COTE DE TEXAS: READERS KITCHEN SERIES #7 - INSPIRED BY A FRENCH HOTEL!

READERS KITCHEN SERIES #7 - INSPIRED BY A FRENCH HOTEL!

 

 

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L’Hotel Particulier

 

I received pictures for the kitchen series from a homeowner who kitchen’s renovation was inspired by the French boutique hotel L’Hotel Particulier.  This small boutique hotel is located in the south of France in Arles, whose most famous resident was Vincent Van Gogh.   The homeowner had stayed at the hotel and loved their original kitchen so much, she used elements of it in her own kitchen’s reno.   Once the reader mentioned this hotel, I was intrigued enough to research it on the internet (of course!)  Looking at their web site, I realized I had seen before – it’s actually quite a popular vacation spot with Americans and I’m sure many of you have probably stayed there before. The romantic hotel is located off a cobbled street, behind tall black doors.  Madame, the owner, bought and renovated several historical 18th century buildings that now link together around a courtyard, creating "L’ Hotel Particulier.  The main part of the hotel was once a private home.   If you plan to visit, make sure you have reservations – the hotel only has 13 guestrooms!

Upon arriving at L’ Hotel Particulier, heavy front doors open unto the verdant courtyard where an original stone staircase leads to the guestrooms and terrace.  The hotel was remodeled a few years ago, and today its décor is all white with gilt touches.   Their web site doesn’t allow pictures, so when trying to find others on the internet, I came across the beautiful blog, Glamour Begins At Home, written by Katherine, who had actually spent a vacation there.  She graciously allowed me to borrow her beautiful pictures, which showed the old, original kitchen.   Seeing the black and white kitchen, I can understand why the reader was inspired by it.  Even Katherine, the blogger, said she would love to recreate it. 

So, let’s look at pictures of the hotel first, and then we’ll visit the latest addition to the Readers Kitchens Series!

 

 

 

 

 

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L’Hotel Particulier – is located down this charming street.

 

 

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You enter through the double black doors that lead to a courtyard.

 

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Inside the black doors you head through the courtyard, which is set up for outdoor meals around the pool.

 

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The pool is located behind the dining tables.

 

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Looking at the courtyard from a second floor guestroom.

 

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And at night when all the lanterns are lit with candles.

 

 

 

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Another view of the courtyard poolside.  Notice the Santos in the stone wall’s niche.

 

 

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To the left of that same Santos, is the old, original stone stairs that led to the terrace and the guest rooms.

 

 

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The main salon has an beautiful limestone mantel, with an assortment of antique candlesticks.  Notice the gilt candlesticks turned into lamps.  Antiques bought by Madame are found throughout the hotel.e

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Decorated in all white, French doors lead out to the courtyard.  You can see the stone staircase through the windows.

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The floors are the original tiles.  In this area, antique gilt and iron sconces light the room.

 

 

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Leading into the restaurant, a large grisaille drawing hangs behind an antique console.

 

 

 

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The restaurant is all in white and gold.    Old black and white movies are screened against the white mantel.  Beautiful gilt antique settee!

 

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Another view of the beautiful restaurant.  Sooo romantic.

 

 

 

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On this side of the restaurant, there is another large grisaille drawing and gilt console.

 

 

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Night view overlooking the courtyard.

 

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Inside, stone steps lead to the guestrooms and terrace.

 

 

 

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Private areas lead off the guestrooms onto the terrace.

 

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Each of the 13 guestrooms is decorated differently.  This canopy is draped in white linen.

 

 

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Another view of the same hotel room shows the beautiful antique fireplace and antique gilt chair.  That mantel is to die for!

 

 

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Another view shows the grisaille drawing on the left of the bed.  Charming crystal sconces flank the bed.

 

 

 

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Another room, with antique furniture and a grisaille drawing.

 

 

 

 

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Double doors lead into this room with a rustic beamed ceiling.

 

 

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This white bedroom has a beautiful antique armoire and a lone painting in a gilt frame.  Again, gilt candlestick lamp with simple white shade.  Perfection!

 

 

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Through French doors, this guestroom leads to the terrace.

 

 

 

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Charming bathroom with vintage tub.

 

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Two gilt wood mirrors reflect each other in this bathroom.

 

 

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Another view of the private areas outside some of the guestrooms.  Notice the charming original tiled roof.

 

 

 

 

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And finally, the original kitchen with its black and white painted cabinets.  Notice above the left side cabinets – the row of Santos under cloches.

 

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The island is set with glass cake plates and antique candlesticks.  A large double farmsink sits atop the counter.

 

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Looking the other direction – towards the main salon.  Notice the antique rugs and the beautiful, old wood doors.

 

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This picture, taken by the homeowner,  shows the raised, beamed ceiling and lantern along with the collection of white ironstone above the cabinets.

 

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And finally, under these cabinets, a beautiful collection of black tole and chinoiserie trays.  Above is a collection of hotel silver. 

 

Now that we’ve visited this very beautiful and charming hotel, let’s take a peek at the reader’s kitchen who, after visiting L’ Hotel Particulier, got inspiration for her own renovated kitchen.

 

First, the BEFORE pictures!

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The kitchen was stuck in an 80’s time warp, though there were new stainless appliances.   The house is a beautiful 1920’s English Tudor located in Mission Hill, Kansas.  The ceiling was low and the cabinets dated back from a previous remodeling done years ago.

 

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The breakfast room off the kitchen.  You can definitely tell the homeowner loves French design.

 

AFTER:

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What a huge difference!!!   The homeowner copied the black and white cabinets from L’ Hotel Particulier – in reverse!  She painted the upper cabinets white, while the bottom ones are black.  Just like in the hotel, she used lanterns over her island.  The ceiling was raised, like in the hotel,  with beams added – here painted dark to match molding in the rest of the house.  White marble is on the countertops and backsplash.  The wall between the kitchen and breakfast area was also enlarged to create better flow and a better visual.

 

 

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Looking the other direction, you can see the new French doors painted black.  The stove sits under a wood mantel with the marble backsplash.   So beautiful and warm.  The walls are painted white, just as they are at the hotel.    The homeowner bought the poster over the stove in France during one of her visits there.

 

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The breakfast room was also completely redone, with new furniture, cabinetry, and a beautiful light fixture. 

 

 

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New cabinets was built in the place of the previous ones – and a new casement window was added.  The chairs have the scalloped back detailing similar to those in the hotel restaurant.

 

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Along the side wall is a reproduction of the antique map of Paris – framed in six pieces.  White ironstone, in another nod to the Hotel sits as the centerpiece on the table.

 

The lesson here is – you never know where you might find inspiration for your own house.  The homeowner visited L’ Hotel Particulier and fell in love with the original kitchen there.  She took photographs to document it – knowing she was about to remodel her own.  The main elements of that kitchen – black and white cabinetry was used in this kitchen, though reversed – which was the right choice.  She also took inspiration from the high, beamed ceiling and lantern – along with accessories, like the white ironstone.   Instead of having glass in her cabinets, the casement windows with mullions recreates that look. 

Most important to remember– never leave your camera at home! 

A huge thank you to our homeowner who graciously let us take a peek into her new kitchen, and another huge thanks to blogger Katherine of Glamour Begins At Home who allowed me to use her beautiful pictures of L’ Hotel Particulier.  To read her blog story on the hotel, go HERE.

To visit L’ Hotel Particulier, go HERE.

 

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I show such much of Pamela Pierce’s work – because I absolutely love it!  I’m always looking at her work for inspiration – especially the way she has her slipcovers made, which I think are the prettiest in the world!   If you are from Houston, Hien Lam is an upholsterer who makes some of the best slips around.   One element Pam utilizes frequently are Santos, beautiful old saints and angels from Italian and Spanish Catholic Churches.   The older they are the better – the more arm broken off – the best.   Here, you can see she used two very large Santos in this dining room.  She also likes to use putti or baby angels, and hang them from the walls.  While the Santos that Pierce uses are antique and rather pricey, there are great reproductions on the market for those that want the look without paying a big price tag.

 

 

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In my daughter Elisabeth’s bedroom, I use a large angel that truly is one of the focal points of her room!  Even though I am the WRONG religion to be having angels and Santos, I just like the way they look – without the religious connation.  After all, what harm could a beautiful angel can bring?  I need all the good luck I can get!!  I found this angel at a local store that I adore – Olivine, located in the Rice Village. 

 

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And, another great source for beautiful Santos and angels is Eleanor Brown Boutique – a new sponsor on Cote de Texas.  I was thrilled to have them join us because their merchandise goes so well with the look I try to show here on the blog.

 

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If you are in the market for Santos or angels or Milagros or jewelry or crowns or décor items for the house – be sure to visit her online store HERE

 

 

 

 

 

51 comments :

  1. Quite possibly my favorite kitchen of the series thusfar, though all of the kitchens you've shown have been spectacular.

    This kitchen has a real traditional sort of beauty to it, and I die for the layout. What a joy to have so much space?!

    Plus - it's decorated beautifully, and they have natural woodwork - so those sorts of photos always get my two thumbs up because they provide me with direct inspiration.

    We're working on our kitchen through the winter and early 2012. Maybe when I'm all done you can show it here!? I can assure you it's a BUDGET reno for sure.

    xo,
    A

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  2. Wonderful job, Homeowner, on your kitchen! Love the Arles kitchen too; my favorite is still La Mirande in Avignon, but this hotel kitchen is also very charming.

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  3. I am drooling over the hotel...my heart is still back up there lost somewhere in those spectacular pictures, WOW! What an inspiration, not hard to figure out why and how she was so inspired. She did a spectacular job..obviously I am a big big fan of the black and cream colored kitchen combo wtih loads of white marble.....French perfection in my book. I love what she did...talk about a serious transformation....really fabulous.
    Thank you both so much for sharing:)

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  4. I agree with Artie. I got so much inspiration and great ideas from this post. First of all, love love love the Hotel l'Particulier and all the photos.
    Having just recently installed the Calacatta Oro, I'm now trying to figure out the backsplash and whether to paint my bottom cabinets black! I love that look as it really sets off the marble. Then leave the uppers and floor to ceiling cabinets white. This kitchen is exactly the look I want! Thanks for posting!

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  5. I noticed a few things that were sleek, simple and modern paired with the ornate French antiques and I really love that tension in design.
    Also, I have an antique Jesu from a creche and this has inspired me to display it somehow. It was not particularly precious growing up, as I always played with "my little baby Jesus".

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  6. Ok...I seriously just got lost in this post. The photographs of the hotel re amazing.
    The kitchen transformation is amazing! Can't believe it and I LOVE it.
    Have a great week, Joni.
    Terea
    xoxo

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  7. This has to be one of my all time favorite kitchens ever. It is simply stunning. If you look closely, you will see that the homeowner kept the chairs from the previous kitchen but changed the dining table. Thank you for yet another wonderful post!

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  8. This homeowner did a great job. Love the transformation. That hotel is just divine! Some gorgeous images to drool over here!

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  9. Great transformation! It is really helpful to see the hotel that served as the inspiration. Gorgeous. The homeowner did an excellent job of translating the feel into her own space. Love your kitchen series, especially when you show us the "before."

    Thanks for the tips on the santos. Love that element in the P. Pierce houses.

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  10. Jaw-dropping! I have nothing else to say.

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  11. Beautiful kitchen makeover. I love the blue drapes in your daughter's bedroom. Are they silk? Can you name the source?
    I am new to your blog and enjoying it tremendously.
    Thank you.

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  12. Stunning! Magazine worthy! The black cabinets bring a weight and richness to the room, and yes, set off the marble so beautifully. LOVE the dining area! Thanks for sharing!

    Jennifer

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  13. Joni, thank you for your generous comments and the opportunity to share this beautiful place.
    The hotel offers inspiration in every corner, it is elegant and charming. Did I mention the incredible food ... They have a very talented chef as well.

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  14. Hey, there are plenty of references to angels in the Old Testament!

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  15. The next time we’re in France we’re staying at L’Hotel Particular! What a stunning place to visit and the readers kitchen turned out so well I absolutely love it, one of my favorites to date. She did a beautiful job recreating her kitchen. As for Pamela Pierce’s projects you may show those all day long and I’ll never get tired of seeing her work!

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  16. Isn't it amazing to feel and see others inspirations? I think it's so interesting to analyze someone's take on what they see.

    She did a tremendous job! Love it!

    Have a blessed weekend,

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  17. I loved this post. Both the original hotel kitchen and the Kansas renovation were fabulous. I love the black and white--it is so fresh.

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  18. Fabulous. The hotel had me at those big black doors. Amazing job on the kitchen re-do. Raising the kitchen ceiling and adding the big beams really made a difference. What got me about the hotel kitchen was the narrow galley-like space with the beautiful serving pieces, cloches, Santos, and candlesticks chock-a-block with the range and the sink. I loved the charm of that, but what does it look like when the chef's at work? (And how do they keep everything clean - especially those glass cloches?) If I didn't see the range in there, I'd think it was a butler's pantry or serving area. There was a lot more prep space in the homeowner's kitchen than the hotel's (unless there's an area we're not seeing). Funny. Why do we Americans want such giant kitchens? (I'm not speaking of the homeowner here.) Since I have a galley kitchen with high glass cabinets, I found this French hotel example to be particularly inspiring. And those tall wood doors from the kitchen to the salon - heavenly. Thanks to you both for sharing.

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  19. My husband had to come check on me...he heard "so much sighing!" This is s p l e n d o r! There is so much beauty it is overwhelming.
    Merci!!! franki

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  20. This was an incredible blog post! Thanks so much for sharing it! I've been "toying" with the idea of painting my cabinets black and now this may have just been the decision maker! This was beautiful and I LOVE the fact that she was inspired by such a fabulous place! I am NEVER without my camera now! Especially when I'm constantly looking for wonderful finds for my shop!
    Thanks again for the post!
    Carolyn Bradford

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  21. This is an amazing post.
    The homeowner did a fabulous job on
    her kitchen.
    It is even better than the
    hotel kitchen, which is wonderful. The hotel knows how to create atmosphere- you just want to step into that world! Thanks so much!
    Barbara

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  22. Oh my ... love love love everything. The homeowners take on the kitchen is spectacular. Mush more user friendly and love the black cabinets on the bottom. Just seems to be a better balance. And Joni, your daughters's room is gorgeous. I've had 15 yards of blue silk hanging out in the basement for 20 years and I'm now motivated to "get her done"!

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  23. Not enough words to say how wonderful this hotel is.
    Your holiday can't go wrong if you stay in a place like this and this also in a wonderful city like Arles. Will try to stay there when next time in the area. Great website they have with sublime images. Thanks for this beautiful post.
    Johan

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  24. In my dreams I am checking airfare to France to stay at this beautiful hotel. I love the transformation of the homeowner's kitchen. I am completely jealous of the raised ceiling and beams, just beautiful! Wonderful and inspiring job and post.

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  25. Marvelous post! Seeing that elegant hotel and how the homeowner transformed her rooms so beautifully was a treat.

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  26. I WOULD LOVE to stay in that hotel! Beautiful slipcovered chair in your daughter's room. Such workmanship!

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  27. Joni - Your content is better than the magazines! Seeing the hotel was a treat and you reader's kitchen transformation is gorgeous. Love the look of lanterns in a kitchen.

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  28. Seriously Joni, you have the most amazing posts and readers. What a great kitchen. Bravo!
    pve

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  29. Black and white is just my cup of tea and this kitchen is stunning. Love every single element in this beautifully appointed kitchen, Thank you so much for sharing. I too love angels, they always draw me in when I see one. Elizabeth has a beautiful angel in her room, Kathysue

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  30. Tons of charm and character. Thanks Joni - you always teach and inspire me!

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  31. I love that I am reading here about the most gorgeous hotel just minutes from where I am... I didn't know it so thank you Joni... lucky you are in the know! Happy weekend... xv

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  32. The Kansas take on the French hotel's kitchen is spot on. So lovely and inviting. Of course, the hotel is amazing. I love Elizabeth's room. The bedding and curtains are so luxurious. I just went to Eleanor Brown's website and ordered a few things. I have an old santo adorned with milagros that I love, so her site speaks to me.
    Thanks for another inspiring post, Joni.
    Best...Victoria

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  33. WOW... what a beautiful kitchen/breakfast room!! Normally I love all white kitchens, but this is the first that I truly appreciate the black used throughout. The homeowner did a fabulous job with the renovation! And the hotel in France.... don't get me started!!!

    Kat

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  34. Swoon
    Swoon
    Swoon
    for L'Hotel P.

    Congratulations to the reader on her beautiful renovation - well done!

    Thanks to Miss Joni -
    for always bringing us such deliciousness !

    judith

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  35. Love the gardens of the hotel!

    Your reader did such a wonderful job with her kitchen and the black cabinets are so current looking.

    thanks for the trip to Paris Joni!

    best, kelley

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  36. I love your blog, and am slowly accumulating pieces of a similar style (I'm ridiculously picky). I am wondering if you have a recommendation for a custom wood furniture maker in Houston? I've seen a media cabinet that I like, but alas the finish is all wrong. Any words of wisdom you could offer would be greatly appreciated!!

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  37. My heart is aching -- I want to go back to France! This Hotel Particulier is so much nicer than the cupboard masquerading as a hotel room where I ended up in Paris a couple months ago. L'Hotel Particulier is going on my Travel Wish List right away. Your reader's kitchen renovation is one of the best I've ever seen, and she captures that artful blend of old and new that the French seem to do so effortlessly and so well. When I'm catching up on blog reading, I always save your posts for last and you never disappoint.

    Happy Turkey Day!

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  38. Despite its size and large bank of windows, the kitchen appears dark. Perhaps that was just how the photos were taken. The kitchen has great work spaces which begs the question why use such a large and imposing island. The large, boxy size is not a good shape or scale for the room. I wish the room had better lighting or perhaps not so much dark trim to ease the heaviness of the overall look.

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  39. The hotel and reader's kitchen are both absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much for the inspiration.

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  40. Joni, a beautiful post - I can imagine you would enjoy staying at the Hotel Particulaire and I imagine you would not sleep much as you would be too excited. It looks lovely there.
    P.S. I like Santos that have particularly interesting faces. The one at the end of your post looks like it is looking at me. : )
    xo Terri

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  41. I would absolutely love to stay at that Hotel. Ive seen pictures before and wondered where it was. So big thank you for this post. Fiona

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  42. HI Jonie-

    I'm an entire post behind in asking this but I was wondering if you have any idea where the light for the breakfast room was purchased? I love love love the entire kitchen and the light over the table is very much what I've been searching for for my own breakfast room!
    As for the hotel, it's now added to my "must visit" list! :-)

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  43. The gardens are simply amazing, I love it so much!

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  44. Thank you!!! I've been to that hotel but have not seen all the details shown in your photos. I'm drooling all over my keyboard. I have not had time to look at blogs in almost 9 months and I used up every bit of available time on YOURS. Such mouth-watering inspiration. Your time taken to research is not lost, as I'm sure you know...you've made my heart soar tonight! xo

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  45. PS Your daughter's room, specifically the bed/bedding has provided me me loads of inspiration as I redo my guest room. Ohhhh

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  46. Love this kitchen redo, especially the lanterns over the island. I am looking for something JUST like that. Any idea where they're from?! I love your blog! I discovered it when you posted my sister's yellow wedding in 2008! Thanks!

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  47. Kimberly - I remember that wedding - Courtney did it. I'm friends with her mother. I"m sorry I don't know where the lantern came from. Try my sponsor La Caze on the left side of the blog. they have great lanterns!!!

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  48. Outstanding black and white kitchen redo!

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  49. Another view of the same hotel room shows the beautiful antique fireplace and antique gilt chair. That mantel is to die for!
    Triple and strong scented candles
    luxury scented candles

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