Paris trends...Eclectic

Eclectic style is going strong. In the age of mass production, blatant knock from the likes of Restoration Hardware and others, it is refreshing to see that great style is not a formula but rather, an intrinsic vision and creative reflection of the artist or designer. The creative mind will always offset the grueling reality of the design business.

I am highlighting a few pieces caught by my camera at Maisons et Objets that are strong elements to create an eclectic style. The parisians are not concerned with brand names and perfection, rather they dare experiment, mix the inherited piece with a contemporary sofa and the vintage finds. Go ahead, have fun, be a little daring and create your own vision of an eclectic style.

For more eclectic rooms and key pieces to an eclectic style , check my Pinterest board "Eclectic Style"

Eclectic Boheme chic by Christian Lacroix

 

 

We carry I Bride whimsical creatures in our showroom Interieurs

Mid century eclectic style 

 

 Great wallpaper 

Loved this light which I will be ordering for the Showroom

Beautiful Bronze chandelier

Table top at the Marche aux Puces saint Ouen

Fabulous stitch work, would look amazing on a dark sofa

A bientot,

Francine

Paris Trends... Contemporary

Paris was a whirlwind...flew in, went straight to the shows to meet with my vendors and take in the feel of 2013. The next day was spent with Jose Esteves checking out the Puces in Saint Ouen, snow, ice and freezing temperature was the norm. On sunday, I went back to Maisons et Objets in search of new artists, deciphering trends and placing orders. Nightlife was filled with adventures, being stranded after cocktail parties, wearing  high heels in full snowstorm, no taxi in sight...and trying  to walk to  Hotel Costes to find temporary refuge. Meeting friends, designers, more parties, Paris was in full swing!
I was really fortunate to get on a flight to Toulouse on Monday where I met my parents, and drove off to the Pyrenees  for some family time and fabulous skiing.

When one think of contemporary style, one immediately refers to italian design, which had a strong presence at the show. I prefer the softer side of contemporary to the clean cold minimalist look. In my designs, I tend to mix contemporary pieces with vintage, antiques, colourful textiles, to give the spaces some character and warmth .Contemporary with a twist...

Here are a few of my favorite vignettes...

Patricia Urquiola, my favorite designer

Amazing italian collection of wood, bronze and steel

cocktail table as a unique art piece

Top Floor, amazing luxurious hand made rugs, represented in my Showroom Interieurs

Missoni

Italian outdoor collection which I bought for my Showroom Interieurs

Incredibly comfortable and foldable

Fabulous tree light

Modern, organic lighting

Will place orders with this English Manufacturer

Loved this chair by De La Espada

I bought quite a few hand crafted accessories

Celebrating Design in Paris with John Turner,Director, Architecture and Design

 of Benjamin Moore & Co.

Inevitably, we ended at l'Entrecote with promises from John to crack the recipe to its famous and well guarded sauce

Next...Paris, eclectic trend

A bientôt,

Francine

For more on contemporary style, visit my Pinterest pages

Christina, Thank you so much!

Christina, who writes greige: design as intended... untouched has truly honored me in her very first post in her new Designers at home series. 

Christina, I'm both very touched and honored by your generosity. Thank you so much! 

To go to Christina's wonderful blog, click either of the two links above or below. You'll be happy you did!

Friday, January 18, 2013

Designers at home: Francine Gardner of Interieurs

 

This is our first of hopefully many in the series: Designers at Home!  I am very excited to welcome Francine Gardner of Interieurs!   Francine is an amazing designer and has traveled the world in search of inspiration.  I am absolutely in love with her home, it is so personal and beautiful beyond words.  Francine was nice enough to answer a few questions for us about her life, her business and her design presence below.  I hope you enjoy a glimpse into her life and take time to discover her shop in New York the next time you are there, I know I will.

In need of a little exotic...

Shopping for antiques in Penang, Malaysia

As I am looking out my windows, a grey sky, naked trees, brownish lawn are a damper to my mood. I need to escape...that is my sanity...I escape in books, movies, travel, dreams... I need a little exotic in my life.

Which bed to wake up in ...

image from AD France#100

image from Exotic Style by Sara Bliss Rockport publishing

image via Pinterest

Sarah Bruce home in Elle Decors

image via Pinterest

image via Elle Decor

Lounging...

image via Elle Decor

image via Elle Decor

image via Pinterest

image via Pinterest

Morocan Lounge at Langkawi Four Seasons...truly a beautiful hotel

Our private bedroom lounge at the Baray Villa in Phuket, Thailand

A Moroccan inspired lounge I designed for a client.

A relaxing swim...

Private pool at the Baray Villa , Phuket, Thailand

Relaxing from such an exhausting day... indeed I found a fabulous collection of antique baskets on a very top shelf of a tiny store, covered in years of dust.

A Bientôt,

Francine

For more exotic images, follow me on Pinterest