Monday, March 28, 2011

Beautiful Interiors ..... French Style!


Beautiful Interiors of The Ritz Hotel in Paris .... this is the gorgeous sitting room before entry into the breakfast room .... the chandelier and the gilded bergere chairs ....


I took these photographs three years ago when we were in Paris and I still remember the magnificence of the hotel ... it was stunning.  Our room had a gorgeous marble fireplace with an ormolu clock sitting atop.  I remember picking these flowers from the flower markets near Madeleine Chapel ....notice the delectable Laduree boxes that I had bought that day!!!  I have more of The Ritz but I think I will save them for another day as I want to show you this ...


These beautiful interiors are from an apartment we stayed in after our time at Versailles.  I had researched and found this one at Guest Services Apartments on Ile St. Louis, one of two small islands in the middle of Paris in the Seine.  Ile St. Louis is considered to be the old or original part of Paris and where the aristocracy in the 16th and 17th century had their townhouses.  The island is named after King Louis the 14th of France "Saint-Louis".  The apartment we stayed in dated to the 17th century and was absolutely amazing.  We had two balconies overlooking the Seine and the back of Notredame Cathedral. 


The French doors leading to the kitchen and dining room ....


Gorgeous antiques filled the apartment with walnut inlay on the dining room table and Louis 16th style painted dining chairs .... it was a pleasure setting this table for dinner....


The main bedroom was called the Marie Antoinette room and the parquet flooring is all original and the squeak as you walked on them reminded of the age of the building that enveloped us!  The patina of the flooring was exquisite .....


Notice the gorgeous corbels and architectural detailing ... and acanthus leaves.  The grey with the white detailing was perfect with the classical cornice ....


Preparing dinner .... it was an amazing stay!



Then thinking of architectural detailing and mouldings and plaster reliefs I remembered the photos I took at Petite Trianon .....


Notice the fruit in the urn and all the gorgeous scrollwork ....


I love decorative rosettes and the border of the acanthus leaf ...


The exterior of "Le Petite Trianon" ....



Le Petite Trianon was owned by King Louis 15th and after he died of smallpox his grandson, Louis 16th who ascended the thrown, gave the estate to Marie Antoinette.  The Queen actually maintained much of the interior design by Gabriel, but did replace the staircase (above) with her gilding and black iron and her monogram.


I absolutely love this shot of the "blue doors" with the royal coat of arms and Louis the 14th's emblem of the "Sun King".  I think these doors opened onto the music salon ......





Georgiana and I outside the Domaine de Marie~Antoinette ..... this is three years ago and I can't believe how little Georgie is ....


Georgiana and I at dinner at Gordon Ramsay's Restaurant au Trianon .... after the Petite Trianon this was the perfect end to a perfect day .... I have more photos to show you and this is just the beginning as we are going back in June and I always feel as excited as I was the first time I set foot on French soil .... it has a magic that completely entrances you ......

I would just also like to thank the "Decorating Forum" for asking me to be their guest blogger for this week.  Thank-you so very much and especially to Julie-Ann for the honour and pleasure of sharing my blog with you all. I do hope you enjoy it ..... go to the Decorating Forum on http://www.decoratingforum.com.au/

best wishes M.A. the 2nd!
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15 comments:

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

WOW. You have precious memories and an exquisite album of images of one of the most beautiful lodgings in the world here...oh dearest Frances, you must have been so EXCITED TO be there! WOW.....the details on the doors, the CHAIRS! The rooms, the marble..I can only try to put small details of such beauty into my décor! But what a memory. When I was in Paris, I made sure I went to Versailles, but the card in our digital camera was not formatted correctly, so all my photos of PARIS cannot be opened! That was nine years ago. Next year, Ruben says we are going again and this time I AM MAKING SURE WE HAVE THE CORRECT equipment!!! LOVELY MEMORIES and thank you for sharing it with us all who adore you! GROSSES BISE MA REINE! Anita

chateaudelille said...

Oh me, oh my, how wonderful was that! Im so envious that you stayed in such a magical place. And you are going this year. Can I come in your suitcase? Please? Much love Fiona ps Hope you are feeling better this week.

Julie-Ann said...

What incredible images Frances - I love them. I have been to Paris but never managed to get to Versailes. Nor was I lucky enough to stay in such an exquisite apartment. What beautiful memories for you and inspiration for us your readers. I love the architectural detail. Only today I picked up my new corbels to add around our bay window - they are that little detail that adds so much character.

Divine Theatre said...

Dreamy. That is all I can come up with! I am left fairly speechless! I just posted photos of my own home and I think with enough ormolu, moulding and paint I could have something remotely close!
Not realy! LOL!
Happy week!

Andie

Rattus Scribus said...

Dear Frances,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip and pictures with us. It inspires me to be sure that Anita and I take a trip to France soon, as it's been too long since we were there last. The incredible artistry of the architecture is a total contrast to much of the architecture and infrastructure today in America where concrete, asphalt, and big box stores rule. That's why Anita and I have tried to create our own French country world and so enjoy visiting the beautiful spaces of past and present.

Thank you also for your insightful comment on my blog. It is both relevant and valid. I will respond to your comment on my blog to keep this post focused on your post. Your comments and friendship are treasured by me.

Ruben

Carole Poirot said...

Beautiful photogarphs and memories. Thanks for sharing, Love from London xo

Unknown said...

Madame, I am so thrilled to see your beautiful pictures, filled with gorgeous interiors, but mostly to see you so happy and making wonderful memories!
There are not enough words to sing the praise of the wonderful architecture and style of the 17 and 18 Century! The refinement at it's peak perhaps!
Yours faithfully!
Victoria

Laura said...

Frances, wow!!! The more i see of Paris, the more I really really want to go!! And isnt it amazing how quickly our little ones grow up - especially its so much more evident when we look back in photos...
Laura xx

Vær våken said...

Ooooooh, this is the kind of post I love! You sure made me dream today! I loved that apartment! And the glimpse of Ritz...I love that one. My 40th birthday will be this autumn and I'm still figuring out sth special for that day :) And you're going to Paris in June!!! You really have something amazing to look forward to then!!!! Hope you're having a lovely new week!

Kristin xo

Karina Gentinetta said...

Dear Fran, these photos are so beautiful and made me want to go back to Paris. It's been a while and I would love to take the kids this time. And the way you did it was absolutely perfect. I love staying at apartments rather than hotels and enjoy cooking and just enjoying it the way Parisians do. Can't wait to see you this summer!

Karina

Hamptontoes said...

Oh Frances! With my upcoming trip to Paris you have certainly whet my palette for what's to come! I'm going to write down your suggestions for our upcoming trip!

Richard Cottrell said...

Thanks for sharing, probably as close as I will ever be to France. I dream of going, doubt if it will happen. What a wonderful, beautiful, special and loving trip. Your daughter is beatiful as well. Thanks for stopping by to see me at My Old Historic House. Richard

Fifi Flowers said...

LOVELY posting!!! I think I could stay at the Ritz!!!

Love Design Company said...

Ohhh I wish I could see it in person. Your pictures are so lovely and so is your daughter! Thanks for sharing.
Lindsay

Melissah said...

Lucky you to be heading off to Paris in June - I am sure you will come back with lots of great photos & stories to tell so the rest of us can enjoy are a bit of armchair traveling! You are very lucky to have stayed in such beautiful, luxurious surroundings steeped in so much history.
x
Melissah

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