Parisian Times

Well, friends, I'm back from Paris and despite having a fever for the first two days, I had a magnificent time - thank you for all your generous comments whilst I was away. My last two trips to the french capital have been graced with crisp, clear blue skies. This year, however, was a different story. Grey skies, drizzle and bitingly cold winds dominated the trip. After fighting the fever, and determined not to let anything ruin the visit, I embraced the grey skies by shooting some snaps through a sepia lens. Here are a few photographs that I hold fond memories of: The breathtaking square of Place des Vosges, the soothing symmetry of the tree-lined streets that lead away from the Arc de Triomphe and, of course, the Eiffel Tower glistening delicately in the night sky. As for my shoes, well, I liked the way the camera captured the weathered effect of the suede; it told the story of the trip perfectly - walking, walking, walking! We stayed in The Marais and spent most of our days wondering in and out of independent boutiques, florists and kitchens. I could go back in a heartbeat, but at the same time there is something special about returning to the comforts of home. I've missed you guys - it's good to be back!

Bright.Bazaar

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Mr. Bazaar in Paris

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I hope you all had magnificent weekends? I've popped across the pond to visit Paris for a few days, but will be back with more brights from the world of interiors tomorrow. In the meantime, I shall wish you all a great week from afar - probably with a pastry (or two) in hand!

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Home Tour: A Parisian Townhouse

On Tuesday we toured a tiny apartment in Brooklyn but today we've crossed the pond and find ourselves in an unusual Parisian townhouse within the Marais district. Home to Gabriel wick and his partner Olivier, the open plan apartment surprises many of their French visitors who are not used to seeing loft-style spaces. I love the drama created by the high ceilings and extending, almost never-ending, parquet flooring. The owners liken the apartment to a theatre set and as you stroll through these images I think you'll agree that the curtain should never go down on this show.

One of my favourite parts of Gabriel and Olivier's home is the kitchen. Charmingly unfinished and lived-in, it echoes the relaxed vibe that travels throughout the apartment. Colourful china and simple packaging lift the stainless steel storage unit, whilst wooden boxes and shelving add character and personality.

Books, artifacts and portraits are used to decorate the open plan space, whilst simultaneously zoning different areas. Notice how they've kept to a palette of brass, golds and sepia throughout, which helps the open space to flow visually.

design*sponge | photography by braden perkins | layouts by Bright.Bazaar

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Home Tour: Palm Springs on the 5th Arrondissement

In a week where I've been longing for a trip to Paris - tweets from the front row of Paris Fashion Week haven't helped - you can imagine my delight upon discovering this visually arresting Parisian apartment. Colour blocking. Fifties furniture. Herringbone floors. Hello, interiors heaven! Jean-Christophe Aumas' space is created with a mix of muted neutrals, poppy brights and intriguing artworks.

The fireplace alone makes a dramatic statement in the main living space, but Jean-Christophe's addition of theatrical-style lighting, pillar candles and the over sized glass dome vignette only adds to the mystical atmosphere. As for the painted logs, well, they were made for Mr. Bazaar, no?!

Each of these four snapshots demonstrates the excellent level of execution that the interior of this apartment delivers. A mirrored, brass sideboard gently tans the reflection of the herringbone floor as it dances off into the distance. The artwork, effortlessly placed upon it, echoes these decedent hues. Meanwhile, in the shower room, a block of sea green turns the most basic of shower fittings into a striking statement.

Elle Decoration | Didier Delmas

To me this is apartment is a lesson in how to use brights: make a statement of an otherwise straight forward feature, table legs and shower fittings for example, and then block out parts of a main wall to add your accent shade. Stick with calmer shades in the surrounding furniture and collections and you'll be onto a winner. So, folks, if I disappear I think you'll know where to look first...

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Sunday's Bright Links

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Been dreaming of Paris recently? I know I have.

A pink cowhide rug? The Decorista shows us how it's done.

Unabashedly Prep's October playlist is one for the iPod.

Mrs.Lilien's pillow round up made me a happy chap.

Poppytalk launched their autumn colours week.

L.A. colours and double rainbows.

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{Office Inspiration: Parisian Office}

Like many I've always thought it would be lovely to have a Carrie Bradshaw style desk-by-the-window set up for a home office. This office space makes that ideal even more attractive. Great use of storage and plenty of natural light = a brilliant work space. The only problem? How would I get any work done with that view?!

Image: mividabonita via The Decorista

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{Oversized clock plays on expectations}

I'm loving how this huge clock really shouldn't work in this small Parisian cafe, yet amazingly, it does. I think the reason it works is down to the symetrical design choices; small lamps and equally sized bookcases either side anchor the scheme. Simple, graphic statements do work in small and cosy environments after all...

Image: ParisDailyPhoto

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{Colour Inspiration: Purple Mannequin}

A simple shop mannequin. Painted purple. Funny how colour inspiration can come when you're not expecting it (thanks, ParisDailyPhoto). This colour would look fantastic as a statement in a bathroom; achieve this look by painting a freestanding bath in the bright purple hue, or tile one wall in the colour. If going for the later then I'd suggest doing tiling behind the bath or in the shower area as it will serve to frame the key pieces of the room.

Image: Eric Tenin

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{IKEA make metro advertising fun}

Ingenious! For their latest campaign IKEA have removed the gum-ridden plastic seats that normally 'decorate' the stations within the Parisian metro network and replaced them with mini living rooms. This is so much fun, don't you think?

Images: My Home Ideas

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