Les Toiles de Jouy!

07Feb11

When I studied textiles, I started by learning about toile. So, we’ll kick off our month with a brief history of Toile de Jouy. At the bottom of the page is a fun little video that gives a brief history (sorry, it’s in French) and shows some interesting examples of how toile has been modernized [...]

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Tags: boussac, copperplate, fabric, february, French, jc castelbajac, manuel canovas, textiles, toile, toile de jouy

Let’s hear it for Louis XV!

05Feb11

Intrigued by French style? Then you’ve undoubtably heard of the various Louis styles but can you distinguish one from the other? That’s what our “Louis series” is here for! These styles, although traditional, are popping up in many contemporary installations and as they mix well, so even if you’d never dreamed of putting a Louis [...]

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Tags: chair, French, furniture, history, louis xv

Putain des Palaces… perfumes by Etat libre d’orange

31Oct10

I have an affinity for unique, interesting (and sometimes edgy) companies… especially when it comes to scents. Etat libre d’Orange never fails to draw me in. A small perfume boutique in the Marais, this company specializes in hitting the more risque side of perfume. Not for the prudish or faint of heart, In previous posts [...]

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Tags: etat libre d'orange, etienne de swardt, French, mission statement, parfum, Paris, perfume, video

Griffins and Gargoyle Antiques

29Oct10

Looking for another place to find unique pieces? Check out Griffins and Gargoyle Antiques in Chicago. You could easily pass this building and it’s charming courtyard without really noticing it’s there, but pay attention! A visit in to this shop is worth a trip to Ravenswood. Goodies inside! Will you be more intrigued by their [...]

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Tags: antique, Chicago, dealer, French, griffins gargoyle, shop

A must have book for designers!

10Oct10

For anyone interested in furniture, design and obtaining a thorough knowledge of periods this book is a must have! Dictionnaire des Mobiliers et des Objets d’art : Du Moyen Age au XXIe siècle It’s easiest to find on Amazon.fr and although the shipping charges will cost you almost as much as the book, it’s worth [...]

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Tags: amazon, dictionary, dictionnaire, French, furniture, history, mobilier, reference

Alain Delorme: Totems

19Sep10

IN 2009 and 2010, French photographer Alain Delorme spent time in China for two artist residencies. Enraptured by the visual (and physical!) aspect of local workers transporting gravity defying heaps of product on 2 or 3 wheel bicycles, Delorme set out to document the beauty of what he was seeing. An amazing combination of huge [...]

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Tags: Alain Delorme, art, china, exhibition, France, French, Paris, photography, totems

Some lovelies from Wisteria

16Aug09

One of the best things I learned from my time working with a French interior design firm was appreciating more traditional pieces and mixing them freely into a space.  I recently happened upon the catalog Wisteria and was immediately stuck by some of the traditional furniture pieces. They offer reasonable prices and are currently running [...]

Filed under: Seating, Shopping, Uncategorized   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: armchair, bench, contemporary, French, furniture, gustavian, Interior Design, settee, swedish, traditional, transitional, west elm, wisteria

Great Chairs from 45 Three Modern Vintage

15Aug09

I love these funky chairs from 45 Three Modern Vintage in LA . I love the slightly smaller scale and the wild pattern. I would love to see them in a more contemporary space as a nice highlight adding some funk and interest!    1051 1⁄2 S. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 323-932-0832 They are having [...]

Filed under: Seating   |  2 Comments
Tags: 45 three modern vintage, apartment therapy, armchair, california, French, Interior Design, lacquer, los angeles, vintage

Jacques Grange

21Jun09

At my day job, every so often I give a presentation on a topic, person, design aesthetic, object, etc. that interestes me. Normally, I try to choose a topic either related to interior design, France or a current project. This time, I simply chose a personal interest.   For tomorrow’s presentation I’ll be talking about [...]

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Tags: chevalier legion d'honneur, France, French, Interior Design, jacques grange, mark hotel ny, yves saint-laurent

Etat Libre d’Orange parfum

28May09

I am always on the look out for a new perfume. My usual Chanel is great but I’m in the mood for something different. Of course, my expectations are quite high: nicely designed bottle, a name that doesn’t make me cringe, the perfect scent and something that isn’t worn on every teen, college woman and [...]

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Tags: Chanel, French, parfum, parfume, Paris