First Impressions

First impressions are always so important. My first few moments in Paris set the stage for a week (well, 5 days ) of continual amazement. I kept exclaiming 'Everything is just so perfect, like a postcard!' and I meant it. I arrived from the airport at 8am to the local RER stop near our first hotel in St. Germain Des Pres, St Michel Notre Dame. I came up the subway station to be greeted by none other than Notre Dame, hence the name I guess -but it was so unexpected! I took the first picture of this post within seconds of my arrival! The other half of the RER stop name comes from St. Michel - the name of the boulevard it's located on. This amazing fountain is located right at the stop - Fountain St. Michel. Can I have asked for a more beautiful arrival point?

Just an amazing fountain! Love those pink marble columns.

I started off down the road along the Seine towards our hotel. This impressive building is on the Ile de La Cite (the official center of Paris, where Notre Dame lies), the Palais de Justice. Funny story from our trip - the Palais de Justice was incredibly huge and impressive and we passed it numerous times each day. Every time Heather would forget and ask 'whats that place?' (sorry Heather, it was too cute not to share!).I was surprised by the scale of the city right off -much smaller than anticipated: human scale. Such a comfortable city and easy to walk around. After living in DC for years, I've grown accustomed to LARGE rivers, but the Seine, at least in this location, is practically a scenic canal.While most of central Paris is very neoclassical, thanks to age and Haussmann, I fell in love with the juxtopositions of the scarce modern with the classical (not a surprise coming from me, right?). Many of these grand buildings along the Seine retain their classical shell but then surprise you with a very modern penthouse apartment on the top. Imagine the views!A classical door surround, again taken within moments of arriving, featuring caryatids. Notice how the building seems balanced but is not symmetrical! I didn't notice this at first!Lastly, I'll leave you with this beautiful old mansion nestled along the Seine. I have to say, St. Germain Des Pres was our favorite neighborhood in the city and you can see why!

It's all in the details

I'm suffering from jetlag, but wanted to leave you with some amazing shots of a public bathroom behind Notre Dame. This small little building is built of boring concrete but the details of its construction are amazing. Faux Bois! isn't it intriguing?
Even the roof 'shingles' are concrete (not cement, which is an ingredient IN concrete) and the artisans took great care to create realistic wood graining and details. Little treasures like this are what make Paris so special! Stay tuned!

Maison et objet

I can't believe our trip is nearly over, but we have definitely had a very full trip that I can't wait to share with you in the upcoming weeks!
Today we visited the fabulous maison et objet trade show of products for buyers and press. It was so incredibly huge and we only saw a tiny portion of the offerings over hours! I'm sure a lot of the new items will be seen soon on the pages of our favorite magazines. Heather and I will be showcasing some of our favorite vendors soon (hopefully with a minimum of overlap, although our tastes Are surprisingly similar).
My favorite French store, flamant, was represented with a huge booth. Hopefully they cross the Atlantic very soon!

Fabulous Paris!!

Heather and I are having so much fun! One thing I love is that the French support their own. By that I mean everything you see is made in France: glasses, hardware, furniture, etc. A lesson we Americans could strive towards!! So much to share when we are back!! Au revoir!

Paris, here we come!

Heather and I are finally off for our big adventure in Paris! I never thought this day would come: it actually snuck up on me! I plan on blogging (text only) while in Paris and will share all sorts of pictures, sketches and details with you when we get back.
Be prepared to experience Paris both through the eyes of an Architect (me) and an Interior Designer (Heather).
Bon Voyage!

Saint-Germain

While in Paris (I can't believe we leave tomorrow!) Heather and I will be staying in the charming Saint-Germain neighborhood. This apartment in Saint Germain, by Yves Gastou, mixes the best of both worlds: an 18th century townhouse with the most glamourous 1940s&50s furniture.
apartment featured in the book 'Insider's Paris, an intimate tour'

Chateau Miromesnil

Chateau Miromesnil is known for it's architectural beauty but also the wooded country in which it sits and its vegetable gardens (seen below). It has also been home to some famous characters. The famous author Guy de Maupassant was born in the chateau in 1850 while his parents rented it for 3 years.
Earlier the chateau had been home to Armand-Thomas Hue de Miromesnil. Armand was made a Knight of the Holy Spirit Order by King Louis XVI and later tried to defend the King at his trial during the revolution. He also abolished the use of torture for those who were imprisoned for supposed crimes. He died here in 1792 and left his fortune to the peasants of his estate.Of course the chateau has its own private chapel, as most ancient estates do. Solid and square -don't you think?
The chateau also acts as a bed and breakfast with very reasonable rates! Can you even imagine staying here? Heaven!
Visit the official website HERE
see information about renting rooms and photos HERE.

Paris Opera House

One of the things I hope to see while in Paris next week is the Paris opera house by Charles Garnier -especially the ceiling by Chagall (one of my favorite artists!). This sketch by Raoul Dufy depicts the opera house in 1924, long before Chagall started the ceiling - can't you see the similarities? How did he know what was coming?!The Dufy sketch is part of the Phillips Collection here in DC.

The apartment

"The Apartment" theme song (Jealous Lover)- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

The theme song from the great 1960 film starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine is "Jealous Lover" - a song I love dearly and played about 100x on the piano while home this past weekend. The film won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Enjoy!

All in one kitchen

I recently came across this amazing all in one kitchen system. Made in Italy by Meneghini, the mini-kitchen fits into a wood or lacuqered cabinet that looks like a piece of furniture. However, it opens up to reveal 2 electric rings, a sink and faucet, a fridge and 2 storage compartments - magic!I think a cabinet like this would be great for a mountain or beach cottage - or maybe a city studio apartment in NYC where one doesn't cook at home. I immediately thought of the beach huts that Meg at Pigtown talked about last week as a perfect place for one of these contraptions.I especially love this image of the item in wood with a mirrored top. What do you think? Good or bad?