FRENCH INSPIRATION FOR THE HOME: THE ICONIC EIFFEL TOWER MODEL.

 

The iconic Eiffel Tower is one of the most well-known landmarks in the world, the symbol of

Paris and a tourist lure like no other. To many of us, the Eiffel Tower isn’t just situated in Paris. It's Paris.

Whether met with enthusiasm or disdain, the Tour Eiffel is visible in many parts of the city, rising above the other buildings with dignity. Elsewhere in the world, it's an icon appearing on several kind of paraphernalia and featuring in numerous advertising campaigns. But whatever the colour and shape, there are few things that I think can tarnish the reputation of the symbol of Paris that people have come to begrudgingly view with affection.

That's why I appreciated this exclusive mini Eiffel Tower model as a gift by my favourite Lampe Berger  authorised dealer for  our cooperation as a blogger and customer. This doesn't look at all like all those kitch miniature gadgets you can find in souvenirs shops in Paris, but it's a high-quality, refined miniature in white metal and in a pretty good size to be used as a decoration. As you can see, it makes an excellent addition to a provençal-style chest of drawers in my French-inspired bedroom. And it will remember me to go on championing this romantic icon, no matter what form it appears in.

A BERGÈRE CHAIR FOR EVERY SPACE.

There's nothing quite like the perfect armchair in a living space. And of course, since I'm partial to French style in general, I just adore a good Bergère chair. It's a versatile and classic at the same time, and it's comfortable, a quality which is not to be underestimated. 
For those who aren't familiar with it, a Bergère is a chair designed in the Louis XV style, with upholstered back, and padded elbowrests on arms and upholstered frames, and fitted with a loose tailored seat cushion on an upholstered seat frame. This antique French chair typically featured either moulded or carved wood frames, which were either gilded or painted and upholstered with fine fabrics. 

Nowadays, we may tone down the gilding and silks, but the bergère chair remains as popular as ever, thanks to its design which allows to move it about to suit convenience, rather than being ranged permanently formally along the walls as part of the décor. And to me, these are the key features! Today, bergère chairs are often upholstered in simple fabrics, such as linen, ticking, or Toile de Jouy. In a pair, or all alone, these versatile chairs are still perfect for moving and can slide seamlessly into any design scheme, thanks to both their symmetry and the right proportion of upholstery, perfectly balanced by their open legs that create visual space. And that's what I love! As I've shared before, I love ornate French style, but my take is a bit more casual, to avoid fussiness: I like the combination of simple with elegant, the essence of casual chic style. 
So, here follows a small selection of my favourites in different styles and finishes:
1) Pale/white wood framed bergères covered in either simple crisp neutral shades of linen or white-and-blue stripe ticking fabric, for coastal/rustic casual flair.

2) The juxtaposition of traditional wood-toned or white-painted wood with more elaborated fabrics such as Toile de Jouy.

3) Caning accents, especially in a room with a passageway, to ease the transition from room to room while keeping the sight-line open.

4) Paired with a matching stool to create the perfect place to curl up with a good book.

If you're interested in giving your home a touch of 17th century French elegance, you can look for genuine vintage pieces at local antiques markets/stores. Sometimes there just isn't time to shop for those, moreover they can be more expensive than the reproductions are. So, if you're either in a hurry, or on a budget, or simply don't love "the chase", then one of the models found at stores such as Maisons du Monde or online at Westwing might just fill the bill!

BLUSH PINK: THE NEW PALETTE FOR "GIRLY-STYLE" INTERIORS.

If you haven't noticed the trend towards blush pink over the past seasons, then you must have been living under a rock. You can't go anywhere without seeing this soft, romantic shade of pink popping up, nor have a look at pictures on Instagram or Pinterest without being deluged by pictures of cozy, girly blush-pink interiors. 

I'm not a proponent of completely changing your entire home just because of trends, but it's always fun to switch up a few accessories if a trend comes along that you really love. Personally, when I renewed my bedroom several years ago, I chose vintage Provençal-style white furniture and a blush-pink palette well ahead of time, since this mix of French and girly style suits so well my personal taste, and I've been enjoying its relaxing and cozy atmosphere since then. So I think that pink will be there to stay for long in my room, even after the trend and I'll go on loving it!

So, if you want to achieve the soft vibe I went for it will be so easy for you to do the same without breaking the bank, too! All you need is to swap up a few throw pillow covers, a blanket and switch up a couple of small accent pieces to achieve the same effect. Even if your furniture is more modern, the romantic ambience will be a certain result. And to enhance the mood, choose pink loungewear for your lazy Sunday mornings...

I've rounded up some of the pieces I've chosen to achieve the "girly look" in my room so that I can show you how it's easy to incorporate some details into an existing décor and transform its colour scheme with just a few touches. Enjoy!

      

                                            1)Pink storage boxes       2) Pink throw and monogrammed box

3)Pink walls                      4) Pink lampshades

5) Vintage prints with dominant palette of pink

6) Rattan armchairs with pink cushions and pillows

            7) Bouillonné curtain        8) Antique French-style chair

9) Limoges jewel boxes          10) Framework with motto

11) Small Rose bouquets

                                                            12) Blush-pink loungewear