Purely Brocante

 

Purely brocante. Things I found at the brocante (Porte Vanves) for our apartment in Paris when we set it up three years ago. Most the items I found were within the first three months of being there. Porte Vanves is one of the best brocantes in Paris, is within ten minutes away from our apartment, dangerous indeed for a brocante-o-holic like me.

A small naive water color in its original 1800s frame. A portrait they say can be measured by how well  the ears or hands are painted. In that case this one is mediocre, but rates high in charm in my beholding eye. The small painting is above the sofa and under a chunky sconce.

 

 

 

Looking out the window through the iron railing of our apartment down at the four corners below. Plenty of activity:

A bakery on one corner, a cafe on the other side, across the street a restaurant, and underneath us a butchery, next door to the meat cutters a men's barber, across the street next to the bakery a seamstress, on the other side of the bakery a pharmacy and grocery store, behind the cafe a puzzle maker... 

 

 

 

 

Today I will polish the old silver in our apartment, it is tarnished after three years of hanging out looking cute. Teapots that I ever use for tea but repurposed as flowers pots.

And an extra long wooden monastic rosary, every kitchen needs one.

 

 

 

 

 The 1700s Moustiers platters and dishes, most have been wired repaired.

Sacha hung most of them, under the watchful eye of paranoid French Husband. When Sacha wasn't here and French Husband wasn't looking I hung some.

All still hanging out which makes dusting extra fun.

The plaster bust looks on without lifting a finger. I bought her for 40 Euros at Porte Vanves.

The platters that I adore, I never pay more than ten Euros each, most less than that. Though with that said, if I was willing to pay 5O Euros each I would have a ton more, but I do not need a ton more? And why when hunting for antiques is a big part of my fun factor: Finding things for less, when finding anything is pretty easy.

 

 

 

 

 

Gilded wooden finials. Some I found others were given to me as a gift from Camy.

The gilded bits are in a porcelain bowl with little feet, so unusual.

 

 

  

 

Two small hand painted wall paper samples from the Napoleon the third era, next to part of a small sea fan from Mexico that French Husband found on the beach. 

 

 

 

 

The chunky monkey chandelier that has at least 500 crystals. Do you remember French Husband and I carrying it on a broom stick to the electrician?

The chandelier in Cassis is not as juicy, but equally as large, dusting will be a breeze by comparison. 

 

 

 

 

Paper back books from the 1700 to 1800s that have that worn elegance that attracts me, or you might say they have been around the block a few times. The books are resting in a handmade blue toile box that is at least fifty years old.

 

 

 

The painted zinc column is from Marseille, but I turned it into a vase.

 

 

 

A little peek into our apartment.

Comments

[Mari]

You really have a gift, Corey. What a charming apartment full of incredible items put together in such a delightful way. I hope, I hope some day I will be able to see it in person. xx

[ruth ribeaucourt]

INSANELY beautiful.....every single inch is delicious!

xxxxx

[s/e]

It is truly lovely and we have enjoyed our 2 stays there.

[Jacklynn Lantry]

a puzzle maker????

[Diogenes]

Great picture through the iron grate on the windows.

Living so close to Vanves is temptation in your path. That plaster bust is great. So is the chandelier. ;-)

[Barbara Costa]

Loving that clock...the woman who owns the dilapidated chateau had one in her shop below her apt..

[Taste of France]

So many pretty things. It's nice to discover them and give them a new life. So much more charming that the new, made in China, copies of such things.

[French la Vie]

http://willows95988.typepad.com/tongue_cheek/2013/05/saturday-art-saves-michele-wilson-puzzles.html

[French la Vie]

Oh the temptation is only controlled by lack of space in our apartment! lol.

[French la Vie]

DO you want it! Not mind but the at the dilapidated chateau?

[Anne]

So lovely - and a PUZZLE MAKER nearby? How intriguing!

[Our French Oasis]

What a gorgeous little peek into your apartment, I can just tell that everything has been chosen with such love, everything has a tale to tell, I am sure I could waste many many hours just walking around your apartment with you telling me the story of where each thing came from. Loved this post this morning.

[Nita Silverman Goodgal]

I love the Marche de Vanves also! After years of going to the Marche aux Puces at St. Ouen, I discovered Vanves so much closer to our apartment - DUH! I have found some wonderful treasures there too to accent our place. I'm looking forward to going again in May. Part of the fun is talking to the vendors, hearing their stories and observing their colorful demeanors!

[Teddee Grace]

The tours are always fun!

[TerriNTexas]

Love everything you do!

[Bonnie Schulte]

Thank you for sharing your treasures with us. I know I will never get the chance to visit Paris, so seeing your beautiful photos, gives me the chance to dream of it all. I would choose as you have done, things that tell a story, items that can do that with their age, imperfections, beauty and charm. You do it so well in your home...

[Eileen]

I never delete the posts you do on your Paris apartment. I return often for inspiration ;)

[Camy]

Corey...we love your Paris apartment! You take wonderful photos but it is even better in person. We're so happy we got to stay there and hope to do so again.

Camy and John