A room in Paris Please

One of the attractions of visiting Paris is the beautiful decor thats surrounds you when staying in a parisian hotel. I have found a place in New Zealand where you can have that same experience.
A lovely romantic getaway in Greytown called Chambers on main.
This was once an old council building built in 1896 and still graces the main street of Greytown today.

When you walk in you feel as though you have entered a wonderful remaining piece of New Zealand history. On the ground floor you will find Sally’s Antiques, full of beautiful china, a favorite of mine. All rooms should be graced with beautiful china. Then there is Julie s shop “stylish pre-owned furniture”

At the top of the grande staircase you will find your room in Paris. Beautifully laid out with lavish linen and all the accessories that make a luxury room as well as a beautiful shuttered window to finish off the parisian feel.

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When you have settled onto your romantic retreat you can leisurely wander out the front door to the many wonderful French antique shops and delicious cafes. 
I cant think of a better weekend to unwind from the bustle of a busy city. Relax in  your beautiful Parisian room, indulge in yummy food and shop all day for French Furniture

For more information go to http://www.greytown.co.nz/


French Furniture - Ralph Lauren Home Collection

Ralph Lauren have release their fall collection of french furniture, chandeliers and collectibles. The Heiress collection shows that true quality still alive and well and can rival antique and vintage furniture.

antique vignetteImages from Ralph Lauren Home

French Furniture in Park Avenue

This is  Charles Cohen’s Park Avenue two storey apartment decorated in the style  of the Hôtel Costes. It was designed by Parisian Jacques Garcia. Garcia is known for his bold use of color especially shades of red and purple. The design of the master bedroom’s ceiling is a copy of one designed for Napoleon. What do you think of this design was the question posed by the French Quarters blog?

Some aspects I love especially the dinning room and the hallway. But “Oh La la” other parts just don’t work for me such as the leopard rug and the distasteful coffee table.
I prefer my french furniture with more “La” and less “le”. In other words I found  it quite masculine with an overdose of pillars, very unnecessary and bordering on tacky.
Park Avenue apartmentPark Avenue apartmentPark Avenue apartmentPark Avenue apartmentPark Avenue apartmentPark Avenue apartmentImages from Durston Saylor for Architectural Digest

Antique Junk or Treasure

On Saturday morning there was no sleep in for anyone in my household.
It was my daughter’s school fair. Two eager little faces (Luke and Sophie) bursting to spend their money. To seek out treasures eat lots of candy floss and have fun.

A wonderful treasure I did find. My beautiful Dresden ballerina, she is so damaged and broken with several bad attempts at putting poor ballerina back together again.

Despite this I placed her next to on my other french antiques. I just fell in love with her broken or not. I will keep her, treasure her and be inspired by her.
Sophie found lots wonderful clothes being the up and coming vintage clothes guru she is.School fairs are lots of fun and there is always a treasure to find, just as opportunity shops are. Opportunity being the operative word. You have to have your eyes open for every opportunity to present itself. You may not find a quality piece of french furniture, but things such as chandelier frames are common.

I love looking at these pieces and imagining where they have been? Who’s house they graced and what stories they could tell. If only a vase could speak.

Spicing up your Bay Window with a French Banquette

If you have a small corner space or bay window, you may want to consider using a little bit of french style. The French banquette can add a little class to that little space. 

 A banquette is the French word for the little step in a castle wall. It also used to describe a upholstered bench, or a small seating area often found in french design.

Banquettes are a great idea to make a space space functional. What is even greater is that because you are using benches or bistro chairs you wont take up a lot of space when you use the area. So if you have a small, bare nook add a table and bench or two for the look of a booth, or a bistro table and chairs and enjoy dining at your French banquette. You can even take things up notch by using an antique french sofa or chair for seating, and don’t forget to use one of your French antiques as a centerpiece!

Check out these banquette designs for inspiration…

french banquettefrench banquettefrench banquettefrench banquettefrench banquettefrench banquette

Images from Through the French Eye

Vintage Revival French Style Antiques & Interiors: Valentino and my New Obsession

vintage-revival:

I have just spent 9 days in Brisbane having a wonderful time shopping and updating my wardrobe, visiting lots of Vintage clothing shops, even finding one called Vintage Revival.


The biggest highlight of my trip apart from spending quality time with a valuable girlfriend was the…

(Source: vintage-revival)

Vintage Revival French Style Antiques & Interiors: A Unique, Simple and Cheap Way to add Colour to your walls



I once had an old door off an antique piece of French furniture that I loved so much I had it hanging on my wall.
There are so many interesting items that look really funky hanging on your wall. An old piece of iron work, an antique balustrade, old screens and vintage wall plaques.
Scrap…

Vintage Revival French Style Antiques & Interiors: Folk Art on French Furniture

When you think French Furniture do you think painted furniture, flower patterns, gold gilt, or feminine?


Its not only the French that have a talent for creating a piece of furniture that looks like a piece of art. The Venetians have a flair that is equally elegant and beautiful.

When I was…

Vintage Revival French Style Antiques & Interiors: When Something has a SOLD SIGN on it, Everyone Wants it.....
I can only agreed with this one. Another great article from Corey Amero and her French Furniture and Brocante Blog Tongue in Cheek

Lynn's Home

Photos and text by Corey Amaro

Thought I would give you a peek into Lynn’s house. Isn’t it wonderful? It is a fine art to mix French…

(Source: vintage-revival)

New Zealand Fashion Week - “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Coco Chanel

Fashion week in Auckland has been alive and well in this unfortunate weather. I have had the privilege to View several shows, all with very different styles.

I arrived at the first event in blustering winds, forcing me to leave my well groomed hair in the car. I was then immersed in the World of Haute Couture, watching Walk the Line by North Shore YMCA.

This Show was created by young designers, it provides an opportunity for young Designers, aged 13 -18 years, to show their talent. Talent there certainly was. My favourite dress out of the four shows I viewed was from this one. Unfortunately the judges were not of the same opinion.


I think this is absolutely gorgeous. It reminded of the beautiful Valentino dress in my last blog.

The very attractive girl modeling it was the  designer, Narelle Melissa, an exciting name I’m sure we’ll catch up with in future magazines.

Nicole Miller was another favourite.  An American Designer, who completed a degree in Fine Art at the Rhode Island School of Design and also earned a degree at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, where Nicole trained to drape and maser the classical techniques of Couture.

Annah Stretton is also inspiring. A definite temptation to shop.


Just as a beautiful chandelier will enhance your French Furniture so will shoes to a beautiful outfit. What better way to display them than in this gorgeous cabinet?


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