which I found on dishes and bedding, has to be my favorite.  The skier jumping, the altitude, temperature and the little Swiss crosses is just PERFECT for a ski lodge.  It is simple, yet different and fun!  A great little addition for your après ski space.

 I found quite a bit of plaid in the forms of curtains, duvets and cushions, and while not atypical of Rocky Mountain style, is still beautiful and compliments that warm and cozy feel you want to create after a cold day on the slopes.

This cushion was probably my favorite find – mainly because it is completely different to anything you would find in North American lodge designs because it is strictly European.  The little Swiss lodge with the crest (something you find fastened to lodge facades everywhere here) is really part of the unique style you find all over the Alps.  There is just so much more history over here.  The history and traditions is what makes it that much different to the Lodge look I grew up with back in Park City.

Shop Profile: Think & More

I came across this shop a couple of weeks ago and have been wanting to share it with you ever since!  They’ve got a collection of some wonderfully interesting yet bizarrely wacky pieces.  Here are a few of them for you to ponder.

As soon as I saw these chairs, I had a very ‘WHAT?’ jaw dropping moment.  These Louis Seize style chairs have been augmented with crazy graffiti!  The designer has taken permanent marker and has…………well…….just gone to it!  There are quite a few of these chairs and they are all completely different.  Wild, but kinda cool.  Definitely not what you would expect at your mother’s for Sunday brunch………well at least not MY mother. 

Ahh remember when the milk man used to come every day with fresh milk in those lovely glass bottles.  I used to get so excited when I heard the clinkety-clink of glass on the milk crate.  Those were the days……….Alright, honestly I don’t remember anything like that as I’m pretty sure the last time that was a reality it was 1956, but I paint quite a picture don’t I ?  One thing that is great from that era though ARE those milk bottles, and a designer at THINK & MORE has created quite the reminiscing light fixture in the image below.  With the ability to choose exactly how many ‘bottles’ and in precisely the formation you want, you can create a very unique light source in your space.

These are probably my favorite find at this shop.  French beret covered stools!  All you need now is a baguette and a cigarette and I’m sure you could apply for French citizenship!  In all honestly no one wears berets here (sorry to dishearten many of you) but it’s true.  I still love it though, and no one says we have to give up our sweet little French reveries.

Designer Profile: Pols Potten

This design shop is quickly becoming my go to option for wacky, awesome design objects.  POLS POTTEN from Amsterdam is overflowing with super cool and interesting treasures just waiting to be found.  Here are a few of my favourites.

This is a piece of art…..yet it’s a candelabra!  A sculpture of coral with holes in the top for a beautiful, candle lit centrepiece for your table - Innovative, and eye-catching!

A very cool and sophisticated addition to any dining room (it would also look great in your living room on a coffee or side table or mantle!)

Ok, so by now we all know my obsession with making old designs new.  This is a spitting image of that whole concept – J’ADORE.

A Louis XV inspired chair entirely sprayed in bright, funky colours!  A great way to go modern while keeping traditional elements.

This oversized light fixture is spectacular.  It has the look of a large bell cloche but is given the dramatic texture of large fish scales.  I just LOVE this.  It is gorgeous and striking and while it is very contemporary, could fit very well in a myriad of different styled rooms.

Element of fun? CHECK!  Haven’t fulfilled your fix of random for a room?  Why not try a watering can headed dog….teapot!  It will definitely reach your…..WhAt?? quota!

I love crazy fun items like these.  It follows along with that fill your room with random porcelain animals trend (which I think was started by MOOOI but who really can tell these days).  So if you are one of those people that has to have the newest trend to show off to all your friends – this will definitely one-up them.

I have to say scouting out designers and familiarizing myself with their new collections is really a lot of fun.  I always say that ‘I’m working’ – but really I’m just at play!  Hope you’re enjoying this romp around Paris as much as I am!

Designer Profile: Jardin Pamplemousse

The design company JARDIN PAMPLEMOUSSE produces beautiful collections with unexpected bright colours and shapes characteristic of the 60’s and 70’s.  It is a beautiful blend that creates a surprisingly elegant finish.  Here are a few pieces and images that will give you a very good idea of their production.

 

This stunning study set is a favourite of mine (actually quite a few of this series are favourites).  The curved edges of the desk are a definite reminiscence of the 1960’s era, and the bright colours mix hippy style with the opposite elegant formality of the time. 

This deep lounge chair is a beautiful combination of retro and modern.  The bright orange with the straight clean lines harkens me back to the time of smoking rooms.  I can almost see Don Draper lighting up in a crisp suit while reclining on this piece.  Genius always comes to mind when I see a piece that has blended old and new into a flawlessly executed design.

This set definitely leans closer to the contemporary side of the scale, but the curves of the desk and the stark contrast of colours undeniably evokes the characteristics of the MOD period.

I’ve added the two showroom images below just to highlight the beauty of their creations.