the other side of paradise

greetings from paris mes amis! it’s beyond cold, in fact it’s downright bone chilling! but not cold enough to stop the shopping and yesterday was an incredible adventure.

we went to visit my friend stephane blanc’s warehouses in a tiny village an hour outside paris. it couldn’t have been more picturesque and even better, full of surprises.

you never know what’s behind big old doors and we were not disappointed when he opened the vaults to the 1750s barns where he and his father have gathered incredible treasures from french châteaux and estates over the years.

stephane brings pieces back to paris and restores them to sell at clignancourt in his tiny, curated booth on rue paul bert. my mystery guests and i were the first to go behind the blue doors. although he was casual about the enormity of his collection, we were blown away.

every kind of imaginable style is stacked up in chilly, cobwebbed rooms filled with furniture, mirrors, doors, chandeliers, artwork and toys.

we must have been there for 5 hours going through every nook and cranny in the cold.

no one left empty handed and at the end of the day we were exhausted and tired but happy with our treasures.

as someone who loves to restore old pieces, i couldn’t help wanting to take it all home and bring it back to life myself.

still, my philosophy these days is ‘no projects’ especially since i’m preparing for my OKL sale in just a couple weeks.

so at least for now, the clocks and tables are safe and sound, sitting quietly in wait.

and until i have the chance to come back (hopefully in warmer weather)!

i’ll just settle for getting pieces that are ready to go like these little treasures we found at the market. we’re heading out again tomorrow and sunday to vanves and clignancourt for a big day of shopping and shipping so i’ll keep you posted and take lots of shots! have a great day and happy weekend!