Musée Gustave Moreau and the Mystery Staircase

Do you recall my recent post about giving photo credits on blogs? Well, something interesting happened which led me to find the origin of the image I was fiercely searching to credit.

My friend Renee saw the photo of the spiral staircase on my blog and excitedly gave me a call. That gorgeous staircase stood out in her memory. She recalled her favorite museum in Paris, the Musée Gustave Moreau, and that staircase in the museum was one she would never forget.

So thanks to Renee, I did a little searching and voila! She was right!

Gustav Moreau was a prolific 19th Century French symbolist painter, sometimes considered to be one of the precursors of surrealist painting. As a professor at the Ecole des Beaux Arts one of his notable students was Matisse, and long before his death in 1892 he had already decided that a museum of his own work should be created.

He extended and converted the house that had belonged to his parents, creating giant workshops and display rooms. Even with the immense size of the rooms, there was not enough space to show all the accumulated works; Moreau left 4,800 drawings and 450 watercolors, many of which are in storage.

Huge room with filled to the brim with Moreau's work...

The monumental staircase leads you up to yet another floor above...

private living areas...

"Gustave Moreau collected his very dear souvenirs, relating to his parents and to Alexandrine Dureux, his "best and only friend..." Nothing has changed in a century."

Musée Gustave Moreau
14 rue de La Rochefoucauld
F-75009, Paris, France

photography: Hotel Paris Rive Gauche

Oh, and by the way...the photographer credited for the spiral staircase image is...

beBO on Flickr! Thanks beBo for the inspiring photo!

The Paris Apartment's "Keys to the Fleas!"

Looking for the inside scoop on the Paris Flea Markets? Who to use for shipping your treasures back home?

Today my dear friend Claudia at The Paris Apartment launched her fabulous "Keys to the Fleas" application which works with an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.


With this fun application Claudia shares her passion, extensive research and trade secrets with us from her years of shopping in Paris. So excited because I recently purchased an iPad and quickly downloaded this today.

Even if you're not planning a trip to Paris, this is so fun to browse! It’s got in-depth information on Paris markets and brocantes by location & date, along with métro stops, maps, and beautiful photos. It's even got the info on the best places to ship from.

To download "Keys to the Fleas" for a mere US $1.99, click here. OR, you can visit The Paris Apartment blog here, as Claudia will be giving away 10 apps to 10 lucky people!

CONGRATS CLAUDIA

& Bonjour!

Vincent Olinet: A World of Fantasy

Petit Gateau, 2003

Happy Monday everyone! I hope those of you in the US are enjoying the long holiday weekend.

I thought I'd start the week off with my latest obsession -- whimsical mixed media sculptures by Vincent Olinet. You may have seen my recent post featuring his floating canopy bed installation.

Je suis le gateaux de tous les francais, 2007

("I am the all-French's cake"-- made of wood, plaster, foam, sugar, resin)

Vincent Olinet lives and works in Brussels. His work has a strong sense of humor, such as increasing the size of an object to enormous.

His series of monumental cakes made of both synthetic and real confectionery, were whimsical yet told a story. A symbol of decadence, abundance and decay.

La vitrine - Exhibition view, Galerie Laurent Godin, Paris, 2007

Je vous aime tous, 2006
("I love you all"--made of wood, metal, foam, carpet, fresh flowers)

Sans titre (untitled) - 2007-2008 39 pieces in wood and metal - various dimensions

If you want to see more of Vincent Olinet's work, visit his website here, or the Laurent Godin Gallery here.

photo credits: Vincent Olinet, Laurent Godin Gallery

The Mystery of the Floating Bed

Much thanks to Roséline at This is Glamorous for identifying the talent behind the beautiful floating canopy bed image that I posted this past weekend. I had stumbled upon the image on the web, but was mystified as to who the photographer was. I searched and searched with no avail. No photo credit was given to this talented artist {that's a topic I'll cover later}. In any event, Roséline was a great help with my endless search.

The artist is Vincent Olinet. French, but of course. The work is titled, "Pas encore mon histoire," and is an installation piece from the Lauren Godin Gallery in Paris.

I've located a French design blog that details this unique installation and have done my best to translate it into English. Follow along and enjoy the lovely photos and story behind them!

"Pas encore mon histoire," 2007

Floating bed, installation by Vincent Olinet
Presented by Galerie Laurent Godin, Paris
2009 in the Tuileries

A bed canopy floats elegantly over the basin. As it sails delicately, the cushions call for a romantic girl. A fairytale that appeals to little girls who love stories about beautiful Princesses in danger to be rescued by a Prince Charming.

Upon closer inspection the seemingly pristine bed reveals its yellowed blue and white veils. There are slight tears in the muslin and gold swags from heavy rain. The wonderful yields to the blows of reality and the nightmare is not far. The bed is a crumbling fairytale. The Princess is missing and Prince Charming is not coming.

Vincent Olinet anchored his four-poster bed in the Exedra north of the Tuileries Gardens. Pushed by the wind, the ghost ship drifted a few inches into the basin. Ducks climbed onto the bypass or white sheets at the risk of soiling. The bed was flanked by statues inspired by classical Greek mythology: on one side, Venus Callipyge (Aphrodite), the other Apollo chasing Daphne.

The time for fairy tales are over. Visitors gazed at the facility with pleasure, attracted by the sweetness of the first installation.

photo credits: Vincent Olinet via archéologie du futur

New Designs from the PHB Collection!

I'm excited to share our newest designs from the Paris Hotel Boutique Collection. The collection is made up of my favorite pieces of ephemera (paper) from my personal collection. They have been professionally copied and decoupaged on glass trays and paperweights. These are all made by hand in the USA.

I love the first tray (above), which is a copy of an early French menu with a wonderful caricature of a man. It reads, "Societe des Architectes," translated to "Society of Architects." I'm crazy over the font on this menu! And, it's a great size for holding most anything, measuring 6" by 10."

I purchased this fabulous "Club DeLisa" piece at a paper show. It's one of clubs where you would have your photo taken and they would insert it into a cardboard sleeve/program. I love the ladies in their fancy hats, and the bright pink-colored border. And, the best part, the bottom reads, "Breakfast Dance Every Monday Morning." Can you imagine dancing on a Monday morning?

This whimsical, colorful graphic menu from France features chefs juggling oversized Hors d' Oeuvres. It's dated 1909 and is completely handwritten in French.

Since it's only one-of-a-kind, and so special, I had it made into a 6" by 10" glass tray. The colors are a bit more brilliant in person than the photos depict.

It's been so much fun creating a collection from my own pieces of ephemera. If you want to see the entire Paris Hotel Boutique Collection, check it out here!

photos from Paris Hotel Boutique

The Paris Issue

Every year I look forward to Romantic Home's April issue, which is fabulously French! I'm flattered to be included in the latest issue among these fabulous bloggers who have a love for all things French.



There is Mimi Charmante, whose blog is filled with the most beautiful eye-candy and interesting stories. Mimi's Etsy shop of "lovelies" offers vintage & handmade items, as well as her own beautiful photography.

Leeann of Fabulously French, is based in France (lucky girl), and takes you along on her journeys, from sharing stories of her shopping excursions, to just the simple pleasures of living in France. She also has an online shop, Fabulously French, which is fabulously French!



Tara Bradford of Paris Parfait is an American living in Paris who offers a romantic take on life from the City of Lights. It is one of the most informative, beautiful and interesting blogs for you Francophiles. A must read!

And the fabulous Vicki Archer of French Essence, who lives between London and Saint Remy de Provence in Southern France. You may know Vicki from her books, My French Life or French Essence. Her fascinating blog takes you on an awe-inspiring journey. Rather than me talking more about it, you should go visit for yourself!

What a thrill to be included among these wonderfully talented ladies. And special thanks to Jacqueline at Romantic Homes! There are many more fun features for you Francophiles, so be sure and pick up a copy of the April issue!

A bientôt!

photos from Romantic Homes Magazine

Introducing the PHB Collection...and New Arrivals!

I'm so excited to share our "just launched" PHB Collection! Handcrafted decoupage trays and paperweights made exclusively for Paris Hotel Boutique using vintage ephemera. And...all are made in the USA.

This vintage menu is part of my personal collection. I just love it! Since there is only one, I thought it would be great to create a tray of the image for all to enjoy. And, it's great as a ring or desk tray!

This early 1900's cabinet card of a boxer was acquired in France. It's extremely large in person, which is unique for a cabinet card. I loved the image, so I had this made into a tray as well.

We've also added many new arrivals such as colorful vintage typewriters, vintage bus signs, jewelry, hotel silver and much more.

Check out our new arrivals here!

Paris Hotel meets The Paris Apartment

Once upon a time, long long ago, there were two girls located on the opposite sides of the US, who by chance met on eBay. Paris Hotel had purchased a glistening chandelier from The Paris Apartment. One day the two were chit-chatting on the phone and The Paris Apartment Girl mentioned that she was coming to California to take photos of homes for an upcoming book. Paris Hotel Girl was very excited to meet this "faceless" person from the internet. So, The Paris Apartment went to Paris Hotel's home (in her fancy pink & aqua Paris Apartment van) and they hit it off immediately! The Paris Apartment took lots and lots of photos of Paris Hotel's home.

Fast forward 10 years or so, and Claudia (The Paris Apartment) and I are still friends. Claudia never ceases to amaze me. Yesterday she blogged about my home and included some of the old photos that she had taken all of those years ago. I had never seen them. Oh my, she floored me. Claudia has nothing but generosity to spread around. Aside from being a trendsetter in the design world, more importantly, she is a kind and selfless person with a huge heart. A person you definitely want to know.

Thanks Claudia for the lovely post, which you can read here. Please do visit her website and blog. And congrats to Claudia for her recent spread in Travel & Leisure magazine!

first photo: Lisa Kettell
#2 & 3 - The Paris Apartment

Sweet New Discoveries...

I love how the blogosphere takes you on a journey of discoveries from around the globe. Yesterday I stumbled upon a new blog, Postcards from Seoul. Blogger Shana is based in Seoul, Korea, and is a Brand Manager for Diptyque, of one of the most sought after French candle lines. She has lived in New York, Seoul, San Francisco, Ann Arbor & Paris.

{One of my favorite scents...Diptyque's Feu De Bois Candle. This candle is a very sophisticated blend of rare woody essences. It evokes the characteristic fragrance of a real wood fire in a fire place.}

Shana, being in the fragrance world, shared one of her recent purchases of two Astier de Villatte candles (although Diptyque is still her favorite).

Astier de Villatte, the French tablewear company, launched a range of scented candles, soaps and colognes late last year. The candles have been on my "wish list" since I heard about them. Yes, I am a candle fanatic...although these are some of the priciest candles!

Honolulu is apparently one of their top sellers.

{Honolulu: Aloha sunshine: the opulent fragrance of white gardenia reveals its many facets through slightly acidic notes of California lemon and heady ylang-ylang essence. Vanilla adds to this voluptuous blend with a sweet touch of sunshine.}

A pastry bar? Now this sounds yummy to me...

{Naples: The tasty sensation os a slice of pastiera and an espressio at Scaturchio, the best pastry bar in Naples. Delicious almond, orange blossom and Ylang-ylang, lightened by a refreshing touch of petitgrain and neroli.}

Take me to Saint-Barth: Sweet Caramel Milkshake (I'll take three, please)

{White sand, scorching sun and a whiff of caramel-scented sun cream. Take me to Saint-Barth ! is the sweetest invitation, mingling the memory of bronzed skin with the tenderness of milkshake.}

While in Paris last year, Shana bought a perfume from the Memo Boutique. This quaint boutique is located in the Saint-Germain district of Paris. Shana had never heard of the fragrance line, but instantly fell in love with the collection. Well, thanks to Shana, I've visited their website and am aching to purchase some of their candles!

How about Paris Passion Blushing Peony?

{Paris is as pink as passion. A blushing peony sighs and sows its delicate scent in the streets at dawn. Its monuments are traced like a watermark: Paris plays hide-and-seek and steals a kiss.} And, with this candle, profits from sales are donated to the Paris tout p’tits association.

So thank you Shana, for now I've we've discovered your blog and all the goodies you have found during your travels. My friend is going to Paris next month (hint, hint..you know who you are), and she may have to make a trip to Astier de Villatte & Memo Boutique. Oh, and of course, Diptyque!

candle images: Diptyque, Astier de Villatte & Memo Boutique

A Magical Parisian Wedding

I gasped when I saw this wedding featured in Veranda magazine -- I just had to blog about it. This has to be one of the most beautiful settings I've ever seen -- and the detail -- amazing.

Inspired by an 18th century pastoral festival, the fête champêtre, this wedding was planned by the bride herself, Kelly d' Halluin. Kelly is a New York interior designer & stylist, and the details and setting of this reception reflect her amazing talent.

Held at the Chatêau de Breteuil in the countryside near Paris, the gardens of the estate date to the 17th century and feature a dovecote.

"Arty, decadent, a bit Oscar Wilde and Cecil Beaton with room for natural imperfection" imagined Kelly.

Birch-bark candles and porcelain doves adorn the table. What an exquisite color palette!

The inspiration for the bridal bouquet came from the curiosity cabinets in the chatêau. Paris-based floral designer, Stephanie Chapelle, mixed butterflies from Deyrolle, grouse feathers, orchids, ferns, mind and peonies tied with antique ribbons.

What an amazing table! "Fuzzy baby almonds, pepper berries, and porcelain doves accompany birch-bark vessels and white and green florals down the length of the reception dining table."

These glass cloches are stunning, aren't they? Little nests and porcelain birds. The place cards were done by calligrapher, Bernard Maisner.

The menu cards were sealed with a wax impression from the family crest ring, banded with velvet ribbon, and embellished with a lamb's ear. Beautiful green favor boxes from Laduree add such a special touch!

The bride is wearing a couture J. Mendel gown, and the bridesmaids are in a beautiful pale Laduree green.

For more details, and to see the complete slideshow, visit Veranda's website here. Simply stunning! I would love to see photos of those curiosity cabinets...unfortunately they are not featured. Can you imagine?

photos from veranda.com

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