Home » Posts filed under Parisian design
Posted by
Sumirno on Monday, February 15, 2010

If I were Samantha the good witch and could wiggle my nose and create the ultimate boudoir for myself this pretty much would be it!
Claudia Strassers The Paris Apartment book was first published 16 years ago, but to me it NEVER gets old. I've mentioned on many occasions this book has been my bed companion for a long time and even travelled with me to Europe as I couldn't bear to part with it. Pages 74 and 75 are almost permanently open on my dressing table and often when passing I find myself wishing I could dive into those glossy pages.
(please click images to enlarge)I love absolutely everything about this room, from the parquetry floors to the 12 foot high ceilings, The recessed shelving for books and treasures complete with pelmet framing. The sheepskin rugs, the painted Louis furniture, the tufted tub chairs, the silk sumptuous fabrics, the turquoise vases and the grand sparkling chandelier! I know swags and tails in most bedrooms can look completely over the top but in a room this grand how could you have anything less? Ok perhaps I would hide the speakers.

This room is feminine and sexy and romantic but without being sickly girly. I think a man might even enjoy sleeping there ;)

As a studio apartment it triples as a living room, bedroom and office. I adore the use of the three seperate spaces with the sumptuous inviting bed taking centre stage.

Oh I need to find me a tall set of drawers like that!

I thought I'd finish with another one of my favourite images from Claudia's book. Would you feast your eyes on this treasure trove?! You would have to call security to force me to leave such a place. It actually reminds me alot of
Vintage Glamour in Enmore, Sydney. I could spend hours rummaging through that store :)
If you haven't already bought this book you are missing out! It truly is a slice of heaven :)
p.s I received an email today from one of my idols that lifted me to new heights......Thank you so very much! :)
Posted by
Sumirno on Monday, September 22, 2008
I am seriously jumping up and down (on the inside). The new much anticipated Brad Ngata hair Salon, designed by
Scott Weston is now completed and open for business!
If you haven't already seen Desire to Inspire's
posts or
mine for that matter about this incredible establishment then check it out. This hair and beauty salon was completely inspired by the quintessential Pink Parisian Princess Marie Antoinette.
I'm completely in awe of it's beauty. I can't believe it's actually in Sydney. What a treat to sit amongst such pretty surroundings, eating a pink cupcake, drinking tea from a floral china cup all while having your hair cut, coloured and styled to perfection. It would certainly bring the princess out in me thats for sure lol. I HAVE to book my sisters and I in for a girly pampering day of bliss.
Mr Weston, you've out done yourself!
Posted by
Sumirno on Thursday, September 18, 2008

Ok now for something at the completely opposite end of the spectrum. I have discovered this company called
Sweet Dreams via a blog I can't remember the name of (argh I'm so sorry). Sweet Dreams is a fine furnishings company who specialise in luxurious fabrics and trimmings sourced from around the world. This company has been around for 15 yrs so I'm sure my American pals know and love their heavenly wares well.
This was an exciting discovery for me and I was practically speechless as I was scrolling through their site. At approx $300 US a pillow it's lovely to dream about someday being about to afford their royal pieces.
Following are some too-die-for examples of just what Sweet Dreams has to offer. Possibly one of my favourite designs is the Angelina (pictured above). The soft blue and green tones are so calming and soothing and perfect for the bedroom.
Angelina Table Cover.

Angelina Runner.

Angelina Throw.

Bellissima Table Cover.

Malmaison Runner.

Momentos Bedding.

I also LOVE this Jasmine bedding.

Now we move on to the pillows. This one called Chelsea Garden is my absolute favourite. Look how splendid she is?! I love her so much! LOL ;)

Jasmine Pillow.

Antoinette Breakfast Pillow.
Look Brookie they even have Dragonflies!

Printemps Boutique Pillow.

Giverny Boudoir Pillow.

Giverny Boutique Pillow.

Daniela Boutique Pillow.

Daniela Boudoir Pillow.

Scuttlebug Boudoir Pillow.

Anniversaire Pillow.
And the piece de resistance - The Scuttlebug Ottoman! WOW what a beauty!!
The details and textures on all these pieces drives me crazy. I love my needlepoints for my livingroom and I sure love my silks and trims and emboideries for my boudoir.
Here was just a small selection of some favourites I picked out. There are so many more breathtaking designs to choose from please check out their
website if you dare ;)
May your weekend be full of Sweet Dreams :)
Posted by
Sumirno on Thursday, September 11, 2008

It would seem I'm not the only one going through a "glamour" phase at the moment. This morning I woke to a very exciting
trend alert email from
thehome.com exclaiming Feminine glamour is all the rage. We don't mean cute cottage frills, we're talking sophistication and opulence with sumptuous fabrics, trims and beads, embroidery and family heirlooms. "Everything at the moment seems to have a skirt, a tuft or a pleat", and I LOVE IT!
Stepping out for the day I then discovered the september 08 issue of Romantic Homes magazine has a front page feature on vintage glamour and 77 ways to get the look. Needless to say I went away with this tucked under my arm ;)

Sitting back in front of my computer, the front page of my new mag reminded me of a shop in Sydney I ADORE and visit everytime I'm in the area.
From the website - Specialising in chandeliers, "
Vintage Glamour" offer a diverse selection of vintage and rare antique chandeliers which can be seen in both stores, mainly from France, Italy, Spain, Eastern Europe, and the middle east. Our antique furniture range consists of Original French and European armoires and beds, Louis chairs, French architectural pieces, as well as italian toleware & florentine furniture.
Vintage Glamour and their new sister store Parisian Flair are run by a husband and wife team, Maritza and Paul. Two lovely people who are always willing to go above and beyond with any inquiry or request you may have.
Unfortunately I'm not yet in a financial position to furnish my whole house with their exquisite wares however I have bought some gorgeous boudoir chairs and accessories for my daughters room from this heavenly store.

Following are just a few examples of the ultimate in glamour and luxury Vintage Glamour has to offer.




This will be my next bed however I'd prefer plain painted timber.

I reeeeally want one of these too-die-for venetain mirrored dressing tables!



Even some of their smallest items are treasures to be cherished.

I also LOVE this custom made French style lettering.
For more eye candy please visit their website and extensive range of opulent goodness.
Embrace your feminine side and have a lovely weekend :)
Posted by
Sumirno on Wednesday, September 10, 2008

I was so excited when I saw this article in the latest Home Beautiful magazine about This brilliant designer and her Parisian inspired home.
Wheels and Doll Baby was best described by
urban walkabout as, World famous for its posh-punk, Parisian scruff meets old Hollywood style, this boudoir-like boutique is a hotspot for those with a penchant for high glamour laced with a rock'n'roll attitude.
Established in 1987, growing up as an "80's rock chick", during my teens and early 20's, this was my favourite place to shop. I LIVED in my WADB basic logo tee with ripped jeans and laced up boots. Oh how times have changed, I'm now the epitome of a classic soccer mum and wear my non ripped jeans with a hoody and lace up sneakers lol, although I still can't live without my leather jacket ;)
After seeing this short but fabulous article about WADB's designer, owner and founder Melanie Greensmith's stunning opulent home in Perth I was instantly reminded of some good times and how thrilled I am to see this glamourous boutique survive and thrive the test of time.
It also reminded me of how much I truly love opulent sumptuous design which has helped me decide on the way in which I want my bedroom to go. I don't just want pretty, I want glamour and romance and elegance and I want one of those screens! lol I will go for my original idea of damask wallpaper and layer it with beautiful artwork in ornate frames, sumptuous fabrics and furniture with gilt, patina and mirrors.
(image from Vogue Living via Wheels and doll baby )This gorgeous image above is from another article about Melanie's sensual Perth residence. Look at the exquisite tufted furniture!

(article from Home Beautiful september 08 )

These are some of the cute garments from WADB. The top maybe a little too revealling for me but I LOVE the Antoinette skirt.

I also love this peek-a-boo 3/4 top from the La Clementine range. So French, so chic!

The famous Wheels and doll baby basic logo top. I really need to get me another one of these, it is such a classic.

This is the WADB Sydney flagship store.
For International stockists visit this enticing website,