Countdown to Maison et Objets 2014

11 months to go!  Now that I’m focusing my travel planning energy on France (and Italy, too, since we’ll be starting the voyage there), just as you seem to see a particular make of car - constantly - when you begin to even consider buying one, I feel like like I’m seeing French-inspired design everywhere I look:

I believe it’s never too early to begin detailed planning so I’ve been researching flights, train schedules, car rental agencies and, most importantly, Paris apartments…..

There are some amazing rental companies in Paris and they offer everything from the uber-pricey to places that looked like a college kid just decamped for a semester abroad.

I love this Myra Hoefer–designed pad (though it's probably out of our price range!) through Chez Vous, a Sausalito, CA company:

J'adore this unit on Ile St Louis offered by Special Apartments, except that the bedroom is a loft…may not work.  But isn't it grand?

I love both of these apartments, from Guest ApartmentServices:

.....sigh....so much to think about - but what fun problems!  A bientot!

Dreaming of Paris.....

Those who know me know I love all things French:  the language, the architecture, the food, the wine - j'aime tout! 

All of this.....

Oh la la!

I've just started planning a September, 2014 trip to Paris to attend Maison et Objet - the French interiors and accessories market.  I have always wanted to go to this show because, as a designer, I think it's important to stay current - and what better way than by experiencing products that might not be seen anywhere else, learning about new market directions and just absorbing the ambiance of an industry trade show in Paris?!

So, I've been researching apartments in Paris through Special Apartments and Guest Apartment Services, zeroing in on the arrondissements we want to stay in (4 and 6) and, along the way, I discovered The Girls Guide to Paris.  Not that I'm a girl anymore - far from it, actually - ha! - but this website and the accompanying blogs are terrific!  And useful...

The funny thing is, though, while researching Paris apartments, I discovered that many have been decorated in a sleek, modern, Euro style - which is really cool, but not what I envision in my home away from home in Paris.  I'm trying to find a place with modern appliances and plumbing (!), but feel like I stepped into another time - like Gil (Owen Wilson) did in Midnight in Paris.  

And, what's really ironic:  my own home looks more Parisian, to me, than some of the apartments I've been finding.... Amusant, n'est-ce pas?

.....stay tuned....