Magazine Lust: Vivre Cote Paris

As many of you know, my obsession with magazines knows no bounds. So I was delighted to discover that French staple Cote Maison also publishes special regional issues. And just in case you need proof that Paris is the seat of everything wonderful, the Cote Maison Paris editions are convincing evidence indeed!

Given the Parisian flair for mixing styles and eras, it comes as no surprise that the homes in this magazine are a perfect balance of antique and contemporary. Combine old world architecture with new world panache, toss in a few global accents for good measure, and perhaps we have the secret to that very French institution, a certain je ne sais quoi?

I squealed like a little girl when I saw this brick ceiling--and the cross beams with rivets hearken back to this room's industrial beginnings. I'd love to see some of the abandoned factories and warehouses in our American Steel Belt transformed into elegant and historied living spaces like this.

Some fearless use of shape and pattern here. The madcap print on the ottoman contrasts splendidly with the clean lines of the furniture. Three round pendants of different size and height emphasize those wonderfully high ceilings, and a round area rug is an charming alternative to the traditional rectangle. Such a playful yet sophisticated vignette!

Speaking of fearless, how about this sofa? With an exotic rug my instincts would be to go with neutral furnishings, but the bold hue of this couch proves that sometimes instincts are wrong. Also, notice how the colors of the throw pillows have been pulled from the rug--it's those little details that refine an eclectic space like this.

Don't you love when a magazine validates your own design choices? This shade of barely-there-pistachio is identical to the color I painted my hallway. Though my furniture choices are a hair more conservative: accent tables in Swedish gray, mirrors of tarnished gilt, and vintage fashion illustrations from the 1920's (photos soon, I promise!)

Finally, I'd give up chocolate for a year if it meant I could have a mirror like this in my bedroom! This fixture is built-in, of course, but my wheels are turning on how to fake an architectural feature like this. The secret is to paint it the same color as the wall, thus making it seem integral to the space. Maybe I have my first new project for 2010?

Images courtesy of Vivre Cote Paris, published by Cote Maison.

Comments

[Julieann/CreateGirl]

Love the 2nd picture, those chairs are fabulous!

[virginia @ where you hang your hat]

These photos are GORGEOUS. Did you know the pictures get super-big in Google Reader? They're even more beautiful!

[josephine]

the mirror is fab but, girl, don't kid yourself! nothing is worth giving up chocolate for a year ;)

[cassandra @ coco+kelley]

i am DYING over that bright sofa with the rug! you're so right about the pillows - they make it work :)

[TheBeautyFile]

The moldings in the last bedroom are stunning! Like out of this world...

[twitter.com/CluelessCrafter]

I love a new vision and one of bricks on a ceiling is something that refreshes my day. I have never seen that before and would love to in person!

[caroline - patagonia gifts]

that mirror in the chocolate wall is to die for!

[Daniella]

Oh wow, you always find such gorgeous rooms... I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

[Liz@VioletPosy]

I love that mirror in the final picture, just stunning! Been meaning to stop by an. Say Happy Christmas...but a but late so Happy New Year instead :)

[jen ramos]

Thanks for the reminder, I haven't checked out Cote Maison is quite awhile! Lovely post!

Jen Ramos
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

[{this is glamorous}]

the mirror is stunning + can not wait for photos of your hallway! côté maison and its regional publications are always favourites -- in fact, anything french pretty much is :)

happy new year, anne!
xo

[Susan]

I love the first one so much... beautiful!
happy new year to you, darling Anne.
xoxo

[Eliana Tomas]

Anne,
Happy 2010.
All your wishes to come true.
It's been a pleasure to blog with you. Always fantastic articles in here. Looking forward for more.
Kisskiss

[velvet and linen]

Oh yes, Parisians have the gift!

xo
Brooke

[Amanda]

You should be able to wrangle that mirror no problem, you being amazing and all.

Happy new year, my dear! May it be full of mirrors and light.

[Jane Flanagan]

So much that is stunning here, I can't even begin to articulate all the things I love and will be inspired by.

Thanks!!

[FROM THE RIGHT BANK]

One of my faves! It's been great getting to know you this year, Anne! I wish you a very happy 2010!

[Bromeliad]

Lovely images. I like the crazy ottoman a lot.

[kelp]

Confession time. I spend more time in Target than I do with my toddler. Give me a Magic Red Cart and I will happily wander the aisles for hours. And the website don't get me started. I checked out Target's online coffee and end table selection and was shocked.

[r4 dsi]

There's so much to like here and, I can't begin to stop sighing! Wishing you all here a very nice and happy new year. Thanks and enjoy.

[Carolyn Rekerdres]

It looks like you could achieve a very similar look to that of the mirror by getting nice crown moulding and then placing some kind of ornate object in the center. Once you prime it and paint it it will all look like one piece. I was thinking that during this time of year you might even be able to find some elaborate christmas ornaments that resemble that central piece of the moulding. Any true vintage piece is going to be much pricier.

[8gb micro sd card]

Hi Guy's,
It's been a pleasure to blog with you. Always fantastic articles in here. Looking forward for more.