All posts tagged: French Inspiration Decor

Childhood Reflection

I have always paid attention to detail, even at the age of five or six, when my parents opted to take me along on a family visit. Which was customary in the Mediterranean upbringing – you visit with relatives for tea and trays of winter dessert, or for refreshments and servings of fresh summer fruits. The adults spoke, and the children listened. It was wonderful! But while I did much listening, I also paid loads of attention to the home decor of those family members who were cultured if you will, or wealthy enough to set up their home in French inspired decor trends. So when I stumbled upon this breathtaking mansion, I had to share what I was referring to: As this particular set up is a true reminder of days from my childhood, where I sat on an oversized sofa, watching the adults discuss whatever topic of interest. There, I simply nibbled on cake or ice cream and admired all the intricate details of my surroundings. Source full credit, referenced above for your …

as my mind travels to all good things paris

I have to tell you, I just can’t help myself no matter how hard I try. The worst is that the closer it gets to summer, the more I get restless about taking a trip to Paris. The worst part of it is that most any travel website I visit or go shopping anywhere, there is always a reminder of my favorite city via a photographer of the famous Eiffel Tower. I never realized how impressionable the darn thing is in most everyone’s lives? The only other icon most of us are touched by, one way or another, is a  silouette of Mickey Mouse’s head. (I know you know what I mean) Anyway, back to Paris and some of my favorite reminders. Enjoy and happy weekend to you all.

best books written about paris or are they?

In reviewing the Guardian UK the other day, I came across an article with their list of top 10 books written about Paris. Of course, you know that immediately grabbed my interest, so I decided to share their suggestions in my blog and ask my readers for their opinion. Are the suggested books the best books written about Paris? Has anyone read any of the books and what you thought about it? if the listed books are truly not the best, please feel free to make a recommendation.

leather jackets for spring to summer to fall

Leather jackets and I just don’t seem to mix very well. However, in the past year I have been contemplating on buying one just because the variations or choices, I should say, are pretty enticing.  Besides, leather jackets work well in San Francisco throughout the entire year and  especially (at the rate we are going with the weather) this year. By the way, leather jackets are great mother’s day gifts as well for the trendy woman who enjoys dressing up a pair of designer jeans or complementing a pair of khakis.  

embracing all things inspirational

Once in a while I have trouble, like everyone else, in getting going for a work week. I pout the entire weekend and by Sunday night, I am hyperventilating because I am once again obliged to carry out a regimented lifestyle for five days out of yet another week. This is not to say I hate my job or anything, it’s just that I appreciate my freedom a great deal and wish I had the luxury to escape the norm more often than I can. Anyway, knowing the much-needed break is nowhere in sight, I turn to some random photos of beautiful things for inspiration,  just to get me by for the week.  Hope you enjoy the slideshow and here’s  hoping for a smooth week.

royal wedding day – across the world

Happy Royal Wedding Day to all my British friends and loyal U.K. blog followers!!!  Enjoy the day off. We can only hope to have such a day here in the states. In light of the event and knowing not so many people will turn to their favorite blogs today, I have decided to pay homage to my favorite exhibition of royalty at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. Pulp Fashion by Isabelle de Borchgrave, running through 5th of June 2011. “Pulp Fashion draws on several themes and presents quintessential examples in the history of costume—from Renaissance finery of the Medici family and gowns worn by Elizabeth I and Marie-Antoinette to the creations of the grand couturiers Frederick Worth, Paul Poiret, Christian Dior, and Coco Chanel. Special attention is given to the creations and studio of Mariano Fortuny, the eccentric early-20th-century artist who is both a major source of inspiration to de Borchgrave and a kindred spirit.” (Legion of Honor site) It is a must see in my opinion and a good idea for those taking …

decor ideas: vintage cupboards

You know the funny thing about vintage cupboards is that, you either like them or hate them.  I happen to be one who loves seeing them when I go to Napa or Sonoma, California because, cupboards are used in most boutique stores, wine shops, deli’s and some bakeries to house their goods. I really can’t imagine a store without them in the wine country, but having one in an apartment just doesn’t seem ideal in my opinion. So, although I shop for cupboards at antique stores and online, I always talk myself out of bringing one home. I tell you though, if I were fortunate enough to have my own coffee shop, I would most certainly incorporate them into the decor of the shop. What’s your take on cupboards?

for the writer at heart – a desk and a chair

I once read that small studio apartments are the most inspirational places for the writer at heart, and after thinking about it long and hard, I realized how true that was, even throughout history. Most well known writers, lived in studios, sometimes in Paris, while they wrote their books. So, as I transition from my past life to the new one, I too have chosen to stay in a studio apartment for a bit in order to, let’s just say, realign my life and get focused on what I want to accomplish from it.  Besides, big houses and too many rooms are not a place for the artistic minded individuals (in my opinion) In line with  the topic I have decided to write about in this entry, I decided to search for  photos of a desk and chair ensemble, to see what actually came to mind when I looked at them. What do you think? Enjoy the photos and have a wonderful weekend.

kitchen talk – small space decor

I can honestly say that the best kitchen I ever had in my lifetime was a galley style with the simplest decor in a San Francisco high-rise apartment. Everything was within reach, easy to clean and a wonderful window, so strategically placed that I seldom had to worry about airing out the kitchen. Mind you I didn’t even have a fan or a vent and the appliances were the simplest and probably the most durable. So, in light of missing my galley kitchen, I decided to share some photos of my favorite galley kitchen decor.