Category Archives: design

henry + marie’s “woodland” room

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I hadn’t planned to photograph their room here in the Poconos, but when we started to pack it hit me that this would be their last shared room (cue the ugly mama waterworks). Of course this room is just borrowed – all I did was add our accessories – most of the credit goes to my good friend Chanee Vijay. They’ve been sharing this room for many years whenever we stay here, but since we moved in for a year we were able to personalize it a bit more. Our new house finally affords them their own rooms, which is a luxury that they haven’t yet known. While I’m excited for them and know it’s time (they’ll be nine this summer), it’s the end of an era for them (and us) and I’m feeling emotional about it. I can’t help but reminisce about their nursery in our first house, their toddler room transformation (oops never shared that), and their “wild” room in our loft. They’ve been the best roommates a parent could hope for, and it’s helped to bond them forever.

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francophile gift guide – book edition

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Since my Francophile gift guide was such a big hit last year, I’m bringing it back but with a twist – books! With so many amazing French-inspired book releases this year, it was quite hard to narrow it down to eleven, but these are some of my personal favorites. Full disclosure: a few of these authors are friends, and a few of these books were gifted, but this post is not sponsored. For more gifting inspiration for the Francophiles in your life, check out the Francophiles Pinterest boards, and please do follow along over @thefrancophiles…more to come in 2019! Happy shopping mes amis!

1.   this Parisian Chic journal by French icon Ines de la Fressange is ideal for the writer or traveler in your life.

2.   the debut cookbook by The Cook’s Atelier is so stunning – I’ve gifted it twice already this year!

3.   a set of two chic passport pocket notebooks by Rifle Paper Co., for your next French adventure.

4.   Women of Singular Beauty is a richly personal book of photographs that capture the essence of CHANEL.

5.   for the Francophile mamas and kids, In the French Kitchen with Kids by Mardi Michels brings everyone to the table.

6.   Tasting Paris is the latest from Clotilde Dusoulier and will surely transport you (and your taste buds) to Paris.

7.   for the serious Francophile wishing to understand modern Paris, The New Paris by Lindsey Tramuta is a must-read.

8.   Paris in Bloom by Georgianna Lane is an elegant photographic tour of the city during its most beautiful season.

9.   for design lovers, Maison: Parisian Chic at Home features fifteen homes infused with French style.

10. perfectly pocket-sized, Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide is cleverly illustrated by Jessie Kanelos Weiner.

11. just released, Apéritif: Cocktail Hour the French Way by Rebekah Peppler is a celebration of cocktails and culture.

our loft

black + white loft living

 

In 2015 we sold our home and rented this industrial loft while we awaited a green light to move abroad. The green light unfortunately never came, but we embraced the new chapter and the opportunities it afforded us. One of the biggest perks (for me) was the chance to live out my dream of living in (and styling) a loft. While I’ve shared little sneak peaks here and there, I’ve never shared the main living areas…until now! Situated in a historic factory (circa 1850s), the property was converted into condominiums in 2010. The architectural details and light won me over – enormous windows, exposed brick, original wood floors and beams…it’s the stuff loft dreams are made of. It was a fairly blank canvas, and while living smaller as a family of four was a challenge, I had a lot of fun with the space.

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back to design

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I’ve been a bit secretive and quiet on social lately, but I can finally share some news with you! A few months ago, I took on a very exciting interior design project – a dream job. Many of you may not be familiar with my design work, as I don’t share that aspect of my life here as much, but I’m hoping to change that. I’ve been in the business for 20 (gasp) years now and branched out on my own in 2007. It’s been a wild ten years of entrepreneurship, with many ebbs and flows, but I’m so very grateful to be making a living doing what I love. This project came along at just the right moment, as the kids have finally reached their school years, and I have a bit more time on my hands (emphasis on a bit). Designing an entire home, especially one as grand as this, is a challenge that I readily embrace, and look forward to sharing with you.

Having lived in Pennsylvania for seven years now, I’ve become deeply enamored with the history, art, and architecture of this region. I’ve walked in Wyeth’s footsteps, toured historic homes, and attended quite a few preservation fairs. Designing a stone farmhouse has been on my interiors bucket list longer than I can remember, and this home checks that box in a big way. Adding to my delight is the fact that I had the honor of helping my (amazing) clients select the Okie-inspired home. As a designer and proud Pennsylvanian, I have a great admiration for architect Brognard Okie’s work, and this home was meticulously designed and built to capture the spirit and character of his renowned properties. I can’t wait to infuse this incredible space with a modern edge, while respecting and maintaining it’s historic charm. More to come!

we’re moving!

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Bon weekend friends! My apologies if you came here from Instagram hoping for some juicy, life-altering news. We are indeed moving, but not abroad as we had expected when we sold our home two years ago. We’ll be staying in Chester County, Pennsylvania which we love (and where we’ve been for 8 years now), but moving out of our industrial loft and into an apartment complex. This will be another temporary move (1-2 years) which we had hoped to avoid, but we decided the pros outweigh the cons (I’ll spare you the list). Our current home has been a refreshing change of scenery for the past two years, a fun challenge as an interior designer, and a super pinterest-worthy space. Speaking of which, I’ll be sharing more of it before we move (or soon after). It’s funny how a hard deadline like moving can light a fire to get things done.

This time around the kids are old enough to grasp the idea of moving and that home is wherever we are. The walls that surround us don’t define our family, and that’s been a big lesson for us all. As we did before, we’re involving the kids with as many decisions as possible to better equip them emotionally for the move. The fact that our new place has an awesome pool and is dog-friendly is already helping to soften the blow…and yes that’s a hint that we’re looking to add a furry member to our family soon! If you have children and have any tips to help ease the stress of moving, please share. Also, if you’re interested in some goodies from Henry + Marie’s closet (as well as a few random items from mine), follow @shopfleurishing on Instagram – there are many items already listed, with more to come. Spring cleaning is in full effect!

image courtesy of ashley lynn fry photography