The French Connection ... deuxième note

Bonjour mes loulous! OK it is the second note (deuxième note)from The French Connection from afar and why not have a little français for fun!


December is launched and winter is here in the north of France. Leaves have pretty much fallen and muted tones are all around. Some people find winter depressing, but for those of us who are always seeking design inspiration ... these shades of grey and taupe and soft earth colors bring new ideas for furniture palettes. Next update I think I will share some photos of how all of these greys ... grays ... les gris ... have inspired a recent project.


But for now ... DECEMBER is here and that means just a few weeks until the Maison et Objet Home-Fashion Showcase for Spring/Summer 2012 Collection! It is JANUARY 20-24 in Paris, well not in what I view REAL Paris but in one of those big convention centers not so far from Charles de Gaulle airport.


The names of the collections being presented have already whet my appetite for the coming visit:

• Urban Poetry...design to live
• Wonderland... major international brands in design
• Collection 2012 ... annual gathering of upholstery editors!
• The Gathering for Cultural Objects ... bringing cultural objects into the home
• Rare Pieces and Unique Objects ... need they say more?
• Beauty is on the Outside ... the art of outdoor/indoor living

Each has their own design hall and these are not small rooms ... this event is enormous and for the uninitiated, it can be a bit overwhelming! this show is attended by designers and retailers from all over Europe ... it is so fun to go and mingle, listening to the various languages and accents and observing how the attendees are dressed is inspiring in of itself!


That is what I go for mostly ... INSPIRATION! ... to see the latest trends in colors and styles ... to take tons of photographs and hopefully, find that one or two special vendor who might have something interesting and attainable for small and unique retailers like Mignonne Décor or The Bohemians. Staying up-to-date helps us recreate new looks for our clients and bring the latest ideas for you to consider...incorporating them in a way that is uniquely you. So whether it is discovering some really fun glassware that might end up as a new offering in our shops ....










CAMEO GLASSES ...
how whimsical!

or a new combination of colors like
Purple and Orange

or finding out that Mignonne Décor is a trendsetter with our custom wall murals ... (this one is from Maison et Objet ... ours have been around for awhile!)

And even when I see something I do NOT like (these upside down planter lights are trying WAY too hard for my taste) ... it was a great reminder to be willing to turn the old tried and true upside down, put something in a new position and see what happens!

So, there is a little teaser about what is to come in January! When I go, I squeeze in some sightseeing, treasure-hunting and off the beaten path snooping around ... picture will follow!


If one of the Maison et Objet collections interests you or you would like me to be your on-the-ground scout in Paris for something in particular, give a comment and I will do my best! Maybe you can't come with, but that could be the next best thing!

à bientôt! (see you soon!)

Our guest correspondent for The French Connection is Kimberlee Mancha, mother of Johnelle and co-founder of Mignonne Décor. Now living in France, Kimberlee started our sister shop "The Bohemians" in 2009. She will be providing live updates for all you Francophiles and lovers of beautiful European inspirations.

all images courtesy of the Maison et Objet blog