Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson: Is DIY Dead?
From Fashion's Runways To Your Home
Vanessa Bruno's Paris apartment is decorated with subtle feminine colors and textures without seeming overly frilly. Photo: Style Files
Paris, the city of romance and luxury. What a dream it would be to own an apartment there, let alone French designer Vanessa Bruno's, which I discovered on Style Files. I imagine it must be a dream to relax in her living room after a long day.
The historic building's enormous windows let in vast amounts of sunlight, and she plays up the bright rooms by using pastel decor and white walls. Let's see how close we can get to recreating her elegant living space, so you can start saying ooh-la-la in no time.
Furniture
The beautiful tufted sofa, Poeten, was designed by Finn Juhl, and will run you close to $7,000. Yikes! If that's too painful for your wallet, the Azure sofa from Crate and Barrel has similar lines and details, and costs $1,699.
The butterfly chair is a timeless accent chair for both indoors and out, and it's been around since 1938. The base and cover can be purchased separately and come in a variety of materials, sizes and colors. Get your own black and white butterfly chair like Vanessa's for about $218, or choose another combination from Circa50.
The small wire table is an Eames design manufactured by Herman Miller for $179.
I had a hard time identifying the stool, so I decided to substitute it with one I really liked: the Cork Family stool available at Haus. Yes, it's pricey, but it's also made of eco-friendly cork. Cork is awesome because it's lightweight and soft. This stool can be easily moved around and used as extra seating for guests.
Add furniture that has a mid-century modern style, while still feeling soft and airy.
Accessories
Let's start underfoot. Vanessa's rug is lavendar with a sheen, so I found this chenille lavendar rug at The Company Store starting at just $69. It will have just the right amount of softness and shine.
Although it looks like this apartment isn't in need of much lighting, the paper lanterns give off a soft glow in the evenings. To get the same look, string together 4 paper lanterns like these 18" lamps for $4.75 each (don't forget the cord kit!).
The vase is recognizable as Jonathan Adler's Tamarind vase. If $295 is too much to spend on a vase, try a FÄRM from IKEA for $9.99.
Last, but not least, is the white textured pillow on the floor. To get a similar look, try a Looolo pillow from 2modern. It will run you about $230 per pillow, but its unique textured appearance will add interest and contrast to the room.
You can get Vanessa Bruno's look with similar accessories that add texture and interest.
More CopyCat Tips
-Leave your walls and woodwork white, or paint them in a very light cream or gray, such as Martha Stewart Tulle.
-Try adding minimal or sheer draperies rather than anything heavy. Allow the sun to be the star of the show during the day and embrace the evening darkness with subtle mood lighting.
-And remember, you may not live in Paris, but you certainly can pretend.
