Places to Spaces - French Bistro

I love to sit at an outdoor cafe with a friend and just watch people,

especially if it's in a quaint little town in a rustic setting amidst antique shops and artist galleries 

... in the South of France!

Of course, we would comment on what people are wearing, and then "What were they thinking?" is always fun.  The cool jazz in the background, the bicycles going bye, the fresh air.  

But mostly, it's about the downtime from our busy lives to catch up and savour the quality moments with people we care about while enjoying the hot beverage ritual.

To create this feeling at home it's about comfort, with easy pieces that are not too precious and invite you to linger.  Furniture that's been curated over time with history or patina, natural fabrics,  and a calming colour palette that let's you just breathe.  Throw in a few little luxuries to encourage yourself to do it more often.

Start with the perfect reclaimed wood table with beautiful aged iron base 

and classic woven black bistro chairs

one kings lane black bistro chair

Make sure there are lots of interesting vintage vessels for your lavender or thyme.
Adding herbs or plants to any room immediately brings a sense of calm.

Must have a large chalkboard or an entire chalk painted wall to add daily menu, 

witty comments (or the kids soccer schedule)

Chalkboard print Via Etsy

Coffee Menu print Via Etsy

source

How beautiful is this unit? 

A piece of art  that I would happily display on my counter

(This post is quickly become about my love of coffee - Ha!)

Pretty dishes make even the shortest break feel special - I like to treat myself once in a while.

A chocolate biscotti or colourful macaron makes it even better!

  

I love the juxtaposition of the crystal chandelier in a rustic environment - 

this one has French blue teardrop crystal and a burnished brass finish LOOOOVVEEE!!

via 

Finish off with a natural fiber rug, like sisal or seagrass 

and linen curtains trimmed out in red or black.   

Toile fabric works nicely too and gives a real French countryside appeal.

    

Here's the final product.  Feels inviting and comfortable but still chic.

All images and more inspiration on my Pinterest board Country Home

Before you go...

Another shot that captures the moment.

This fashion illustration by the fabulous Inslee Haynes reminds me of my trip to Paris with my BFF a few years ago.  One day at lunch across the street from Luxembourg garden while I drank cafe chocolat and she sipped rose as we watched the sunset in Paris (minus the pooches) ...

très merveilleuse

Let's have a latte and chat about how I can breathe some bistro chic into your space!

Finds - In the Junction

If you know me or follow me on social media, you know I love the finds.

A recently checked out a local area called The Junction; an artsy neighbourhood just west of the downtown core home to interesting shops, restaurants and markets.   More info here.

I popped into Cornerstone and found some French inspired pieces with a rustic feel that I loved.  

It can be hard to find stock cabinetry that's nice quality, has good scale and great hardware - but these would be fantastic for extra storage in a home office, living room, dining room or kitchen.

I would put some of these pretty jars and bottles in them too!

These upholstered pieces have beautiful lines that generally work well with a simple linen fabric

However, this stately, barrel-back chair is just not living up to its potential with this fabric...

it needs a PUNCH of one modern drama - perhaps with one of these fabrics

Maxwell Fabrics - top sellers for June

or a little more subdued, but nonetheless gorgeous...

Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa

Staying on the COLOUR bandwagon for the love of Summer....

I then popped into a shop called Haveli Home and was greeted by a cute little bulldog 

(I didn't get his picture because he was too busy licking my ankle at the time!) 

 but he looked a bit like this

source

They had lots of beautifully carved furniture from India, but what caught my eye was these colourful blankets in a lightweight cotton that's perfect for summer bedding or an evening lounging outdoors with a nightcap.

Haveli Home

Next, I wandered a bit down the road and came across a couple of little vintage shops and picked up a sweet little hand-painted green vase from Italy that will get some freshly blossomed pink peonies and go straight to Mom's house this weekend - she'll love them!

Antique Shop & my backyard peonies

There were some great cafes and restaurants, but I didn't have the time (aka anyone to drink with) so I headed back to the office to get some work done.  

At least I got some fresh air, sunshine and the inspiration I needed!

French Chic

I was in Montreal recently visiting family and we stopped into an Indigo for a book my son's been wanting.  I left my son and husband to ponder guy stuff, while I wandered off to the huge magazine section.  I got a little giddy when I saw this on the stands:

I have always had a fascination with all things French - the language, the culture, the fashion, and especially the design aesthetic ... toujours tres chic!!

When I finally had the chance to sit with my new found printed treasure (and a hazelnut latte, of course!), I was not disappointed.

This kitchen was designed by American-born, France-based Interior Designer Bambi Sloan with friend and Stylist Veronique Alise.  Here are some shots of the rest of the apartment. 

The Details Make Me DANCE!!

The architectural etchings on the cabinetry and walls

the 3-D look mosaic floor tiles

the Fornasetti backsplash

the array of silver Moroccan fixtures dazzling the ceiling 

the pop of red on the black laquered bistro chairs

We are so used to crown moulding on the edge of the ceiling...

why not consider something totally unique like this gorgeous antique iron fencing look

"Everyone goes about saying you should try and make others’ lives wonderful. I say stuff that. Make yourself happy, surround yourself with things that make you smile, enjoy your life and as a result everyone will get as much enjoyment as you." Bambi Sloan via

This designer is know for her bold colour choices and eclectic mix of pattern and materials.

This room is stunning with the leopard rug mixed with purple velvet sofa against pale blue walls.

The mix of  light wood, dark iron, antique gold and brilliant crystal makes the space feel both inviting and invigorating at the same time.

Stylist Veronique Alise

How chic does this woman look without even trying?!  

It's the undisputed natural glamour and that ever-present je ne sais quoi that French women 

seem to have as a birthright that I love and it just can't be copied.  

It seems to translate well into French interiors - I'm always looking for more.

A few other jaw-dropping spaces by Bambi Sloan

Saint James Hotel - Paris

Hotel du Ministere - Paris (and next 3 photos)

Laying out the flooring in this angle not only adds drama in the space but makes the hallway feel wider.

I love that caramel leather chair juxtaposed against the black and gold sculpture.

On my wish list of gorgeous places to stay ... someday!!

Vive le France!!