From Paris to Provence: Timeless Design Inspiration - Part One

Travel has always been one of the greatest sources of design inspiration, and Catherine and Madison’s recent trip to France is a perfect example. Their journey began in Paris, where the vibrancy of the city and the excitement of Paris Design Week offered endless ideas, from bold textiles and dramatic details to timeless architecture that has stood for centuries.

Catherine and Madison outside the historic Saint James Hotel in Paris, soaking in the city’s timeless elegance and architectural charm.

Paris: Bold, Detailed, and Full of Personality

First Impressions: Paris welcomed Catherine and Madison with a mix of beauty, history, and effortless style. Every corner felt considered: walls layered with fabrics, floors with intricate inlays, and mirrors or artwork framed like little treasures. Even the everyday moments, from café culture and fashion to the rhythm of city life, blended timeless traditions with a modern, lively energy that was impossible to ignore.

Design Week Highlights:

Hardware as Art: One of the most exciting finds was Van Cronenburg, a Belgian company redefining hardware as more than just function. Their handcrafted cabinet handles, door hardware, and plumbing fixtures are like pieces of art. The unmatched craftsmanship and custom moulds ensure every piece is unique, with functional details elevated into statement design elements.

Van Croenburg's handcrafted finishes and custom moulds turn hardware into beautiful statement pieces.

Colour, Materials, Textures: Luxurious draperies, patterned rugs, and bold fabrics provided a striking contrast to Paris’s more neutral architectural backdrop. While beige, sand, and white oak formed the foundation of many interiors, pops of saturated blues, greens, oranges, and reds added vibrancy when thoughtfully layered. It was a reminder of how powerful colour and texture can be in transforming a space.

Carefully layered fabrics, striking patterns, and rich colours demonstrate how thoughtful combinations can elevate a neutral space into something extraordinary.

Architectural Inspiration: Paris also reinforced the timeless beauty of natural materials - limestone, marble, and brass that show their age with pride and character. Smaller details stood out as well: Juliet balconies, ironwork window frames, and ornate carved doors often painted in bold colours with oversized hardware. In Paris, entrances aren’t just practical; they set the tone, offering a glimpse of personality before you even step inside.

Intricate doors, patterned flooring, Juliet balconies, and striking façades showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of Parisian architecture.

La Fantaisie Hotel: Staying at La Fantaisie felt like stepping into a space designed to spark creativity. Every detail was playful and intentional. Double-framed artwork, large patterned draperies trimmed in velvet, and furniture pieces that mixed multiple fabrics and finishes. Practical elements were equally inspiring: built-in wardrobes that utilised transitional spaces, lobby furniture accented with contrasting piping, and marble surfaces consistently used across vanities, bars, and reception desks, making every corner feel thoughtful and inspiring. The hotel showed how bold choices, layered textures, and attention to detail can make a space feel both lively and luxurious.

A stay at La Fantaisie is a feast for the senses, cozy bedrooms, striking entryways, and vibrant restaurants, all designed to spark creativity and enjoyment at every turn

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What’s Next: Provence

While Paris dazzled with its layers of detail, drama, and artistry, Provence revealed a completely different side of inspiration: serene, minimal, and timeless. In Part Two, we’ll share how Catherine and Madison drew from the calm beauty of the countryside and how those ideas can influence design here at home.