I had been to Europe before: Italy was historic, spiritual and passionate; the Irish countryside, brimming with folklore; and Greece was awe inspiring. But nothing could have prepared me for the simple, confident charm of France, which completely and unexpectedly stole my heart.
This summer, my husband and I spent 11 days exploring Paris, Reims and parts of the Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne regions to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary. There was wine and cheese, but also heaps of design and home inspiration.
As I continue to unpack these souvenirs--these photographs and memories--I think they can bring a fresh perspective to how we live in our homes, even when we live so very far away from the City of Lights.
1. Mix Old and New
The Louvre is perhaps one of the best examples of Modern and French Renaissance architecture working harmoniously. Catching the space between rain storms meant fewer crowds and room to quietly sit and take in the juxtaposition.
But I was surprised to see this marriage of old and new repeat itself time and again in impressive ways.
How often do we restrict ourselves around a specific decor style or shy away from bold juxtaposition? It's easy to do. I've caught myself saying: I have two really traditional pieces of furniture in this space, so I should probably go all in on a traditional look.
But if you do take a risk on that contrast, and spring for the modern furnishings in a parlor with traditional molding. Well, that's where the magic happens.
2. Tap into all 5 Senses
We literally refer to "sight seeing" when we travel, and even at home, vision dominates when it comes to decorating a beautiful and functional home. But some of my most intense memories from this summer's trip were not based on what I saw. It was the brilliant aroma of drying lavender in the rafters of a barn and the crunch of perfectly sized pea gravel underfoot in a courtyard. It was the warm sun on my skin while sitting on a terrace and the gentle breeze coming in from an open door.
These experiences of touching, hearing and smelling the environment around me significantly enhanced the beauty of each place I visited.
When I make meals for my kids I make a conscious effort to hit the major food groups--gotta hit a protein, dairy, veggie or fruit. But in my home, I'm primarily focused on one sense. It's all about how things look. The goal almost seems to be to mute the other senses but definitely don't do anything too exciting for them. Basically, avoid bad smells, address any drafty areas and pick furnishings that are comfortable enough.
So rarely do we select things that will make our home truly smell fresh and natural (Glade plugins and candles don't count, guys), embrace a breeze through an open window or seek furnishings that feel luxurious. But we can definitely learn from those who do.
3. Let Scale be the Differentiator
It seems so obvious, but the Eiffel Tower's impact is not due to its color, shape or material (although all are pleasing). It's the scale that stops us in our tracks and makes us want to take in its silhouette against the Paris skyline.
The outliers--big or small--in a space can be the surprises that make us linger and look a little closer. Monet's waterlilies at Musée de l'Orangerie were breathtaking, due in large part to their scale and curved display, which made the viewer feel immersed in the painting.
Just as scale can make galleries and skylines memorable, they also pack a punch in home design and decor. I believe mastery of scale truly separates the amateurs from the professionals.
4. Stop. Think. Connect.
Sure, it may be a campaign for better cyber hygiene, but "Stop. Think. Connect." might as well be the motto for cafe lifestyle and the leisurely pace embraced by the French. They always seem willing to stop for un café to catch up with a friend or partner.
I am not the type of person who is wired for relaxation, but it was contagious in a place where even the chairs in parks are slightly reclined to better accommodate a nap during lunch breaks.
True, it's easy to stop and connect with a loved one when you're on vacation. But the pace of French life had me thinking about how we can build in breaks and quiet moments within the flurry of work, soccer practices and grocery trips. Relaxing outdoor spaces for conversation and cozy nooks to recharge seem like the perfect way to design a well-paced lifestyle into your home.
5. Create an Unexpected Moment
We visited several charming towns in Burgundy, but only Beaune had a handful of buildings with truly unique roofing. Dotted among the homes with standard clay tiles were those with harlequin-like shingles. These buildings occasionally peaked out from behind tall walls, as if their sole purpose was to bring a smile to your face.
Brightly colored seating, a secret alleyway connecting tight city streets and towering walls of stained glass that impossibly hold up chapel walls--these are the beautiful surprises that disrupt the cadence of what's expected.
When it comes to the home, it's a true skill to introduce the unexpected, while still creating a curated look. This dance between risk and discipline can make stunning spaces.
It's hard to really pin down the French aesthetic. It's not just large, chic sunglasses or aged, plaster walls in a farmhouse. It has so much more to do with the lifestyle, the food and the language. Around these themes, I feel inspired to bring a little bit of that je ne sais quoi into my life in Northern Virginia. I'll continue to keep you posted as I do.
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