What was I to do when I saw the large chandelier dripping with crystals?
Only one thing came to mind: Lick it up.
I suppose that is how it is when you see something that goes straight to your heart, or as they say in France: "A coup de coeur"... A 'coup de coeur' is when you fall instantly in love with something and have to have it regardless if you need it, or have room. It is without hesitation that the person buys the dress because it sparks something within them that they cannot control.
I had a coup de coeur!
I asked the dealer if he could bring it to the aparment in Paris, he told me he could for a small fee and a cold bottle of water.
The deal was sealed.
Today I asked French Husband to hold up the chandelier so I could see if it would work where I had in mind.
Instantly Regis (the renovator) Yann (the French Husband) and my mother in law (Belle Mere) gave their biggest groans:
"Oh it is too big, for the small space!"
"The ceiling won't support it!"
"You're mad, its too long, people will be staring into it."
Then and there I realized at last what my cousin Doug tried to explain to me years ago when we bought our home and had big plans to renovate it: "Renovations are aggressive. That is why some people never renovate their homes."
Instead of listening to them, and stuffing the heavy chandelier back in its dusty box....
I blurted, "No, its staying and you will have to find a way that the ceiling will support it."
Renovating can be fun, and stressful, and aggressive. Today it wasn't fun.
The Chandelier is staying. I hope the ceiling does not fall in.
Love the chandelier; totally something I would buy. Of course it might look wonderful in Provence too...
Posted by: Diogenes | 06 August 2013 at 11:46 PM
I love it! You'll all find a way to make it fit. If not...my ceilings would support it.
Posted by: Lorrie | 07 August 2013 at 12:22 AM
I hope the best for you. There has to be a beam up there?!
Posted by: becky up a hill | 07 August 2013 at 01:40 AM
Maybe in the bathroom or bedroom. People can 'duck' when walking through the room. No joke. Hard to say without seeing the site. Good Luck. It is beautiful. As I speak, I am figuring where to put a chandelier quite like that one. Hugs to you all .
Posted by: Karen | 07 August 2013 at 01:47 AM
Love, love the chandelier. I pray the ceiling holds it. It would be sad to see it fall to the ground.
Posted by: Marilyn | 07 August 2013 at 02:17 AM
pffft! It will too work and it is beautiful. Regis just needs to put extra supports in the ceiling. Can you remove some of the lead crystals without ruining the look of the piece? That might lessen the weight load.
Posted by: martina | 07 August 2013 at 02:19 AM
I agree. Stay firm with your ideas. I was told by my contractor that anything is possible,BUT(a big but) how much are you willing to pay me? If its something I truly feel absolutely sure of, I go for it. In the long run, I know I'll be HAPPY!
Posted by: Nicolette | 07 August 2013 at 02:25 AM
Hi Martina
That is a good idea. There are plenty of four inch crystals!!
Posted by: French la Vie | 07 August 2013 at 04:32 AM
Hi Karen,
I plan to hang it over an island, so nobody will hit their head on it. The bathroom ceiling is too low.
C
Posted by: French la Vie | 07 August 2013 at 04:33 AM
Good girl. Stick to your guns. It's lovely!
Posted by: Julie Schaefer | 07 August 2013 at 06:04 AM
Corey, This post made me laugh. I'm happy it's staying!
Posted by: momof5 | 07 August 2013 at 06:34 AM
I think you should hang the chandelier...it is a great idea!!
Posted by: Valerie | 07 August 2013 at 07:02 AM
Love the silver handbag hanging on the door ;)
Posted by: christine | 07 August 2013 at 07:57 AM
Oh go with your COEUR!
Posted by: XiijnTEXAS FRANCOPHILE | 07 August 2013 at 01:17 PM
The chandelier is gorgeous! I think it fits the space perfectly! I can't wait to see more...:)
Posted by: Jody | 07 August 2013 at 01:39 PM
Think your coup de coer is going to look lovely! I have never had one of those moments "go wrong " for me. Can't wait to see the finished product
Posted by: jeanne stone | 07 August 2013 at 01:59 PM
A woman after my own heart! I also had a coup de coeur when I found THE PERFECT chandelier a few years ago. I had been wanting one for ages, and hubby said "ceilings are too low", etc., etc. But when I found it (gorgeous and working, dripping with crystals for FORTY DOLLARS!!!), well, I simply had to have it! So I brought it home and told him he was going to have to make it work. And bless his ever loving heart, he did. Two persons standing on opposite sides of the dining room table have to bend down in order to see one another. But sitting to dine, it works perfectly. And draped in antique mercury ornaments at Christmas time, it is a beautiful sight to behold. Stick to your guns, Corey, you rock!!
Posted by: Nancy | 07 August 2013 at 03:58 PM
What a beauty + a j box will do the trick(in america that is what we call them,in france a ?)it looks lovely. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: Peggy Braswell | 07 August 2013 at 05:14 PM
I was sooooo happy to see that CRYSTAL CHANDELIER........you are making progress and DONOT LISTEN TO THOSE MEN!I read once where a gal in the Mid west hangs her chandeliers 28 inches from the top of the table.......thats low.BUT it is SPECTACULAR!You are the decorator do as you please...........a wonderful find!
GOOD JOB!
Posted by: La Contessa | 07 August 2013 at 05:22 PM
GOOD JOB!STICK TO YOUR GUNS!!!!!
LOVE IT!
Posted by: La Contessa | 07 August 2013 at 05:34 PM
absolutely perfect! they can hang it from a support beam in the ceiling yep and I am speaking from a similar experience!!!
Posted by: teri | 07 August 2013 at 05:47 PM
this made me grin widely - never worry, the ceiling WILL support it, of course!!! that was just an excuse for not having to hang it up (and obviously, the 'rosette' will have to be re-inforced but the guys will find that out soon enough... - and in good time). It belongs there, it's the new home for chandelier :)
I have a small one, an English antique one in a light, very light pink - well bubble-wrapped and waiting for THE room....
Posted by: Kiki | 07 August 2013 at 06:19 PM
Franca can see the headline now, "Death by Chandelier". There could be worse ways to go.
Posted by: Franca Bollo | 07 August 2013 at 08:40 PM
LOVE IT!
Posted by: Judy | 07 August 2013 at 08:58 PM
Do NOT listen to them! Every major renovation I've ever made was accompanied by my husband and some contractor saying, "Oh no, the front walk must be straight and lead directly to the sidewalk/ red wallpaper does not belong in a kitchen/ you can't paint a ceiling yellow/ etc. And then they always eat a liberal serving of crow. Go for it!
Posted by: Mrs. Pom | 07 August 2013 at 09:34 PM
You are going to hate me, but they are right. The chandelier is beautiful, but proportionally it looks too large for the room. Chandeliers need to fit a room’s proportions in the same way a couch does :/
Posted by: labergerebasque | 08 August 2013 at 12:03 AM
Corey, it will be beautiful. Trust your intuition.
Posted by: Lorraine | 08 August 2013 at 12:17 AM
Good for you! French husband is quite handsome -- and he'll look lovely in that radiant chandelier light!
Posted by: jeanie | 08 August 2013 at 01:22 AM
Love it....it will refract sunlight as well as candlelight and transform the space in memorable ways!!!
Posted by: Claire | 08 August 2013 at 04:15 AM
you sure don't need ideas in fabulous decorating, though I sending you this on what other's rent their apartments for in Paris @ different seasons !http://www.haveninparis.com/
Loving our shares, wow, that chandelier, yummy, XO
Posted by: Suzanna | 08 August 2013 at 02:06 PM
Of course it should stay. That's why you are an American living and loving in Paris. Its your natural audacity, joie de vivre and disdain for convention that brings the enthusiasm and life to the moment.
Posted by: Helene | 08 August 2013 at 05:42 PM