I am on the hunt for some pretty twinkles...My daughter is renovating her first apartment and happily for me she wants my help in searching for an old French chandelier. E has become enamoured with the French style...not surprising as she listens to me prattle on endlessly about flea markets and fabulous finds...She wants to create a modern space but with that eclectic mix of old and contemporary furnishings that the French are so renowned for. Her apartment lends itself to some overhead shimmer as the ceiling heights are generous and the living space is of good proportion...Lighting is always the most difficult part of a project and finding the right fittings takes a load of legwork....Her plan is to go oversized French glamour for the hanging light and modern restrained for the floor lamps...
The hard part as the mother is to direct without taking over, to suggest without being overly opinionated...not easy as I have far too much to say already...especially when talking decor. Fortunately our taste is on the same page and she trusts me...adorable girl that she is...so the pleasure is all mine...A first home is the one that I remember the most fondly...the pain, sweat and tears to make it happen...the excitement when the deal was signed and the excitement in choosing the furnishings...I can still recall the nerve wracked sense of commitment but also I reminisce about the joy of that first front door key in my hand...
So this mother is ecstatic to be involved and so happy to start our search for sparkle...xv
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The sentence about being able " to suggest without being overly opinionated " I believe is a struggle for every mother of children who are becoming adults and need to be allowed to make their own mistakes. You are very fortunate to be involved in this important phase of your daughters life. X
ReplyDeleteOh, those chandeliers are exactly what I want. The burnished, aged fittings dripping with those sparkling crystals...Love that contrast.
ReplyDeleteSigh......
Lighting can be such a challenge...to find the right ones and stay within budget. Two years into our latest home and we still have three places that cry out for ceiling fixtures. I'm letting the Universe take over and awaiting the right lights to be presented to me!
ReplyDeleteI've decorated many a home with both my girls...the secret is to know when to be silent!
Please let me know when you have mastered the art of "direct without taking over" because I seem to have a hard time navigating that fuzzy line!! LOL....I always get over involved with their decisions and my advice becomes someting more like a dictator telling them what they MUST do...have much to learn!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, sounds like a fun project, having the same taste is a BIG help in the right direction and you are so right about that first home and it being something that you will remember forever!!
What a beautiful site you have Vicki. I have just discovered it and excitedly subscribed. Thank you for a lovely window to peek through into France. Debbie W, Australia
ReplyDeleteI want those chandeliers they are simply stunning. What fun you will have with your daughter helping
ReplyDeleteto furnish her new home. I just recently helped my
daughter choose a lovely dooner cover (after bringing home six) and she said a week later that she was not sure she liked the cover we selected! Maybe I should have let her decide herself, as so often we are guided by our tastes.
I have a beautiful French chandelier from the 1920's, that has hung over our dining room table in two homes. The first one had an old Irish pine table, with various antique chairs - expected but beautiful. Now it hangs over an Saarinen white marble table and chairs and looks spectacular too.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to be helping your daughter and what great taste she must have. I love how she'll mix the old and new lighting. And what fun you must be having, helping her.
Hello Vicki
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting for your daughter gettting her first home. So thrilling. It sounds like you have a marvelous relationship with you daughter and it will all work out. It always does when two hearts are in accord.
Oh, what a lovely chandelier! Someday when there's less daily "wear and tear" on our home I'd love to create that kind of eclectic French decor. (Right now, it's all about durability and keeping any breakables out of reach.)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful chandelier, Vicki! I know that your daughter is thrilled to have you by her side while decorating. WHo wouldn't be?
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
Teresa
xoxo
Oh no! Vicki, this is horrible news for me. I have been searching and searching for a chandelier and I am now confident that you will snap up the one beautifully and somehow reasonably priced lustre in the neighborhood. Unless you are shopping in Paris? One can only hope! ; )
ReplyDeleteJust the shimmer of that photo got my heart aflutter...
Daughters are such splendid gifts + to have the same taste! what a blessing. Walk that fine line, Vicki. Good hunting. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky! My daughter also wants me to be a part of any design process -- she is currently a college student and has moved every year - so that's 3 college spaces we have decorated thus far...we also revamped her room at home and it turned out fabulous. She sounds very much like your daughter in her design taste. Congrats on being a loved mom!
ReplyDeleteI abosolutely LOVE that idea. Lighting in a room is like jewelry to a beautiful outfit. It has to be perfect!
ReplyDeleteI was so lucky when I found the Tiffany-style chandelier (in the back of a warehouse for a ridiculously low price) for my dining room. I also found some coordinating lamp shades. It made the whole house go to another level. They ARE the artwork!
What a wonderful attitude you have, Vicki. I know how easily we, as moms, can just take over. Love your restraint.
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki, I am navigating the same territory. It is always an adventure and sometimes I miss the signals and put my foot where it is not supposed to go, but such is the path of mothers and daughters. Fortunately, love holds most things together. My beautiful daughter and now daughter-in-law are coming around to my aesthetic after trying on their own at first. I'm always thrilled when they want my input (not the same as advice). Sending love, Mary
ReplyDeleteohh it will be so glam.. You guys are a beautiful combination so I can't even imagine how gorgeous this apartment will be.. Carla xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your daughter. A sparkly chandelier will be perfect. Happy chandi hunting!
ReplyDeleteLove the candelabra on the table, I just passed up similar ones in NY! Boo hoo, anyway you're quite wise to be acutely aware of that fine line with daughters and I have two of my own still in university. I love your daughter's idea of mixing old above and more restrained at floor level. Having grown up with you it's certainly going to be a spectacular, elegant, but homey space.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!
Oh 'sparkle searches' are the best. You are going to have so much fun. How beautiful to be able to share such a wonderful experience with your daughter. A-M xx
ReplyDeleteThey look fabulous . Your daughter's appartment will look terrific
ReplyDeleteWell, now we know your darling daughter is also very wise .. . . to enlist her Mother's help.
ReplyDeleteBoth my DD's have asked me to come for a visit -
"because I know it could be better & I also know it won't get better unless you take the reins."
Alas, music to any Mother's ears !
jjj
I think that it's lovely to help our children with their homes.....we have helped move ours to many different flats and houses, starting at university, where they chose houses to share with fellow students ( some absolutely revolting !! haha) to homes that they have set up with wives and partners which are far nicer !! haha
ReplyDeleteWe have shifted furniture, cleaned, painted and gardened for them and all is as enjoyable as when we have set up our own homes. I know that you are thoroughly enjoying the task and it's such fun to spend such quality time with your daughter.....plus, I know that she knows what wonderful taste you have.
......and, wasn't it funny that we both haven't seen the Northern Lights and it was on our wish list. We will have to meet you there !! XXXX
Absolutely gorgeous! I love your blog - I have just added you to my bloglist!
ReplyDeleteJennelise
It sounds like you will be very thoughtful with your gentle guidance while E enjoys spreading her decorative wings. Bonne chance on your quest for the perfect sparkle for the spot...
ReplyDeleteA pretty chandy is definitely the best place to start with room decor. Good luck with your hunt and have fun decorating with your daughter--
ReplyDeleteMary
What fun!! Yes, always difficult to find the right balance between helpful and dictatorial - thank goodness you have the same taste. Looking forward to seeing the pick!!
ReplyDeleteAnd that my sweet friend is the difference between sons & daughters. The only advice I've ever been asked by my boys as they have been setting up their places of abode is 'Blue milk crate coffee table or red Mum?'
ReplyDeleteMillie xx
Oh what fun... sparkle, glimmer and glamour. Please do share your finds.
ReplyDeleteDo you have more of these to sell?? I'm looking for stuff like this for my first home at age 52!
ReplyDeleteThe chandelier you showed is delicious. I love a good oversized glimmer in a room of weathered panels. That old and new song of love.... yum.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like best is that you get to do this with your daughter. Those moments... they make your heart swell, don't they?
xo isa
everything looks so beautiful!<3
ReplyDeletelook at this highrise apartment that pam pierce designed for a young antiques dealer in her 20s.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ppiercedesigns.com/color_port.html
I think it's the perfect mix of French/Swedish antiques with contemporary styling and artwork.
Notice her chandelier over her dining room table - it's gold with clear and lilac crystals. it's beyond gorgeous in real life.
Oh, to be able to give my own daughter an apartment like this! we went to Ikea! ahha!!!!