Postcards from France VII: The Doors of Provence

I wonder if these French people know how lucky they are to live behind these dreamy doors.

Which is your favorite door?

photo credit: Miryam Lamonaca

Door Number 1, the dreamy blue number with natural ivy valance?

Door Number 2, the layered look with beautiful stencil topper?

Number 3's whimsy and bold strokes?

photo credit: Miryam Lamonaca

Or our last candidate, Door Number 4 with it's massively beautiful stone portico, and stately walnut carved doors?

My buddy, Miryam, our two beaux, and I went to visit the glorious village of Bormes-les-Mimosas in Provence. Miryam started snapping these beautiful doors as we took on our proménade around the village.

If my magic wand worked the way it's supposed to, I'd wave it and Door Number 4 would be mine. I'd love to know your pick.

Postcards from France V: French Shabby Chic

I'm in the middle of giving my last vintage shopping tour of the year. Yesterday we were lucky enough to be able to visit this beautiful B&B in Provence, called Villa Saint Louis in Lourmarin. It is run by a charming older lady, Bernadette, who has the most exquisite taste.



I suspect that this décor predates our current shabby chic fad by a few decades. Bernadette's husband was an antique dealer in the south of France since the 1950's, and their home has been decorated in this style since the mid century.

I thought this hutch was nicely done: they've used a sharply contrasting and rich wallpaper to line the shelves and inner walls. The china pops beautifully and it makes a beautiful vignette and something that can be easily reproduced.

Too chilly now to use for the breakfasts, the terrace is still something to stand and admire. I love how she uses sturdy curtains in her exterior - something else that we can do in our own homes.

A bientot!