ICFF International fair 2013

It never ceases to amaze me  how adaptable we are. From the bush of Africa to the world of consumerism and contemporary design. If I were to choose...I would run (or rather fly) back to Africa. I miss it terribly...

Working on a few interior projects and constantly on the look at for new products and technology, I was, first thing in the morning, at the doors of the Javitt center in New York City for the 2013 International Contemporary Furniture Fair. It was actually wonderful as I walked the aisles of the show, I bumped into my favorite people, Clodagh, the most talented designer of our times, Arlene Hirst of the NY Times and a judge for the show, Tucker Robbins...we could talk for hours... just to name a few. I realized how long i have been in this industry!

I ended up placing some orders for the showroom, found great technological products for my clients.

I forgot my camera and my iphone ran out of battery...I guess i am still in lala land....

Forgive the poor quality of the shots but i captured what caught my eye and the contemporary trends...

By Caleb Siemon and Carmen Salazar to be seen soon in my Interieurs Showroom

The Siemon Pendant part of Interieurs lighting collection

Siemon Collection, soon to be seen at Interieurs

Love this multi dimentional textile weaving technique by a Japanese designer

Will be specifying this fabric from the same designer as above

Love this wallpaper

If you would like to find out about the designers behind these pieces, do send me an email and I will go through my catalogs.

Now, I am off to put my rain gear on and head out to my garden to plant all vegetables and annuals.

A Bientôt,

Francine

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

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!