Paris Post: Blanc d'Ivoire

I'm in love.

With a store.

Not only did I discover a new home decor store in Paris that's right up my style aisle, but it bears the name of two of my favorite decorating colours.  The store is called Blanc d'Ivoire, which means White of Ivory!  Of course this makes no sense in translation, but for me it means a double dose of pale and tranquil white and off-whites!

Be still my beating heart.  

I know this store has been around for a while, and some of you may be familiar with it, but I've never seen the line in Canada.  

For those of you unfamiliar with Blanc d'Ivoire, the look is pale and weathered reproduction  French/Gustavian.  I'd say it's a lot more grown-up and pared down than shabby chic but still romantic (think silks and velvets, a little pink, some ribbons), a little french country (think grey, lots of natural linen, aged wood, sturdy creamware, and bone-handled cutlery) and a lot more sophisticated (think silver and crisp white, and elegant chandeliers and sconces).  

The store offers reproduction Louis and Gustavian-style furniture based on a foundation of beige, white, and grey.

Keeping with the regal and weathered theme, I wasn't surprised to see the addition of muted antiqued colours, like slate gray, old rose, and  sage.  I adore these old, dusty colours!   There were a few dark colours (like French navy, and dark grey pinstripes).  Brighter colours, like the perky raspberry shown below, are used to add seasonal punch to an otherwise quiet palette.

Blanc d'Ivoire is famous for its traditional French quilts, which are utterly beautiful, romantic,  and moderately-priced.  Queen-sized (or equivalent) quilts, which I saw, ranged from 200 Euro (CAN $300) to over 400 Euro.   Matching pillow shams are de rigeur.

The rue du Bac store, which I visited, also featured pre-made draperies in "to die for" styles.  I especially loved the white curtains gussied-up with black and white toile-like trim.  I liked the touch of black as a nice crisp counter-point to all the pale shades. 

The last four photos are from the Blanc d'Ivoire showroom in the Printemps Maison department store, where they had a lovely display of furniture, bedding and accesories, including the lovely velvet quilt below.  I covet the linen-covered bench.

The cane headboard, shown below, was gorgeous, and perfectly-sized for our small bedroom at about 45" tall.  However, at over 800 Euro (CAN $1200), it breaks the budget if I include shipping (I didn't even ask).  I just might have to save up for this...   

In the next photo, notice the butterscotch yellow furniture, which works with the muted shades for a more cheerful look!

I hope you've enjoyed the tour.  

P.S.  I had to sneak the photos in Printemps (who seem adamant that no photos be taken in their store!).  As you can see, this didn't stop me.