J-Lo's Fabulous New Pad

Veranda magazine did a feature on Jennifer Lopez's new California home and it is absolutely gorgeous.  Her designer, Michelle Workman really knocked it out of the park with this. 

Designer Michelle Workman says, “There are all these tones of gray, and we played with that—using a bit more of a gray-taupe here, a bit more of a gray-blue there. It’s almost like a black-and-white film from the forties.”  

Shut the front door!!!  How beautiful is this!  

    

“Jennifer wanted to go modern and streamlined but retain the sophistication and stylishness,” says Workman. She didn’t want to be locked into a classically French look.

Workman had already almost finished decorating the house in a château-inspired style when J-L0 changed her mind about the original design. She decided to go in another direction.  In less than three months the designer came up with a whole new design concept.   Unbelievable.

I love the color in this bedroom, so elegant and serene.  

This Headboard is by Williams Sonoma Home.

Blending different influences and periods is tricky to do but Michelle Workman nailed it.  It has both vintage and French elements while being modern, sophisticated and luxurious.  ......And its not stuffy!  Am in love.

Vive La Toile!

If I knew the French national anthem or could actually speak French, I would salute the French people every time I see a piece of Toile.  But, since I cant, on behalf of myself and Toile lovers world wide, I say a heartfelt, merci beaucoup!

Even if you are not familiar with the word "Toile", chances are, you have seen it before.  And, having seen it, you will not easily forget it. Yes, Toile is that memorable.  Now, I realize that my opinion may be a tad biased since Toile and I enjoy such a long and exciting relationship, but trust me, this fabric is simply a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

  

What Is Toile Exactly....

Toile, (pronounced twall) is short for Toile de Jouy, and is a fabric used in home decor.  The pattern on the fabric is repeated and traditionally depicts a fairly complex French Provincial scene that visually tells a story.  Toile is usually one-color, most often greens, brown, black, dark red, blue and sometimes magenta on a creme or white background.  Toile de juoy originated in France in the 18th century and is revered and loved for its romanticism and classic beauty. 

Today, its possible to find Toile with many different pastel backgrounds which makes it even more popular in home decor.  So, whether you prefer the traditional Toile like I do or the newer versions of this fabulous fabric, try it, Toile never disappoints.  

There is something about this fabric that is so charismatic that it gives a space a whole new personality.  It has just the right impact without being a show off.  I like that.



Toile is a very romantic fabric. The patterns exudes a certain nostalgia that just warms the heart.  With Valentine's day approaching, a touch of Toile for a table setting or perhaps your boudoir is a very cozy and refreshing look.

One of the things I love most about this fabric is its classic beauty.  And we all know that classic only gets better with time.

Because of its one-color palette and vast array of themes, Toile is a very versatile fabric.  Whether its a throw pillow, wall paper, curtain or bedspread, adding a bit of Toile to your decor will invigorate your space.  Try Toile with gingham or a check fabric for maximum drama.

I hope this post inspires you to put a little Toile in your life.   

Bonne journée!

Pictures are courtesy of:

http://cdn.decorpad.com

http://www.potterybarn.com

http://www.timorousbeasties.com

http://beautydoesmatter.blogspot.com

http://handstampedbylacey.typepad.com

http://eclecticrevisited.wordpress.com

http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com

http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com

Francais Anyone?

Over the last few months, I've found myself gazing longingly through my rose colored glasses at French chateaus, furniture and tapestry much like the ones in this post.  Now, it took me a long time to figure out how someone who loves clean lines and uncomplicated design could be so infatuated with French design.  The answer to this is, I have no clue.  Its funny but honestly at this point I have to agree that opposites do attract.  One of the things I discovered though is that French design is so vast as far as the periods and styles of design. For instance, some of the French Provencial furniture combines clean lines and elaborate design so I totally love this style.  On the other hand French Rococo is very ornate and dramatic so you have to really like this style to be able to live with it everyday.  Over all I think French design is the stuff! Well, don't take my word for it, check it out.

More French design at these links:

www.classics-direct.co.uk

http://christianbernardfurniture.com/tag/vintage-french-provincial/

http://www.etsy.com/people/paintedcottages