Over thirty years ago an apartment was bought in Paris by a young man of 22 with a vision. He convinced his mother that it was a good investment, she believed him and bought three more.
Nearly two years ago we started toying with the idea of having a place in Paris, and renting it out a few weeks of the year to help cover renovation cost.
This year we found out that our daughter and son would both be living in Paris. The idea we were toying with become number one in our agenda.
Who likes being far away from the ones they love? I know from experience that it is an awful feeling that doesn't go away.
For the last several months, I have been to plenty of hardware, kitchen, bathroom, painting, fabric, flooring, and lighting, shops than I could not possibly recall.
I have wavered little in what I have thought best for the renovation.
Quality, cost and appealing were my objectives, with a big (!) emphasis on antiques.
I measured, calculated, often remeasured and often dreamed up ideas while sleeping in the car.
At last July 8th is the starting date. As I typed that I realized that the date has been pushed back more than several times. But, I honestly believe that this time it is going to happen… and I am so excited.
The builder, or renovator, has worked for French Husband for twenty years. It is a good thing he is who he is, otherwise I might be mad at him from all the times he has changed the dates.
The hardest part for me hasn't been waiting, no that is not true, I wish it was done already! Other than that hiccup that hardest part has been selecting a paint color. I am not good when it comes to picking wall colors. For those of you who have been reading my blog for…ever, you know how I paint… with a sock in hand and several batches of colors.
I think taupe-ish.
I am so not daring.
Oh remember the Paris map I found at the brocante and wallpapered to my bedroom wall? Well I found another! My Belle Mere (mother in law) and I framed it, it will hang in the bedroom in Paris.
How cool is that?
This is a blurry reflection of the Paris Map. The mirror was meant for the Paris apartment, but it is growing roots in our house. Has that ever happened to you? Where you buy something for someone, a present let's say, and then you decide to keep it?
Oh well the Paris apartment could end up empty with an air mattress and paper towels.
Remember when I asked you, my blog readers to give me idea / tips for renovating and setting up the Paris apartment? Well, I have kept every idea close. A checklist you might say.
Some ideas you wrote I have to repost today, because I still love them:
I had a good chuckle when BW Clark wrote, "Maybe a kitten. I know it isn't feasible, but still, that makes me feel happy and safe."
Trisha pointed out, "…As someone who travels about 200 days a year and has for the last 15+ years. Live in the apartment for a couple of days. Sleep in the beds, use the kitchen and then you will know what works and what doesn’t. SO often I wonder if anyone actually every tries out the arrangements in their hotels or B&Bs. Switches on bedside lamps that can’t be reached without actually getting out of bed or no bedside lamp at all. Towel racks you can’t reach form the shower, etc., etc. Use the apartment for a couple of days to work out those kinks. Bonne chance!"
My Belle Mere and I, are planning to do just that. We might never leave.
Suzy Meek Geere's comment sounds right up my alley,
"Maybe (you can have) lovely decorative pieces, with a price tag!"
French Husband chimmed in, "Corey you cannot do that? The apartment might be empty every time someone leaves."
"I know! Wouldn't that be fun! Then I could go to the brocante all day long and re do the apartment all the time."
French Husband walked away.
I hollered after him, "Hey it beats trying to find a sexy Parisian fireman, that is what someone wrote they wanted!!"
He didn't turn around.
The word from the renovator is that the apartment will be ready in September.
Yes, you calculated that right, the renovator thinks he and his crew can completely renovate the apartment (50 some square meters 500 square feet) in four to five weeks. But I am adding an extra month just to be safe.
Early this year I had a weekend giveaway for the Paris Apartment, the winners were:
The Randomly Picked out of a mixing bowl Winners are:
Amylia
Tedee Grace
Jend'isère
Petra Leaford
Mom of Five
Kit
Please let me know when you can come, anytime after September looks good.
Monday, Monday.
I cannot wait to hear the bang boom bash! Hopefully, the whole apartment won't fall down when the wall hits the ground. Of course that won't happen.
I will take many before and after photos.
Ugly Duckling transfomation.
Had I known I would have bought this zinc window years ago.
Oh well.
At least Yann (French Husband) had the foresight for a future dream that is coming true.
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