Parterre - The ultimate provincial shopping experience in Sydney...

If you are looking to build or fill your home with quintessential authentic French Provincial wares, you live in Sydney and money is no object, then Parterre is just about the most ultimate shopping experience you could have.


Located in the gorgeous historic blue ribbon area of Woollhara, east Sydney and is housed in one of the areas oldest sandstone buildings, it features 2 floors and a walled courtyard bursting at the seams with French treasures.

I have yet to visit this incredibly enticing and breathtakingly beautiful store. I dare not at this stage as I fear it will break my heart not being able to afford anything lol, although I'm sure I'd find something ;) I don't think It could be possible to walk out with no money spent, just look at the endless exquisite unique pieces Parterre source from our beloved France and surrounds.

My wish list begins with these divine 19th century olive oil pots from southern France.

I've always wanted a marble top buffet. I'm now becoming quite partial to French grey patina.

I had to show these stunning butterfly displays to Mz Giannetti :)

I'm head over heels in love with these 19th century bifold doors featuring etched glass, depicting women in the four seasons. A mere $16,000 AUD *faints* ;)

Finally, what provincial home would be complete without a limestone fountain?

Take a peek at their extensive website if you dare or better still take a deep breath and visit the enchanting world that is Parterre.

A love dedication to pretty handpainted furniture...

(The Paris Apartment)

My post on friday about the stunning apartment in NYC featured a gorgeous old Italian handpainted side table that made my heart sing.

This led me to scroll through my files and find a bunch of images I had to compile into a love dedications post.

(OK magazine)

I am completely head over heels in love with pretty handpainted furniture old and new and especially of the French/Italian floral variety.

Pammy's bed for example, is just about the most beautiful piece of furniture I've ever seen. I turn green when I think about the lucky lucky bugger who purchased it, probably for a steal, at her recent yard sale ;)

(1stdibs)

Hand painted furniture really began it's origins in Italy around 1283 AD, introduced by Marco Polo who discovered the art whilst travelling through China. Within the next 100 years the Italian Renaissance had its beginnings; the Venetian school of artists, exemplified by Titian, was in full sway by the early 1500's.

(info from Patina)

(Patina)

(1stdibs)

(House to Home)

(Taverne Agency)

(Charles Faudree)

(Candace Olsen)

(TBA)

(narratives photo agency)

^This is the bed I dream for my daughter :)


(The nostalgia fairy @ flickr)


I would dearly love a piece of my own but without the $15, 000 price tag lol. I'd be more likely to afford a nice piece like the one above. Lovely old queen anne style dressing tables sell all the time on Ebay, if only I could find someone to paint some lovely floral details, it'd look just like and just as beautiful as the real deal. Miss Kris why don't you live in Sydney?! hehe ;)

(A cherished painted chest my Dad bought me for my 30th birthday)


Does anyone own a gorgeous piece of furniture similar to the ones I featured? If so I would LOVE to see a pic. Also if anyone know's of a place I could find one for myself I'd be ever so grateful to be pointed in the right direction :)

Oh how I'd LOVE to live here!!

I just about fell off my chair when I saw these bewitching pictures by Miki Duisterhof of this utterly exquisite home via Marge Casey & Associates and Desire to Inspire.

That dining room is flawless! Can you imagine long leisurely dinner parties under dim lights and flickering candlelight reflecting through the mirrored armoire? And how about that outdoor garden party? LOVE IT!

How could you not feel like Marie Antoinette living amongst all those divine French pieces and sumptuous fabrics?

I swear I was born in the wrong country and the wrong era ;)

A love dedication to Iron...

(The Paris Apartment)

(Appley Hoare Antiques)

(Parterre)

(Parterre)

(Parterre)

(Appley Hoare Antiques)

(Appley Hoare Antiques)

(Appley Hoare Antiques)

(Appley Hoare Antiques)

(Appley Hoare Antiques)

(istdibbs)

(The Paris Apartment)

(desire to inspire)

(Absolutely beautiful things)

(Lynn Von Kersting via Cote De Texas)

(lilidebretagne @ flickr)


(House Beautiful via Cote De Texas) - Thank you Joni :)

(1stdibbs)

(TBA)
(House Beautiful)

(Modern Country)

Words can hardly express the love I feel for rusty forged iron furniture and architectural pieces. Offering such elegance and beauty, scrolly iron transfers any room or building into a timeless masterpiece. Well thats my opinion anyway lol. Someday I will fill my home with pieces just like these. I don't think a person can have too many scrolls in their life and the more patina the better ;)

p.s Thank you to everyone who so thoughtfully sent me get well wishes. I am back, healthy, strong and ready to continue my education in the wonderful world of design. I've missed you all immensely and I can't wait to catch up on all your brilliant blogs.