Casa di Aria: November 2012

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A Peak Inside the Swedish and French Inspired Jensen and Ballantine in London

On route to Portobello Market in London I came across a fabulous little shop called Jensen and Ballentine full of French and Swedish antiques, lovely artwork, and unique decorative items. There are also fabulous vintage and industrial items mixed in-between. My kind of place, this was one of my absolute favorite shops in London.

Gorgeous store front. Love the Swedish colors against the backdrop of this richly colored, deep navy store front. I love that dresser in the window and the mirror on top!

So many pretty things to choose from like French, antique chandeliers. If only I lived in London, this would be a regular destination for me.

Beautiful mirror atop a marble fireplace surround.

Weathered shutters next to shimmering artwork-- playful contrast

They have great factory lights and many from Belgium

Funny (and comforting) to see an American flag in Europe

Soothing paint colors on the walls and furnishings.

I wish I could stay!

The sweet and smartly dressed shop owner was kind enough to let me snap a photo of her and her lovely wares. Thank you!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Tour of IV Home- a Fabulous Home Store- in Aix en Provence, France

I stumbled upon this fabulous home store in Aix en Provence on rue Paul Bert called IV Home. IV Home means "for home." I bought a pillow case for my sun room that we are happily enjoying.

It's owned by an interior designer who has a wonderful aesthetic. The clean-lined, earthy shop with its concrete floors, stone walls and muted colors has pops of color everywhere and a nice blend of vintage, modern, antique, and industrial pieces. Looking back through the photos I wish I could buy so many more things for my place and my clients' homes. The prices were very reasonable and the woman who helped me was so sweet. If you are in Aix, I highly recommend you visit this shop.

Je suis tombé sur ce magasin fabuleuse maison à Aix en Provence sur la rue Paul Bert appelé IV Accueil. IV Accueil signifie «pour la maison». J'ai acheté une taie d'oreiller pour ma salle de soleil que nous sommes heureux du plaisir.

Il est tenu par un architecte d'intérieur qui a une esthétique magnifique. Le épuré, une boutique de terroir avec ses sols en béton, murs en pierre et les couleurs neutres a des touches de couleur partout et un beau mélange de pièces vintage, moderne, antique et industriel. En regardant en arrière à travers les photos que je souhaite que je pourrais acheter des choses tellement plus à ma place et les maisons de mes clients. Les prix sont très raisonnables et la femme qui m'a aidé était si douce. Si vous êtes à Aix, je vous recommande fortement de visiter cette boutique.

The rusty shop sign is so appealing to me There is something about color that evolves naturally from wear that is so strikingly beautiful.

This is the entrance to the shop. It's like a little cave but happy and full of a wide variety of wares for the eclectic home.

Isn't this ceiling light great?!

I would love to have that stone archway in my kitchen!

What is it about vintage crates stacked in a heap?

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I wonder where she picked up this ENORMOUS light fixture?

Oh right...this giant light is originally from Universal Studios and costs quite a few Euros

Aren't these cups fun? I think they were just paper wrapped around glasses. Wonderful colors and patterns.

I love the variegated colors of vintage hardbacks

I always think these reclaimed piping and spigot racks would be fun in a boy's room

More pretty colors

I wish I could jump in and pick up half a dozen of these fabulous pillows. This shop is a great alternative to custom pillows. The one I brought home looks great and is so soft.