Dar Kawa

Well, it's that time of the year... when the excitement of winter with its cosy wool sweaters and nice leather boots is all gone, your skin is dry, your toes are bluish because they haven't seen the sunlight for so long... I long for spring so bad... Don't you? To top it off, I keep coming across pictures of sunny paradisiac spots. Like this one spotted on the latest edition of Cote Sud : Dar Kawa in Marrakech, Morocco. Arhh... take me there... What's not to love about this place. Really.
Redesigned by Valerie Barkowski with the help of architect Quentin Wilbaux, Dar Kawa's style is all about simplicity and authenticity - and extra bonus, it's located in Morocco, a place I call home... Blissful, truly...

 

 

All images via Dar Kawa and Cote Sud

Paris pics

I know, I am late on posting my Paris trip pics, but this French flu bug hit me hard and I am barely recovering from it. So here is a selection of my Parisian moments... The highlights of my trip were a tour of Paris monuments and shop-hopping with my friend Claire in her shinny cherry red Vespa [priceless], a sunny Sunday five-hour-walk with my mom in the French capitale [keyword : sneakers], spending some good time with my dear friend Anne Marie who came to visit from Aix en Provence, Maison et Objets and discovering a couple of awesome shops [I will tell you more about it soon], meeting with two awesome ladies and fellow bloggers, Anna, whom I already knew from a previous trip, and Lau, who is just as fresh and spontaneous as her lovely blog. And of course, meeting with Paris, my all time secret lover...

Rue Vieille du Temple, where I was staying at

Hotel du louvre and Laduree, known for their delicious macarons

A typical Haussmann facade

French cop "Police Nationale" on roller blades

Artsy graffiti on the wall of a school
"At the new year, I will give away my old dreams"

On my way back from Paris...

So long Paris, au revoir! As always, it breaks my heart to say goodbye to you but as much I am in love with you, I miss my loved ones. They say "home is where your heart is", and I have to agree with that statement more than ever. But I will be back. I will, as you always have that same effect on me. Just like a lover. I love you, Paris. Take care. A bientot. Xo, Si-

Photo Petr Mašek

Mardi!

Alain Delon, 1962 - photo by Jack Garofalo

weekend in Paris!

Wishing you a fabulous weekend my dear! Mine shouldn't be too bad, I am in Paris! More pictures of my whereabouts here! Xo, Si-

Photo Jean Berton

Au revoir!

Today is departure day! I am beyond excited, no need to say. And because I can not take you with me [*sigh*], I will try to keep in touch through the FrenchByDesign Facebook page with freshly taken pictures that I upload whenever I get an internet signal. But I also prepared in advance a few blog posts for you - all around the theme of Paris and traveling - so be sure to check back here regularly while I am gone. As you know, I have a thing for old pics, so be prepared for some cool shots of Paris I gathered for you. That way, you'll somehow be traveling with me.
I will miss you, truly. But I'll back soon with lots of pictures to share with you and fully charged with creative interior design ideas. I promise. Bises - one on each cheek, the French way ;-) - , Si-

Photo Allan Grant, 1950

Wednesday Special Treat : L'Envol

Beautiful ad spot by BETC Euro RSCG ad agency, called l'Envol [transl. "Take Off"]... Beautiful music is Mozart Piano Concerto Adagio n23, choreography by Angelin Prejlocaj.
Oh, Paris, here I come!

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* Making the sky the best place on earth

A renovated farmhouse in Italy

Volumes have been carefully restored in this typical Lombardy region Italian farmhouse. A great attention to detail, finest use of material in interior design and spacious outdoor rooms protected by porches give this property a peaceful and relaxing feel, in complete harmony with its countryside surroundings. Gorgeous spot.

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