Princesse de Lamballe

Similar to Marie Antoinette's Petite Trianon, her best friend, the Princess de Lamballe had her own little retreat. I recently found out about it in this month's issue of 'World of Interiors' (easily my favorite magazine and one which I HOARD). Created in 1780 on her estate Rambouillet near Paris, the adorable little cottage has an amazing room decorated using shells. Unfortunately she didn't get to enjoy it long before having her head cut off, so sad. I'm not talking about a few little shells glued onto a fireplace surround either....i'm talking an ENTIRE room - totally over the top!!

Sticking to the Louis XVI style - it is incredibly detailed and precise. No kindergardeners were at work here! Look at this detail!

Probably my favorite part of the room is the 'mirror' over the fireplace created using mother-of-pearl. How beautiful and creative is this!

pictures courtesy of World of Interiors, March 2008

Covet....

So it's been awhile since i've visited my blog.....I think I felt I was turning into a boring old history professor with smelly clothes, facial hair and spectacles and thats not entirely how I wanted this blog to go and I needed a little breather to regroup. I need some variation....

So I found inspiration in this BEAUTIFUL cabinet!!!! I don't know what excites me more.... the tiger wood, the antiqued mirrored shelves and top, the beautiful green interior, the wood tracery on the glass doors, the leather handles or the metal feet. This would be the perfect showcase for a collection of books, china, and just little bibelots that everyone has. 2 flanking a doorway would be really special or one nestled in a corner or beside a bed in a bedroom with all your treasures sending you off to sleep.

sigh with me now - *pretty*!!

I found this on this fantastic girl's blog who also has a furniture collection - Tracy Porter

slim and trim!

All pictures courtesy of her website, until I can get space and a spare 3k for the cabinet...probably not happening!

ps -even the back is beautiful!!