Ideas for Mothers Day 2013

I thought today I would post on gift ideas for Mother's Day as so many customers this week have come into the store searching for ideas. So for all our customers too busy to get out and look, we have narrowed the field via the Internet and are hoping we may help via our blog and instagram,
(so please check out instagram for lots of ideals each day).

Perfume, always is a classic and welcomed Mothers day Gift:
Fragonard is one of our favourites.

The Perfumer Distillery and Head Quarters in Grasse France

The store in Avignon-et-Provence France

The House of Fragonard, a story of perfume making

A passionate dedication

It was shortly before the First World War that Eugène Fuchs, an entrepreneur at heart who had already been seduced by the magic of perfume, decided to set up his own perfumery based on the novel concept of selling perfumery productsdirectly to the tourists who were beginning to discover the French Rivera’s charms. Parfumerie Fragonard was opened in 1926. Eugène Fuchs chose to name it after the famous Grasse-born painter, Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806), as a tribute to both the town of Grasse and to the refinement of 18th-century arts. Similarly, the choice of name expressed his desire to run his business in accordance with traditions.

This spirit has been loyally perpetuated by the three succeeding generations who have run and are still running the company. At their instigation new productionplants and sales outlets have opened in Grasse, Eze and also Paris.

It was under the tenure of Jean-Francois Costa that the Parfumerie Fragonardwent through a rapid expansion and modernization. As an avid art collector, during the 1970’s he amassed a large and unique collection of antique perfume related items that has both enriched the Fragonard and given the town of Grasse a new cultural dimension.

Today, Jean-François Costa's daughters, Agnès and Françoise preside over the perfumery's destiny, and are as concerned as the preceding generations with continuing to build the company while adapting it to current market needs and desires.

Some notes from the French Perfume House Fragonard.

Fragonard's stunning Moment Vole Eau de toilette was originally created for exclusive sale in the Jean Honoré Fragonard museum in France! 2012 saw the fragrance released to the world! This fragrance features rich notes of ripe berries, precious floral accords of damask rose, iris and violet and a base of velvety amber. Made in France and exclusive to only two store in Brisbane, available in 100ml bottle as shown above.

Top note:Ripe berries
Heart notes: damask rose, iris and violet
Base note: Amber

From the wonderful Grasse region of France comes Fragonard's iconic Caresse Eau de Parfum. Re-created from a historic Fragonard perfume, Caresse is a sweet harmony of Mediterranean flowers and fruits. Features delicate notes of rose, jasmine, orange blossom, mandarin, peach and apricot. Made in France and exclusive to only two store in Brisbane, available in 50ml bottle as shown above. 

Re-created from a historic Fragonard Perfume, Fragonard's Billet Doux Eau de Parfum pays homage to the most beautiful flowers of the French Riviera: Sweet William carnation, peony and frangipani blended with bergamot, lemon and mandarin on a background of cedar and smooth vanilla. Made in France and exclusive to only two store in Brisbane, available in 50ml bottle as shown above.

Top notes: lemon, bergamot and mandarin
Heart note: sweet william carnation.

Base notes: cedar, vanilla and musk

Another favourite gift idea for Mother's Day is anything from the French Laguiole Brand, Laguiole ticks all the boxes on style, prestige, quality, price and French artisan craftmanship.

Some notes from the French Artisan Cutlery brand,

Laguiole Jean Neron.

Hand crafted in France since 1829, these Laguiole pieces are of exceptional quality at remarkable pieces. Each piece features the trade mark Laguiloe Bee, home ware items can only be labeled Laguiole if made in one particular region of France by French artisans, (beware of copies). All pieces are crafted of quality stainless steel and resin, giving them a lovely weight in the handle. Pieces are elegantly gift boxed in wood. Incredible value for a French made product with a single cheese knife starting $19.95.

  

Do What You Love

I so strongly believe in doing things in life you love.
Life will always be full of joy and wonder when you are open to new ideas, new points of view and new and unusual people.
How many books have you read and the contents are better than the cover,  you were so glad to open the first few pages and make a start. Treat life like a interesting book and look forward to the story in the pages ahead.
I truly love what I do for a living, at times it can be extremely challenging but I still take a step each day into the unknown and am always surprised by what unfolds.

Go out today and embrace life.
Do what you love.

Warm wishes,
Daryl x

photo via pinterest

photo via pinterest

Today's inspirational photo of wonder, the French Alps, what more can I say. 

photo via pinterest

I fell neutral bedrooms are some of the best

I am loving neutral bedrooms at the moment especially those done well. 

Here are a few of my current favourites and why.

Have a great week.

Warm wishes,

Daryl x

Interior Design by Bill Bensley for the Intercontinental Hotel in Danang, Vietnam.

Colonial tropical elegnace with-out being to "Out of Africa", clean, crisp, elegant and contempory but still a gracious nod to the countries of colonial past.

One of  my favourtie Designers, South African John Jacob. Again a nod to colonial tropical interior design without being condesending of twee. I just love how he mixes black and white so artfully and in such a classic, elegant way with a nod to Georgian Chinois with the faux black bamboo and wall paper.

I just love the mirror. Have supplier who does one very similar, can't wait to use it in a design job.

Again John Jacob Interiors, this room slightly more modern with a mix of colonial and asian infuences. So elegant, classic and with excellent over all balance in colour, scale and propostion.

A favorite bedroom from New Yorker Tom Filicia,

Love the perfect bedhead shape and the contrasting white timber work, the shiny contrasting bedside lamp is unexpected and so right.

Another view of the same room from above by South African John Jacob.  I just love how he mixes black and white so classic, elegant and stylish the same nod to Georgian Chinois with the faux black bamboo, wall paper and cane/rattan chair.

Elegant Dining Rooms

As the weather cools down my thoughts are drifting to more entertaining inside. I am so inspired by the dining rooms below, all are beautiful and welcoming in there own way. Each delightful in there onw way. Either elegant, formal and classic,  country chic,  coastal fresh and contemporary or French casual and chic. All have the same purpose, to engage the user to return time after time and to enjoy the space with friends and family. 

Dining rooms are not just for eating, every meal should be an occasion and memorable.

Have a great weekend,

wishes, 

Daryl xx  

photo via happyhousemanifesto

photo via elle decor

photo via unknown, (sorry)

photo via macalpinedesign

photo via Anouska Hempel Design