At Last Setting up the Interior of the Paris Apartment

 

Thank you. Gee who knew that those nude duds would bring on such a response. Number two seems to be the favorite. Though the comments for number one appealed to me: Softer, less classical, color tones less have an older feel, not as muscular... anyway the comments regarding both of them made me "see" how different the two nude charcoal drawing  really are. I am going for number one.

Off to have it framed... 

We found another armoire. Most antique French armoire "break down" since they are wooden pegged instead of nailed. The first armoire we bought did not "break down" and it could not fit up the stairwell, though measured wise it should have. But it didn't. Since we didn't expect it not to fit, we could have had hired a automatic ladder lift, then it could have passed through the window. But time didn't permit that. And since we didn't have a place to store it, we had to haul it back home nine hours. 

The new old armoire we found in Paris. It is not my favorite, but it will do. I thought to paint it. But the wood has been cared for, as if it had been loved. I don't know how to explain it. I usually buy only painted furniture... and yet this piece seems to tell me, "Don't paint me." What do you think?

 

 

 

The console we hung by the window, the sofa/canape (Juliet) will go alongside of it. The canape won't be ready until the first week of December.

I found the wooden 1700s wooden painted statue of Saint Jean the Baptist at Port Vanves Brocante last month. Today we attached the head. Though I forgot to take a photo of the finished product. Or maybe it was because I was cooking dinner and taking a photo of the statue got lost between chopping onions and pouring a glass of wine.

 

 

The kitchen chandelier arrived last month. But as the apartment had renters (Elizabeth and then Lorna) the decorating went on hold along with taking photos. I love that chunky monkey chandelier, I want to find tiny lampshades for it. 

Either burlap with black velvet trim like these click here to see.

Though these handmade metallic ones from ETSY might be the chic way to go.

Or these postage stamp lampshades for FUN, also from ETSY.

 

The map of Paris, floor to ceiling.

The gilded wooden monstrance looking thing I bought at a small antique shop near our apartment in Paris. A pair of tall candlesticks and a brand new dresser that looks old from Maison du Monde. Setting up an altar it seems.

 

 

The barber stand is a not so pratical night stand. Go ahead shake your head.

Some things never change. The brocante bug makes me do these things. I cannot help myself. I would rather have history and beauty then practical... except when it comes to the kitchen and water.

I cannot be practical every step of the way. The other side of the bed has a night stand.

We will see how long this impractical charm last.

I am looking for barber things to add to the hooks, and a pocket watch too, since it has a place for one. 

 

 

 

The apartment is livable, functional... and now it is starting to feel like a home. The interior design is coming along... nearly done. It is missing a few things. Not much. I have my list: A rug, a coffee table, lampshades...

I am working on this corner, and tomorrow adding the finishing touches to a wall paper panel project that I am making. Hopefully I will remember to take photos.

Thank you for your interest in our apartment, your thoughtful support, your humor and most importantly your friendship... I am one happy blogger.

Comments

[Cathy]

I'm pleased for you....No# 1 was my favorite. The apt is BEAUTIFUL!!!

[Bette Lee]

So nice to have you ask us to share in your decisions...everything is so lovely...a joy to see...
Looking forward to more photos as you finish...many thanks...

[Ali Moss]

Everything looks so beautiful as expected. I like the contrast of the armoire with it's natural patina to the other painted pieces. It would seem a travesty to paint it when it was so lovingly cared for. As for the chandelier, those bulbs are so beautiful it would be a shame to cover them up.....but only if they are on a dimmer I would think. Looking forward to the final reveal.

[Linda]

Corey I think the amoire is beautiful just the way it is. Why paint the peacock? I'm so glad it spoke to you.

It's all coming together very nicely. Everyone involved should feel very proud of a job well done! Adding all of the finishing touches will be the fun part! And when we decorate we all like to edit and change things up from time to time. It will be ongoing and enjoyable!

[Shelley Noble]

I think it's all fantastic, as everything you do is. I'd trust your instincts with anything, and do.

Maybe that wonderful barber piece could work in the bathroom somehow?

[Iowa Julie]

I don't think I could have painted the armoire, either; it is quite elegant. And the congregate map(s) of Paris is STILL killin' me, Corey. Genius. G-E-N-I-U-S. Btw, are you wearing black today? ; - )

[Marilyn]

Love what I am seeing.
Love each of the nudes, but I would have
probably chosen #2. Sascha's girlfriend
is right, it does look like you.

[Aimée]

Beauteous.

[Teresa Young]

The apartment has come together beautifully. I cannot wait to see the wall paper.

[Debra]

. . . and, we are very happy readers. Thank you so much for your apartment post. I love it. Hoping to see it one day, as well as, go brocanting with you!

[Irina]

Corey, the apartment is so lovely! I love everything in your pictures. Great job!!

[Diogenes]

Corey, I think the armoire is screaming: "Don't paint me."

Your Paris apartment is looking very chic and very comfy.

[annie]

Lovely peek, Corey. Love the chair at the top.

[jody]

Very impressive work Corey. I am enthralled with every bit of it! xxoo jody

[[email protected]]

WOW.......cleaning up drool now. Forgive me.

[Darlene in Florida]

The chair in front of the armoir seems to have a very big sag in the seat. Is that what your son and FH talk about needing places to sit? Can one sit in it? I love how you share all these decisions with us. Reading about your thought process is beguiling.

[Lisa]

Beautiful apartment. love love love all of your glorious brocante finds!
But my fav is the clever map of Paris wall art. am so gonna copy.

[Kit]

Love all those nooks and niches and you are right about that armoire, it is happy as it is and goes beautifully as a backdrop to that chair.

[Jeanne @ Collage of Life]

Corey..your Paris digs look wonderful. I had a preview peek a while back via La Contessa...I loved it so much I carried a link on one of my recent posts.

The maps you have on your wall are stunning...such a wonderful idea. I recently collected vintage Vietnamese music sheets and wondered what to do with 30 of them, problem solved! Thank you...

I am enjoying your posts as they roll in from day to day...always feeling like I am in the very best company. Best wishes and happy sourcing. Jeanne (Collage of Life) ;)

[Julie M.]

I think it's lovely...the armoire, etc...

Julie M.

[Monica]

The Etsy postage stamp abat jour is a find!

And you need a 'fresco' in the niche;)

[Robin]

The apartment is absolutely lovely! I can hardly wait for next year's visit.

[Kiki]

Corey, why lampshades when you have those truly lovely looking candle-style 'ampoules'? I would leave it .... Also you probably need all the light you can get in the kitchen - in our flat in Switzerland we have only very awkward lighting and it's a bit of a pain!

Love your collection coming together - and I love this wardrobe, it probably - in this case - would be a crime to paint over the beautiful wood. If it ever gets on your nerves, you can still paint it but it might grow in time to be a true love.

I have just silently cursed my love for not always the most practical but story-telling, old, well-loved, antic bits and pieces - took me an eternity to dust it all off (but Hero Husband told me this morning how he feels SO MUCH better when I'm here and surround him with candles, lights, flowers, and now pre-Christmas décor....

[Karen]

The apartment is gorgeous! And so very "you". Please, please, please don't paint the armoire. It's so beautiful as is, and one can tell even from the photos that it has a wonderful patina and so much character. I also believe you don't need shades on that fabulous chandelier. Don't need to gild the lily here, and they might distract from the wonderful crystals on the chandelier. Your decorating choices throughout the apartment are superb. Thanks for sharing. -K

[Nancy W]

Quite lovely. Love the console hung by the window. Kitchen is looking wonderful.

[La Contessa]

NO PAINT on AMOIRE…….But that's just me!
Love the idea of the lampshades!!Check out BALLARD DESIGNS back home too!
The head………….glued.I adored it sitting beside but I will adore it glued too!
YOU are almost there………..it is STUNNING!You will have a line up of people wanting to stay!BRAVA!
Did Brother Mathew comment on nudes?I must go look now!
XOXO

[jani]

too magical…i love the kitchen cupboard with the black interior..!! congrats.!

[bramble]

I have missed MUCH in my absence, I will have fun getting caught up with you, I hope all is well in France and Willows!

[24/7 in France]

Looks stunning - congratulations!

[Jeannie]

Corey, the apartment is beautiful. It really looks like a spread in Arch. Digest. I love the bedstand. I love burlap, but it is a dust catcher, just saying. I have always stripped furniture and with a lot of hard work, brought back the original finish. I see things in wood grain - an ancient woman, a lion, pixies - all without drugs! LOL! Years of restoring furniture and this week I painted a sideboard. I looked at it's bare boards and it told me it needed a coat or two. The sideboard was right. Sometimes it pays to listen. :)

[Peggy Braswell]

Let the armoire be your decision! paint + do not paint + love what you have done with the place. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

[v.j. kohout]

Thank you for the photos. Regarding the barber stand, I add - function over form but beauty over everything else. I love it. Pocket watch yes, other barber shop paraphernalia like shaving brush and straight razor, maybe not. Number 1 was my choice of the nudes. Looking forward to see more.

[Lyn]

Thanks so much for sharing, I have loved going on the journey with you and what a fabulous result.

[Melinda Alexander]

Corey: Don't forget, I will make your lampshades - free. Just let me know if you want heavy linen or burlap. And, I need to know what size, 3.5", 4", 5" at the bottom. I can mail them to you in France or, to California. Melinda, The House of Tuscany, Fort Worth, Texas

[carol]

It is beautiful, Corey. Just like you. I think if I saw this apartment and didn't know that you had decorated it, I would say, "Corey would love this apartment!". I think you are right about the armoire. Gotta listen to your instincts.

[Liz]

Perfect! Totally perfect even without those minor finishing touches of rug and wot not! I love the idea of the postage stamp shades (being a Brit abroad, they tickle my fancy for nostalgia's sake) but do agree with others that your chandelier is better 'sans'. Armoir no need of paint either (though like you I am a fan of the Gustavian-French painted look). It seems as if the finger plates garnish it perfectly and would be lost on paint. If it's a thing of beauty, no need to embellish it. As they'd say when I trained in journalism, 'a good 'story' tells itself - no adjectives required'.

Quick final Q: do you have an agent looking after and letting it for you? We are thinking of buying as second place to let abroad (Italy) and wondered how you found a 'person who does' when you're not in Paris. Small ads or official estate agency?

[Angela]

Don't paint the amoire...it is beautiful.

[Tara]

Hi, Corey!

Please don't paint that armoire...it is fantastic as is.

The apartment looks great, & I can't wait to see more of it!!

Happy Thanksgiving!
--Tara

[Brenda, Walker, LA]

LOved what I saw! I would get the pearl beaded shades on that etsy page, with the little metallic beads....appeals to the chandeliers "Chunkiness"