Postcards from Paris & Provence ……printemps

29 Apr

Bonjour from Susie & Aline

Tales of what we have been up to this Spring and adventures to come!

Bonjour from Paris! Spring adventures…..

Spring is in full blooming swing—and far from quiet!

March was a lively month for us both, reconnecting with old clients and friends in Paris, sparking new ideas and meaningful conversations. We also had the pleasure of visiting Design Week London, where I joined a lively discussion about restoring historic properties. The inspiring panel were Carlos Garcia (Interior Designer), Caryn Hibbert (owner and creative visionary of Thyme Hotel & Spa Cotswolds UK) and Susie Atkinson (Interior Designer) skilfully moderated by Katrina Burroughs Interiors editor of The Times & Sunday Times, sharing experience and advice on how to restore the soul of an historic home. Did I agree with everything? of course not, but mainly yes and the overwhelming message was to respect a building, its history and character, the flaws and imperfections tell a story of time. Update where possible and add creature comforts but not everything is possible and adaption, acceptance and embrace the quirkiness, limitations and characteristics; after all that’s why those who choose older properties fall in love with them.

From a delightful conversation with iconic French textile designer Nicole Fabre to catching up with old friend and textile wizard John Laflin, March reminded me how intertwined friendship, creativity, and inspiration truly are. I was also enchanted by Andrea Curtis’s art—fresh, relaxed, and reminiscent of Charleston and the Bloomsbury artists of the early 20th century—sitting alongside the contemporary fresh country charm of Birdie Fortescue’s collection, furniture, fabrics and accessories which pair so effortlessly with antiques.

ANDREA CURTIS

We just love her art, so full of nostalgia, fun and vitality, reminiscent of the loose Bloomsbury style, perfect for a country setting and mixed with vintage and antiques.

meeting up with the girls

Aline and I love mixing with inspiring, interesting and creative women and a special highlight was a small group breakfast at Granger & Co in Chelsea London, hosted by The Brand Stylist Fiona Humberstone and The Empowered Entrepreneur Elizabeth Cairns—a private gathering of fascinating women all working in the creative industry, along with delicious food, great company and brilliant conversation

Check out their podcast Style & Substance its fun and informative and together magic happens!

OUT & ABOUT IN PARIS!

Aline and I has had a very busy couple of months catching up with old friends and making new ones. Ambassador Stroum, the theatre producer and her family were in Paris and we all went on an antique hunting safari, always fun and we always find something special.

Aline was thrilled to catch up with another friend from the USA who she has known since the 90s, Karen Harris the Interior Designer and Antique dealer from North Charleston with her lovely talented daughter Lizzy the Founder & Executive Producer of POOL CREATIVE a fabulous creative consultancy and management agency specialising in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

We both love to socialise as there is always the potential for fascinating new connections and lively conversations.

Drinks at Le Gatsby organised by The American Club in Paris is always fun, reminiscing, meeting old acquaintances and then the delight to have a conversation with the multi talented and fascinating Patrice de Moncan, economist, historian, author and publisher. Patrice has penned multiple books on Paris, its architecture and history including The Flea Markets and the eponymous covered passages. Aline and Patrice discovered they had so many friends and acquaintances in common from artists to antique dealers, these conversations of discovery are such a joy.

ART & DESIGN IN PARIS a little insight into what we have been up to

A Bohemian Life……..

Cabaret de Chat Noir ‘Expo des 150’ 3,000 sq. m of Street art exhibition.

What lively, brilliant chaos it was! Held at the atmospheric Cabaret du Chat Noir, this free exhibition celebrated the colourful world of Parisian urban art that we love.

From giant murals to clever floor illusions, sculptures, and spontaneous performances, every corner, crevice, and window was buzzing with creativity. Some artists paid homage to the cabaret’s bohemian spirit; others let their imaginations run wild with contemporary flair.

It was a joyful, energetic glimpse into the beating heart of contemporary Paris — and yes, we left with smiles (and maybe a little paint dust on our shoes).

Exploring the World of Art and Design at PAD Paris

We couldn’t resist a stop (or perhaps a small pilgrimage) to PAD , the jewel of the design world — and it didn’t disappoint!

Now in its 27th year, PAD has become the beating heart of international and French design collecting. It's where historical and contemporary design sit side by side, sparking conversations across centuries — and frankly, it’s a feast for the eyes. Every corner offered something extraordinary, from iconic pieces we’ve admired in books to bold, fresh creations we were thrilled to discover for the first time.

Even better? It turned into a bit of a reunion! We bumped into many old friends and familiar faces, all of us excitedly swapping notes on our favourite finds (and maybe quietly plotting where they’d go if we had the right empty corner at home).

From shimmering mid-century lighting to sculptural masterpieces, PAD managed, once again, to blend the elegance of the past with the imagination of the present — and left us buzzing with inspiration.

A Little Whisper of Beauty in Paris

One of Aline’s favourite quiet corners of Paris. Galerie Anne Jacquemin Sablon. She popped into a private viewing recently — and as always, it was a masterclass in calm, considered beauty.

Tucked just behind Place des Victoires, the gallery is a love letter to materials: silky onyx, bronzed patinas, sun-washed woods. Nothing shouts here — it simply hums with quiet confidence.

Aline caught up with some of the talented artists breathing new life into old crafts, and left (as ever) dreaming of pale oak, sculptural lights, and Parisian magic.

Brocante Season Begins in Paris!

Spring in Paris doesn’t just mean blossoms — it means brocantes!

From April through October, the city comes alive with weekend treasure hunts. Every arrondissement seems to sprout its own little brocante, full of vintage finds, antique oddities, and that irresistible sense of discovery.

One moment you’re eyeing a faded oil painting, the next you’re falling for a set of mismatched silver spoons or a stack of old linen napkins (guilty).

Whether you come home with a prize or just a story, wandering the Paris brocantes is pure joy — part ritual, part romance, and always an adventure.

Why not join us on our next trip and experience so much more of our secret insider Paris?

IN THE PRESS
"La Source featured in The Good Life France."

From our Designer friends in USA:

Susan Knof Design New York

KNOF design is owned and inspired by Susan Knof, international interiors professional whose work has graced the covers of over fifteen leading global magazines.

Having lived and worked in New York, London and Miami, her background lends a sophisticated and cosmopolitan style to her designs.

Susan and Susie have worked together in London and recently got together in Paris. Read interview in Susan’s blog:

“Breathing New Life into Old Treasures: A Conversation with La Source”

TRIP UPDATES

PARIS

"Final few spaces available for our Paris Design & Antiques trip in May 22 - 26!"

PROVENCE

“Booking open for Provence trip September 3-9” early oiseaux booking 5% off (book before May 23rd - SAVING nearly Euro 400.00 for single room occupancy)

The warmth, the blue skies, the food, the inspirational company limited places available – join us for an unforgettable trip !

www.sourcenatiquesfrance.com or directly to contacts@sourceantiquesfrance.com

PRO TIPS FOR ANTIQUE LOVERS

Create a Mini Mood Wallet
Carry a small, transparent wallet or pouch filled with snippets: favourite fabric swatches, paint chips, small wood samples, and even a tiny photo of your project or space. Instant colour matching made easy and chic!