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?

Vaux le Vicomte

Unfortunately I don't think we'll be able to make it to Vaux le Vicomte this trip to Paris (next time!) but it's still an awe inspiring site, don't you agree?
The history is fascinating - built by the superintendent of finances to King Louis XIV, he aroused suspicion of stealing funds for this magnificent palace. Plus, you never wanted to outshine the King! He was thrown into prison after a huge estate-warming party, but not before inspiring the king to turn Versailles into the place we know it as today.
Enjoy your own weekend and don't worry about outshining anybody!

Trellis work at Versailles

The thing that spurred our trip to Paris in the first place, for both Heather and I, was a passion to visit Versailles. The gardens are especially spectacular and have had many evolutions over the history of the chateau. Probably my favorite thing I've seen in pictures so far is the trelliswork that surrounds the Fountain of Enceladus, seen here. It won't be long now!

The view!

Only 2 weeks till our trip to Paris, time has flown! When Heather and I were first talking about doing the trip it felt like ages off but now it's practically here! A friend sent me these pictures she took of the city from the top floor of Printemps. These fabulous views just echo my excitement! Best view in paris from a great store? I'm there!I want to thank all of you who have been kind enough to send me your recommendations! They have formed the basis of our trip and I'm so touched that you all took the time to send them!

John Derian

While on Cape Cod last week, I was able to finally stop in the John Derian store in Provincetown.I had looked for it last year on my annual beach pilgrimage but couldn't find it! The saleswoman told me they only put up the sign this year -good thing! Still not the easiest place to find, down a small street behind some bushes, but the store did not disappoint with so much to see (in such a small space!). Stage right from the doorway were what we come to expect from John Derian, the decoupage! I love the poufs under the table too!And more decoupage -I loved this collection of sea-botanicals.

These charming little tumblers were towards the rear of the store -perfect for a tablesetting at the beach!I was so tempted to get one of these ostrich feather dusters and live out my french maid fantasies ( just kidding!!!)There was a selection of Cire Trudon candles hiding in the back of the store. I just LOVED the 'trianon' scent - maybe i'll pick one up in Paris next month when Heather and I pay a visit.I've always loved these busts that they make, I just wish they came in the muliple scents (like trianon!).The bedding was all so cozy, I could have taken a nap right then and there!The store was so adorable I could have happily bought everything inside. I had to be content with a decoupage tray of antique stamps and a small notebook to use while in Paris for sketching. I also picked up a nice tote bag with Derian's logo on it for my groceries. If you are in Ptown, it's worth a visit and of course so are the New York stores. Tell them ArchitectDesign sent you (and ignore the looks of utter confusion!).