Parc Floral

I didn't make it to Giverny this time so had to make do with the water lilies at the Parc Floral on the outskirts of Paris. Maybe next time!

merci beaucoup

Here are a few snaps of the very beautiful concept store merci in Paris. A stunning collection of handwoven linens from a small manufacturer in Italy were on display throughout the large space, the kind of linen that just begs to be picked up and held. So tactile and lovely. 

Pencils in colour coordinated shades

Eclectic furniture displays - I remember those aluminium fold-out chairs from my childhood.

The return of classic Wedgwood Blue ceramics? Time to visit some op-shops.....

A wonderful shopping experience with a positive attitude towards charitable organisations in India and Madagascar, merci is a must-see in Paris!
merci is located at 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
Metro Saint-Sebastien Froissart

A Parisian palette

The first destination on my overseas trip was Paris, and as always was an inspirational feast of beautiful design, colour and gorgeous linen textiles. The French have a knack for making beautiful colour palettes that are just so....well, French! My favourite typically French colour palette is one of soft muted greys and dirtied-off purple colours (my brain is still jet-lagged so please excuse my mumbling prose). I saw this combination featured often in the children's clothing collections at Playtime Paris, as well as in the oh-so-chic lifestyle boutiques Merci and Bonton , and the exquisite children's clothing ranges of Bon Point .

A favourite French artist of mine, Nathalie Lete, had a small exhibition of paintings, ceramics and dolls at the Playtime Paris fair, all based on a 'Little Red Riding Hood' theme.

Visit Nathalie's website here: http://www.nathalie-lete.com/

Getting out the dusty passport

I am happily heading off to Europe to visit a couple of kids trade fairs and to be inspired by the general goings-on in retail and museums, so there wont be much happening around these parts for a while.
I hope to have many wonderful bits and pieces to report in a few weeks, so until then, keep well!

Painting nature - Jacqui's botanical art

These beautiful paintings are by one of the newest members of the Linen House design studio - Jacqui Baxter .  Alongside her talent (and speed!) for designing textiles,  Jacqui is also an accomplished botanic artist and part time lecturer at RMIT Textile Design, specifically teaching painting techniques to students.  I look forward to seeing Jacqui's painterly designs featured in the Linen House bed linen collection soon!

I love this Japonica study.

And this delicate rose....

Take a look at Jacqui's inspiring textile and botanical work here: http://jaxart.squarespace.com/
Thanks Jacqui for sharing your work!

Pick of the bunch

Lovely spring blooms styled by Hester Page from the pages of Country Living magazine.

Painting Piscean style

My desk is looking very blue and green this week (and so are my hands.... I'm a very messy left-hander).

French chic for kids

Three beautifully decorated children's bedrooms from the French interiors magazine Art & Decoration  . I love the collection of patterned textiles and the Nathalie Lete rug in the last image. Super stylish!
Photographed by Patrice Binet.

Girly Interiors

A Girly Interior in London is yet another gem in the catalogue of lovely interior titles from the Japanese publisher Editions de Paris .

This little book features the inspiring homes of twelve creative Londoners: Virginia Armstrong - the creator of Roddy and Ginger textiles and homewares, textile designer and fabric artist Abigail Brown,  Nathalie Ducard - creator of Mimimouse,  graphic designer Clare Youngs, Laetitia Wajnapel  - creator of mademoisellerobot.com, clothing designer  Minna Hepburn,  Jeska Hearne - creator of the lovely Lobster and Swan blog, stylist and accessories designer Emma Cassi, Claire Oldman - creator of lolaisbeauty.blogspot.com , Ashlyn Gibson, owner of treasure filled kids shop Olive Loves Alfie,

Christina Strutt - designer of Cabbages and Roses fabrics and homewares, and Happy Harris from the popular blog and on-line shop Happy Loves Rosie .

Minimalism is nowhere to be found within the pages of this book - its all about vintage finds, car boot sales, cheery colour palettes and carefully curated family heirlooms.

The last few pages include a very handy list of London shops catering to the 'girly vintage style'.

A Girly interior in London is published by editions de paris 2010. Photography by Bertand Bosredon, styling by Emma Cassi.