idée fixe: canapé

idée fixe (Fr.) noun: an idea or desire that dominates the mind; an obsession.

Obviously this stone-coved ceiling is very high, unlike mine. But serves as an inspirational direction to move in none-the-less.

Because I inherited a house full of granny-style furniture, much of which is from the 50's, I am desperate to find a new canapé (couch) that will bring this house into my modern monastic-chic vision. This is only exacerbated by the fact that I have a fireplace that I am anxious to snuggle up in front of, especially during these winter months. I find myself stuck in a purgatory of sorts, where I feel a sense of urgency, yet don't want to make a panic purchase and accidentally buy a canape that doesn't fit my current inspiration criteria.

There are January sales right around the corner. And if I get my ducks in a row and select my target, I can hopefully pull the trigger when the prices temporarily drop.

Canapé criteria:

• needs to be low (no high backs) as my living room is a stone-coved low ceiling.
• light in color to help brighten the room (my ideal color is oatmeal since white is just begging for a wine spill)
• comfy
• would be nice if the material was stain proof, and or removable/washable cover
• modular (can be broken apart and reconfigured) which allows me some future options if I were to open up the full lemgth of the living room. That way I can re-create a formal space with multiple canapes.
• no buttons on the upholstery, just simple and timeless, with a hint of modern design
• linen fabric is preferred, and suede/velvet/leather is a total deal breaker.

I have a dream canape in mind, yet I have no idea where I can find it. Here is a shot of it that was found on a design blog. Love everything about this one:

This next one is also nice, especially if it came in a lighter/oatmeal shade, and had a matching ottoman (not required). But where? I found this one on a design blog as well. Why don't they ever tell you where you can buy them? Sigh.

Here's the Newman from Habitat. Not modular, but comfy. The metal legs are not doing much for me. I am pretty sure that monastic-chic demands wood.

And yet another one that is not modular, but super comfy with removable covers that can be washed. It is spendy-- it comes from Merci in Paris afterall.

Then there is this modular solution from Muji. It comes in grey, which is not oatmeal. I am also not totally feeling the metal legs. But it is affordable and can be transformed. You can also order more pieces and extra pillows as needed. God, I hope I don't settle for this one.

Let's consider this post as preparation for the January sales. Although my target has not been identified as of yet.

Transition ritual

I have been spending a lot of time in the country. There is so much to do to the house, yet I am still taking time to enjoy my friends and the village before the extremity of winter.

It seems that I have a transition ritual when I return to Paris after having been in Burgundy.

• Discard any plant casualties.

• Turn on KEXP to drown out the sounds of the neighbors.
• Order Thai food
• File my nails and oil my cuticles. Twice.
• Dust. The lack of movement in the apartment for periods of time can produce an obscene amount of dust.
• Bathe (vaporize) my scarves and coat in the Diptyque Vinaigre tonic to remove the smell of firewood. 

• Text my Paris friends to remind them that I am still alive and (somewhat) relevant.
• Lament the country house before and after photos that I forgot to take.
• Plan my return.

The upstairs WC before and after:

The mint green WC was unbearable.

Gris Gallet is much more tolerable. I only wish I hadn't run out of paint. It desperately needs another coat, and white baseboards.

The living room enduit before and after:

Living room enduit before (notice the discoloration which seemed like a dusty/cottony film)

I think it is important to put intentions into a new home. Here are some of the energy words that we painted into the walls of La Bonne Etape.

Living room enduit after. The Blanc Caisse color gives a modern feel and really brightens things up. The stone-coved ceiling now has a chance to be the star again.