Summerland & Penticton Okanagan BC Real Estate, Homes For Sale and Revenue Properties - Raymond MAASKE

Design Week - Paris 2011 - A Vancouver Home Stager/Designer's Take

"When I was in Paris"...  Oh, I'm sorry, but I just love saying that!  When I was in Paris this past September, my trip actually coincided with Paris Design Week.  The whole city embraces design, and the local shops display their take on design.  There is also a design trade show, which I was planning on attending, but I got my dates mixed up, and missed the show by a day!  Oh, believe me, I'm still kicking myself for that one! 

Not to be deterred, I grabbed my camera and walked the streets of Paris, in search of design displays, and to my delight, they were everywhere.  I thought I would share some photos of my findings.  I hope you enjoy!

I found great design in shop windows, furniture stores, cars, signs and even the Metro!  Design is everywhere - you just have to open your eyes and appreciate what is around you.

I absolutely love the old Metro signs.  There's something very charming about them, and the Art Nouveau style writing is delightful. Incredibly, the first metro line was opened in 1900 for the World's Fair!

This is a modern interior of the de Villiers Metro station.  I love the modern, green chairs.  The attention to great, modern design in a subway station is fantastic.  Many subway stations in Paris have similar chairs, but in different colours, such as red, purple etc.  Oh, and don't forget to check out the white "subway tiles" that we love to put in our shower surrounds!

This is a shop window display.  Sorry about the reflection of the glass in the photo.  However, you get the idea.  I love the simplicity of this window display.  The product appears fresh, organic, pure and clean.  The green colour is fantastic, and I love the green olive's shape.

Here is another window display.  This is a high end chocolate shop.  I was absolutely drooling at the chocolate, but I find the display to be very clever.  Cocoa pods made of chocolate, suspended.  Again, the negative and positive shapes of this display are extremely pleasing.

I viewed this concept car for the Citroen on the Champs Elysee.  Very futuristic!

Of course, we can't forget furniture.  I love this mod take on the Tulip chair.  Wouldn't this make a statement in a modern condo!  This chair was displayed in the Montmartre area.

I often pick up French language design magazines.  Some of my favourite magazines are the "Cote Maison" interior design magazines.  I'm always inspired by the photographs, and struggle through the articles with my rusty French.  I often see ads in these magazines for a wonderful looking furniture and accessory store called "Mise en Demeure".

Imagine my excitement when I happened upon this store during my wanderings. Here are a few photos. 

If you're planning on a trip to Paris, I would highly recommend visiting for their design week in September.  Don't forget to bring comfortable walking shoes!