A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Paris to attend the Maison et Objet trade show. The show happens twice a year, in January and September, and gives retail stores the opportunity to purchase product from vendors and manufacturers. The show also acts as an indicator of trends in color and style of the many, many product categories exhibited. Although it was cold, rainy, and gray, I left Paris completely dazzled by all of the different colors I saw there. Here are just a few examples.
1 Who would ever have imagined geraniums flourishing in a window box in January? The green was unbelievable.
2 The perfect brown facade gives no indication fo the riot of color to be found inside. This is without question the most beautiful umbrella shop I've ever visited.
3 I snapped this picture at the show (and on the sly). The French take scarves very seriously, and this was the best that I saw. A simple paper bag brown cashmere, with multi-color silk tassels.
4 A window display that is not only colorful, but delicious!
5 This flip-top desk has the perfect Pepto Bismol pink interior. Tres chic!
6 Windows of all stores provided inspiration for color. The food labels in this grocery store window were so inspiring.
7 I just love this assortment of colors together.
8 The muted colors in this ceramic-tiled hallway are easily livable and seasonless.
9 And last, but certainly not least, I could not believe my eyes when from across a very busy boulevard on the Left Bank. I spotted the decorations of this patisserie. I was blown away!
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Rowaida Flayhan | 2/21/12 at 4:10 am
Hi Kevin, Lovely images of your trip to Paris, I love Paris! The decoration of the patisseri is amazing. The macaroons on the 2012 looks beautiful what a clever idea. I love the ceramic-tiled hallway. Thank you for sharing.
From: Sophia | 2/28/12 at 1:07 am
Picture No. 5 - LOVE THAT DESK! I just painted an old 50's record album's cabinet in black...I thought I was done...the inside would look great in pink or maybe my dresser cabinet! LOTS TO THINK ABOUT!
From: Karen | 12/27/12 at 8:41 pm
Paris is always great to visit. lovely people, beautiful scenery, and amazing food.
here is my blog if you'd like to check out some design tips, and project I've completed.
fidelitygc.wordpress.com