Paradis perdus...paradise at the end of the world

I am on a constant quest to explore the world, in search of forgotten lands, away from the traveled paths. Being immersed in nature allows me to be my true self, brings me peace, joy, calmness and a sense of being, belonging to the universe.

In nature, I feel the powerful words of Max Ehrmann's timeless poem "Desiderata"

 "Be Yourself"

"Nurture strength of spirit"

"Be gentle with yourself"

"You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here"

"And whether or not it is clear to you

no doubt

the Universe is unfolding as it should"

"Be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be"

"and whatever your labors and aspirations

in the noisy confusion of life

Keep peace in your soul"

"It is still a beautiful world"

"be cheerful.

Strive to be happy"

Taking in the sunset...

I found my small piece of paradise on a remote island of the coast of Mozambique, Banguerra island. A few days of pure bliss, feeling the hours go by at a slow pace, taking in every moment in this glorious gentle landscape.

Mozambique is in Southern Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe and South Africa. Mozambique was a Portugese colony for four centuries and gained independence in 1975. The country after 2 years of independence, descended into an intense and brutal civil war until 1992. With the failure of Marxism, capitalism was established via multi reforms. The country is slowly regaining stability but still ranks among the the lowest GDP per capita, human development and  average life expectancy. Unfortunately, poverty and huge prevalence of corruption affect all sectors of the country, police, public administration,judiciary, public finance and world donations.

The landscape of the outer islands is magnificent, unspoiled, some of the best diving in the world and the clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean. We stayed at the Benguerra Lodge,  a beautiful thatched roof lodge, with a wonderful staff. With only 3 other guest groups in the Lodge, we really felt transported in a blissful word. Getting there from New York is an adventure in itself, we flew to  Atlanta, then on to Johannesburg, a 16 hours direct flight, spent the night in a charming hotel, up early to fly to Banguerra island via 3 different planes, getting smaller and smaller in size...one lost is Navigation system, so we were rerouted via Maputo the capital. Finally last leg of a trip on a 6 seater which flew us over these magnificent islands and landed on a smooth grass runway.

Our Casita

A room with a view...

Grat canopy bed...perfect for naps

Copper tub

The Lodge

Great Beachcombing

Fishermen' villages

Hard to say Goodbye...

A Bientôt,

Francine

If you would like me to create your personal and ideal home, contact me about our Interior Design Services

Back from Africa!

I took a hiatus from life and have much to share. Africa has cast a spell on me and following more than 20 hours in planes I am already longing to return.

On a humorous note, I almost did not make it back in one piece...
Word of advise... Do not pet the cheetah!

Design on a Dime by Interieurs

Inspiration board for our vignette

Team Interieurs Design Studio is working on our vignette for Design on a Dime. 
Our story is the life of a Bohemian Chic "Dandy."

Our vendors have been wonderful support to us, Window mode, Rug and Kilims, BDDW, Innergaze, Limited Editions, Newday Woodwork, Plycon and of course Interieurs filled in all the blanks.

The opening night on April 25th is the event of the season. Tickets are still available :
click here : tickets for the event 

On April 25, Housing works will present New York City's most popular interior design benefit event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea. Design on a Dime features more than 50 of the world's top interior designers, who creates unforgettable room vignettes with new merchandise which is donated and then sold for 50 to 70 percent off retail pricing.

Attracting a star-studded crowd, the Opening night reception is celebrated with hundreds of VIP's, designers, and friends of Housing works. A-list design enthusiasts mingle with top designers, including event chairs. Guests will get the first public look at the room vignettes and enjoy exclusive preview shopping, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment

Hope you can join us!

A Bientôt,

Francine


If you would like me to create your personal and ideal home, contact me about our Interior Design Services

The Leaders of Design ..Berlin

Berlin wall Graffitis

The Leaders of Design Council is an exclusive membership of the top architects and designers in the US, which was formed to respond to these industry challenges and opportunities. Keith Granet and Meg Touborg are the charismatic founders.
For this year summit, we flew to Berlin. Keith, Meg and Dana took us on a whirlwind of extraordinary dinners in magical settings, motivating and enriching seminars. This was a learning experience, fabulous venue to meet other architects and designers and discuss everything from life, travel, design and take a break from the daily stress of running a design business. Promises were made to stay in touch which will solidify this bond among all of us in our sometimes fickle, demanding, exiting industry.
On our last gala, Patti Austin sang for us, her performance of the song "lean on me " had quite a few of us in tears. I went to her, hugged her and thanked her for reminding us to cherish life and friends.


One of the theme is to tell a story through our work, our creativity. During these 3 days, I took a long solitary walk along sections of the Berlin wall, walked the old Jewish quarter, now the center for modern art galleries and studios, and reflected on the deep dark history of this city. I felt a heaviness as there is no escape from history. Berlin is showing atonement for its past by celebrating the lifes of the lost ones though memorials, museums, plaques.

You may follow me on my contemplative walk....

Jewish Memorial

Art as a cry for freedom (detail of the Berlin wall)

External basement wall of the Corner House at Willemstrasse. For several months in 1936, the house was the headquarter of the Inspectorate of Concentration camps. Then the department of gestapo moved in

Check point Charlie: Wall crossing point between East and West Berlin

Meaningful sculpture in the Jewish quarter

The old  Jewish quarter is now the scene for contemporary art galleries

The architecture of Berlin will be a topic on its own, as the world's top architects have left their footprint on this vibrant city.

Our large group of 140 was separated in intimate sub groups. This was the setting of my first dinner in Berlin. We dined in the top Rotunda...magical

The ultimate Berlin venue: the courtyard of the Deutsches Historisches Museum

My table...great fun sitting next to Celerie Kemble

The Amazing Patti Austin

In parting,. please listen to the inspirational Singing for Change video. This video was actually part of the presentation on new trends in our industry... we are finding our way to a simpler, closer yet nomadic life

A Bientôt,

Francine

If you would like me to create your personal and ideal home, contact me about our Interior Design Services

Life is a challenge...

En route to visit with our Orangutan friends in Kalimatan, Borneo.Magnificent gift of nature.

Marsha, of Splenderosa, our coach of sorts, and inspirational motivator, challenges us every month with topics for discussion.

This month's Bio is: "Our greater challenge, and how it changes us for the better"

Well Marsha, you did pick a timely and on point subject, appropriate during this spiritual and religious time.

One of my favorite Hollywood movies is Forrest Gump and his powerful line: "Life is a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you're gonna get."

Life in itself is a series of challenges, our path is to accept the challenges, have faith in God and ourselves, and embrace the changes ahead. In itself, this is a formidable challenge. I fear change, heights, unknown territories, meeting new people,  and because I suffer those fears I deliberately  throw myself into situations where I am compelled to face those fears, embrace the moment and emerge enriched by the experience. 

However, looking back at my life, my one greatest challenge was acceptance. Acceptance that there is more to this world and life than its obvious physicality and that we must believe in our spiritual being and God's love, would it be the wisdom of Buddha or any religion. In a flash, my life, my small world was shattered in front of my eyes on a crisp pure blue morning on September 11th. Writing these words, I can still hear the screams, the sounds of destruction, breath in the dust, stand in disbelief and horror as the towers crumbled before my eyes, not even thinking of running for cover. My perfect small world was over, friends gone forever, children without fathers or mothers. Instinctively,we all walked in silence... walked away until we reached the train station, and went to find refuge in my church. The core of my being so exposed and raw that the only solace I would accept was from God.

Then, I understood. I understood the meaning of life, the magical moments of life, the gift of being alive and I have never ever taken any day for granted. Every night, I look at the sky and every morning I thank God for his loving gift of life.

A Bientôt,

Francine

Please read Marsha's post and our community of bloggers


lBy invitation only

l home,

DIFFA....creative spirit for a cause

I have been on a whirlwind, from our Warehouse sale last weekend to setting up our booth at the Architectural Digest Show in New York. Next, we will be featuring our vignette booth at Housing Works for their famous yearly Design on a Dime, but tonight, a little relaxation for the hot party ticket at DIFFA Dining by Design.

Creative challenges, efforts, visions were amazing. each table was  enchanting, surprising, clever . I am soon to be off to my booth at the Show, and will highlight my favorite Vignettes.

If you are planning to attend the show, come visit booth 169 in the MADE section.

Perhaps, one of these vignettes for your next dinner party?

Designed by New York School of Interior Design, Mentor: Marc Blackwell

New York University Mentors: David Rockwell and Barry Richards. Incredibly clever, all constructed with wire coat hangers

Many Hands by Gensler and Herman Miller. The wall is covered with Kiss chocolates

My very favorite from FIT. Mentor: Jes Gordon

Benjamin Moore by David Stark. You feel as if you were inside a Jackson Pollock painting..

The non dining...dining room by Thom Filiccia for NYDC

Designed by Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors

Kinky Boots!!Maya Romanoff and Rockwell Group

A Bientôt,

Francine

If you would like me to create your personal and ideal home, contact me about our Interior Design Services