Bohemian Rhapsody

All photos from The New Eighteenth-Century Style Book

The other day I was looking through some of my decorating books and had forgotten what a great inspiration "The New Eighteenth-Century Style: Rediscovering a French Décor" by Michele Lalande is. This is a must-have for anyone that loves an eclectic mix from different periods. "In modern usage, the term "Bohemian" (sometimes shortened to "boho") is applied to people who live unconventional, artistic lives." I think the Bohemian lifestyle is captured in this treasure of a book. From old weathered books and amateur portraits to modern lucite furniture and sculptures, these objets are mixed together in vignettes that work beautifully.
A home should be unique, interesting and reflect your own style. We've seen trends from Shabby Chic, Hollywood Glam, Hollywood Regency and many more. Trends come and go but the classics always remain. Chic Modern Minimalism appeals to many but my own personal style is a mix of different periods. I never wanted anyone to walk in my home and feel like they're on a stage set or stepped back into a specific decade. If you buy classic pieces from any decade they will never go out of style.

I just acquired two industrial metal dressers offered on my website. This book shows a photo of the same dresser with old artifacts and coral in an off-beat Bohemian way. Fabulous! No decorating rules or "how to" instructions, just find items you love and pair them together for a true Bohemian magic and eclectic home!
The New Eighteenth-Century Style: Rediscovering a French Décor can be purchased here at Amazon.com. Enjoy!

Neoclassical Style

photo from 1stdibs.com

I was recently reading a post on Poppytalk's blog on Neoclassical design trend that inspired me to write about it.

Canadian House & Home's 2008 Trend Issue shows some fun, current images of decorating with Neoclassical style. I just love the look and have vintage pieces in my home and offered on my website.

Originating in the late 18th Century, Neoclassical design is inspired by the architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome.

photo from 1stdibs.com

photo from 1stdibs.com

Neoclassical furniture is characterized by restrained, symmetrical design and tends to be rectangular. Art Deco is a decorative style emerging in the 1930's from French origins and inspired by a Neoclassical influence.

photo from parishotelboutique.com

I just love the Greek key motifs, geometric shapes and lines of Neoclassical design. I think Canadian House & Home has it right. It really isn't a trend though. It can be integrated in any decor from modern to traditional and never go out of style.

photo from 1stdibs.com

photo from parishotelboutique.com

This is my favorite acquisition! A vintage Neoclassical style chair from the famous Crown Room at the Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill in San Francisco. It is quite rare and dates to c. 1960. I have some in my home and was thrilled to acquire this. The "magical" Crown Room was renovated in the late 1990's and is now used for meeting and conferences. I acquired my first "Crown Room" chair at a flea market many years ago and have been on the "hunt" ever since then! Ten years later, I have 4 in my home and one offered on my website. I left the original paint in tact and had them upholstered to match the original upholstery. Sorry that these lovely chairs are no longer at the Fairmont, but happy to have my own! They are the epitome of Neoclassical design and with the hotel history, I couldn't be happier!

It's All About Presentation

When most of my days are spent hunting for vintage treasures, I enjoy looking at new gift items during the holiday season. It's the only time that I take to trek around town devouring the store windows and the goodies inside them. Some of my favorite little boutiques in the Bay Area are Tail of the Yak in Berkeley, Bell'occhio & Nest in San Francisco. There are too many to name, but these are some real treasures. I can never leave these stores without purchasing something!

Today I visited Hayes Street and went to Miette Confiserie Candy Store, what a treat! They have everything from unique French confections to Rose Geranium cotton candy and fancy cupcakes. It's such a fun place and everything is beautifully presented. Also other wonderful clothing and boutiques on Hayes Street.

Next stop, Fillmore Street to visit Nest. Starting with their window display, fabulous. Victoria at SFGirlbyBay did a wonderful post about them including photos. After oohing and aahing, I made a couple of purchases. I asked for gift wrap and wow, what a surprise! Hot pink tissue with little birds nests and eggs. And of course, their cute Nest sticker. It's $5 for their custom wrap and every bit worth it. I love presentation. It could be the smallest little gift, but if it's packaged beautifully it makes all the difference. Thanks Nest for making my day. I'm staring at these beautiful boxes it looks more like a party than your typical holiday gifts. I also have to mention Claudia at Bell'occhio who I visited last week. Bought some goodies there and the packaging, gorgeous as always! You must visit these stores if in the San Francisco Bay Area. Anyone can put sticker bows on packages, but little things like twine or vintage doodads you have laying around can add the most special touch for that special someone's gift. Anyone have any favorites store gift wraps that you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Happy Holidays!!

Apartment Therapy House Tour ~ Lynn & Leif's Paris Hotel Home

Photography by Sandy

It's been awhile since I posted to the blog because we were so busy moving over to our new web site. Today our home was featured in Apartment Therapy Los Angeles House tours. You can click here to view the tour. Thank you so much to Grace Hsiu at Apartment Therapy for asking us to feature our home. You've been a gem! Special thanks to Sandy who gets the real credit for taking such fabulous photos. They are wonderful!

Decorating with Animal Accessories

Vintage glazed ceramic elephant at Paris Hotel Boutique

The first time I really got inspired by decorating with animal accessories was during my stay at the Viceroy Hotel in Palm Springs, designed by Kelly Wearstler. This was about 3 years ago. I had heard about Kelly Wearstler and KWID, but never stayed at one of her hotels. My friend Janet and I nearly flipped when we saw it! The dramatic black & white decor with touches of lemon yellow. Each guest room balcony had a white cement whippet sitting proudly overlooking the pool. We went crazy! What a great touch! We asked to look at some of the larger suites and they had paw prints leading into the room. Another great touch.

After that stay I starting adding elements of Hollywood Regency decor to my home. I purchased Kelly's first book, Modern Glamour, and had fun reading through it and seeing how she used animals as a touch of whimsy in her decor. She says, "Animal accessories call out to me every time I go shopping." She talks about animals being the most inspiring things on the planet. Being sculptural and colorful. She says, "I also use a lot of animal forms as accessories to temper a room that may seem too forbidding or too decorative. Animals really lighten things up a little and enrich our spaces." I couldn't agree more. As soon as I returned home from Palm Springs, I was on the hunt for whippets. My friend Janet found me this one...the exact whippet in Kelly Wearsler's book. I love its special place in my living room. It dates to the 1950's/60's, glazed ceramic, made in Italy.

My whippet
Photo from Modern Glamour, Kelly Wearstler

My latest acquisition is a fabulous large black and white ceramic glazed elephant planter. It's a wonderful eye-catching piece! I was going to keep it, but I am accumulating far too many animals in my home and that includes my real dog, Vito! The elephant is available here on my web site, parishotelboutique.com. Check it out!

Animal accessories have been getting increasingly popular. There are many reproductions being made, but none thrill me as much as the vintage breed. The Italian ceramic pieces are so well made and more detailed than the modern reproductions. They can get costly though. If you want the look, they are definitely out there at different price points. Do you like decorating with animal accessories? What are your favorites?

Photos from Modern Glamour by Kelly Wearstler

Viceroy Palm Springs, from Modern Glamour by Kelly Wearstler

About Me

Hi, I'm Lynn, the owner of the online shop, Paris Hotel Boutique. I've been selling vintage and antique wares for over 15 years now, and blogging since 2007.

This blog is a companion to my online shop, Paris Hotel Boutique. Paris Hotel Boutique celebrates the glitz and glamour of a bygone era by offering vintage and antique finds including European furnishings, antique curiosities, first edition books, paintings, Mid Century decor, and a vast array of old hotel souvenirs and silver.

Blogging allows me to share my musings in the world of vintage; flea markets, tips on collecting, travel, trends, friends and fun finds. I welcome your comments and suggestions. Thanks so much for visiting!

Design*Sponge Bloggers Online Shopping Guide

Thanks to Grace at design*sponge for creating the bloggers online shopping guide! With this two part guide you will find some of Grace's favorite bloggers' online haunts which include furniture, lighting, textiles, paper goods, wallpaper, gifts, ceramics, garden, vintage finds, artwork and "hidden gem" web sites. It's really worth taking some time to read these finds. There are some fantastic links!

Shopping Guide Part One

Shopping Guide Part Two

I want to extend my thanks to Victoria at SFGirlByBay,

Anna at Absolutelybeautifulthings and Courtney at StyleCourt for including Paris Hotel Boutique among their favorite vintage finds! Thanks so much!