Fleur–de-lis, please!

Fleur –de-lis means “lily flower”. Why do I love this stylized lily so much?  Is it the historical associations with the French monarchy? Is it because of its over-popularization as a design symbol? Or, maybe I just find it attractive. 

Louisville, the largest city in my home state of Kentucky, was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark and is named after King Louis XVI of France.  The fleur-de-lis is part of the city’s seal as it represents French aid given during the Revolutionary War.  You can see the fleur all over different parts of Louisville.  This is a fabulous example of a carved staircase in a mansion in historic Old Louisville.

Another example, this one of a stained glass window, in an Old Louisville historic home.

Louisville Stoneware, founded in 1815, makes a popular fleur-de-lis pattern in dinnerware.

Some random shots in my home of fleur-de-lis.  I love details like the porcelain inlay on the bronze handles of my vegetable and wet bar sinks.

Carved into a wool rug.

Handmade tile from Sonoma County over a see-thru fireplace.

Of course, wood mouldings painted a glossy white.

Glass knobs in the butler’s pantry.  Wish I could find more of these.  They came from Restoration Hardware years ago.

Old frame with wood swag.

Cool tassel on an armoire.

Even on new upholstery fabric.

Emblem on terra cotta planters.

Secret garden fleur, too.

I had to make sure hubby had a paperweight fleur in his home office as well.

And lastly, fleur-de-lis that run across the length of the wrought iron railing on the balcony.  Unfortunately, not a good photo, as the railing is black and the fleurs have been gold gilded and really stand out when you see them in person.

Hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some of my “fleur-de-lis”.

Linking up at Debbiedoo's Blogging and Blabbing

Blessings,

Kim