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The Paris Apartment: Vignettes + Details

6.12.2014
Paris Haussmann style apartment
Paris Haussmann style apartment
Paris Haussmann style apartment
Paris Haussmann style apartment
Paris Haussmann style apartment
Paris Haussmann style apartment
Paris Haussmann style apartment
Paris Haussmann style apartment

It's been a little over three months since moving in to the Paris apartment, and my vision of having it fully decorated and completely lived in by now hasn't quite materialized... but even so, I'm humbled each time I walk inside. After all the other apartments we visited - dark and dreary in comparison - this one literally stopped my heart. For me, it truly lacks for nothing.

But alas we needed beds and closets and desks, so to furnish the space, my husband and I decided to go for a mix of classic/modern design (which we agreed complements the 19th century Haussmann classical style really well), but it's been a bit tricky given our more traditional tendencies. We're also opting to get only what we really need to keep the space as open and uncluttered as possible. I'd love to maintain a clean all-white aesthetic, but it's calling for some complementary colors and artwork for the walls...

So until I can give you a grand tour, I hope these vignettes and details will do. We're really so fortunate to have the opportunity to rent this apartment... luckily the folks who visited before us were turned off by the clutter of the family still living here at the time and couldn't see its potential. Living here, as my parents remind me - so far away from family and friends - has helped ease the transition tremendously, and I don't take a bit of it for granted...


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37 comments

  1. Wow, lovely and so light! Decorating does take forever, doesn't it?

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    1. It sure does Brea,... and the funny thing is we've been to lots of flea markets since moving here. But I do like the more deliberate process we're taking to decorating (though it might take us years to finish ;)

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  2. Oh glory!!! The apartment is just beautiful, you wouldn't have to do anything more if you didn't want to. The chandelier and the ceiling are just breathtaking. I understand how you feel about thinking it should be all done by now.We moved into our home at the same time as you did, and we still have a long way to go to make it to the finish line.☺

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    1. Thank you Laurie, I was thinking of you when putting this post together :) Seeing your flower-filled garden makes me swoon,... I can't wait to see how you decorate your interior!

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  3. It's just stunning! I love all the wonderful brightness and light. Its truly a dream home. I would love to know how you keep all those whites in pure in your photos!

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    1. Thank you Kim...the light here really is magical! Having a light-filled home was a priority for me (not only for my photography but more importantly for my mood ;). Keeping the whites "pure" in these photos took a bit of wrangling in Lightroom ;)

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  4. What a wonderfully light-filled space. And that ceiling...I would want to lie on the floor and gaze up at it! I love your ideas. Can't wait to see what you add.

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  5. all that white makes me smile...it looks so bright and cheery! Visiting from Little Things..

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    1. Hope it stays white... I have two young boys ;)

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  6. I see Paris in every door knob, mirror edge, and window grate. Sigh. Thanks for a trip back in time. What a blessing to have found this place with such extraordinary light!!

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    1. Will you be making a return trip with your children anytime soon Adrienne?

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  7. So beautiful, Catherine! I wish I could declutter our home and reset like this. I love all of the details of your home. Really gorgeous. I can't believe it's already been over 3 months since you've moved to Paris!

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    1. Ohh thank you dear Charmaine... it was heart-wrenching letting go of so much stuff back in the States, but it feels so good to live lighter :)

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  8. It looks wonderful! Minimalist is good ... so much less to take care of, leaving you more time for fun things!

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  9. Just the parquet shows what a marvelous apartment it is! In combination with the modern table? Perfection!
    You were really lucky to find such a gem in Paris.Enjoy ! The little man in his striped bermudas turning the corner? My favorite picture.

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    1. Ha, thank you so much Karen! He was actually photobombing most of my shots, and I kept this one because I loved it too :)

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  10. Love the light and shadows in these... looks so peaceful

    Mollyxxx

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    1. Oh Molly, each morning the light alone takes my breath away...

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  11. I love all these details and my favourite is the image of the curtain!

    It takes a while to decorate a space and have it feel 'lived in'. I'm also in the process of decorating a new home and have a feeling it will take a long time until it feels 'just right'.

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    1. Thank you Isabel :) It's fun browsing around and pulling inspiration from so many sources, but when it comes down to actually decorating your own space, I find it so challenging! Like you said, having it feel "just right" takes time and lots of patience. All the best with your decorating, love what you've shared so far... and oh, that brick oven!!

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  12. Congratulations again on the beautiful "appartement haussmanien" - it is a jewel. The mix of antique and modern furniture is, in my modest book, the best way to keep it simple while letting all the original details of the apartment do the talking. It will take time to furnish, but I am sure you will succeed in making it a warm home! Enjoy the process and... A bientôt :-)

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    1. Aw thank you Daydreamer... I remember telling my husband when we walked in that I could live in it just like that, sans decor, just us amid all the decorative finishes, period ;) And yes, you'll have to come and see it in person one day!

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  13. Looks grand and gorgeous. What fun to decorate!

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  14. Such a great space! Love the light.

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  15. Congratulations of all you have achieved so far. The apartment looks brilliant, so many wonderful features like the fireplace and woodwork and with your creative flair I'm sure it will be a beautiful and happy home for you all. You're so right about the importance of light. Thank you for givjng us a sneak peak inside, it was great to have been able to see around :)
    Wren x

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  16. WOW! I love the light in your apartment, stunning.

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