Our apartment is starting to come together. (You can see the “before” pictures right here.) I’m trying to keep it pretty sparse without a lot of clutter. Which is great since we don’t really have much stuff. So right now I’m just trying to get good bones into place then I’ll liven it up with artwork, plants, and pillows. I’m going for comfortable with French industrial accents and just cheap old wooden pieces from the Flea Market. I’m also thinking it will need a pair of chairs but I’m hoping to find something at the Flea Market.
We are trying to do things on a budget since we don’t know how long we’ll be here so when I purchase things I’m keeping in mind what I can sell it for so I can then decide if it is worth it to have for the year or year and a half we’ll be here. If we can figure out a way to get these home affordably we may try to do it.
A. Jielde Lamp I’ve got my eye on French Ebay for this. I’ve wanted one for a few years but it is hard to get the vintage (er affordable) ones in the US. New they go for $1500. Here you can get one for 400 Euros. This is something I can have rewired at take home with me. I love French Industrial, its so beautiful.
B. Dark Blue Velvet Hideabed It’s gorgeous and velvet and I want to marry it.
C.Linen Sofette We ordered this a few weeks ago and it is ridiculously comfy. It is a big soft down cushion with pillows on each end.
D. Orange Tree I bring something home from the French flower shops anytime I have arms free to carry it. I’m obsessed with the little orange trees.
E. Tolix Chair More pretty French Industrial. This stuff is great for kids because they are pretty indestructible.
F. Industrial Occasion Tables I bought a great metal side table two weeks ago at the Flea Market. Still looking for something simple with wood though for the coffee table.
What am I missing? I usually love color but I’m trying to just use color in small doses like pieces of art. Do you think it will be too boring?
rebecca
April 7, 2011
I don't think this will be too boring. Everything looks perfect. And the color of the orange tree = lovely.
Kate {domestikatedlife}
April 7, 2011
Definitely not too boring, it looks like how french girls dress — simple and chic
Carrie
April 7, 2011
I'm terrible at leaving comments but love your blog… but I had to comment on this one. Yes!! This will be so gorgeous! Put it all in place and take pictures. And feel free to send an orange tree this way. That is just about he cutest thing I've ever seen.
Ashley
April 7, 2011
What a lovely Parisian space you are creating, Jordan. I've been obsessed with the gray settee since you shared photos of your son's birthday. I only wish La Redoute shipped to the U.S.!
robin k
April 7, 2011
Not boring!!!
charlotte
April 7, 2011
what a great selection. i love la redoute and have been seriously contemplating an adventure with a van from london to france and back to get a far better sofa than i can get in the uk!
Chelsea
April 7, 2011
Wow – that navy sofa is gorgeous!
Jill
April 7, 2011
Beautiful start. All of the extras will come together with finds you were not searching for but just happened upon. Love your style.
Busy as a Bee in Paris
April 7, 2011
i think it will look fabulous! wish i had your sense of style! can't wait to see the final look!!!!
Busy as a Bee in Paris
April 7, 2011
p.s. i LOVE the little orange and lemon trees too!!!
DiamondsandTulle
April 7, 2011
I so heart Tolix chairs and found some great lookalikes on Overstock! I got the stools but they have the chairs too. Check it out! I also LOVE that settee and the lamp you chose!
xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com
noemie
April 7, 2011
Good ! I can see you discovered the Am-Pm website, it's a good thing ! 🙂
For the Jielde's, you can go there :
http://www.leboncoin.fr It's a really good site, as ebay but for vintage furnitures, it's a dream !!!
Exemple :
http://www.leboncoin.fr/annonces/offres/ile_de_france/occasions/?f=a&th=1&q=Lampe+Jield%C3%A9
😉
megilmore
April 7, 2011
Have you thought of a patterned side chair or ottoman? Maybe a grey and white print. bold but just enough to add some texture. Keep the color in the art and plants.
Khali Whatley
April 7, 2011
Love, love, love, love love!
Susan
April 7, 2011
Great design plan Jordan! I'm a big believer in buying the main pieces in neutrals…you can always add color with accents, and change it up as you wish.
pepper
April 7, 2011
Pretty. I extra love the orange tree.
Julie
April 7, 2011
I really love the linen sofa…I love the structure and at the same time softness that it has.
Leah Vanessa
April 7, 2011
Beautiful! I'm DYING for a dark blue couch like that. I'm trying to work around some ghastly couches we got from my MIL when we got married. I think your space will look brilliant!
Rose
April 7, 2011
I agree–I would totally marry that sofa.
Katie Truelove
April 7, 2011
I am obsessed with little orange trees as well! I pass them all the time in china town nyc and am trying to hold off until the weather is a little more spring-like…not sure if I'll be able;)
Lily
April 7, 2011
some colorful artbooks and objets on tables could do the trick 🙂 looks great so far!
Anonymous
April 7, 2011
boring?! more like french-chic and gorgeous! this is exactly what i would expect to find in a chic-minimalist parisian apt!
Denise Laborde
April 8, 2011
I like that you didn't just run to IKEA for your affordable home decor (that's what I do – so internet, I'm not judging!).
As for color, or lack thereof, a subdued palette can be fun. My current home is sort of colorless except for accessories. I love the clean (minimalist ?) feel. Funny thing is, now that we're moving I have big plans to taste the rainbow in our new home. Pink couches, here I come!
TN
April 8, 2011
My husband has a few of those lamps he is trying to restore. They were his grandfathers. His are not wired they have connections with copper not sure if they are all like this but very interesting. We are not sure of the dates either. French antiques are so cool huh?
alexandra
April 8, 2011
this going to look MAGNIFIQUE!
love the sofa from amp/pm;-)
subhasree
April 8, 2011
Very Good website. I like the contents. From http://www.flowerschennaitoday.com/mothers_day_gifts.asp
swapan kumar
April 8, 2011
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bmayer
April 8, 2011
Sofa is gorgeous. So glad the "sofette" is comfortable,in addition to it being so stylish, because it sure doesnt look like it would be…It kind of reminds me of an upholstered crib…that some very talented DIY-er could try.
CAMILLE STYLES
April 8, 2011
What a beautiful color combo…I'm also obsessed w/ orange trees, and am planning to grow one when I move into my new place in a couple weeks. Please share if you end up buying one – I've never had the greenest thumb, but I'm determined to make this one live!
http://camillestyles.com
Emily
April 8, 2011
that blue velvet sofa is breathtaking. i hope i can find one in the states identical to your posting. any ideas where to look?
Giulia
April 8, 2011
wow, love the calm colours. Are you are right, art and accessories will add the colour punch…as well your party decorations 🙂
Now I want to cover my couch in blue velvet..
Not sure if you've visited this store, but thought you might enjoy it.
http://remodelista.com/posts/shoppers-diary-serendipity-in-paris
Kathleen Frances
April 8, 2011
Jordan,
I have to say your past few posts are describing my dream life with my family. Taking it easy, spending lots of time together doing what we like, eating out often.
You are so blessed to have the opportunity to live your life this way. So many people end up in awful office jobs that they spend most of their day at just to barely get by paying off their over extended mortgage.
I hope you find whatever means you need to do to continue living in Paris. It's nice to know that it is possible without having to win the lottery;)
sumslay
April 8, 2011
I want that blue couch, and I want it now. That's gorgeous!!!!! Well, everything is gorgeous, but that's awesome (and a good deal!).
bwhite
April 12, 2011
You don't need to actually rewire lamps to convert them UK/EUR/US. Just change the lightbulb and the plug. I've a bunch of lamps I bought when I lived in the US working in my home in Ireland.
Megan
April 13, 2011
I love my Tolix stools. I keep an eye on eBay for used, but even here in Europe they are hard to find. I've settled for new and am hoping my nephews will be as rough on them as they are on each other so that they soon lose that perfect new look.
And the Jielde lamp is great – but I'm still convincing my husband that we need it to complete our living room.