I started off the Readers Kitchens Series with this darling compact kitchen in Paris, France. The owners of this apartment live in Atlanta and are partners of Huff Harrington Fine Art HERE. When they aren’t in Paris, the apartment is available to rent from Paris Perfect HERE. Some people prefer to rent apartments when traveling in Paris as opposed to staying in a hotel room and Paris Perfect has many apartments in their inventory for short term lease. You can stay from one week to as long as you like, your choice.
The view from the kitchen/dining room into the living room.
All the Parisian apartments for lease are hand picked by Paris Perfect. They have to be first class, with all the amenities – and they must be aesthetically pleasing. After I ran the story on this Parisian kitchen, the owners of Paris Perfect contacted me. They have a beautiful web site and an interesting blog – and together we picked out a few apartments to show here – those with before and after pictures which illustrate what care goes into the furnishing and decoration of Paris Perfect apartments. The sizes of their apartments run from studios to five bedrooms.
To start out, the first story is of a renovation of a Paris Perfect apartment just recently completed. All Paris Perfect apartments are named after wines and this apartment is The Merlot! The apartment was actually remodeled twice. First are the Before Pictures, next the After Pictures- 1st Remodel, then the final After Pictures – 2nd Remodel. Enjoy!
The Merlot Apartment
BEFORE: The day the owners viewed the apartment it looked like this. Owned by a French lawyer who was being transferred to New York, the apartment was clean but lacked charm. The space seemed ho-hum until they saw the view of the Eiffel Tower off the Juliet balcony. Three months later, they had moved in and begun the first remodel of the apartment.
BEFORE: Another view.
AFTER: Remodel #1
The owners put in this beautiful antique marble fireplace mantel with an antique Louis Philippe above it and flanking sconces. They bought the mantel at the famous Puces Flea Market in Paris. The wall of cabinets on the left side of the fireplace were removed, making the fireplace the focal point of the room. A day bed takes the place of a sofa and the coffee table is a red Oriental chest.
AFTER: Remodel #2
After living in the apartment for a few years, the owners bought these two gray flannel chairs from Andrew Martin in London and decided to update the furnishings once again. Dark woods were exchanged for a soft Swedish gray – including the daybed. A coffee table was added , along with a creamy dhurri. New curtains in fresh red and white checks were added, along with matching pillows. The TV sits on a beautiful antique Napoleon II library table with gilt wood and a marble top that came from Normandy . What a difference these changes made!
AFTER: Remodel #2
The night view of the fireplace. So romantic! A plus is air conditioning was added throughout the apartment – a real rarity in Paris!
BEFORE:
Looking at the two front French doors with iron balconies – on the right side is the dining room.
AFTER: Remodel #1
Sorry, this picture is blurry. The owners placed a large antique chest and mirror between the two front windows.
AFTER: Remodel #2
The chest and mirror remain. But new furniture was added and existing furniture was repainted. The antique chest was bought in Normandy at an auction house. Later it was discovered to be owned by friends who were downsizing. So beautiful!!!
AFTER: Remodel #1
The owners painted the back wall a soft lilac to contrast with the yellow silk curtains and chairs. A new small light fixture was added over the dining room table.
AFTER: Remodel #2
The lilac wall was painted white to match the other walls. The dining room table is fauxed a soft Swedish gray/white and new French chairs were exchanged for the large Parson chairs. A crystal chandelier was added for sparkle. Oversized art work was added to make the area appear larger. I love the curtains – they are so charming and French! The fabric came from the Marche St. Pierre in Montmartre.
AFTER: Remodel #2
The table is set for dinner. All Paris Perfect apartments come equipped with dishes and kitchen utensils.
BEFORE: The hallway leading into the kitchen. At that time, the washer/dryer was in the kitchen, but has since been moved.
AFTER: Remodel #1 and #2
Lighting was added to brighten up the hallway, as well as a console table and a mirror. In the kitchen, a large refrigerator is now in place of the washer/dryer.
AFTER: Remodel #1 and #2
The washer was moved to the bathroom and a dryer was also installed. The granite is a favorite of the owners – all pink and gray.
AFTER: Remodel #1 and #2
Another view of the small, but functional kitchen. And no – I have no idea how you can wash anything in that small sink – but there is a dishwasher for pots and pans!
BEFORE: The mattresses in both bedrooms were on the floor a-la college dorm living. What a pretty balcony!
AFTER: Remodel #1
The owners used a Venetian styled headboard with French linens in the master bedroom.
AFTER: Remodel #2
A new French caned headboard in limed white was added, along with new linens and curtains. And a canopy with embroidered fabric was placed over the bed. It’s much more French looking in here now.
BEFORE: Bedroom #2 – more mattresses on the floor.
AFTER: Remodel #1 and #2
Cute French bedding was added along with bed frames to the second bedroom.
BEFORE: There was one bathroom before the second was added by the owners. They moved walls and converted it into larger bathroom with a step in shower.
AFTER: Remodel #1 and #2
The antique marble bowls were found in London and were modified for the sinks. The counter is Pierre de Calisa limestone.
AFTER: Remodel #1 and #2
There is now a fixed shower head on the left, along with a flex head. The frieze is a copy of an antique one. Inside a new cupboard is the washer and dryer.
AFTER: Remodel #1 and #2
A simple toilet room was transformed into a full bathroom after walls were moved. The sink is Italian marble and the tiles are pale green mosaics.
Original porcelain fireplace
The owners found this original porcelain fireplace in the living room which was used for heating and as a stove. The husband half of the owners sold it for $50 to a junkman. The wife has never forgiven him. The husband, a French cardiac surgeon, said the stove reminded him of his days working in the pathology lab and never realized it was a wonderful piece of history. I wouldn’t have forgiven him either! What was he thinking”?
View outside the dining room balcony!
Night time view of the Eiffel Tower all lit up. Amazing. What a beautiful apartment this is after the two remodels. To lease it, contact Paris Perfect.
The Calvados:
The Calvados apartment HERE was also recently remodeled and added to the Paris Perfect inventory. Paris Perfect helped the owners remodel it after it was purchased. Here, the mirror reflects the living room.
BEFORE: The living room wood floors were hidden under carpet.
AFTER: And today, the living room and dining room over look a French balcony with views of the Eiffel Tower.
An antique mantel was added for a focal point. The fireplace is faux, only. A desk was added along one wall.
BEFORE: Looking the opposite way in the living room.
TODAY: The dining room has a limed wood table and chairs. A chandelier was added. Red lampshades add accent color to the room. This is a really cute apartment now!
BEFORE: the main hall – more carpet.
AFTER: The main hall now – with one of 2 1/2 bathrooms, now at the end.
BEFORE: The kitchen really needed a complete overhaul.
AFTER: Granite countertops and all new appliances and cabinetry.
BEFORE: The one bedroom over looks the courtyard.
AFTER: So cute! Love the linens. New alcoves hold the nightstands.
AFTER: another view of the bedroom.
BEFORE: one of the bathrooms.
AFTER: completely remodeled. So different and beautiful!
BEFORE: Scary!!!!
AFTER: The powder room.
AFTER: Another full bathroom is a real luxury in a one bedroom apartment. Perfect for couples.
The Pomeral:
Looking at all the apartments available at Paris Perfect, this one, The Pomerol, really caught my eye. I love the bright blue and white checked fabrics and the matching window seats flanking the fireplace. There is another window seat in the dining area.
A beautiful chest and antique mirror add to the luxe feel of this space.
The day bed adds extra sleeping area to this one bedroom apartment.
So cute!!!!
This is where I would sit each day and night. Love it.
Close up the antique marble fireplace.
The sofa is reflected in then mirror.
The Eiffel Tower is seen from this window seat.
At night, there is a view of the lit Eiffel Tower. So romantic.
The darling dining area! Sooo cute! I just love this apartment.
The table is set with white dishes that come with the apartment.
The granite counter kitchen doubles as the laundry room.
In the bedroom, there is a large Venetian styled headboard and as a special treat – there is a view of the Eiffel Tower from the bedroom too.
So cozy!
The completely updated bathroom. OK, book me! I’m off!! (I wish)
Thanks to Paris Perfect for sharing these pictures. Be sure to visit their web site HERE to look at all their apartments. You may find one that you would really love to rent!
A Perfect Paris Apartment from Paris Perfect
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Such a fun tour! Loved spying the breakfast tray in one of the photos, immediately gave me the sense of being back in Paris at a sweet little hotel I've stayed at during each visit...which hasn't happened in too long!!
ReplyDeleteJanell
WOW!!!
ReplyDeleteNow, you made me dream.... I really want to be there, eating croissant and looking at the Eiffel tower! Can you be in a better place????
This is breathtaking!
Have a Blessed week!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Perfect thing for a rainy morning. It really transported me to my time working in Paris.
ReplyDeletexo
Well they are all lovely places to stay, but I think I would book the first apartment!
ReplyDeleteThey are all wonderful Joni....what a treat on a Monday morning!
ReplyDeleteOff to Paris
xo kelley
Having visited some of the Paris Perfect apartments in person, I can say that they are every bit as wonderful as these photos! Truly divine.
ReplyDeleteI would stay in that first apartment just for that view, my God they’re almost on top of the Eiffel Tower! What a view and they would have problems getting me out! Funny but these apartments actually look a little spacious and I know first hand that space in Paris is at a premium so these look like wonderful places to stay. I wish I were off to Paris but unfortunately I’m sitting here in NH starring out at heavy rain. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteI love them all! What charming homes.. Living in Calif. in what I call a track box home- seeing any home with architecture makes me drool! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLovely. I can hear Vie on rose playing in the background as I look at the photos. Beautiful bed, rattan as lovely as the lady behind the blog.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Gorgeous! The first one is so pretty, and I love the colors and the window seats in the last one. Any idea how they did that faux fireplace? Did they just paint the wall behind the opening black? I'd love to add an antique mantel to my living room.
ReplyDeleteHello from Finland :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much these wonderful inspiration pictures - before and after. So great!!!
I <3 these!
For tourists wishing to enjoy the fresh markets of Paris and preparing some of their own favorite French food, none of these apartments provide a kitchen equipped well enough for that purpose. However, one ingenious owner did allow for drying laundry at the same time you are cooking on the cooktop. That's certainly a design first. In addition the bathrooms are after thoughts in terms of space, size of sinks, etc. I like the decor of Merlot and would certainly choose that one if I desired to rent one of these apartments, but I would prefer a luxury hotel if for no reason than a large bath with hotel size amenities.
ReplyDeleteAmazing. I sooo want to escape on a little Parisian getaway! I love Paris so much, I redid my daughters bedroom in that theme a few years ago. Sigh...so dreamy.....
ReplyDeleteThis would be a dream to wake up in any one of these apartments. I don't know that I wold see much more of Paris because I would never want to leave the apartment! So beautiful and once again another fantastic post to savor and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed in a Paris Perfect apartment a few years ago and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again! Both of these apartments are beautiful and the renovations done are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
Ohhhh so pretty!
ReplyDeleteMy sister in law's Paris apartment had the washer and dryer in the kitchen as well- I think that is pretty common- I guess because space is at a premium.
-Linda,ny
It is pretty common in London as well.
DeleteI would love to stay in any of them. The taller table in the first living room reminded me of yours.
ReplyDeleteThe first one is perfection . . .
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Fabulous! I felt as if I was right there-!
ReplyDeleteHow dare you endorse these apartments in Paris without visiting firsthand. Shame on you. I believe you should have to go and stay in each one and then tell us the pros and cons of them all. I will be available to carry your bags!
ReplyDeleteanon 10:55
ReplyDeletey0u make me laugh. you're the male anon, the i.d., right? I think I'm learning the diff in your voice as opposed to the other anon, woman, non i.d.
I think people who choose to rent apartments do so becuase it's cheaper for longer stays. Also, when families are traveling it is cheaper for a family of five or six to rent an apt. rather than several hotel rooms.
Others want the experience their trip as natives, not tourists. Judging by most apartments I've seen in Paris, space is a premium and baths and kitches aren't like they are in the states. the first apartment Merlot is owned by the owners of Paris Perfect. They live in London and at the Paris apartment. I am guessing they do eat in, so they must not have a problem with the kitchen. and yes, while grand hotels do have beautiful luxurious bathrooms - they don't have kitchens. you have to pay a pretty penny for each coke or cup of coffee or glass of water you drink. staying in an apt. frees you from all those roomservice bills.
I would love to write something that you would enjoy for once. Care to suggest a topic? seriously. would you like to send me your portfolio to show here? I would love to do that - it would make for a great story. Or just suggest a topic. think about it.
quelle belle...merci joni...
ReplyDeleteJoni,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Our family of 5 prefers apt. or home rentals to hotels for all of the reasons mentioned. These apts. are gorgeous and I love the high-end finishes of the kitchens and baths. Thank you for the link to their website. I just perused their blog about Paris.
With all due respect to anon's comments earlier. You do not go to Paris for a bath and amenities! Are you kidding me? I would sleep on the streets to be able to back to that city!!!
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, drying laundry while cooking is certainly not a design first. Most kitchens in the country in England and many other European cities have the laundry in the kitchen. It is a space thing!
Anon, there you go, raising your ugly head again so early today. Since you obviously have not spent much time, if any, in Paris, let me explain how it works. Lots of us like to go to Paris and live like a local in an apartment. Unless you are a multimillionaire, space is at a precious premium. Yes, the clothes dryer, and washer (which sometimes are one unique machine) are often in the kitchen. The utilities are already in that room and it's not easy in a building that's around 200 years old to reroute these things; nor is it always allowed by the building rules. Europeans are very clever at fitting everything you need into a small space. You are not very clever. Or nice. Or smart. I think you have invented most of the stuff you have said about yourself. I doubt that you even have the house you have alluded to in the past and you have probably never been to Paris or stayed in that luxery hotel you mention. Put down the junk food, open your small mind and get out into the world.
ReplyDeleteIt would be silly to go to Paris and want a big kitchen to cook in.
ReplyDeleteOh Joni! Thanks for taking us on a beautiful trip to Paris! Very inspirational. I'm furnishing an empty bedroom now, and I think I'll take on the red-check look of the first place. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSheila, Sheila, speaking of raising an ugly head again, you have raised another body part I won't bother to mention.
ReplyDeleteI have traveled Europe extensively, been to Paris, several times, Provence, the Ardeche,(you know where all that beautiful mustard grows in the spring or maybe you don't), the wine regions and the Riviera. More than half of my family live in Europe and are European nationals and yes, I have stayed in luxury hotels numerous times. I am so sorry these facts seem to irk you.
None of my family in Europe live in apartments; however, I stand by my observation that the kitchens of the ones shown here are virtually non functional except for snacks and light breakfast. You would have to be highly unenlightened to even believe that a clothes dryer mounted under a cooktop is the norm even for a small Paris apartment.
There are numerous people who love to rent properties in France and shop the local fresh markets for a lot of their food because they happen to love to cook, love French food and want to have an experience as close to being a resident as might be possible. These tourists may be more inclined to rent a house given these pictures. Others take a more traditional vacation making use of the many varied and interesting eating experiences offered when traveling.
If anyone needs to get out in the world I believe you qualify Shelia since most of your travel experience seems to be in photographs posted on this site of Paris Perfect. Stop showing your naivete.
After years of staying in hotels in Paris, mostly at the Hotel D'Angleterre on rue Jacob , we rented an apartment from Paris Perfect on rue Grennelle and rue Cler.
ReplyDeleteIt was ... well ... Perfect :) and now we are hooked, no more hotels.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnon. 2:08, of course you don't go to Paris to spend time in the bath or to cook for that matter. Most of the better hotels, particularly the European ones, have for some reason very luxurious sized bathrooms. It really is nice when staying in one hotel for a week at a time to really have a place to spread out and store all of your necessities rather than in some of the bathroom photos here where you barely have room to turn around and reach for a hair dryer.
ReplyDeleteYes hotels are expensive and eating in the hotel restaurants is generally at a premium. However, one is not forced to eat at the hotel, nor buy their cokes and water there. Living in a hotel forces you out to explore a variety of eating experiences. This is not about right or wrong, it is about preference. I just happen to prefer not drying my clothes while scrambling eggs. Seems a bit strange for me. That one can do laundry in a kitchen is fine. The strangeness here is that one is doing it under the stove.
Joni,
ReplyDeleteyou've showed us a lovely post, and I am SO sorry that you have commenters who are so negative- like Mr Anon- I would appreciate if he would actually tell us his name by the way- but that is another matter.It's easy to be critical and hurtful to others ( like to Sheila) and to people who put a lot of time and energy into writing a blog post ( like to Joni and others ) . I think the apartments are lovely.I love cooking and the kitchens may be small, but Paris is full of lovely and exciting little restuarants, waiting to be discovered.
Anon- I do beg you to be nicer to others! Do not do to others, what you would not like to happen to yourself!Think before you write !
Many thanks in advance.
Bea
Mr. Anon- the world traveler anon -
ReplyDeleteI finally realized why you post all your negative comments here - because i am probably the only design blog that lets your negative posts stand. i know most blogs don't even accept anon posts, much less post negative ones. so, i'm so glad you have found a platform here for all your vitriol. so, enjoy. can't believe it took me so long to realize that you troll here only because no one else will let you troll.
my offer stands- why not offer a topic you would like to read about - and i'll try to accomadate you. i'd love to make you happy just one time! or send me your portfolio and i'll publish it.
Anon 10:55......words to consider....
ReplyDelete"Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
Not much you write here inspires anyone.
Thanks Joni for the interesting post.
To the other anonymous:
ReplyDeleteI don’t like Joni’s style of decorating and I have made my feelings clear. That being said your comments regarding these apartments sound malicious and spiteful. But opinions are like a**holes as they say: everyone has one.
Not everyone can afford to stay at the Hotel Lancaster where rates range from $750.00 a night to $3,300.00 a night (without breakfast). As a matter of fact in this economy many can’t even dream of actually taking a trip to Paris right now. Joni’s post was just an attempt to let us all enjoy some before and after photos of some lovely little Pied- a- terre’s in Paris.
Your comments make you sound like a pompous ahole.
Cheers,
Another Anonymous
Joni, what upsets you the most is that someone shows up to comment who is well traveled and not overly impressed by your Paris Perfect post.
ReplyDeleteSo your fan club gets in cue to rally because someone dares suggest that these kitchens would not be particularly convenient if one's objective was to actually cook. A simple opinion is deemed malicious because it doesn't comport with the status quo. How small and how utterly sad. I would not be proud of this readership if I were you. No one suggested that these were not lovely apartments, conveniently located and perfectly appropriate for someone to stay in. It was only suggested that the kitchens, except for the kitchen of the Atlanta art gallery owners, were not well thought out. Even the Atlanta owners had a kitchen sink that by most observations would be considered no more than a bar sink. The pictures speak for themselves. I didn't take nor post the pictures, you did. Your readers can't put one plus one together and come up with two. That's not malicious on my part. Perhaps they should be better readers and put their emotional baggage aside.
It seems to me that you have raised a brood of impudent, illiterate and mindless children who fall in line with you lock step without a shred of independent thought. How very sad.
Anon-the male, id anon
ReplyDeleteI never ever used the word malicous. that was the other anon - the woman, non id. so be mad at her!
i just tried to point out why someone would rather rent an apt. than a hotel room, regardless of the bathroom's size. you sound a little defensive here.
and again. i only ask that readers try to be kind when talking about guests here. don't say anything you wouldn't say to the their face, that's all. PP asked me if i wanted to post more pictures of their apartments and i was thrilled to because the readers, for the most part, really like the Atlanta apartment. I thought they might want to see more redos from the same company. Again, since you like to troll here - I ask to give some suggestions yourself of what you might be interesting in seeing. I get suggestions all the time from readers. Why not you? You are, besides the other anon, the most critical of my blog - help me make it better. Truthfully, it's hard to think of things to post - I love suggestions.
Are you this critical and anal in real life??? just wondering!
Joni
Joni,
ReplyDeleteIt's time. Pull the plug and delete Anonymous above and give us all some respect. If this person were in my class (yes, I am a teacher), there is no way I'd tolerate this kind of behavior. What is to be gained?
I don't toe the line or kiss up on this blog. I am here to listen to intelligent comments -- critical commentary (I teach argumentative writing, fyi) is way different from the kind of rhetoric this writer uses. And I am here to add something constructive to the conversation.
But I will opt to quit visiting the blog if this kind of banter continues.
Joni, lets go to the paris apartments and cook in the kitchens and prove that it can be done. Next week is good for me or the week after or as a mater of fact any week will be fine.
ReplyDeletecherie,just ignore.I'm trying to find out topics he would like to read. it's hard thinking up new topics day after day and I"m always looking for suggestions. Since he is the most unsatisfied - i'm thinking he would have some new ideas. ???? maybe,maybe not. I get lots of suggestions from readers which I really appreciate. Some I take, a few I don't. It's not the writing that's hard, it's the thinking up of something to write about!!!! Just ignore it if it truly upsets you. I think he made a valid point about the size of the sink. not sure how you even wash a pan or pot in something so small? haha!! but i doubt that many who go to Paris for a week or two really do much at home cooking. I would think most were going out to eat the fine cuisine. I may be wrong though, who knows?
ReplyDeleteMary Beth: i don't need to go = i seriously doubt that sink is very functional! i'll bet everything goes into the dishwasher without prewashing!!!!!!
I have not traveled abroad, and have never considered Paris to be so very very appealing until my wife and I recently saw the movie, "Midnight in Paris"! My what a beautiful place to visit! Not sure I'll ever get to go, but it is certainly one for the "Bucket LIst"! Thanks for the post, Joni!
ReplyDeleteJoni please don't change anything about the way you write your blog; it's great and we all know it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the size of the sinks in those apartments, well, those kitchens are small and the sink is sized accordingly. It's actually so amazing what they fit in such a small space. The apartments have everything you could need. I could prepare a delicious meal in one of those kitchens, no problem! And they're so beautiful. Actually, I could really just move in! I was planning on using ParisPerfect for a fall trip, but unfortunately since some of the siding on my house is failing, and the cost to replace it is astronomical, I can't really make the trip at this time.
And yes, Anon, I do enjoy reading about ParisPerfect and everything else Joni writes about because I like her taste. You can't really hurt me because I could get down and dirty with your below the belt tactics if I wanted to, but it isn't really suitable here.
I love the Merlot Apt. Next time we plan to be in Paris I'll to see if its available. We always stay in hotels so this would be a different experience for us. Thanks for the information.
ReplyDelete~Emily
The French Hutch
love seeing these apartments and I love to see blue checks or any checks being used..(yea, I know you covered up yours Joni, but at least you still have them..which, btw, the new look is gorgeous..)..but I always associate chicks with French decor...and FYI, remodels are always great topics to write about..and any before and after is fabulous..so this post was right on!!!
ReplyDeletebest,
maureen
Lovely! There is nothing like Paris. I can only imagine the price tag. The before apartments probably sold for $1-1.5 million. And the after . . . OMG - $2.5 to $3million because of the Eiffel Tower views. I'm sure they will recoup all expenses renting these out. Who doesn't want to wake up to a view of the Eiffel Tower.
ReplyDeleteNora
Albuquerque
Joni, thanks again for your post. It's another page for my "Paris Folder". And all that other stuff - on ignore. I read every post of your's and enjoy it so much. I have found there are people that like to think they know more - seems to me they are just out to validate their own inflated ego. So, Joni, I'm reading, learning and enjoying. Thanks for your time and efforts.
ReplyDeleteBeth in Houston
Dear Joni
ReplyDeleteThank you for your inspiring and entertaining blog. It has renewed my interest in/faith in decorating and through your top 10 designers post, introduced me to some fantastic American designers who were totally new to me. I bought the Michael S Smith and Suzanne Rheinstein books because of your blog and I've read them over and over.
I love furnishing with antiques, whereas most of the modern decorating in this country is minimal and modernist.
If you are looking for inspiration for a future post, I would love one on dressing rooms and master bathrooms. Mine are due for a remodel and no doubt you have some fabulous photos in your archives!
Best wishes
English Rose
Well, here goes my first comment on a blog. I originally joined 2 weeks ago just because I wanted to be able to thank Joni for her very generous sharing of her decorating acumen. You don't make us guess what color, what material, or what window shades you prefer, you tell all. I am at the start of a very big redo, moved into my fiance's bachelor house, (World of Recliners!) and this has been a wonderful source for me. For example, I loved your living redo but gray is just not my color, and then you shared that beautiful color you used for your friend's redo. I do have a favor to ask, the name of the checked material before the Duralee white. (Learned about Duralee and Bennison from you ;) ) Oh, and now I'm lusting for a French Barometer, I keep trolling the aisles at TJ Maxx for one.
ReplyDeleteAs for today's post, I am very impressed that Anon is able to afford a hotel room in Paris with a large bathroom. The one's I've stayed in, as we say in the south,'aren't big enough to swing a cat'. The only thing I wish they would but in their bathrooms is a shower curtain instead of those tiny glass screens. By the time I'm through my slippers are floating in the floor. Wow! Had a lot to say for a first timer. Thanks again Joni!
Joni,
ReplyDeletePlease delete the nasty anonymous comments, or stop allowing them all together. Engaging Anonymous only adds fuel to his/her fire. This is your blog. You have the right to decide what will or won't see the light of day on it. I would love for this blog to return to what it was when I first started reading it -- an interesting and thoughtful commentary on design.
Kristi
Joni, These partments show that one can live small and elegantly! I would love any of these as a "retirement" apartment( in US or anywhere else), easy to keep clean and yet still lovely enough to entertain. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great reminder that one doesn't need a mc mansion to live a life surrounded by beauty.-linda,ny
p.s .I spent the first seven years of newlywed life in a teeny tiny NYC apartment with a half refrigerator( like kids today take to college),no dishwasher, a bar sink and two burner stove. I cooked amazing meals there.
ReplyDelete-linda
Joni,
ReplyDeleteI discovered your blog two years ago and have been avidly reading your posts ever since. I love your taste in interior design and wouldn't want you to change a thing.
If you want ideas for posts, I would like to see you feature some master bathrooms. I'm starting a redo on a budget but would like some ideas that can be replicated by a willing do-it- yourselfer!
Please don't let the anonymous comments get to you, just delete them without a thought.
By the way, I have loved seeing these charming Paris apartments.
Thanks for all you do!
Cindy
Cindy - after the kitchen series, I was thinking either family rooms or master bedrooms! So yes, si will probably show them in the future. In the meantime - try decorpad and pinterest for great pictures of master bedrooms!!!
ReplyDeleteBunnie - thanks! I think you are askig about the checks from Chelsea Editions. I love their checks. But all the English fabric cos. make beautiful checks, imo.
Sheila - hang in there! thanks for being a good sport.
OK = next series will be master bedrooms. after the kitchens, which I have gotten a lot of those, so it may be a little while.
Thanks for all your great comments. Much appreciated.
Joni
I would love to see a post on storge. Attractive, or hidden, or creative storage. Just storage. The bane of my existence is stuff and where to put it! Loved this post and the fact the kitchens are small never crossed my mind. I am going for the food, cherie!
ReplyDeleteI remember a reference in one of your post to you and your mother pouring over the latest design mags that showed up in the mail and how you would study the details of each and every article.
ReplyDeleteWhile you have covered a lot of material in your top ten design elements which have been educational and informative, I would like for you to research and write occasionally about what I would refer to as the infrastructure of the design industry - trends in color, textiles, furniture, wallcoverings, plumbing, appliances, lighting, antiques, layout, etc. These are the subjects that would help your readers stay current as well as for those building homes or remodeling to see how these latest products are being used decoratively.
Joni, I am with the others who believe it's time to pull the plug on anon. You are giving him way too much power. There is nothing you can do that will please this person.
ReplyDeleteWith respect to Paris kitchens, Ina Garten has a great one in Paris complete with full size stove, double sink and dishwasher. It can be done.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, the comments! You have presented wonderful alternatives to Parisian hotels, Joni, which just keep getting more and more expensive. These kitchens would be just fine for the limited cooking most Parisian visitors do; serious foodies will go rent a house in province (that is, outside of Paris) with a massive kitchen full of copper pots!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for these beautiful and interesting pictures - I love to see the amazing transformations. I especially like the artworks in the dining room of the Merlot Appartement. Do you know where so buy those or similar ones? Thanks,Mina
ReplyDeleteOMG! I just caught on about some of these negative comments on your blog. Joni, I love your blog. No one is expecting anyone to be able to afford any of this stuff. For many it is just dreams. But you post of the best of dreams. I have decorated my middle-class townhouse using your guidance and your blog. I have learned so much from you.
ReplyDeleteHeck, I've been to Paris, several times, mostly for work -- yes, sometimes you just have to take one for the team, and have stayed in gorgeous hotels, and also in the ones where you just get itchy. Who cares, it's Paris. And, if you stay in an authentic Parisian/French hotel - the bathrooms are small. In authentic French kitchens, the sink is small and you can do laundry while you cook. And you can cook amazing meals on a small two-burner electric cooktop. I've done it many times. I even cooked a fabulous, authentic New Mexican dinner in this tiny, tiny apt. in Paris for 20 people! We were stretched out into the hallway and half way down the staircase. I always travel with my New Mexican spices. We go through withdrawal if we don't have it at least three times a week.
Nora
Albuquerque
Already found the Knife/Fork/Spoon Artworks - at allposters.com
ReplyDeletexx, Mina
The apartments are just lovely! In fall 2009, my husband and I stayed in The Sancerre. The combination washing machine/dryer did not pose any problems for us as we did not cook and wash clothing at the same time but if we had, it wouldn't have made a difference. We (my husband) only cooked dinner in the apartment one night as we found so many wonderful foods at the Rue Cler market and we were exhausted from walking the entire day. We had a romantic evening watching the lights of the Eiffel twinkle. Although we had no intention of doing laundry, having a washing machine/dryer is convenient for removing wrinkles, etc. I would choose an apartment over a hotel any day (with the exception of The Ritz, of course!).
ReplyDeleteMost Paris apartments are very small so it does make sense somewhat that the small combination is in the kitchen.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post! We can't wait to go back!!
xoxo, B
Nora, there certainly must be some culinary arts award out there for you or you should be the next Food Network Star to have cooked a meal for twenty on a two burner cooktop and one tiny oven. Seriously, you actually took Mexican spices to France? What a bastardization of the French culture I must say.
ReplyDeleteI presume you used the clothes dryer to circulate your wet rice after spinning it in the washer to rid it of excess starch and if the heat was on high enough, who knows you may have actually cooked it. I suppose one can throw twenty tacos together on one burner and some chicken and corn on the other. It all sounds like something one would write home mother about. New Mexican??? Seriously, is that the old stuff turned new with a green card?
My family stayed in 2 (http://beauxmondesdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/01/under-weather-in-paris.html) and (http://beauxmondesdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/01/bienvenue-tablescape-jeudi-de-cotes-du.html)of Paris Perfect's apartment and found the kitchens perfect for cooking all our meals. We shopped the nearby Rue Cler market almost every late afternoon for fresh ingredients to be prepared at home. My partner Dan is a great cook and enjoyed this part of our vacation the most. We found both kitchens equipped for a great home cook meal. Great post Joni!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of renting an apartment for a stay in Paris. We stayed in a beautiful hotel, but there's nothing quite like having the space of these images. Crazy about the antique marble bowls from London used as sinks...fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteHe's just mean!!!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Well, Anon, apparently you have never been to Taos or Santa Fe thereby never having been asked that all important question; "Red or green?"
ReplyDeleteI was in Paris a few years ago and rented from Paris Perfect! We had the most amazing time and loved our apartment. We had a view of the Eiffel Tower from our living room and it was such a treat to see it light up each night. Dreaming of going back soon!
ReplyDeleteI think your comments section is the most varied and interesting in blogland. Thanks for not homogenizing it.
ReplyDeleteAs for Paris, never been and I don't plan on going but it's an interesting read to see their apartments.
Really Joni I agree with some of the other bloggers, quit fueling his fire.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, I understand what the term "red or green" means having been to Colorado and Utah where New Mexican has now become very popular in some areas.
ReplyDeletecharming apartments!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful. Views of the Eiffel Tower? What a chance!
ReplyDeleteYou always get the scoop on the most interesting posts Joni! I love that purple and yellow room!
ReplyDeletex
Maria
Oh my! I am saddened by the vitriol slinging in this blog as of late. My escape and guilty pleasure is to get lost in the world of design blogs. If I wanted to read or be a part of cat fighting and bitchy-ness, I could turn on any chanel where reality TV prevails. That is why I do not watch TV!
ReplyDeletePlease abstain from venting your negativity. It ruins it for all of us.
Wow, fantastic tour Joni.
ReplyDeleteMy apology. My previous comment was directed to the anon commentators. The negativity is not constructive, it's just mean spirited.
ReplyDeleteHi Joni and your readers!
ReplyDeleteI just read the comments and boy do you have a creep creeping around! The internet police are threatening to have it impossible to be Anon anymore so soon that critic will have to reveal him or herself or just go away. I like a little tension but this person has problems or they wouldn't say stuff like that you shouldn't be proud of your readership or a brood of impudent, illiterate and mindless children. That's just weird and who cares what 'trends or colors' are forecasted as he/she said they'd like to read about!?
As for the apartments, I'm friends with the owners of Paris Perfect and have shot the apartments for my blog and stayed in many of them including these.
The designer and owner thinks about ever color, decoration and placement whether it's an objet d'art or the washing machine.
The internet always works and at the same time there are movies, books and tour guides in the apartments and you can curl up in any corner and dream.
Block anons, they take all the fun out of life!
When renovating an old home, key antique elements must be retained. Here, antique fittings ended up in the dustbin... along with the charm of these flats. Gone are the espagnolettes and typical oval door handles. Did the owners even think about that?
ReplyDeleteLiving in Paris means being part of 2000 years of history. The buildings pictured in this entry were clearly built before 1918. For 100 years they remained intact. Until...
Guys, do repect the skills, hard work and aesthetics of past generations. People come and go, homes should stay.
I am still stuck back at "sold the porcelain stove"
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the article, quite effective information.
ReplyDeleteVery modern looking microwave
ReplyDeleteIf I wanted to read or be a part of cat fighting and bitchy-ness, I could turn on any channel where reality TV prevails.
ReplyDeletebeach walk condo | beachwalk condominiums | beachwalk
Joni
ReplyDeleteI have been to Paris about 5 times and i agree a french bagette and a
bottle of bordaux with some lovely french cheese is all u need when staying
at Paris Perfect .
Remodel #2 of the first apartment was excellent! I wonder if it looks that nice in person, and if it has worn well.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
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ReplyDelete