Have a Seat

Surprisingly, I did very little shopping while in Paris. One place I did pop into was Printemps, a relatively young department store (1865) where I couldn't afford much, but enjoyed all the amazing interiors. There was nothing about this place that wasn't fresh, gorgeous and unique. I can't even explain how unconventional it is.

Here are a few cool chairs from the store. I should have taken more pictures but I was starting to look like a crazy person. I think the black one is awesome, sweet and kickass while the red and creme kind of ugly but definitely interesting.

Paris Interiors

Sigh.. back in Texas for less than a week and we're being "evacuated" due to hurricane Ike. We still haven't completely unpacked from Paris and we're already getting a change of venue. These pictures are from our "homes" in France.

The first four pictures are from the house in Paris. Arthur's mom lives in a suburb in Paris. It's a former orphanage from built in 1880. Arthur's Mom reupholsters furniture and collects art so there was fabulousness everywhere.

The last four pictures are some interiors of the castle-like country home in Champagne. This place was amazingly huge, old and enchanting. Arthur's Dad bought it a few years ago in poor condition and began renovating with the efforts of their entire family. Parts of the house date back to the 12th century. I loved all the little collections all over the house. His step-mother had dozens of espresso and tea sets stacked up in the kitchen (sorry the picture is dark). My favorite was the Christian Lacroix pastel ones we had the morning we left.

We are so grateful to have stayed in both of these homes. Much thanks to Arthur for both of these accommodations.

Okay.. I'm avoiding packing for Ike. Adios.er--- Aur revoir!

Darkness & Dancing

This weekend was a lot of fun due Jon and Elyse being in town. On Saturday we went to the Houston Dynamo game (they won, hooray!) and then we went out to a swanky club called The Drake. I totally judged the place by the crowd-- lots of over-bleached, over-tanned ladies with their equally bleached/spiked male coutnerparts being all desperate to get inside. But seriously, it was soo much fun, we danced our rumps off.


The interior was very dark and glam with low-lighting chandeliers and tufted furniture everywhere. The club owners took a cue from The Osbourne's personal decorator by keeping it nice and gothic. The Barcelona Chair from Design Within Reach and these curtains from Urban Outfitters will let you channel your own prince/princess darkness.

Industry Chic

At first glance, this chair/bed from Ikea looks like it belongs in a maternity ward, but I think with some colorful throw pillows, it would be a really cool addition to any modern living room or bedroom--as long as the space permits. My bedroom has plenty space for an oversized chair and I think this might be the top candidate. Plus, without an guest room, I'm always looking for ways to accomodate my buddies. I'm really diggin the industrial look that keeps showing up these days.

Here's some more industrial faves from CB2:

Richmond, You Hip and You Don't Even Know It

The Fort Bend County Tax Office's basement lounge in Richmond, Texas.