Sunday, September 07, 2008

Cote Sud Décoratrice

I would like to introduce you to the most famous
decorator in the South of France.
Meet Madame "Déesse du Soleil".



You've probably seen her work. She's world famous,
but really popular in Southern France.


She also has a very loyal following, especially this time of year.
They are called the Turnesols (sunflowers). They
absolutely can't take their eyes off of her. She also has
numerous fan clubs, coast to coast.



I love the work of Déesse du Soleil.
She has a real distinctive style. She prefers an
understated, soft look. In fact, if she thinks the
colors are too bright, she'll most often change them,
in time. She works slow too. She says that beautiful
things take time to evolve.




She told me that she loves France and she is flattered
when artists come to Provence to capture
her work. She said the French glorify her work, whether
interiors, exteriors, or the work she does in
the vineyards.



She loves when people enjoy the fruits of her labor, no
matter how small.




Déesse du Soleil tells me the highlight of her day is
receiving invitations to people's homes.
(Sounds like my kind of lady).

She is greeted with open windows.



And doors!


BUT, at times, the shutters will ask her to come back
later.

Many mornings when she makes her entrance via the
bedroom, she must enter slowly, as not to startle,
(like at my friend, Michele's).


Not an issue though, when the cafe is close at hand.


It is important she says, to always take a token of
appreciation with her as a thank you when receiving
an invitation. Warmth is her favorite gift to take.

Then other times, she feels its added light that
would be most appreciated.




Photo by Nicholas Matheus

Many of her hosts want her presence just for the beauty she brings with her.

Photo courtesy Le Monde de Rose

She can be radiant when she enters the room.

Photo via Shootfactory via DesignersBlock

That is why many times you will see people with their back to her.

European Antique Market at Bellarmine Designers' Showcase House
Then again, many like to get as close as they can to her.



and idly pass the day.
She is quite the Décoratrice, I must say.
Humble, forever giving and has her own style.
One shining star! Be cautious though, when your
in her presence, sometimes she shines so bright..

Photo via Daylife
You gotta wear shades!
Bisou!

46 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely, delightful post... you have a gift my friend indeed you do, thanks Chrissy

James XVI said...

I discovered your site a few days ago and keep coming back for inspiration... Chrissy is right, you have a gift for this! Thank you!

-James

Anonymous said...

charming, poetic and unforgettable. Lovely, Ginny

Ewa said...

light, warm, soft and beautiful 'thank you' post.
... I enjoyed it fully ...

Oliveaux said...

A beautiful post! Such lovely images. Amanda x

Anonymous said...

I smiled as I read your post. M. Soleil is reappearing here in Southern France after a brief interlude of rain. Yes, we wait for the Madame to warm the grapes to create the wines of the year. The grapes do not turn their backs, but savor each of her rays----as I totally savored your post. Thank you. I smile.

Anonymous said...

Cara Shawn,

An enchanting story board, accompanied by an inspiring photo collection. Grazie!
M. Soleil is generous this year. The girasoli withered weeks ago, but she will find new objects - fruit, grapes, olives.... and she will set the landscape "on fire" - crimson, siena, umbra... Bacione, Ingrid

Visual Vamp said...

Dazzling!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. I enjoy it everyday in East Tn. Thank you

Love Your Homes said...

Chère Shawn, this post is so lovely, you let us fell the sunshine, the warmth and the colourings. Madame Soleil really knows her importance and is a grande dame.
Amicalement, Ingela

Anonymous said...

Brilliant and Enchanting Shawn!
I greet Her every morning with Gratitude as She peeks above the horizon and rises over the beautiful bay.

Di Overton said...

I wish she would make her way over here.
What a fabulous post so clever and imaginative.

LiLi M. said...

Ah mme Soleil, I would kiss the ground where You walk if You would spend some days with us...but like many of Your fellow countrymen You just don't seem to like the dutch (yes I'm talking about both Napoleons!). Biensûr...biensûr, I could better visit you!!

cotedetexas said...

love this! you are sooooo creative - I'm jealous! hah!!! seriously!

just beautiful.

Dona said...

I can only hope and dream to someday see and touch what you must see and touch everyday. You make dreams reality with your post. Someday, I will e-mail and ask, where do I go in France? I am on my way..

Dona

sandra/tx said...

It's late, and I'm exhausted, but I just had to catch up on my favorite blogs. Thanks for the big :-).

carolyn peeler said...

Beautiful images as always!
I hope you don't mind, but I linked to your blog through mine and gave you the 'i love your blog' award :)

PaTan said...

Beautiful images, beautiful French, beautiful post.
I love your blog. "Excellent" Thanks for sharing.
Tan~*

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

What a great post, Shawn. Sweet, beautiful & bright!
~Tracie

Maison Douce said...

Beautiful, inspiring images...!! I am, too, like the sunflower, I follow the sun wherever it goes!!
Isabel

P.S. Your store is to die for!!

Anonymous said...

Your photos speak louder than any words could. I just want to jump right in them! thanks for another lovely post.

Mélanie said...

I love this poetic ambiance ...Your photos of Aix en Provence are great

Ann said...

Oh my, this is such a lovely post. I love 'The Sun'...I'd name my daughter Soleil if I get to have one.

MARIA said...

You are absolutely brilliant.
"Et le soleil si bienfaisant aux moissons. Dans les sourcils blancs du temps."
Thanks for a fantastic post.
Maria

Unknown said...

My husband and I are about to start building our dream home in the country. I always hoped to visit France before building to get inspiration. As it has worked out, I have not been able to go. But I don't have too. Your blog inspires me with each post. Please don't stop. Debbie

lvroftiques said...

Hi Shawn!*waves* I'm usually a ghost around here but I've been soaking up the beauty of your blog for some time now. Just wanted you to know that I am inspired by each post. Yours captures my heart and makes me oooohh and ahhhhh as no other! Merci beaucoups for sharing all your beauty with us! Vanna

Suzanne MacCrone Rogers • Italian Girl in Georgia™ said...

Hi Shawn,

No wonder you are "addicted" to your blog ~ it is magnificent. The photographs you included in this post, your copy, everything is just gorgeous. And...I'm about to get in the car and drive to your shop! Wonderful.

Ciao,

Suzanne

My lovely cottage said...

what a gorgeous post shawn!! these pictures are truely stunning.
thanks for sharing.

love yvonne

Villa Anna said...

Words can hardly express the way I feel when I visit your blog.

Another awe inspiring post Shawn, thank you!

Anna :)

Free Art Printables said...

HI, I've given you an award! Stop by and pick it up when you get a chance! :)

Edie Marie's Attic said...

I loved your story! Very creative! But of course!!
Such wonderful photos to go with it. I just love visiting here!
Hugs, Sherry

Kathy said...

Lovely, Shawn! PS I love the slipcovers on the dining chairs in the cafe photo! So inventive by that homeowner!!

Liz Harrell said...

I just stumbled onto your blog this afternoon and these pictures gave me heart palpatations! Beautiful blog!

ever changing said...

Absolutely lovely Blog..... Thanks for making me smile!
wish

Lilla Blanka said...

Absolutely lovely, as always! Lots lots lots of inspiration - thanks!

Big hug,
Mia

vosgesparis said...

I did not visit you for a very lpong time but now I am slowly catching up with reading the blogs r. I really love the soft color on all these pictures, thanks for showing theme.

Di Overton said...

Hi
Your are invited to spend a weekend, with me, traveling around my home in the beautiful Tyne Valley, Northumberland. Enjoy!

Here, There, Elsewhere... and more said...

Most delightful post - lots of beautiful photos...poetic, charming and full of sunshine (justement..!)..:)

Anonymous said...

Love your site! It is the start of my day. xox-Di

Anonymous said...

nice post... i love antiques & here i got many interesting pictures thanks friend i just love it...

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Hi Shawn, loved all these pics, so pretty!! Thanks so much for checking on us, T

Anonymous said...

your blog is heaven! i love these rooms - they are me!

definitely adding you to my favs ;)

Devonia said...

Hi Shawn, If the Madame popped into my house, I would run - but I gotta admit, the lady has real style. Almost as much the "open window' you allow us to peek through into your creativity. You blow me away, Shawn, you really do.
Devonia

sandra/tx said...

I'm giving you an award, but you have to stop by Canyon Wren Cottage to receive it. :-)

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Bravo! I loved every moment of this visit to France! My current post is If You Could Go Anywhere In The World... and one of my dream destinations is to go to France. And YOU took me there today!!

Merci mille fois!! A la prochaine...
Sherry

Teresa said...

I love the beautiful photos of your shop. We will definitely stop by when we are in the area (we live in TX)!
I love the colors of the kitchen photo- can you share the colors that you used on the walls & furniture? I would be so grateful as I wish to paint my kitchen. Merci!!