On My Bookshelf
The team at Elle Decor published this book, "Insider's Paris, an Intimate Tour," in 2003. It was printed in France and then translated. All photos below are taken from the book. But, no worries, there are plenty more within its 275 pages. It's only appropriate to begin with this one:
Le coq -- the rooster -- is the unofficial symbol of France, having appeared on everything from coins to war memorials. The country's association with the Gallic Rooster dates back to the Middle Ages.
André Chastel, a 20th century French art historian, once said: "What is essential to French art is that it absorbs all others." Such could be said about the French aesthetic overall. As you will see in this book . . . .
"into never-before-seen homes," from family dwellings
to lofts.
And they cover all the favorite areas of Paris, from
Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Montparnasse, from
the Marais to the Madeleine, Beaux Quartiers to Montmartre,
and the Marché aux Puces to the Suburbs. Tucked
inside the book, as a separate piece, is a list* addresses
for restaurants, hotels, museums -- on both the right
and left banks.
(*Of course, the list is a bit dated but probably still useful.)
At home in St. Germain is a mannequin sitting on the couch.
A Napoleon-era camp bed is upholstered in linen.
And a 17th Century Venetian mirror hangs over a wall mirror.
The wide-oak floors come from the Aveyron region of France.
The Bechstein piano and cello belong to the homeowner.
Also located in St. Germain.
This simple yet elegant bathroom is in the same home as above.
The authors call this decor "bourgeois bohemia," which
combines classic and modern, and ornate with minimal.
The bookcases are make from "railroad racks" from the 1950s.
An Indian quilt covers the 18th century day bed.
Slipcovers, constructed of raw linen by Pierre Frey,
make this a very relaxed room.
Located in Palais-Royal.
An artist's kitchen in Montparnasse.
The table is made from old oak planks.
The 1940s stackable chairs have been re-issued by Habitat.
The couches are covered in Pierre Frey flannel and
draped with a colorful quilt or throw. The throw
pillows are covered in old kilim. The coffee table
is from the 1960s.
A curiosity and love of nature is seen in many of the homes.
(A re-kindled 19th Century interest.)
Majesty of the 18th Century Revisited.
Located in St. Germain.
Homes reveal the liking of taxidermy.
The coffee table is covered with a taffeta quilt.
The sofa is upholstered in canvas. And the screen
at the window is made from old shutters.
You see a library table in the foreground and
an 18th Century Italian banquette in the back.
Leather and metal furniture sit beside a re-issued stove by Godin.
The Montparnase artist, a sculptor, who lives here likes the contrast
of black and gray steel against white walls.
I enjoy looking at this book. It's one where you see something new -- or inspiring -- each time you pick it up. What did you see that you like or wish to apply to your own home?