un container plein

Some things just have an aura of Romance.
France would be one of those things!


When I travel to France to buy antiques and brocante, I
try to capture her romance in the objects I bring back.
This is why I'll never ship back a container
sans shutters!


I look for objects that are unique to France and the
French lifestyle. That can be in the colors or the
lines the pieces possess.

Finding those French signatures can take me to out of the way places.
I adore those places. Where else would I see camouflage
netting providing shade while bouncing the suns beautiful rays?

This artist captured her beauty don't you think?

There are some patina's you just cannot reproduce.


Some things even when they are quiet, speak of their past.
If you listen closely, you can hear the story.

They can come in all shapes and sizes

And be found in the most hidden places.
Even in the caves of Opera Houses.
I'm lucky to have so many contacts that many times,
I get 1st dibs.

I'm up at 5am to hit the markets early and have a
couple of French friends who know my style. We
each start in different corners and my cell is never
far from my ear.
I did get the Louis XV style petite commode.

A quick scour of the market and I'm off, to a remote
location. A backyard full of garden delights.
Are you familiar with Mathieu Mategot?
He was a wonderful French Designer whose pieces
aren't easy to find. Guess what I found?


A Ruffier bistro table. Can't pass on this one.
I'd say she captures France at her best!


An unexpected stop and I find this 18th century Dutch beauty.
BUT...I have to pass. She would have to retail for $12,000.
I am on a budget you know and those kind of prices
scare me a bit.
If you want her, let me know and I'll be glad to get her
next time around, (if she is still there).

Some bottle drying racks, French body buckets and these
wonderful copper cheese molds did get loaded in the
container.


l'heure pour le déjeuner

Fast forward. The container has made her way
across the Atlantic. She is full of 19th century
stripped pine cupboards, original painted armoires
and Country French pieces.
Mirrored tables, scrolly iron pieces, weathered urns and
lots of white.

Feminine gold chevets and Louis XVI just follows
me wherever I go.


A French monastery case clock, delicately painted tables
that are early 20th century, a secretary that is to
die for and did you see the grey shutters?

Greys and whites, and canvas covered books
This is what a container unloading looks like.
Trust me, it will come to life.
The scent of lavender still lurks in this Herbist cabinet.
Can you picture this in an original kitchen?
I can, oh boy can I.
Are you starting to get the picture?
This is France!!!!
I came back with a bit more Swedish this time too.


These 19th century, weathered white columns have a
patina that you wouldn't believe!
Want to see it all ?
Join us this Saturday and Sunday at Atelier Home
in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, from 10- 6 pm.


Bisou mon ami's, hope to see you there !!
and don't forget to smell the roses!