Salles françaises de bébé

I absolutely love these simple bunks. What a cozy bedtime retreat.  

I'm equally as fond as this simple cottage big boy or girls bed.

This bebe space with its layered cubbies. The collection of white polar bears adds balance to the rooms eclectic style.

The dark stained wood flooring really becomes a focal point. The space looks warm and cozy and pulled together without a lot of fuss.
Aren't baby rooms fun to decorate? The excitement of a wee little new soul arriving in his or her new environment makes my eyes twinkle.

Ayez un beau jour

Jill

enveloppe de cadeau française

The French seem to have perfected the art of gift wrap. They make the simplest gift stand out with pretty packaging. An inexpensive gift transforms into a beautiful work of art when wrapped in pretty papers and ribbons.

My French ancestors must have shared gift wrap idees from time to time.

So funny too, When I had the boutique downtown the French tradition of wrapping customer's items in pretty packages seemed to come effortlessly. I insisted each and every item purchased as a gift  be wrapped special regardless of how much the item cost.
I encountered a number of content happy faces during those shop days. I would always ask, may I wrap this pretty for you? A smile would appear on my face as well as the happy patron.

With the holidays fast approaching I'm pondering different packaging idees. Thoughts of silk ribbon and brown paper wrappings with sugar plum trimmings dance in my head.

Ayez un beau jour

Jill

French Porch Idees

We have a porch right outside our kitchen. We call it our "tree house" porch since it sits amongst the tops of the cedar and red bud trees.

Mr. Fussy French recently extended the outdoor area and I've been enjoying cool autumn candle light evenings sitting and unwinding in the new space. I also enjoy my morning coffee outside amongst the tall cedars. Their heavenly scents fills the air. 

I haven't decided what type of furniture to add to the extension and will probably wait now until spring arrives again to make a final purchase since winter is gradually sneaking upon us.

I've been admiring porches with French accents and touches.

Do you have a porch? What are some of your decorating idees?

I'm contemplating rod iron with plush pillows in gray linen.
I'm inspired by the two pictures above.  

Any idees?

Ayez un beau jour

Jill

aimez ceci

I keep going back to this picture asking myself, why do I fancy this look so much?

Quite possibly my attraction is the simplicity of the nook. Maybe it's the layers of texture. I love texture in a room!

The huge botanical prints definitely a favorite object of attraction for me.

The adorable spindle bed with its chipped patina and that old fashioned French striped mattress naked with no fluffy pillows or linen sheets layered high on top of it. 

What the estacade à claire-voie!

Is my taste changing?

non

This décor offers a tranquil room setting. It's neutral but with a touch of fusée. Not too much flare or fussiness, but still hitting on a fastidious appearance. 

Inspiration comes from different perspectives and angles, doesn't it?

Ayez un beau jour

Jill

  

  

French Dress Forms

I have this thing for French dress forms.

Knowing the forms were once used to help make and fit a new garment fills my heart with joy.

When I sew a new blouse or dress I use a form to attach the cut out pattern pieces. It seems to make the process much easier.

I usually don't follow the pattern, but use the form to piece the garment together.

The embellished forms are a piece of art.

Ayez un beau jour

Jill

Romantic iron beds

My current love...Golden amber oatmeal hues and old iron beds!

  I must confess my admiration for old iron anything, but quite fond of an old iron bed.

They add a unique charm to any space.

This one inspired me to re-create the look in my chambre à coucher.

Getting there...

Do you own an old iron bed?

Ayez un beau jour

Jill

concepteurs français

French designers from the past. Their unique style is passed on from one generation to the next. The designs they create have a nurtured quality as well as a uniqueness with a fastidious flair while simplicity remains in tact.
French designers like, Caroline Reboux and Coco Chanel continue to inspire young designers from around the world.

I enjoyed reading your  inspiration comments. My favorite was from Anne. Her inspiration comes from anything and everything as she sees beauty in all things!
I would imagine the designers of the past had the same thoughts.

Ayez un beau jour

Jill

considérer des idées

I've been searching old photos of France for inspiration idees for Bittersweet packaging and design. Funny how a beautiful picture such as the one above inspires different creative thoughts. The wisteria is stunning against the natural rock, wood and greenery.

A field blanketed with golden sunflowers in their natural state are a feast to the eye . The old stone home in the back somehow takes on a storybook appearance.

The sunflowers are flourishing on my side of the pond. I always think about picking fresh bouquets of the happy flower to bring indoors.

My mind also wonders to autumn weddings with fresh sunflower bouquets on every table of white linen.

Once again, inspiration is triggered by natures way . Some of my best idees have come from her.  

The air has taken on a crispy feeling of fall. You know the feeling. Cool mornings that require a light jacket during a morning walk. Or the smell of what's cooking for dinner gently lingers in the path ahead.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Ayez un beau jour

Jill 00

French Packaging

When I create new packaging for Bittersweet most always the influence comes from vintage French packing.

It seems white linen and pretty French labels marry well.

In fact, I prefer to say they Merry well!

Sometime the French packaging is tattered and torn, simple and distinct.

I am inspired by each and every one!

Ayez un beau jour

Jill 00

Vieux se mélange avec nouveau

I love the look of this simple elegant bed and the way the decorator mixed touches of modern with old. Not too much modern added. Just a snip here and there. 

 The antique bed and mirror intermingled with the modern chrome light and billowing flowering branches mix to create an inviting soothing space. 

 The picture above offer the same characteristics as the first. A dash of modern quietly mixed with antique. I am taken by the look.

I love the pillow mix of pattern and texture. It's just the right finishing touch.

 French design is defined by this technique. 

What's your take on this? Do you like old mixed with new or do you prefer old all together?

   

Ayez un beau jour

Jill 00