Monday, April 06, 2009

Parisian Chandelier Makeover

Paris is my mecca for inspired home decor on the cheap.  I wasn't disappointed this time.

Here's the skinny.  

In the dining room of the Virginia house I'm renting, there is a black colonial wrought-iron chandelier.  IMG_0090-1In and of itself, not a bad lighting fixture.  But to my eyes it was too austere for the room, and the pseudo-Provencal lampshades didn't go with the rest of the Polly look or color scheme.  And besides, my Parisian sensibilities called for something a bit softer, more feminine. I hung some pearl Christmas strands to soften it, but it still needed more. 

I found the remedy in Paris -- where else?

While out shopping last week, a few blocks down from BHV on rue de Rivoli, I stumbled upon one of those Paris-Affaires shops, kind of like Dollar Stores in the US.  They had bunches and bunches of the prettiest fake flowers I've seen in a long time.  I scooped up 3 bottes, 3€50 each.

Saturday at the Marche aux Puces in Vanves, I was actually looking for some Luneville plates.  No luck.  But I did spot some wacky crystal bobeches in a variety of pastel colors.  A few were missing a hanging crystal or two, and the owner was clearly eager to get rid of them to this ignorant American lady.  I smiled all the way home, having purchased 6 bobeches for 15€. chandelier2

I haven't even finished unpacking my suitcase, but I couldn't suppress my urge to re-look my chandelier.

Should I keep the bobeches?  (Final photo)

 

 

 

 

Should I entwine the pearls?  The photos don’t really do it justice.chandelier4

9 comments:

Susan B said...

Fabulous makeover, love the bobeches! I'd probably go with the bobeches and flowers but without the pearls. Or maybe some dried baby's breath woven in around some of the flowers on the bottom for that softer look?

Polly-Vous Francais said...

Thanks Deja Pseu! That was perfect advice. The pearls are gone and it looks positively springlike -- light and airy. Now I can get to unpacking!

Starman said...

I like the bobeches also. I was going to mention that it looked kind of busy with the pearls, but Deja Pseu beat me to it..

Anne said...

The words "relook" and "relooking" just crack me up.

Kimberly said...

I also love the bobeches - what a find!

M said...

That looks great. I'm with the others re the pearls. But if you like them, go for it.

I hope you've readjusted to American life, and have wonderful memories from the trip.

Renee said...

I love it just the way you have it. Pearls and all. It's really stunning and what a nice way to make it all your own!

Chris said...

I love what you did to it. So creative!! Great job

Polly-Vous Francais said...

Okay so the pearls are definitely gone and I have attempted to put a few small strands of ivy from a floral crafts shop to fill in gaps. I'm not sure I'm pleased with the addition, and may remove it. The French flowers were just the best!

Thanks everyone for your comments. I haven't seen this done elsewhere (and I did come up with the idea before I saw that bed at Merci.

And Anne, I agree with you about the phrase 're-looking.' I giggled (inwardly) the first time I heard it. But it is used SO often in France. Just the French equivalent of 'makeover.'

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