Tag: room design

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Make a design statement with a beautiful mirror!

by elegantparis1 Comment on Make a design statement with a beautiful mirror!

Yesterday we brought some beautiful mirrors onto the shop floor (I should say lugged as they were very heavy…the detail is amazing though!  Always worth the trouble!

The picture above is a catalog picture so we snapped a few other photos after depositing it in its new home in the shop.  The iron top is so pretty – very simple yet elegant.
 
 
 
 
 
This one doesnt look that great in the catalog photo yet in person its beautiful and it would make a great leaner mirror at 73″ high.  The picture below is the same mirror where we leaned it in the shop.
 
 
The mirror below is one that truly has presence…the frame is so wide and the ornamentation so regal.
 

 

 

Here it is in the shop – leaning at 60″ high it reflects everything around it! 

 

Ok i know this one seems  small after all those big ones but it really is a beauty too.

I cant wait to put this one in the Paris Boudoir on the little skirted Dressing table. 

We didnt get this one but i included it cause its a favorite and it will probably be here again soon!

Mirrors truly make a room more beautiful and we love making a design statement with them.

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Courage to make a change

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on Courage to make a change
 
 
 
 

A friend was incredulous that i was starting a new business in these turbulent times. It got me thinking….and reminiscing.  When i started my first business i really had absolutely no idea what i was getting into (i didnt actually know that at the time…it hit me later when i realized how lucky i was to still be in business). What i do know is that i did follow my heart….and i had a lot of luck!

It took a year of planning and a lot of courage to actually quit my job and head out into the unknown land of no paycheck…and it took an act of fate.  That act of fate was a simple thing – a budget revision…but just one too many.   I remember marching into the boss’ office and giving two weeks notice.  It was a good decision.

At the time it was like opening a door…

 

 

A beautiful door to open…

That was 22 years ago and it occurs to me now that i have never looked back.  The first business took a full year to plan – this new one took shape almost instantaneously.  Oh, my!  As to the economic climate….i look at this new business as a way forward, like hedging a bet.  The current business will  be the incubator but then they will work in conjunction with each other quite nicely.

Just got the new biz card…its so exciting!

Coming Soon!

So I am wrapped up in details as i posted recently but i know that in my mind they are already worked out.

But, i am ready to walk thru another beautiful door….

Source:  http://apieceofthesky.tumblr.com 

 

This whole process is an amazing gift.   To be immersed in something new is a truly wonderful and rejuvenating experience.

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Details, details…

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on Details, details…

I find myself thinking incessantly about all the details that i have to oversee to accomplish the opening of the new shop, and planning like crazy – writing orders, making timelines, overseeing each piece of the project so no detail gets lost in the shuffle…here are some favorite details of mine.

my photoThese two doors are attached to a great console cabinet.
my photoThis is a such a pretty stenciled door – i am trying to figure out how to remove it and put it in the new space.

veranda magazine april 2011
Love the boiserie style molding on the walls!
Source: Veranda Magazine April 2011

my photoCrowning detail on a 9′ bookcase.

joanna innes
from Joanna Innes "The New Paint Magic"

Love the way this armoire is painted…completely makes it amazing.
Source: Joanna Innes The New Paint Magic

my photoLove the lacey look of the orchids.

my photoAn old shutter nailed to the wall is a great backdrop for this corner.

my photoThis vanity is very pretty with a soft muted gold painted molding.

my photoOh just love this old chandelier and the beaded shades give it just the right touch.

my photo

my photoThe lionhead gives this old looking urn just a little something more.

my photoSweet tray of trinkets.

my photo
my photoA simple stencil makes this lampshade more special.

my photoThis pretty beadingis attached to the most amazing lamp shade.

Hope you enjoyed these details as much as i do!

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Chandeliers are like jewelry

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on Chandeliers are like jewelry
crystal chandelier

…the right one is amazing in a room – the crowning glory!

One of my favorite chandeliers…the Mayfair…when we have it in the shop we hang it low for impact. So pretty. The perfect balance of iron and crystal.

currey and company chandelier
currey and company mayfair chandelier

 

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My head is full of ideas, plans, supplies

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on My head is full of ideas, plans, supplies

I think the left side of my brain must look like this inside right now…it’s neatly organized into compartments –  Everything looks lovely!  But inside the right side…all my plans, ideas, the logistics of the actions required, the supplies  etc are all stuffed to overflowing inside those neat little compartments…it must be a mess of chaos!

I am bursting at the seams with excitement about all the things that have to happen to get this new store open – the trick is to keep things on a neat schedule….i cant get ahead of myself.  Chaos is good right?

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A few relaxing hours

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on A few relaxing hours

Every design project starts with some kind of a floorplan.  It’s like GPS – a guide to your final destination.  I find drawing floorplans and elevations to be a relaxing and rewarding pastime and always enjoy the beginning of each new project.

You can draw your own with a few simple tools…a good tape measure (so you can measure your room and draw to scale),  a couple of soft-leaded pencils, an eraser and some quarter inch block paper (each block equals 1 foot).  Voila!  You are ready to have some fun. 

Yesterday I spent the afternoon drawing floorplans for the new shop.  The one below is a combination floor/elevation plan.  Convenient for seeing everything all in one place…sort of informal but succinct and to scale with a laundry list of items needed to complete the project. 

Paris Studio Apartment

If you like to paint its fun to paint these in the colors you will be using.  Off to work now!  The sun is out so it will be a busy day!  Have fun.