Kitchen of the week: A French Kitchen

This French kitchen is tangible proof that a space with eye-sore obstacles do not scare the French away, not even slightly.  Instead, the challenge encourages them to make the best of it in a “when life throws you a lemon”... way.  This kitchen, with its stone hexagon floor, is not only small, but it has a very challenging, exposed steal load bearing column, right in front of the contrasting modern cabinets that would make anyone's head go wacky at the thought of working around it.  Even then, this kitchen looks awesome!  It's full of independent, interesting details such as the rustic beam ceiling, the crystal chandelier, the Luis XVI chairs and that very expensive glossy black  fridge. All pieces, even while foreigners, are mingling together as an adopted family which only grows stronger in love.  Enjoy!

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A Classic French pied-à-terre

That was a longer and unexpected weekend than anticipated, but it felt soo good!  After spending a great time with family in thanksgiving I shielded myself home from frenzied Black Friday.  So afraid even to stick my head out of the window.  Then on Sunday the perfect and wonderful weather pulled me out and went with my hubby and our little one for a delicious sandwich at Murray's Cheese, that we enjoyed at the corner park with church bells ringing in the background- it was pretty simple but magical.

Then last night while sitting in my living room and imploring God for some inspirations to blog about, I came across this pied-à-terre in Tolouse, France that belongs to the Architects Daniel Suduca and Thierry Merillou, the owners of Galerie Saint Jacques.  The apartment which they reconfigured to make more open and fluid, is filled with 20th Century furniture by different and amazing designers.  This home is a harmonious marriage between the classic and the personal. 
As I like to emphasize, I love a home full with Architectural furniture that makes it unique and out of the ordinary. 

 

Jean Prouve chair and table juxtaposed a Louis XVI arm chair covered in chintz.  The carpet is by Lalanne.

The Ashanti bench in the living room seems to be waiting for someone to sit on it.

 A Gio Ponti Chest of Drawers in the bedroom where the walls are lined in dark brown fabric.

 A Lalanne sheep sculpture next to a absolutely beautiful chair.

 I'd like to marry this bathroom. 

photograph by Manolo Yllera

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Classy in Newport

Photos by Trent Bell for The New York Times.

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Rose Anne de Pampelonne

Going through my files I came across Rose Anne de Pampelonne Parisian limestone mansion built in 1900's and redesigned by the designer who is also a baroness. The multi floor mansion that she shares with her bank-president and baron husband Bruno, was featured in Elle Decor a little while ago and has since been in my files because of its eclecticism and use of different hues. Asian antiques and porcelain, indigenous fabrics, sculptural antique fishing baskets hung as art, African mask, velvet and brocade fabric are gracefully combined in harmony layering this sumptuous home.

Above and below images of the gorgeous stunning dinning room

Rose Anne de Pampelonne placed an elegant 1940s relic bed with leafy silvered legs and a neo-Baroque headboard upholstered in silk velvet and brocade in her living room. I love it when designers think completely outside the box.

A table in the courtyard is dressed with an antique saris.

Rose Ann de Pompelonne photographed by Roger Davies.

Enjoy your weekend.

All images from Elle Decor.

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Mediterranean Alert

For a long, long time American Design has been influenced in great amount by the English, but lately I've been happily enjoying the growing influence of French design and architecture. From a stunning historical Houston, Texas house that has been transformed into a breathtaking French Chateau look-a-like (see the article in House Beautiful "Blue as a Titian." If I hadn't read the article I would've sworn this house was a remodeled chateau in the southern France)-to more sleek interpretations of pied-à-terres in the City. This sophisticated influence distends itself from the more Provencal style with an a-la-Jacques-Grange approach. In this month's Elle Decor issue the house of Interior Designer Paula Caravelli also frames a very French continental influence. Below are a few images that evoke what we all love so much, the immaculate perfect style of everything French.

Above a shot of Designer Paula Caravelli's house (note in March Elle Decor's issue another settee and table are used with no rug)

A very beautiful image of the entrance of Aerin Lauder's apartment in New York, City designed by Jacques Grange. I love how the French have been hanging tapestry on the walls for centuries- a tendency that started more in an effort to preserve them than to showcase them. Here in this modern interpretation the high lacquer parson table does the trick.

Above, in the living room, a very Jacques Grange style uses sculptural furniture pieces in neutral tones.

The paneling in this Manhattan library/dining room could be easily mistaken for a library in a Paris apartment. Designed by Miles Redd.

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The magic world of Hermes

Once in a while I love to go into Hermes website to get carried away by its one of a kind magical world.

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A few days in Paris

My dream rental apartment in Paris.

"In the arches of the glorious Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest square dates back to 1612. Upscale boutiques and restauarants cluster under the arches. Walking distance to Picasso Museum, Carnavelt, Latin Quarter and St.Germain des Pres across the Seine"

images from Paris Luxury Apartment.

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French Creole Architecture

I know this house is not in the Caribbean hence it doesn't apply to my Caribbean getaways. But I loved the tropical atmosphere so much that I couldn't hold myself from posting it and adding it to my list as well. French Creole Architecture is a combination of French and Caribbean style, especially designed for the hot, wet climate mostly found in the West Indies. Therefore the use of brick walls, wooden pillars, long and sometimes wide roofed porches or verandas that usually connect all the bedrooms. The bedrooms are located on the second floor with doors that open to the corridor. This French Creole architecture began with the French colonial period (1699-1762). Below is a description from the website of this gorgeous house.

"This exquisite 7 1/2 bedroom home is located in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, just one block from Bourbon Street. It features two magnificent double parlors, a Yamaha grand piano, delightfully lavish velvet sofas, and a beautiful formal dining room. Artful film posters and original art adorn the walls. Modern amenities, including wireless internet, satellite TV, and a home entertainment system, are blended with old world charm".

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