Happy Easter

" Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and 

few there be that find it."    Matthew 7:14

Image Source: rosedune.tumblr.com

Easter which many of us honour in our own ways represents rebirth, redemption, renewal as we wash away our old selves and are reborn into a new life.  The real story of Easter is also about sacrifice.  Many of the great things that happen in our lives are achieved either through small or great sacrifices or for the sake of not sounding so negative, through enormous effort and perseverance.  You need a lot of inner strength, faith and most of all, love in all that you do to persevere and reach the light at the end of your tunnel.  

Biennale des Antiquaires 2016 - Paris Antique Show

The 28th Biennale des Antiquaires is being held this year from Saturday, September 10th to Sunday, September 18th at the sumptuous Grand Palais in Paris.  You could not pick a grander location with its glass vaulted ceilings and stone facades. 

The bi-annual antique show is organized by the “Syndicat National  des Antiquaires” (National Trade Union of French Antique Dealers) which created the exhibition in 1962.  However, the Trade Union’s Board of Directors in line with the union’s desire to renew the image of the event voted in June 2015 to turn it into an annual exhibition as of 2017.  Professionals in the trade as well as amateur antique admirers and show attendees will no longer have to wait the two years to get up close with Picassos from private collectors and galleries.  Yes, this does happen.  It’s like going to the museum but even better.  

I attended my first show in 2010 and I instantly fell under its charm although I must admit that the venue had a lot to do with it.  The 2012 exhibit, designed by Karl Lagerfeld, was particularly impressive with its hot air balloon suspended above the central bar area.

 In the meantime, I leave you with a small teaser from the 2012 exhibition.  

All photos by Studio Sue

Pillow Talk

Just finished this chic little lady.  The brass zipper was originally meant to be invisible but when I threw the fabric on the cushion, the zipper landed in the middle.  It looked pretty good  so the project took another direction and I decided to sew it together like that. 

Almost looks like a purse.

It will be accompanied by these ...

 

that will be covered with these fabrics.

I picked up this Pucci inspired fabric at a reupholsteres shop in Paris. It was sitting in a basket with tons of other left over fabric.  That was at least six years ago and I have never been able to find this pattern again.  I was saving it for the right sofa with the right color. My Kivik sofa in chocolate brown has the right style for this pattern and doesn't compete with it but rather complements it quite well.  The fabric is from Braemore.

 Classic French "matelassé" which has many uses.  This one was previously being used to hide an old "Coiffeuse" that belonged to my husband's family.

All this to accompany my lonely chocolate brown sofa from IKEA.

More photos on the way once the project is complete.

AD Artcurial Showhouse 2012 - Part III (Better late than never!)

"Le Salon Californian" (California Living Room) by Chahan Minassian's was my favorite at the AD Artcurial Showhouse.  Maybe I was just being influenced by the grey rainy weather in Paris but this room was a breath of fresh air and light.  The color palette, a sandy white, which was light and warm as well as the soft and tactile finishes really contributed to creating a cozy atmosphere.  The french would call it "feutré" and I would agree with them.  The stripes on the carpet gave off a subtle sheen. 

Look at the work on this chair.  Beautful organic shape.  It reminds me of a leaf or a flower. I waited forever for the lady sitting on it to get up so I could take a photo.

Meridien with a lucite base

The sofa was enormous.  I loved it.  And those cushions!  I really wanted to sit but we were not allowed. The other end of the sofa you see above looks like it's floating but it's an optical illusion.  Like the meridien I showed you earlier it has a lucite base that you don't see until up close. 

 Really interesting table scapes

"Le pavillon en ellipse" (Elliptical Pavillion) by Pierre Yovanovitch is not really my style but I have to admit that what he did with the lighting fixture on the ceiling was fantastic. 

In purple...

and orange

Yovanovitch is not one of my favorite designers out there but I've been watching him since first reading about him about a year ago in one of the French shelter magazines.  In addition to his quest for exceptional quality in his use of building materials, there is something about his work that draws me in but I can't seem to explain it.

"Le boudoir Dadaiste"  by Vincent Darré needs no translation as the title speaks for itself and this room definitely had much to say as you can see from the photos.  Not really my style but I love his blog.  It really shows his creative thinking and his artistic renderings of rooms are amazing and fun.  Monsieur Darre looks like he's a blast to be around.

"Les salons docle vita" by Dimore Studio used these gorgeous screens to create an ante-room to the main salon.

One side of the screen was mirrored and the other had this beautiful Hermes fabric that I've been seeing quite a bit of these days.  You can see a better image of the screen on the Dimore website and less of me in the mirror.

Main salon with a graphic floor covering that you can see in the background and below.

"Le louge chinoisant" (The Chinese Lounge) by Thierry Lemaire for Sofitel Hotel

The lacquered cocktail tables and console are very similar to the furniture he designs although I'm not sure whether he designed the ones in this room.

"Le module d’habitation en réflexions" by Rafael de Cárdenas

Breathtaking Bacarrat Chandeliers lit with LEDS that you can see in the close up shot below.

"Le salon parisien"  (Parisian Living Room) by  Francis Sultana

 

 

"La bibliothèque onirique" (Library) by Charles Zana was the first room of the visit.  It's layout did not really give the impression of a library but more like a waiting area of a lounge in a hotel but it could have just been my impression due to its location at the main entrance of the show. 

Incredible lamp above the divan. You can see a better photo of it further down.

 

The windows were set up with special lighting to simulate different hours of the day.  It was a subtle and lovely detail.