You never know what you will find when you are renovating an apartment in Paris. Our apartment is in a small building that has three apartments, and a butcher shop on the bottom floor. The building has been around for over two centuries. The only things that are left to remind us that it is over two hundred years old is when we start taking walls apart, or redoing the plumbing, or change a door... The only way we would know was when we looked beyond the surface.
Regis, the mason (renovator) and our friend for over twenty years told me, "Corey make a plan, but be ready to discover something you hadn't expected and be willing to change gears."
Yann, French Husband, told me, "When I renovate a building, and they are all old, I expect the unexpected, the element of surprise, the beauty under the beast (Okay, I added that part, he didn't say that.) but I do not change. I stick with the plan. Otherwise, it would be too costly considering time and money. So don't ask me what I would do, because I would say stick with the plan. Just do what you think it best when the surprises come."
When the first wall came down I gasped..."Oh no! Look at that wood! Look at that structure!" I had to admire it. I had to. I guess that is because I am new at this renovating old places game. Yann, Regis and his workers, looked at me with that "She is wet behind the ears" kind of look.
The wall came down.
Tools of the trade.
Because when renovating an old building in Paris, you will find stone, and a ton of it.
If you go too fast, or too hard the entire building would fall in.
I admired Regis as his hands danced with precision and perfect aim. Stone broke into rock, and they flew right and left.
Regis pulled a nail out, handed it to me, "Your diamond."
I was so pleased, I hugged him.
Isn't it incredible?
Hand forged iron.
When the second wall started to come down I had to say, "Stop!"
I couldn't stand it. I had to rethink the plan. Change gears. I had to save the wall. I had to expose the nails....
And so the Paris apartment plan changed gears within the first few hours.
Regis grinned, "I expected you would change it."
I guess he knows me well, which is a good thing. Regis took me aside and teased, "I would do the same thing."
You see Regis loves the brocante too.
The French Hunks, I mean the renovators, saving the old frame.
It will be exposed.
A ton of work.
Done with class,
and sex appeal.
and wonder.
If you would like to see more of the apartment unfolding, follow me on FACEBOOK by clicking here.
If you would like to win an 18th century French nail, tell me so in the comment section. I will pick a random winner tomorrow.
I am in awe of tradesman. My late husband could turn a piece of wood and create....magic!
Sexy too!
Posted by: Barbara from Sydney | 11 July 2013 at 12:24 AM
I, too, admire tradesmen that are masters of their craft!
I get to see some good ones!
Posted by: Toni | 11 July 2013 at 12:36 AM
I wonder whose hands made the nail and what their life was like. How the nail has seen many faces pass through your rooms.
Your French hunks are certainly hunky!
Posted by: A | 11 July 2013 at 12:45 AM
Beautiful nail. The French Hunk-Renovators make very nice eye candy. Enjoying reading about your apartment and Paris
Posted by: Evelyn H in NYC | 11 July 2013 at 01:15 AM
I have always admired how the Europeans preserve their beautiful buildings. Of course they are built to last whereas here in America buildings aren't. You are on an amazing adventure! It sounds like you have all of the expertise you need in your French men.
I would love to have a nail from the 18th century!
Posted by: Linda | 11 July 2013 at 01:17 AM
Good for you, Corey! Saving the old structure is PRICELESS!
Posted by: Julie Schaefer | 11 July 2013 at 01:24 AM
I am in awe simply speechless-yes I would love a nail-a small piece of paris....love what I see happening before my eyes!
Posted by: g | 11 July 2013 at 02:06 AM
Corey girl, you nailed the part about sexy renovators!
Posted by: Vickie | 11 July 2013 at 02:19 AM
Corey, I am a renovator in North Idaho and I would love the nail. :) Blessings, Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly | 11 July 2013 at 02:25 AM
A nail diamond? A girl can never have too many diamonds. Throw my name in the hat!
Posted by: Laurie SF | 11 July 2013 at 03:17 AM
Oh, that nail is beautiful! We have an old cradle that my grandparents bought as an antique, and it is fit together with these incredible nails. If it wasn't for the warn spot on the base where my grandmother's foot(or the nanny's foot) rocked her babies, the nails would be my favorite part (-:
Enjoy the surprises,
Di
Posted by: Di | 11 July 2013 at 03:37 AM
Good for you Corey! Exposing a part of the old frame will look so cool.
Posted by: Diane Belforte Lewis | 11 July 2013 at 05:01 AM
Does a "Nail Diamond" sing "Sweet Corey-line"?
Posted by: Kathie B | 11 July 2013 at 05:40 AM
For a girl who grew up in the middle of an orchard which was bordered by an old set of railroad tracks (that ran in the middle of Butte county) and treasured railroad spikes, yes a hand forged French nail would be just lovely.
Posted by: becky up a hill | 11 July 2013 at 06:21 AM
Why aren't those guys wearing safety glasses? Guys in the trades should know better. I suspect my sister is staging another shot. Have fun. Be safe and let the poor guys work.
Posted by: Brother Mat | 11 July 2013 at 06:58 AM
I can't believe you could part with that jewel..... if it came here..calif...it would remind me of france everytime I held it. That would be a good thing.
BV. XO
Posted by: Barbara | 11 July 2013 at 06:58 AM
let the tradesmen do what they do best-that is my motto + sounds like you have the same motto + what beautiful work they do. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: Peggy Braswell | 11 July 2013 at 07:08 AM
Would be over the French moon excited to win the beautiful nail. My husband is a builder (by hobby) and appreciator of the original, old and worn. What s prize it would be to receive. Love hearing about your renovation as it happens.
Posted by: Tracy | 11 July 2013 at 07:11 AM
I would save the wall, too. My Dad was a carpenter. He taught me to appreciate good workmanship. He would be in love with the French Hunks because of their love of their profession. The skill of building and taking down. Knowing when to stop, to shift gears, to save the old. Love the posts to Facebook, too!
Posted by: Jeannie | 11 July 2013 at 07:15 AM
Ah Corey, good for you, keeping those beams showing. We are staying in a 250+ year old house in the Touraine Sud; the beams are incredible!
Posted by: Mary the Housesitter | 11 July 2013 at 08:04 AM
The wall is beautiful - great idea to save it and what a lovely surprise for you!
Posted by: 24/7 in France | 11 July 2013 at 08:07 AM
Hi Brother Mat,
No safety goggles, no gloves, no helmets... if I were staging it believe me I would MAKE them wear them. In France it is like that. You would LOVE to see the differences Mat. I had to leave the room as so much rock was flying... I think of you every minute because the structure is out of this world amazing. Especially the plumbing!
Posted by: French la Vie | 11 July 2013 at 08:22 AM
I would love to have a nail to go with my other collected artifacts. The apartment is going to be so amazing! I can't wait to see it renovated and decorated.
~elaine
Posted by: Elaine L. | 11 July 2013 at 08:51 AM
i would love an antique french nail! must be so exciting to renovate something so old!
Posted by: peggy aplSEEDS | 11 July 2013 at 08:57 AM
would have done the very same.... :)
tell me, is your friend and mason REALLY wearing his ring so high up his finger?! Isn't that terribly dangerous - I'd fear of him ripping off the whole finger at any moment.
I HAVE nails like those - I now realise how old MY houses are and have been!!!!
The great and hard-to-believe fact is that we are unable to sell our gorgeous and utterly beautiful 1920th stone house in a wonderful large garden because the French buyers don't seem to see that beauty, the stories, the history, the dreams and realities caught in such a house - they only see that the millions of small window panes are hard to clean (and are not double-glazed, when double-glazing would totally spoil the charm of the house) and stuff like that. Sad, isn't it?!
Have a beer, admire your new and totally changed 2nd home outlook and then dig in again - exposed beams - YESSSSS :)
Posted by: Kiki | 11 July 2013 at 11:08 AM
Corey, I am certainly enjoying your renovation photos! Thanks for sharing the joy (and headaches) with us!
Ruth Ann
Posted by: Ruth Ann Carpenter Siegler | 11 July 2013 at 01:15 PM
Ah, lovely as always! If I were to be awarded the nail, I would put it in a tiny frame and display it with my Paris treasures I collected on two trips there. To have an apartment there would simply be a dream come true! I am enjoying the process....keep up the great work and pics!
Posted by: Nancy | 11 July 2013 at 01:22 PM
I would LOVE to have a 18th Century nail!
Posted by: Francesca | 11 July 2013 at 01:38 PM
I would love to have one of those nails you posted on Facebook! It would look perfectly next to my other vintage objects I find in my local market!
Posted by: Dada | 11 July 2013 at 01:55 PM
Very cool! When I saw the title of your blog in my email this morning I couldn't wait to click on it and see what you found. I'd love a nail!!
Posted by: Candy | 11 July 2013 at 02:05 PM
surrounded by and living in an architectural treasure hunt -- fabulous.
Posted by: Sue J. | 11 July 2013 at 02:24 PM
So much history in walls and stone and sweat and tears...truly amazing!
Posted by: carolyn | 11 July 2013 at 02:31 PM
Yes, a nail would be great to have and display!
But i am also thinking, there ought to be some way you can use them in the apartment. They look way too large to use as pins for a bulletin board, but, maybe start a little shadow box for these small treasures found during the renovation. It sounds as if you are having a wonderful time watching all the work, indeed it is exciting. Plans , plans and more plans for a beautiful apartment! blessings to all Corey, xo jody
Posted by: jody | 11 July 2013 at 02:34 PM
Oui, I would love an old Parisian nail, who wouldn't! Thanks for all the eye candy, human and otherwise, Corey...Wanda
Posted by: Wanda Decker | 11 July 2013 at 02:59 PM
It's so fabulous that you could change your ideas in mid stream! Love the exposed wall and those nails are fabulous.. Choisi moi, s'il vous plait!!
Posted by: marlis | 11 July 2013 at 03:06 PM
It would be wonderful to have a nail that was made by hand two hundred years ago. I live in a stone farmhouse in Canada but it is a mere infant compared to historical buildings in France/Europe!
I am enjoying the play by play of your exciting renovations.
Posted by: Jennifer | 11 July 2013 at 03:14 PM
Corey...........I would love to have one of those nails. Parts of my house still have the old square nails and I love old klinky hardware like that.
Posted by: Ed in Willows | 11 July 2013 at 03:17 PM
do the frenchie hunks ever inquire about work abroad??? the renovations would certainly not be as historical..........
send that nail (along with hunk's) to colorado!
Posted by: mindyh | 11 July 2013 at 03:41 PM
Oh, I would love to have a hand-forged nail. I have often thought I am living in the wrong century as I have such a longing and fondness for the past.
Posted by: Charland | 11 July 2013 at 03:42 PM
I so desperately want to live in a place that reveres old and the beauty of history. Corey, I would love a hand forged nail to remind me that there are such places!
Posted by: Aimee | 11 July 2013 at 03:49 PM
I am renovating my kitchen and while it makes me happy...I would trade projects in a heartbeat!
Posted by: Heather | 11 July 2013 at 03:59 PM
What an adventure you're on! To watch a Paris apartment being renovated must be magical - it's going to be beautiful, I just know it. ::Jill
Posted by: Jill | 11 July 2013 at 04:05 PM
After following your pictures on here and Facebook, it makes me think what lies behind the walls in the places I have stayed in Paris! I'm glad you are keeping your 'findings'. Your apartment will be more beautiful because of it.
Posted by: Kelley | 11 July 2013 at 04:11 PM
I've never seen an XVIII century nail. Maybe I'll be lucky and have one :)
PS. Loving seeing renovation in progress on FB, Corey.
Posted by: Irina | 11 July 2013 at 04:13 PM
I would LOVE a nail.......a keepsake.........A MOMENTO!
I canNOT believe you took that first wall down,but i know what you were thinking we must move on this apartment or it will NEVER get done..........THANK GOD YOU STOPPED THEM!IT WILL BE SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!
Would adore a piece of YOUR life COREY...........put me in the POT to win!
XXX
Posted by: La Contessa | 11 July 2013 at 04:17 PM
I would love a nail. I will put it in my china cupboard with my "old" american antiques! lol
Posted by: Renee P | 11 July 2013 at 04:18 PM
Ohhhh, Corey, I've been reading your posts for a year or so and loving your adventure en france! I've also been incorporating some new 'old' things into my style, thanks to you, and it adds a depth I didn't have before. My husband and I are on our own adventure having moved from northern California to a small beautiful Florida home after 30 years. I would love a hand-forged iron nail from Paris to add to my new home adventures! Your Paris apartment is going to be lovely with your stamp on it -- can't wait to see more Parisian apt. reno with antique parts and hunky men!
Posted by: Cindy | 11 July 2013 at 05:09 PM
Oh Corey,
I have been excited about your project since you mentioned it. What a fun project and what a lot of hard work. When I was just starting high school, a million years ago, my family took a vacation through the "Gold Country" in California. We lived in Southern California and this was quite the adventure for us and our first vacation that didn't involve a tent-we got to stay in motels with pools. We visited the State Capitol and took a tour which resulted in the tour guide giving me an old square headed nail from the Capitol. This was in 1966 and I still have that nail. I too, am a collector of old and unusual things. A nail from your old/new apartment would be a keepsake for sure.
We ended this vacation by going to San Francisco-I was in "Flower Child" happiness much to my parents surprise. Great memories that we still laugh about.
Posted by: Laurie | 11 July 2013 at 05:10 PM
A hunk that loves the Brocante? I don't suppose he cooks too?
Posted by: Patti Lloyd | 11 July 2013 at 05:14 PM
I'm so enjoying watching the renovation unfold on your facebook page. Thank you for sharing! I would love to have one of the hand forged nails!
Posted by: Angela | 11 July 2013 at 06:02 PM
A nail from your place would be a good companion to my segment of almost-worn-through chain loops from a friend in Oregon.
I sure am enjoying your sharing the remodel with us. Doubly so, since I'm not having to breathe the dust!
Posted by: Rebecca from the pacific northwest | 11 July 2013 at 06:09 PM
What a wonderful project. I'd love to have an old 'diamond' nail. My husband was a builder but of course not working with buildings of that age. I am so in awe of those hundreds of years old buildings!
Posted by: Rosemary | 11 July 2013 at 06:30 PM
Can't wait to see it! Yes please (nail).
Posted by: Mom of five | 11 July 2013 at 06:51 PM
Sounds like you hit the nail on the head with the reno; that is one lovely nail!
Posted by: Amylia | 11 July 2013 at 07:34 PM
Thank you for keeping us up to date on your renovating. I would love an old French nail to wire it together with another nail to create a cross.
Posted by: Dawn Fleming | 11 July 2013 at 07:37 PM
Oui oui oui S'il te plaît!!!!!
Posted by: Susan young | 11 July 2013 at 08:08 PM
Nothing is sexier than a man wearing a toolbelt and knowing what to do with it. Yes, I would love a French nail.....well that sounds naughty.
Posted by: Carol L | 11 July 2013 at 08:22 PM
Such an exciting post! I'm looking forward to the out-come of the wall. I LOVE old nails. One from France would be so cool. I am so enjoying your renovation project!
Posted by: Patti | 11 July 2013 at 08:38 PM
How exciting! I would love the chance to hold such a piece of the past. It seems like you might somehow be there for a moment. Thanks for the journey.
Posted by: christine in sacramento | 11 July 2013 at 09:21 PM
Hi Corey, I love following your project. I just started renovating a powder room. Going for the old world French style. Chiseled edge tile, cement counter and a gold gaudy mirror. Colors are also grey and beige. I would LOVE to win the 18th century nail! I would pound it in just far enough to display a beautiful French antique. It would be the focal point of my new room. I would truly cherish it.
Posted by: sandy austin | 11 July 2013 at 10:22 PM
Yes I would love love love to win a beautiful French nail. I'm a metal smith and know what hand forged means. So lovely!
Posted by: Tina | 11 July 2013 at 10:29 PM
I would love to have a nail. I would wear it around my neck and think of you and your love.
Posted by: Sharon Penney-Morrison | 11 July 2013 at 11:26 PM
Oooh, so excited I just discovered your delightful blog! If I win a nail it will become a challenge project for me on my blog. Would perhaps be nice on a tote bag? How brave you are to undertake such a daunting project!
Posted by: Linda shields | 11 July 2013 at 11:55 PM
Fantastic adventure.....i did try your facebook, but once again it was down...could not get through.
So here goes, yes, would love an old nail from your
adventure.....:)
Posted by: Sel | 12 July 2013 at 12:14 AM
Always enjoy reading your blog. THIS one and the next, I read sitting in a Star Bucks. Couldn't help but laugh out loud! Thanks for the fun!
Posted by: Linda H | 12 July 2013 at 01:31 AM
hand forged nails, wow, they don't make things like they used too and the old frame too, I would camp at the Brocante for sure, ha ha ha! they don't use the wood like then either.....wonders to discover behind those walls....I LOVE THIS....missing alot as I am not on facebook.....;-(((....thanks for all do share though Corey! And with this gang, restoration is a dream! ha ha ha
Posted by: Suzanna | 12 July 2013 at 02:03 AM
Hello Corey, I would love to see what is outside of your windows. a picture to the left, straight forward and one to the right.love all the photos and seeing how things look along the way.
Posted by: spice | 12 July 2013 at 03:04 AM
I am very interested in the renovation but I am also curious about the shops seen through the window. Is a retoucerie a tailoring shop? And that aqua colored building is very curious.
It's all so interesting.
Posted by: Patty | 12 July 2013 at 03:32 AM
Those nails are heart-grabbers! To think that each was made by hand, no two exactly alike yet they all functioned together beautifully...a little community of iron soldiers holding the apartment together for you!
Posted by: Jan | 12 July 2013 at 01:47 PM
I think you should find a beautiful old frame at the brocante, get a georgeous sheet of handmade paper, and sew the nails to it, hang it in the apartment.
We did a renovation in Boston several years ago. Dealing w debris in the city is difficult at best.
Posted by: double d | 12 July 2013 at 01:49 PM
A nail please! I would love a piece of Old Paris.
Posted by: JudyO | 12 July 2013 at 01:56 PM
hi!
oh...those nails...!! I would love some of the nails to replace some that my husband threw out many years ago. There was a house from the early 1880's being torn down across the street from us and the workers said to help myself to some of the hand forged nails. I did!! but...dear husband did not see the value (to me) and mistakenly threw them away. I would LOVE to have a few of the Paris nails to replace a memory.
thanks, Corey!!
Posted by: [email protected] | 12 July 2013 at 02:43 PM
Hi Corey! I,m reading The Most Beautiful Walk in the World (Paris), so a beribboned old Parisian nail would be a wonderful bookmark cindy
Posted by: cindy fazio | 12 July 2013 at 02:57 PM
I so love reading about you and your family and wishing i were in France again. I too think you should frame the nails or use them in some beautiful display in the new apartment. They are a part of the old to go with your "new". They represent those who came before you and your family and loved the apartment as much as you do.
Posted by: [email protected] | 12 July 2013 at 03:33 PM
those nails are fabulous. Imagine working with them with such precision! Thank you for taking us on this adventure and discovery with you. Grace
Posted by: Grace | 12 July 2013 at 08:25 PM
So True....
Posted by: Brenda, Walker, LA | 15 July 2013 at 09:58 PM
I just reconnected with your lovely blog to find this post about renovating your apartment in Paris. Oddly enough we are renovating an upstairs apartment in an old house in Victoria, BC. Old by Canadian standards that is. The house was built in 1898 so we have some of those hand forged nails too. I'll be following your progress, and wishing we could do our shopping in Paris. I'm posting about our renovation at my blog at www.uponhaliburtonhill.blogspot.com
Here's another funny thing. My husband and I will be in Paris for a week at the end of September. My first trip ever to that grand city.
Posted by: Joanna | 25 July 2013 at 06:33 PM