My friend Gabrielle lives in a gorgeous renovated chateau near Versailles, France. This is just one elegant corner of her home, which is filled with character and an artful blend of modern items with antiques. I'll be photographing her chateau soon for a magazine feature.
Gabrielle is a former antiques dealer, with superb styling skills. The coral on a Napoleon III stand was a gift from me. The nacre fish inside the antique globe is from the same period. The framed 19th-century plant examples are from a French pharmacy.
Natalie I agree - the flashmob was so clever. You'll have to come see the renovated Rijksmuseum for yourself. Meanwhile, I'm enthralled by your adventures in Peru!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 15 April 2013 at 12:45
Hi Vicki, that's one of the best things about travel, isn't it? I love to observe how other people live.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 15 April 2013 at 12:44
Jeanie, you're right - we will take any signs of the sea or spring these days, after this endless winter! We had a day of sunshine, but today the rain, grey and cold has returned. As for Gabrielle, her home is infused with personality and beauty.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 15 April 2013 at 12:31
Helen, it's very rare to find an antique glass dome in that particular shape. Gabrielle has an eye for wonderful things.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 15 April 2013 at 12:29
Marilyn, thank you! Gabrielle has created a truly beautiful home.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 15 April 2013 at 12:26
I can only imagine how beautiful the rest of her home must be. How fun to get to photograph it for a magazine. Enjoy! and then let us know more. Love the coral gift you gave her.
Posted by: Marilyn | 14 April 2013 at 15:07
So beautiful, Tara. It makes me feel so light -- that we are at the sea. I need the sea these days. I bet it will be a fabulous article - I hope you share the link when it is published!
Posted by: Jeanie Croope | 14 April 2013 at 13:49
Quite wonderful, especially the glass dome!
Posted by: Helen | 14 April 2013 at 12:39
What a fun place to visit. I love looking at other people's homes. We just stayed in an agritourismo in Italy where there were collections everywhere. Cacti and succulents outside, inside old shoe lasts, walking sticks, blue&white plates, dried bouquets, etc, etc, etc. Very fun to walk around admiring details......
Posted by: Vicki in Michigan | 14 April 2013 at 08:39
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Oh, and I loved the Rijksmuseum flashmob. How fun was that?!
Posted by: Natalie | 14 April 2013 at 03:15