Master Retreat Musings & A Favorite Throw

I love the color orange.  I didn’t really know that I did before, but I have grown to appreciate it’s usefulness in decorating and fashion.  Orange seems to always maintain a certain popularity in Paris.

A highlight of visiting France is having the opportunity to go to the local markets. 

Market Day is always a fun outing, bustling with noise and alive with interesting people, smells, scents, and products.

It’s a great place to pick up local specialty food items, beautiful flowers, and fashionable clothing and accessories.

 

We had a wonderful time at the market in Deauville, Normandie last September on the Brocanting Tour.  I think all of us purchased something.

It’s hard to resist the temptations.  I picked up a lovely sweater cape which I’ve worn many times but my favorite purchase of the day was a vibrant orange cashmere blend throw.

 

You can get gorgeous soft cashmere blend throws at the French markets for 20-25 euros!  That’s a great deal considering you’d pay 5-6 times that or more here at home.  I think all of the gals bought one.  There was an array of beautiful colors but only one striking orange.  I knew exactly where I planned to use it.

My master bedroom is mainly done in neutrals, but I have pops of orange and yellow for contrast.

I keep the throw either at the foot of the bed or tossed over one of the chairs in the room so it’s handy to use on these chilly winter days we’ve been having.

I’m so ready for spring as we are having blizzard like conditions again today and ice topped with 4 inches of snow and temperatures in the teens.  Just a couple days ago it was in the 60s and much warmer.  This has been the craziest winter in a long time.

I’ve obviously had a lot of time “buried in” the house and I think the coziest room for me is the master bedroom.  It’s definitely my favorite retreat.

This is another look at the hidden-door bookshelf that I lined in toile fabric last fall.  It’s so simple but it speaks volumes to me and about me.

I styled it very simplistically…One because there can’t be too much weight on the shelves for when the door is opened and Two because I wanted the toile to be the highlight.

Some vintage muted red books, a Napoleon III box and a pair of antique Bavarian plates that I think look rather contemporary with their bright yellow color is all I used in addition to pewter votive cups.

One of my favorite paintings hangs next to the armoire and is by French artist Paul Lambert.  The colors in this Parisian street scene are soothing and almost sombre.  I think it actually captures the essence of those muted blue-greys that are associated with Paris.  It is very relaxing to look at when I’m in bed.

Where will you be this September?  Consider joining our Brocanting Tour to France.  You might be able to pick up a cashmere throw in your favorite color for your favorite retreat!  There’s only one spot remaining.  Click on the tab in the sidebar for more info.

Blessings,

Kim