The early March view from our balcony in Rome at Hotel Campo de' Fiori

A vegetable stand in the Campo de' Fiori market

I was struck by the packaging on these spices, herbs and dried beans, etc at the market in Campo de' Fiori

The view of Hotel Campo de' Fiori from our favorite enoteca Verso Sera

The staff makes the hotel --- and these two are the best!  Valentina and Francesco at Hotel Campo de' Fiori

The late-winter view from the rooftop at Hotel Campo de'Fiori, Rome

Rome window shopping.  Incredible children's clothing!  I think I would wear these things. Maybe not the shoes......

Creative parking in Rome!  Ha!

After 3 days, it was on to Florence, where we'd live for a month.....

It was fairly brisk in mid-March, but not raining!

Our normal breakfast at a cafe half a block from our apartment

Shopping in this city is the best!

One of my favorite stores for higher-end clothing and shoes:  Raspini

I love this store, too - much less pricey!  Vincent Croce  There are 2 locations (that I found):  in San Frediano, near the Ponte alla Carraia and on Borgo la Croce, near the mercato San Ambrogio 

This is how we roll when shopping

I adored this cafe the second I walked in!  It's small and charming. Cafe Cibreo

Shops like these are everywhere.  This was me provisioning on our first night in Florence.

Connecting:

We met Melinda Gallo after corresponding with her for about a year.  We ended up having Easter lunch with her, hosting her for Friday night nachos (gathering the ingredients for that dinner is a post in itself!), and here is our farewell luncheon, the day before we left Florence.  Check out her blog!

This shop makes masks and wigs and ALL kinds of special makeup for cinema and theater.  We passed by the storefront almost every day and one day ventured in:  Filistrucchi

Daily life.....

Florentine police at Piazza Santo Spirito

Florentines park creatively, too!

Venturing beyond the borders of Florence....

One Sunday, on a whim, we jumped a city bus and climbed the hill north of Florence to Fiesole.  This is what's left of a Roman amphitheater.

In mid-March we took the express train - 2 hours! - to Venice. 

This shop was amazing!  Not only the drama of the setting, but much of the clothing is designed in-house and is superb quality.  Pot-pouri

Of course, while in Venice, we HAD to have a real Bellini at Harry's Bar.  The room was startlingly small and unpretentious - and the glasses were surprising - but it was an experience.

We visited the Cinque Terre the end of March - a great way to greet April!  This is the view of Vernazza from the tower of Castello Doria....

.....And the view looking out toward sea from our room at La Mala in Vernazza

A wonderful wine we first discovered when our son found it at a wine seller in Seattle for us.  Made in Cinque Terre!

A day exploring Monterosso in the Cinque Terre

Some Italian men having lunch behind me at Ristorante Ciak in Monterosso.  Note the ties and scarves even in a beach town.  I love the way Italians and French dress!

Italian travel mistakes....

So, we missed our train connection in La Spezia and had to wait for the next one to Florence.  We met some young Americans - west coasters, like us! - and enjoyed (!) wine in the ambience of the train station....ahem. The company was definitely better than the surroundings but it was a memory!

.....and then, one Sunday, we decided to take a bus to Greve in Chianti.  We bought tickets and were directed to the bus --- which, it turned out, was going to Grosseto, not Greve, sadly we discovered an hour into the trip!!!  2 1/2 hours and not much to see around the bus/train station, then 2 1/2 hours back - the whole Sunday spent on a bus....!  We made the best of it, though.... Inexpensive Chianti and a delicious flat bread pizza sort of thing - lunch totaled 5 euros. 

Sometimes it's best just to put up your feet and relax..... There are some changes on the horizon....Stay tuned for the next adventures!

Looking toward the terrace in our Florence apartment.

The view from San Miniato al Monte

After several trips over the years, we decided to spend a month in between winter and spring (the idea was to avoid heavy tourist times - ha!) soaking in all that is the wonder of this compact city.  

Palazzo Antellesi 

We rented an apartment through Italy Perfect and stayed in Palazzo Antellesi on Piazza Santa Croce, a wonderfully central location.  According to various sources, the Palazzo was first built in medieval times and enlarged in the late 16th c, then acquired in the early 17th c by Niccolo' dell'Antella (from whom the name originates) and joined with a nearby building to make one large palazzo.  He commissioned frescoes to cover the entire facade. The frescoes faded over time but then the Cinelli family bought the building and restored them in the 1920's and again in 1990. Young Federica Cinelli inherited the Palazzo in 1945, then married Count Piccolomini, becoming La Contessa Piccolomini. La Contessa still lives here, as does some of her family. And we so much enjoyed meeting her and her daughter, Francesca!

Our first apartment, Paradiso

Our first apartment had amazing Renaissance frescoes and high, high ceilings.  After being there about 10 days, we moved to another apartment in the building that we absolutely loved!  The colors of the Belvedere suit me perfectly.... 

Living room of the Belvedere

We spent many hours enjoying the sun-filled terrace

The kitchen is small but has everything someone who loves to cook needs

Once we unpacked, gathered provisions and settled into our apartment, we began serious exploration. First up, a cooking class and market tour with Laura Franceschetti of Cooking in Florence. We had the most delightful time spending the day (!) with her, starting at the Mercato Sant'Ambrogio and then at her wonderful home, which happened to be a 5 minute walk from our apartment!  (Almost everything is.... more on that later)

Laura Franceschetti and me at Mercato Sant'Ambrogio

We met at the Mercato Sant'Ambrogio (which is not as touristy as the larger, newly renovated Mercato Centrale, but feels more "authentic") where we learned about purchasing seasonal foods, pasta, cheese ("there's no such thing as Parmesan cheese - it's Parmigiano"), meat, seafood and generally started to feel like being with a friend.

Look at the color and the care with which everything is displayed!

The cooking lesson was informative and the food tasted incredible, but I was equally enthralled with Laura's home.  The floor tile!  The ceiling!   

Laura's kitchen floor

A frescoed ceiling at Laura's

After eating like kings, a few days later I convinced my husband, Bob, to make the hike up to San Miniato al Monte, my favorite little Romanesque church, with the most glorious view of Firenze!

San Minato al Monte

The view from San Miniato al Monte

Downhill from San Minato al Monte we found the charming San Niccolo' neighborhood and beautiful Piazzale Michelangelo. 

A building in San Niccolo'

....and we stumbled upon the most lovely boutique hotel, Villa Vedetta, where we felt like royalty, as we dined privately near the pool...

The pool at Hotel Villa Vedetta

The lobby of Villa Vedetta

As long as we're on the subject of hotels, the Four Seasons Florence, located in the fifteenth-century Palazzo della Gherardesca, is quite lovely and has an amazing private garden that only guests of the hotel are privy to.  We had coffee in the gorgeous bar, so technically we were guests.....

The Renaissance courtyard

the Bar

The gardens....

And the JK Place hotel, on newly renovated Piazza Santa Maria Novella, was a complete treat for the senses!

JK Place terrace on Piazza Santa Maria Novella

An interior shot

Ceiling detail, JK Place

I loved the exterior of this little hotel even more when I saw the name:  Hotel Botticelli  And then I discovered it was built in the latter half of the 16th c.  Sort of average for this city - ha! - but still impressive!   

This is what 16th c Florentine looks like....

Another 16th c building, another amazing ceiling....

So many incredible edifices in one city!

Santa Croce at night

The Duomo peeking out.....

....and from the Boboli gardens

A little corner of green

And then there's Florence shopping!  The food markets, flea markets and special/holiday markets.  The clothing stores, shoe stores and perfumeries - so much to explore!

Mercato Centrale

The flea market by Mercato Sant'Ambrogio

on Via Santo Spirito

On Via Santo Spirito

No visit would be complete without a stop at Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella - lots of history here and it smells divine!  Wonderful architectural details, too.

Great little boutique next to Rivoire on Piazza Della Signoria - I don't remember the name, unfortunately.  But great stairwell!

I could go on and on - and I will, in the next post! - but I'll close with this designer-y cup of espresso machiato I had at JT Caffe, across from the Palazzo Pitti.

Ciao for now!

How long does it take for a bathroom or kitchen to become dated?  After nearly 13 years of staring at tile I absolutely loathed, it became clear that it was time to remodel our master bath.  Clear to me, anyway - ha!  It took tremendous persuasion on my part to convince my husband. 

Here's what it looked like "before":

Not bad, but that tile....ugh

And time for the huge jetted tub and glass shower enclosure to go!

Ah, if only we could dream up the perfect room and then wave a magic wand or wiggle a nose like Samantha and - poof! - it would be so.  But, unfortunately, there's a bit more to it than that.....

First, there's the "vision".  I created a Pinterest board called Master Bath and began assembling photos of gorgeous bathrooms and specific products.   This photo was the guiding aesthetic: 

Love this chateau feeling

 Once the aesthetic was agreed upon, (avec qui? You might ask) we started shopping for materials.  I found the perfect stone remnant for the Waterworks washstand top at Architectural Stone Werkes in South Seattle.....

Perfect for the top!

.....and the perfect Versailles pattern travertine tile for the floor at Daltile

Paredon in Peruvian Cream for the floor

Next, assembling the team:  the carpenter, plumbers, electrician, tile installer, stone fabricator, painter, leaded glass window artisan.  Fabulous, one and all!

Then, oh boy, demolition was begun.....

Are we done, yet?

and framing....

Taking shape....

......electrical and plumbing rough-in.....

.....extraordinary tiling by John Cosfol.....

John Cosfol, master tiler

.......electrical fixtures installed...

The best electrician, Chris Valentino

.....painting by the wonderful and inspirational Shannon Noel.....

The fabulous Shannon Noel!  Getting closer every day

.... the plumbing fixtures installed....

And here's the funny part - now, not at the time.  Ok, so everything was going swimmingly - except, of course, for not being completed in 2 weeks.  But still.  The plumbers had to muscle our new tub up the millions of stairs in our home and I couldn't watch for fear of jinxing them in some way.  So, I sauntered in just as they were 90% finished installing the tub only to discover ---- it wasn't my tub!!!!  AACK!  (Or words to that effect)

Lovely, but not mine!

What are the chances that two tubs with the same exact dimensions - but in different styles - are ordered from the same manufacturer and arrive the same day but have the owners' names swapped??!  After frantically calling my salesperson, Erika Knight, (she's great, by the way) at Chown Hardware, she located my tub and arranged to have it delivered the next morning!  How's that for service?  They even had to muscle down the wrong tub and then carry up (again) the correct one!  All's well that ends well.....

This is the Victoria + Albert tub I actually ordered!

Et voila!  Just like that, it's complete! And we love it so much....

Love this decorative drain cover!

Sconces by Visual Comfort

Perfect spot for an Italian gilt painted antique nightstand.....

.......and a Louis Philippe mirror

A mundane skylight became romantic

Just in case you forgot what it looks like now!

Remodeling is not for the faint of heart or those without an adventurous spirit. It's a wonderful, glorious undertaking, akin to giving birth - sort of - in that the final product is so worth the discomfort and, sometimes, agony. Very much worth it!

"Happy Holidays to all my friends" (and family)!!

Today is the shortest day of the year and that can only mean one thing - the days are going to be getting longer from now on!  Yay!  It's dark this time of year, that's true, and rainy, too, here in the Pacific Northwest, which can sort of make one feel like never going outside again.  Just cuddling up indoors under a comforter and waiting patiently for spring's arrival..... But the lovely holiday lights & decorations around town DO make the darkness much more bearable - even joyful!  And when the decorations have been stowed away for another year, we have longer days and spring to look forward to.....

Ahhhh.....the sweet smell of spring

In the meantime, please take a vicarious trip to Europe with me and feast your eyes on Christmas in France and Italy:

Florence, Italy

Paris.  A "tree" of macarons!

Avignon

Florence, Italy

.....and again

And again...

Almost like being there - ha!

Torino

Parisian Christmas topiary

A great ornament!

Venice

There will be a full moon this Christmas so I hope you'll keep your eyes peeled for Santa!

Joyeux Noel & Buon Natale to all!!!  xoxo

The virtual store.... lovely mural on canvas by Shannon Noel

I fell head over heels in love with Europe the first time I visited. Everything about it spoke to me: the art, architecture, café life, chic residents and the sense of grounding that comes from generations of established society.  (Also, the lack of skyscrapers.....!)  

September, 2015

Since I live in the rugged, upper west corner of the US where the reigning (ha!) style is known as "Northwest Contemporary" and, being the Francophile that many of you know I am, it's been challenging for me to source, locally, European "Haute Brocante" (Flea Market) items for my own home.  I love a collected-over-time aesthetic and sense of genteel, but not precious, warmth - without breaking the bank.

Antique Louis Phillipe mirror with new Aidan Gray candle sconces

So, I started shopping!  The last couple of trips to France, I discovered some wonderful things and had them shipped back to Seattle.  The delivery was anxiously awaited!

Venetian

Italian gilt painted furniture arrives!

And now, the Brocanterie is "live" on my new store website, Piacenza Maison.  It's a mix of French (Louis Phillipe mirrors, vintage copper cookware, finishings, art), Italian (gilt painted furniture, Venetian mirror, handmade paper goods, art) and New items that reflect the same "Haute Brocante" sensibility.

Eiffel Tower lamp 

I absolutely love what I call "The Mix".  It's a blend of high/low, antique/modern, and streamlined/ornate.  It's really what the term Contemporary means to me: Of the moment. (vs "Modern", which is a style in its own right)  My goal is to offer furniture and accessories at Piacenza Maison that will bring to your home or office a little touch of Europe and, when mixed with new Modern or even rustic pieces, will impart a truly Contemporary essence.

Philippe Starck Ghost Chair mixed with French reproductions and antique Oriental rug

And just in time for last minute Holiday shopping, we have a category called "Little Luxuries" - items that are all $50 or less.   Here are a few samples:

French crystal and silver vanity bottles

Eiffel Tower Bookends

Paris Metro wine tote bag

  Monogrammed French Tea Towels - never used! 

And, we're giving back - we have handmade African horn earrings whose proceeds benefit a school in Uganda.  

I wore this pair of horn earrings 2 years in a row thru Italy and France.  Light as air and stylish, too!

We invite you to browse Piacenza Maison and perhaps see something that speaks to you.... And please contact us with comments or questions!

A delightful showroom in Marché Vernaison

We have a saying in our family, "It's good to be a regular!"  And of course I would add, "...in Paris!!!"  After a wonderful trip to Italy and France in 2014 to celebrate my 60th birthday, we returned to France last month and spent one blissful, languorous week in the sun at Hotel Le Hameau in St Paul de Vence and 3 active (!) weeks in Paris, in accomodations through Guest Apartment Services.    We traveled to Paris (and France, generally) to assess trends at Maison et Objet (see my post on that here), shop at the Marché aux Puces and also the Village St Paul in the Marais, and - certainly not least - celebrate our 30th Anniversary....! 

Ile St Louis is a perfect location - halfway between St Germain and le Marais

This year, we rented an apartment on l'ile St Louis and were found regularly at the cafe St Regis, on the northern tip (northwestern?) of the island.  It's a grand place to while away the time watching people from all over the world discover Paris for the first time and try to pick out the locals, while sipping an extremely pale rosé or a chilled Chablis.  The food there is very good, too....

We were regulars at the Cafe St Regis on Ile St Louis

Just a few step from Cafe St Regis is a pedestrian-only bridge accross the Seine leading to Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame.  There are always musicians of one genre or another performing.   Ahhhhh......

OK, on to the Flea Market.....

Having shopped at the Marché aux Puces last year, and now again this year, I guess we're almost regulars! There is really so much to see - it's over 20 acres of dealers' showrooms/stalls so it entails a huge amount of walking, though, being Paris, there are plenty of places to take a break for a meal and wine.  But be sure to wear comfortable shoes anyway!

Here are some of my favorite images from our day this year:

Bachelier Antiquités  never disappoints

Fun industrial chic 

LOVE the juxtaposition of the retro motorbike and amethyst, amber and jade green glass bottles

I think I've found something interesting...

The coolest vintage clothing and jewelry

Guess who loved this dealer's place?  I love the little Paris photo prop behind....

Those seltzer bottles!

....and these chairs

Sort of what you'd expect in the way of French furniture, though the white is unusual.  (Does that wrinkled rug bother anyone else??) 

Looks like a little village but is just one of the Marchés

A private restroom for vendors.....don't tell

Francois Bachelier et moi

While in Bachelier Antiquités, I found these wine box remnants and was given a super price, I guess because I bought so much there last year - or maybe it's because Bob made friends with Maman Bachelier....  Anyway, yes, it's good to be a regular!

Seen again and again - teal and nutmeg

After being completely overwhelmed on my first-ever visit to Maison et Objet 2014 - but thrilled at the same time - what could I do but plan a return visit??  And, of course, I coerced my favorite photographer (my husband, Bob) to accompany me, again....

I didn't see everything - there are 8 enormous convention center-sized halls, so we had to prioritize - I did make it to 5 different buildings!  

It's almost hard to fathom how huge this show is

Here are some of the interesting standouts.  First of all, color:

Look at the colors here.... nary a primary in sight

The color combinations were intriguing.  I was struck by the candle display, above.  These are the products that vendors believe will sell in the near future - not a lot of bright here!  Contrast it with last year's display:

More saturated color in 2014

Then, there's what I like to call "The Mix".  To me, this is truly Contemporary (not to be confused with "Modern", which is a style in its own right) and reflective of Collected Design, which is really how we live.

Note the mismatched chairs - all styles!  I love everything about this.

This year, as last year, I saw TONS of copper and lots of baskets, bringing a natural warmth to spaces.

All of the above fixtures are by Light & Living, which doesn't seem to be available in the US.....hmmmm

Love the baskets, retro/vintage light fixtures and, of course, terra cotta!

This is interesting.... lots of "Wild West"/Native American influences:

Right at home on the trail....

Made to look vintage/worn

More of the Teal & Nutmeg.... with a little bit of a 1970's Missoni feel

...and talk about colors!  Vivaraise, a French company, had the spectrum covered - and this was just 20% of their display!

Everything textile one can imagine....

So many of the vignettes are utterly charming...

Candlesticks and battery-operated candles - what's not to love?

After we recovered from Maison et Objet, the next destination was Le Marais, in general, and Merci, specifically!  If you've never experienced Merci, it is amazing:  wonderful women's and men's clothing, housewares, small home appliances, electronics - a hip destination.  Plus, there's a super cute Fiat in the front courtyard!

Merci front courtyard

Once inside, a few things struck me - like the "Fistful of Dollars" vibe of these ponchos:

Once again, the Wild West

Was this the muse?

I explored more of Merci and was struck by this on-trend display of Murano glass, industrial chic and stoneware.  The Mix!

Upstairs at Merci

As we strolled down Rue Beaumarchais on our way toward Place des Vosges, this window display caught my eye -  that color combo again!

..... and, farther into Le Marais, here it is again:

It was so enlightening to see how trends cross cultures and industries: fashion influences home decor and vice-versa, Old World influences New and back again.  It's a small planet!  

This latest blog topic is something that's near and dear to my heart - and never goes out of style. Animal print. Specifically, leopard, which is definitely a neutral when used judiciously.  But be warned: too much, and it veers toward Flintstonian...

Some of the following images are taken from my Pinterest board "Wild for animal print".  There's a little bit of something for almost anyone.....

Wild Decor: a little touch is just right

Fairly neutral with just a pop of color

In French, this would be called "mignon"

Great accent piece

This would look fab with hot pink accents....

A little Rococo never hurt anyone

Just a bit of zebra adds some graphic interest....(I know, not leopard - but I like it!  The mantel styling is good, too)

Again, a small touch with big impact

Wear it like you mean it!

Vintage

Wild accessories to wear or use....

Reduce inflammation with a stylish ice pack...

Love, love, love!

Crazy, wild indulgence:

OK, doesn't everyone need one of these?

Animal print adds a little something unexpected to an outfit or a room.  And, in measured doses, is totally a neutral!  

Maybe this is too much...?!

If, like me, you're not spending the holidays in Paris or Rome, but you've wistfully thought of it, maybe dreamed about it, please enjoy this feast for the eyes and a vacarious vacation:  some Christmas images from my two favorite places:  France and Italy. Maybe next year will be the year for the Strasbourg Christmas market, the largest in Europe....!  Have a wonderful holiday!

Strasbourg, France Christmas Market

St. Peter's, Rome

Vintage French postcard

Firenze

French home décor 

Bologna, Italy

Nice, France

Rome, Italy

Buche de Noël 

Paris

May all of your dreams come true!  Joyeux Noël and Buon Natale!

I love to do jigsaw puzzles and pack "things" into other things uber-efficiently.  So, of course, no matter how hard I try not to, I can't seem to not over-pack my suitcase!  Squeezing in just one more rolled-up article of clothing is almost addicting....but that makes bags much heavier, too, unfortunately.  

Roll, roll, roll your clothes....

In fact, on my last trip we shipped home one suitcase, full, because it was so heavy to lift on and off the train. It was obvious I didn't need all that I had brought.....Plus, there wasn't room for new purchases!

So, through trial and error, I've settled on some fabulous, can't-miss items, that can help make traveling a little more efficient, comfortable and stylish!

Storage:

Samsonite Curve - Super light and the ones made in the EU are much better looking than those made in China, which is all you can find in the US.  You can buy online at Valigeria Gazzarini  - they ship anywhere!  I shopped in their store in Firenze and was happy to be able to order from them when I returned home.

The 25" bag is only 7lbs!

Baggalini wheeled tote - Fits under most airplane seats and carries all the essentials:  laptop, tablet, makeup, jewelry, extras.  It also does double duty as a rolling briefcase.

Telescoping handle and a sleeve to slip it over a large suitcase handle

Baggalini expandable tote bag - So lightweight, yet hauls so much!  Carry it on as your "purse" along with the wheeled tote.  You can stash your crossbody bag (below) in it along with a book, magazines, camera, etc., then use it later on the trip to hold impromptu purchases!

Lightweight nylon and foldable

Cocoon Gridit for laptop and tablets - These handy cases protect your laptop or tablet and keep all essential accessories in one easy-to-access place:  power chargers, adapters, earbuds, pens & pencils, etc. 

Everything in its place

High*Way cross body bag - I bought this bag for traveling and it performed so well, I bought another for everyday.  It's compact, has a zillion compartments (many zippered), is super secure when worn crossbody, and is made by an artisan in New York, Jem Leaf.

I love my High*Way bag!  (It's the metallic one...!)

Tumi Windsor jewelry roll up - This will hold enough women's (and men's) jewelry to take you through the glitziest trips and has an easy-to-fasten clasp.  Plus, you can't beat the reliability of Tumi quality.

Shoe bags - Protect everything else in your bag from street grime (ew!) while you protect your shoes.  And stash extras (they don't take up much room!) to wrap those delicate purchases you've found on your travels.....

Accessories for luggage: 

Passport cover & luggage tags - Dress up your luggage and it's easier to find on the carousel.  I love these leopard items from J Crew!

Is there ever too much animal print??

Makeup/grooming:

Battery lighted makeup mirror - For years, I travelled with a magnifying mirror and sought out the best natural light in the hotel room for applying makeup - woe to early morning flights or trains!  But then I found this battery-powered mirror by Floxite that takes up just a tad more packing space than the other mirror and even has a little tray for small items.

An excellent quality mirror

Trish McEvoy planner - As a designer, and a faithful Trish user since 1997, I appreciate functionally beautiful design and these planners have it!  They hold the magnetic "pages" containing the eyeshadow and blush I use every day as well as all the brushes.  Then, everything is just popped into the planner, which goes into the wheeled tote.  One less thing to think about.

Sleek and organized

Samples - I collect a variety of samples and travel sizes of everything from luxury skin care to deodorant, then stow them away and take inventory about 2 weeks before leaving for a trip to see what needs replenishing. 

Clothes:

Shoes that do double duty - Since I usually journey either to large cities or warm places, I love sandals that can dress up or down (I power walk in bronze FitFlops), casual walking shoes, strappy neutral or black sandals.  

Basics - Neutral colors (duh!), black, grey, pops of colorful tops, hand-washable items.  This outfit is, I think, a perfect travel ensemble!  Neutrals, crossbody bag.....

....stylish but comfortable metallic shoes.....

Cole Haan

.......and a big cashmere scarf to wear and use as a blanket or pillow on the plane/train.

Indispensable:

Don't forget a camera!  I take a lot of pics with my phone, like almost everyone, but I love my Sony!  The photos are great, it has interchangeable lenses and it's really not that much effort to download to a laptop or tablet.....

Sony a6000

Last word:

Finally, a wonderful attitude is the most indispensible travel accessory!  Remember, nothing is as important as it seems.... and the purpose of traveling is to get a little lost in order to find yourself!

Recently, I was chatting about France with Seattle rug merchant - and fellow Francophile - Brad Andonian, of Pande Cameron and the subject of French rugs came up.   After having visited The Cluny Museum in Paris, and seeing their incredible collection, I was inspired to learn more.....

The Stately life, set of 6 tapestries in the Cluny

In the middle Ages, tapestries had a purely utilitarian function. They were designed for comfort: to protect medieval rooms from damp and cold weather and to cover the austere walls of unheated, cavernous castles. 

The Bayeux tapestry depicting the Norman conquest

By the 1500’s tapestries were status symbols -  they were more expensive and labor-intensive than panel paintings and frescoes!  And they were still essential for comfort.

Some tapestries depicted favorite pastimes: the hunt, peasants at work & play or social scenes.

Hunt of the Unicorn

….. Eventually, pastoral landscapes or Verdure (my personal favorites!) were introduced. 

Verdure tapestry

Detail of a 17th c verdure tapestry

To see historical tapestries in person, there’s currently an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “Grand Design”, through January 11, 2015.  Or, if you find yourself in Paris - which would be wonderful in and of itself - I can highly recommend The Cluny Museum, with its stellar collection of Gobelins tapestries, near the Sorbonne. 

Gobelins Lady and the Unicorn

The word tapestry derives from Old French tapisserie, from tapisser, meaning "to cover with heavy fabric, to carpet”, so it’s easy to see how intricate French rugs such as Savonnerie and Aubusson might have naturally evolved from tapestry.

Savonnerie rugs originated in 17th century France. They were first manufactured in a former soap factory (or “savon” in French), hence the name Savonnerie. 

Antique Savonnerie through Christies

Carpets produced by the Savonnerie before 1690 used designs by Charles Lebrun, who was the court painter to Louis XlV. 

Charles Lebrun painting of Louis XlV

Tapestry illustrating Louis XlV visting the Gobelins factory

Aubusson rugs, named for the town in central France where they were made, were based on Savonnerie rugs' motifs but were a bit less costly.

Antique Aubusson

Antique Aubusson

Before Aubusson, Savonnerie rugs were only available to the King.  With the more affordable Aubusson rug designs mimicking those of Savonnerie rugs, they became available to anyone to anyone who could afford them......

The Dowager Countess in a room with an Aubusson rug

During the French Revolution, the golden thread of royal crowns, cyphers and fleurs-de-lys were cut from carpets that remained in storage, to further destroy royal references.

18c Versailles tapestry

In 1825, the Savonnerie was incorporated with the Gobelins Manufactory, uniting tapestry and rugs. Many of their designs reflected Napoleon's Empire style.

Empire Style - Napoleon's chamber in the Grand Trianon at Versailles

Today, Savonnerie and Aubusson rug styles are still produced, and can be found in such high-quality rug stores as Pande Cameron in Seattle.   Here are some wonderful examples I saw on a recent visit:

Detail

While not technically a Savonnerie or Aubusson, the rug below displays some of the same classical style and would be at home in many different interiors.

It was a glorious September Saturday, perfect for seeking out "haute brocante" at the Paris Flea Market and discovering sublime inspiration.  Our guide, Danielle, from The Antiques Diva (what a great find!) picked us up at our apartment in the 4th Arrondissment.......

Danielle from Antiques Diva

......and whisked us to the adventure that awaited at the "M.A.P.", the Marche aux Puces at Saint Ouen, the largest antiques market in the world and the 4th tourist attraction in France.  

A map of the Paris Flea Market - the Marche aux Puces Saint Ouen

Covering a little over 17 acres, it's filled with upscale antiques, furniture & lighting, fantastic items for the kitchen - and even taxidermy.  

Our new mascot!

 I was focused on finding on what I call "Franco/Italian" items.....

Italian

Italian

.....and mirrors....

Louis Phillippe mirrors

Louis Phillipe mirrors

... as well as Copper!!  (As always!)  

Basking in the atmosphere of les Puces, I was just moseying along when I wandered into one of the coolest places I've ever been - ever - Bachelier Antiquites.  Oh, what a place!  They specialize in "Antiquites de la cuisine et du vin" (Kitchen and wine antiques) and their very photogenic storefront has been featured in many films and commercials.  It was heaven for me!

3rd generation running Bachelier Antiquities in the Paul Bert Serpette market 

Bachelier Antiquites

As enthralled as I was surrounded by all of the "cuisinier" accesories, my husband was having fun, too. I found him deep in conversation, chatting (even though he hardly speaks any French!) with the matriarch of the family, Francoise-Anne Bachelier.  She then autographed a copy of her cookbook, Toques de terrines, and gave it to me!  Très sympathique!

                                                                             Bob with Francoise-Anne Bachelier

Lunch was delicious - no surprize - at an outdoor cafe (this is still Paris, after all)  in the Paul Bert Serpette market where the people watching, and eavesdropping, was almost as entertaining as the shopping.  

Have a little taxidermy?

It was such a fun day - I can't wait to return!  Who wants to join me?

Maison et Objet Paris

Muted colors

Maison et Objet 2014 was enormous, informative, overwhelming and amazing!!  Look at the size of this place - and this was only one building of eight!

Buidling 8 at Maison et Objet

The predominant impression was Calm & Serene: pale and pastel colors, (quite a bit of greige, taupe and mauve – but not in an ‘80’s way!), natural fibers, animal prints (yes!), and lots of copper.

Animal print is always a good idea....

More muted colors

I did see a bit of saturated, primary color represented..... but.... 

Candle palette

.......notice how the  bright colors of these candles are only about 25% of the color range.  And....

copper baskets

 .....copper was everywhere!

Vintage inspiration

 Vintage-inspired items were also in great supply.

again, muted colors

Divine...!

.....Divine!

Lots of natural fibers....

draperies in natural fibers

everyone needs a heart pillow

.....and, of course, the whimsical.....

After seeing what's on the horizon for home interiors, it was time to experience history at the flea market.....Stay tuned!

Francophiles Unite!  

Madison Valley's annual Bastille Day Celebration is July 12th, 2014 from 3pm - 8pm

Last year's Bastille Bash was such a hit that this year it's bigger and better! There will be French-inspired food from such notable restaurants as Crush, Cafe Flora, Luc and Voilà, among many others; Northwest and French wine tastings...

....live music & entertainment - even jugglers and burlesque (oh la la!)....

...in a street festival atmosphere.

Funds raised from this event benefit the Detlef Schrempf Foundation and Art with Heart. Check the Bastille Bash Facebook page for updated information on participants, entertainment, schedules and more:

Facebook.com/BastilleBash.

Tickets for food and wine are available here -  Bon santé !

About midway thru the trip, we'll be attending Maison et Objet , one of the largest - if not THE largest interior design/homewares trade show in the world! The 2014-15 theme is:

“Sharing”Our era is clicking on the “Share” icon. Generation G for Generosity is bashing cynicism and liking “We”. New uses and values are reconfiguring ways of living together, exchanging information, goods, services and experiences. In the digital age, networking information is producing new tools with emerging practices in an economy of collaboration and cooperation. We are seeing a dynamic of creative sharing which is programming the future of a caring world.

Hopeful and nice.

Here are some images from the 2013 show...

                                                                Oh la La!

Our Paris home, (I love the way THAT sounds!), is located in the  Village St Paul neighborhood of the 4th Arrondissement, near the Marais.  

                                                               Village St Paul

We booked through Guest Apartment Services.  They actually specialize in Ile St Louis, the oldest Master Planned Community I've ever seen, developed in the mid-1600's and about 2 blocks wide.  Ile St Louis is bisected by one main road - St Louis en l'Ile - running its length and is absolutely filled with restaurants/cafes, residential buildings, a few hotels.  Ile St Louis also boasts the original location of Berthillon, maker of world famous ice cream.

All so beautiful!

Our apartment is about 2 blocks and a bridge from l'Ile St Louis.....

Besides scouting out the emerging interiors trends at Maison et Objet, I'll also be mining the past by scouring the Paris Flea Market, Marché aux Puces, with Toma Haines' company, The Antiques Diva.  We're looking forward to finding some unique and beautiful things, like those below, (yes, please!) to send home.

Before France, we'll be in Italy, where I'm intending to make it to the Porta Portese  flea market in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood and hopefully find unique and wonderful objects there, too, to send home.... 

like these.... perche no?

But the bulk of the trip will be spent in Paris.  Stay tuned!

And that during the Renaissance, a fine Venetian mirror cost more than an old master painting and was framed similarly?

According to "The Essense of Style, by Joan DeJean", Louis XIV (the Sun King) wanted his palace at Versailles to outshine all others; he decided to tout his wealth and power through the display of his French artisans' mirror-making talents. Prior to this, mirrors were difficult to make larger than a little more than 2 feet high; hand mirrors were even tremendously expensive!

Louis had "huge expanses of mirrored glass measuring 18 feet high and 6 1/2 feet wide" installed in Versailles in what became known as the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) . The panels reflected seventeen windows directly across from them, and the luxurious gardens just outside.

The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles became an immediate tourist attraction and remains one to this day.

After mirrors were able to be produced more efficiently and size was (almost) not a problem, the possibilities became endless.  

In interior design, mirrors are a wonderful way to open up a space and add a little sparkle to a dim area....

....including kitchen backsplashes .....

......and furniture for every room in the house.

French mirror makers have given us so many beautiful choices!

When Pinterest first launched, I thought of it as an appendage to Facebook - a sort of scrapbooking site for crafts-oriented folks - and I was really resistant to join in.  How wrong I was!

Thanks to the urging of Kris Prochaska, a visionary writer and coach, I'm happy to say that I've now fully embraced Pinterest and find it to be a great way to connect with the entire world and refine an ever-evolving "brand".

Pinterest is basically a high tech cyberspace Vision Board

I created my first vision board in 2000.  I had no idea what I was "supposed" to be doing, but the artist in me loved to create collages so I happily ripped through magazines, tearing out images and headlines that resonated with me and depicted those things I wanted to attract - how I wanted my life to "look".

                                                       2000 Vision Board 

Seeing is believing!  In time, the images and phrases on that first inspiration board came into my life; became my life.  

In order to keep moving forward, I created a new board in 2007 which, interestingly, looks way more philosophical and travel-centric than the first one.  And has lots about Paris! Makes sense.

                                                         2007 Vision Board

Fast forward to now:  after opening Piacenza Design in late 1999, garnering a NW Design Award in 2006, experiencing intense involvement with my local professional design organization, Northwest Society of Interior Designers (serving as President 2009-11), and meeting a zillion wonderful clients and colleagues - some of whom have become treasured friends - I found it was time to create a new vision board, cyber style. 

No more tearing out magazine pages, but "pinning" them, instead, on my boards!  Here's the first page of my cyber inspiration board:

                                                 Piacenza Design on Pinterest

....and these are some of the incredible images to be found on my boards - that have been "pinned" from myriad sources.  Just a tip of the iceberg!

And, of course:

Pinterest is a fabulous way to connect with those of like-minded aesthetics and, for businesses, a great way to gauge the market.  

In order to attract what you want into your life, it helps to have clarity...

Creating inspiration boards, either old-school or electronic, nurture and refine those visions.....

                                                                                                 Have fun!

In preparation for our Italy/France trip - we're in training now that it's less than 3 months away - we decided to take advantage of the lovely spring weather recently and "seize the day" to become tourists in our own town.  We spent a warm and sunny day at the Pike Place Market, "seeing" everything as tourists might.  

The Market, as we locals refer to it, opened in 1907 and is Seattle's original farmer's market. There's so much to delight the senses: amazing smells, sights, the people  - it's a must!

We began our tour at Watson Kennedy on 1st and Spring St, a shrine to merchandising - second only to ABC Carpet and Home in NYC, for me.  I love the way everything is displayed in zones: by color, type, subject, etc.  It's my go-to store for gifts for anyone!  Lots of candles, glassware, food accessories, cards, calendars, jewelry, themed items (Paris/London/Rome) - even pet gifts! There's also a smaller location at the Market, itself, in the courtyard of the Inn at the Market.

As we sauntered north on First Avenue, we paused to watch the Hammering Man do his thing in front of the Seattle Art Museum and admired the view of Elliot Bay and the Great Wheel.

We dropped in to DeLaurenti Specialty food and Wine, a haven for foodies, to gather some essential household supplies (hot pepper oil, basil oil, cheese.....you know).

Meandering within the Pike Place Market, we watched fish flying through the air....

....pondered the various gorgeous offerings of flora...

and produce.....

...... before settling on a pint of the BEST Greek yogurt in the city, made by Ellenos.

By this time, we were in need of refreshment, so we snagged an outside table at Cafe Campagne (full disclosure: it's my favorite restaurant at the Market) and had lunch.

I ordered what I always do there (I'm so boring), Croque Savoyarde.  And it was delicious, as usual.

Bob had a wonderful salade Nicoise...

....and we shared some light and refreshing Pic Poul blanc.

It was a lovely day!

I have always loved the holidays ~ it's a time when it feels ok to go wild decorating - and the lights on houses, in trees & hedges are a really wonderful way to get through this dark time of year!

~ Please enjoy some Christmas images from Paris, Rome, and Florence....

Here's wishing you a blissful, peaceful holiday full of love and energy and a healthy, prosperous New Year!!

It's Cyber Monday!  Did you know you can shop on Amazon.com by entering through the

Design Beat: Seattle Store

? It's sort of like a virtual passage through the wardrobe to Narnia......  Happy Shopping!