Design Passport: Paris
Fog surrounds the mansard roof of Luxembourg Palace as I open the windows of my Pied-à-terre in the 6th arrondissement. Bicycle bells and birdsong accentuate the lack of rush-hour traffic. Of all traffic, actually.
I settle into the slow pace of a Parisian morning by planning my itinerary for the day, putting off my craving for a fresh croissant— at least momentarily.
This is my first time attending Paris Déco Off, an international design exhibition where showrooms and ateliers open their doors to buyers, designers, and curious tourists to see new collections, lines, and collaborations.
I’ve always loved Paris, but this trip has opened my eyes to the wonderful paradox of Parisian style: Tastefully maximalist and indulgently eclectic with a flair for the bohemian.
Parisians are obsessed with detail, but not always in an ostentatious way— King Louis XIV being the exception.
...A love of pattern, texture, and eye-catching color comes to life in elegant silhouettes; white only used only as an accent color.
...Palms and magnolia trees share greenspace with pruned topiaries and trailing ivy.
...Overstuffed silk couches that belonged to the monarchy live in museums just a stone's throw from quaint cafés with wiry, rattan chairs
A quote I love by Charles Eames comes to mind:
“The details are not the details.
They make the design.”
I don’t believe that people either “speak” design or do not. Design is a conversation as opposed to a language.
Some designs are concise and measured— others are verbose and emotional. Design in Paris is unapologetic, daring, and loves to make an argument about why you should try things you’ve been too afraid of.
While officially, there are many rules in design… here I’m reminded that “everything in moderation” is also a rule to live by.
What I Wish Fit in My Suitcase:
- Ornate robin's egg doors with elaborate molding and marble baseboards.
- This display of handcrafted ceramics.
- A solid, floating marble vanity that is cut from one stone slab
Design Ideas I’m Bringing Home with Me:
- Trim on Everything: Pillows, window treatments, ottomans; you name it- I'm trimming it.
- Limewash Paint: Textured paint with a hand-applied appearance, made from natural pigments and crushed limestone.
- Recommitting to Color Theory: If you love something, you won’t tire of it. Be cautious with trends, but throw it to the wind when a color palette makes you feel something
Things I Fell in Love with:
- Intricately Inlaid Wooden Floors: What entryway dreams are made of.
- Rattan Café Chairs: A quintessential French symbol, every café had their own eye-catching color palette and unique woven pattern.
- Statement Wallcoverings: Namely embroidered, woven grasscloth and large-scale murals of sweeping landscapes.
What and Where I Ate:
- L’Avenue: For the people watching and the Escargots Extraordinaires— the best I’ve ever had.
- Brasserie Des Prés: For the commitment to colored velvet and their braised leeks.
- Le Cherche Midi: For the fettuccine with fresh truffles and to visit one of Ina Garten’s favorites.
- Frenchie Bar a Vins: For the international dishes, like tacos and tagliatelle, with a French flair.
Hotel que J’adore
Participating Déco Off showrooms create a breadcrumb trail through the bustling, centralized arrondissements. As it came to a close, I left the 6th and traveled north to one of my favorite neighborhoods, Montmartre, for its slower pace and charming, village-like feel.
I enjoyed a short & sweet stay at Hôtel La Fantaisie, which is a masterclass in how to push the boundaries of pairing colors, textures, patterns, and styles.
Exhibitions I Attended:
- Galerie Dior: An immersive and moving presentation of Christian Dior’s life and impact on the world of fashion. Worth a visit, even for those indifferent to haute couture.
- Hôtel De La Marine: Described as a petite Versailles, this was the “office” that managed and stored the king’s furniture, crown jewels, and accessories. Breathtaking and not to be missed.
- Musée de l'Orangerie: The personal collection of late art dealer, Heinz Berggruen, comprised of 20th-century masters like Picasso, Klee, Matisse, and Giacometti.
