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!
L’Hotel Particulier – is located down this charming street.
You enter through the double black doors that lead to a courtyard.
Inside the black doors you head through the courtyard, which is set up for outdoor meals around the pool.
The pool is located behind the dining tables.
Looking at the courtyard from a second floor guestroom.
And at night when all the lanterns are lit with candles.
Another view of the courtyard poolside. Notice the Santos in the stone wall’s niche.
To the left of that same Santos, is the old, original stone stairs that led to the terrace and the guest rooms.
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
Decorated in all white, French doors lead out to the courtyard. You can see the stone staircase through the windows.
The floors are the original tiles. In this area, antique gilt and iron sconces light the room.
Leading into the restaurant, a large grisaille drawing hangs behind an antique console.
The restaurant is all in white and gold. Old black and white movies are screened against the white mantel. Beautiful gilt antique settee!
Another view of the beautiful restaurant. Sooo romantic.
On this side of the restaurant, there is another large grisaille drawing and gilt console.
Night view overlooking the courtyard.
Inside, stone steps lead to the guestrooms and terrace.
Private areas lead off the guestrooms onto the terrace.
Each of the 13 guestrooms is decorated differently. This canopy is draped in white linen.
Another view of the same hotel room shows the beautiful antique fireplace and antique gilt chair. That mantel is to die for!
Another view shows the grisaille drawing on the left of the bed. Charming crystal sconces flank the bed.
Another room, with antique furniture and a grisaille drawing.
Double doors lead into this room with a rustic beamed ceiling.
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!
Through French doors, this guestroom leads to the terrace.
Charming bathroom with vintage tub.
Two gilt wood mirrors reflect each other in this bathroom.
Another view of the private areas outside some of the guestrooms. Notice the charming original tiled roof.
And finally, the original kitchen with its black and white painted cabinets. Notice above the left side cabinets – the row of Santos under cloches.
The island is set with glass cake plates and antique candlesticks. A large double farmsink sits atop the counter.
Looking the other direction – towards the main salon. Notice the antique rugs and the beautiful, old wood doors.
This picture, taken by the homeowner, shows the raised, beamed ceiling and lantern along with the collection of white ironstone above the cabinets.
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!
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.
The breakfast room off the kitchen. You can definitely tell the homeowner loves French design.
AFTER:
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.
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.
The breakfast room was also completely redone, with new furniture, cabinetry, and a beautiful light fixture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
READERS KITCHEN SERIES #7 - INSPIRED BY A FRENCH HOTEL!
The 59th Theta Charity Antiques Show
For Houstonians and Texans alike – our most prestigious and sophisticated antique show is returning this week. Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall E – the 59th Annual Theta Charity Antiques Show starts on November 17 and lasts until the 20th. Doors open at 11:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. On Sunday, doors will close at 5:00 pm. The Theta Show is the one antiques show that is not to be missed if you are a lover of fine art and antiques.
The Theta Show is known for its exquisite antiques – the best of the best!
The show kicks off with The Gala Preview Party which will be held this Wednesday, November 16th. Many interesting speakers and seminars are planned throughout the event. The theme of this year’s show is “Our Tribute To Texas” – with an emphasis on antiques and art from the Governor’s Mansion in Austin. Jane Karotkin, Texas Governor’s Mansion Curator/Administrator of Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, is the featured guest on Thursday, November 17th. Several selected antique treasures from the Mansion collection will be on display at the show – giving guests a rare opportunity to view these museum quality pieces.
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The Texas Governor’s Mansion has been the official residence of our governors since 1856, making it the fourth oldest governor’s residence continuously occupied in the U.S. The Greek Revival mansion was built with Austin bricks and pine log pillars from nearby Bastrop County. It is located in Austin, on a corner overlooking the Texas State Capitol.
One late night in June, 2008, the Mansion was severely damaged by an arsonist. As luck would have it, all the Mansion’s furniture and art was in storage, but the Mansion suffered significant structural damage during the fire. Three years later, the restoration on the Mansion is still ongoing, but it is projected to be completed by 2012. To read more about the Mansion and see photographs of its interiors, including the famous staircase and yellow double parlor, please go HERE.
Continuing with the Texas theme, on Friday, November 18, a special show on “Texas First Families: Reunion and Reminiscence,” will be held, along with a seated luncheon, moderated by Shara Fryer. Guests will include former Governors and their families, including former Governor and First Lady Mark and Linda Gale White, Jo Ann Jester Berry (daughter of former Governor Beauford Jester), and Cathy Clements Matthews (granddaughter of former Governor Bill Clements.)
And most exciting is guest Martha Stewart who will be speaking and signing her newest book – “Martha’s Entertaining.” Take note though - only books pre-purchased at Blue Willow Bookshop will be signed (although there will be a few available for purchase at the show.) The event will start at 10:30 on Saturday, November 19. Check the web site for explicit instructions on where and how to purchase your book if you would like it signed by Ms. Stewart.
Along with more speakers and seminars, there will also be a raffle held.
Last year, this booth at the Theta Show featured French antiques – so absolutely gorgeous!!
Be sure to read about all the planned activities, times and directions on the Theta Antiques Show web site HERE. Also on the web site is the story of the beginnings of the Theta Show, along with a history of their admirable philanthropic endeavors.
READERS KITCHENS SERIES #6 AND THIS MONTH’S VERANDA
This latest kitchen in the Readers Kitchens Series is located in Hudson, in upstate New York. When the homeowner forwarded me these pictures, I emailed her back asking for the “before” pictures of this renovation. Imagine my shock when she said it was new construction! Wow, the kitchen really has that old house look. Apparently the owners live in a 1930s bungalow and when the time came to remodel the kitchen, they opted to build an entirely new space. But, who wants a brand new, white marble and granite temple when you live in an older, more casual house? The homeowner actually designs kitchens in her area, so she knew exactly what she wanted. In this design she tried to use as many vintage and antique items, along with salvaged materials that she could. Enjoy!
I love the painted wood planks used in the addition. They really set the tone that this is a casual room – not a slick, modern kitchen. In the middle is an old, wood island that acts as the focal point. Be sure not to miss the ceiling – a grid of darker painted beams that create a mass of interesting squares.
The corner becomes a banquette for the breakfast table, with its rustic wood base. Notice the charming light fixture that hangs above the table. I love how the sun streams through the windows here. And, don’t miss the recycling bin – an old metal can topped with a round, straw mat.
The countertops are wood. Instead of upper cabinets, a series of shelves holds all the dinnerware. Notice the mixture of hardware, two heavy brass handles are mixed with smaller round white ones.
Along one side of the kitchen, a railing overlooks a stairwell, while two octagon shaped windows break up a blank wall. The appliances are found mostly on one side, while an extra oven is built into the end of the island. The refrigerator uses the fool-the-eye trick of appearing built in by bringing the cabinet above it all the way out.
And finally, looking at the opposite wall, a fireplace is built in, along with a television. The chimney becomes an architectural element in this clever design. It’s truly hard to believe this is new construction! It is as seamless an addition that I’ve ever seen. I think this kitchen has an important lesson – just because you can build it new, doesn’t mean you have to build a monument to yourself. This homeowner chose to build a kitchen that is truly keeping in with the style and age of the house.
To contact the homeowner for design work in the upstate NY area, please email her at dsrd@mhcable.com
Next: The comment section on the last blog story, Pamela Pierce Does It Again, was more interesting than the story, something that happens a lot! I love reading your comments and it is always interesting to see where you are coming from. This week, a lot of you commented on the new Veranda magazine. I have really been enjoying Veranda lately, especially with the new editor, whom I really didn’t think I would like! Instead, I’ve found that I have enjoyed the direction she has taken. I do have to agree with you though, that this month was not a stellar issue. Many of you said you got your issue and tossed it out after one quick look. At the time I hadn’t received my Veranda yet, but I have now.
Well – there were a few houses I enjoyed, the Swedish one for example. But I have to say, if you are looking for a replacement for Southern Accents – this issue isn’t it. This month, Veranda looks more like Elle Décor and I can’t understand why. I find it strange because other issues have not been like this. So, I’m going to just say this was not their best and wait until the new one comes. Because what else is there? I’ve gotten where I can barely tolerate Elle Décor – I just don’t understand it anymore. House Beautiful has never really recovered after Stephen Drucker left. The biggest turnaround has been Architectural Digest since Margaret Russell landed there. I’ve found that this is one magazine I really enjoy. Mostly though, I wait for Lonny and Rue – the two biggest online magazines. They are more interesting and filled with more décor than most of the printed ones. Hopefully, now that the economy seems to be heading slowly upward, more advertisers will return to magazines and we will have something to look at again.
This library was my favorite image from this month’s Veranda. I would die to have a room like this!
I liked the dining room of this house and thought the styling was pretty. The yellow curtains were a pleasant surprise.
No one loves Alessandra Branca more than me, but really – how many times are we going to see her NYC apartment? I was shocked that it was shown in this month’s Veranda. Why??? This is probably the 3rd or 4th time this apartment has been published.
Last month’s issue was a keeper for me. The Windsor Smith house shown on the cover – drool worthy.
I know we can’t see an entire issue of dreamy houses like this Barry Dixon one, but I do think each issue should have at least one like this – totally decorated to the nines. Where else can you get ideas?
Windsor has become one of my favorite designers – I’m crazy for her style. That ottoman!! Gorgeous!
I’m not sure anyone does a better kitchen than Windsor. This one is beyond incredible! The walls of marble, the silver accents, the pendants, the island table topped with more marble, the refrigerator columns flanking the door, the marble sink – how does she think of all this? Amazing!!!!!
As long as Veranda can come out with issues like this one in April, I’m willing to forgive issues like the newest one. April’s issue was one of the prettiest in memory. It was called “Romantic Decorating Returns” – why would anyone want their house to not be romantic, beautiful and endearing? Who wants a house that isn’t romantic??? I don’t get that.
This house by Jim Howard was beyonod beautiful. But is there anything that he or his wife does that isn’t?
I love the dining room in blue with touches of peach.
This house by Peggy Stone was reminiscent of Southern Accents and older Verandas. Can’t we get more of this each month? It’s what we want, isn’t it? I just hope Veranda realizes its readers don’t want another Elle Décor – we want Veranda, like it always was.
And finally, I have a favor to ask of you today. My niece’s friend Annie (who is also a reader) is trying to win a contest that will pay for her and her fiancé Tyler’s entire wedding! Wouldn’t that be nice??? Tyler and Annie are looking for votes and asked if you could be so kind and vote for them.
The website Entwined is hosting the contest for a wedding worth over $100,000. Can you imagine? What a dream come true. The wedding will take place in Blanco, a tiny town in the Hill Country outside of Austin, Texas. Out of all the entrants, 11 were chosen as finalists and Tyler and Annie are amongst them. If they win, they have pledged to donate $3,000 to the Houston Humane Society – as they are huge animal lovers.
If you have the time and don’t mind – I know they would so much appreciate your vote!
To vote for Tyler and Annie, just go HERE
And a huge thank you to the homeowner who so graciously allowed us a peek into her new kitchen addition! If you have a kitchen you want to show off – just email me the pictures at mrballbox329@aol.com. Hopefully, I’ll be running this series for a few more months!
