September 19, 2012

French inspiration: It’s more than a look

It’s a way of life.

I’m no expert on Parisian style. We were only there 10 days, but in my humble opinion Parisian chic prevailed wherever we went. It might have been in different flavours from one neighbourhood to another but it was always about lifestyle, not just what they are wearing. (though that wasn’t too shabby as you can imagine)

…the way they love their cafes.…I mean everywhere. And they were filled with the locals leisurely reading their papers or engaged in conversation. (Come to think of it….I don’t think I saw anyone sitting there with their Ipads or computers…hmmm?)

Hubbies enjoying the life!

.…the way they love their books….there was a bookstore on every block: mostly used ones and in French, of course. What a shame! I would have been in heaven if I could read them. Though the young ladies we were with managed to find the famous Shakespeare & Co Store.

Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore

….and the way they do food...lunch is light and fresh. Dinner is richer with sauces, but no worries, the wine dilutes it all! Loved dinners in the Latin Quarters…full of life and locals.

Latin Quarters night life

.…the way they love good quality. They just don’t do ‘cheap’ in Paris. And I’m not referring to pricing. I mean even the very modest shops had well made clothing or shoes etc. They take such pride in the curation and display of their merchandise. It was early August when we were there and all the store fronts had their little signs out announcing ‘Newest Fall Collection”.

Beautiful Displays

...the way they love their leisure time in the parkettes and gardens catching up on their daily reads.

Luxembourg Gardens

…the way their morning croissants are melt in your mouth. I just can’t bring myself to have one here yet. The memory has to become more distant.

Pain au chocolat

...the way they do pretty….

Lauduree Paris

…and the way they do history…well, what can I say.

Palace of Versailles

I now understand why everyone I talked to before I went to Paris seemed to have been there more than once. It is definitely a place to go back to. There are too many beautiful sights to explore all in one take. I believe in addition to their beautiful products and architecture, its their way of life that keeps people going back. It is inspirational. They love to be proper, do things beautifully and live in the moment to enjoy life.

And for Parisians if that means closing your shop down for the month of August, so be it…

TESTIMONIALS

Working with Marisa & team was an absolute joy. Their brilliant design skills went above and beyond what we expected as they helped us navigate a total reno of our main floor. They took our vision and feedback and translated it into creating our dream home! They guided us through all decisions, big and small, with knowledge, professionalism and patience. I can confidently say I would not change one thing.

- HM, Thornhill -

Amazing team of interior designers, we were so fortunate to be referred to Lumar Interiors and worked with Marisa and team, they are professional and creative. We had just completed a home renovation project and needed help with furnishing and decorating our family and living room. The results of our project is way beyond anything we could have imagined. We are totally grateful to these two ladies and their team!!!!

- SC, Vaughan -

When we moved to Aurora, we didn’t hesitate to call Marisa again. She knows what the client wants and stops at nothing to get the job done….looking for that perfect piece of furniture, upholstery, drapery, lighting & accessories, she was able to pull it all together and successfully accomplish our dream. We could not have done this without her expertise, trade contacts and wonderful support staff at Lumar Interiors.

- PW, Aurora -

Working with Lumar for almost 20 years spanning two homes, one of which was a custom build, I have experienced first hand the knowledge, resources, and abundance of talent Luisa and Marisa offer their clients. Professional and never “pushy” ideas are brought to fruition with ease. I highly recommend Lumar for all decorating projects, small and large.

- OL, King City -

I met with Luisa and the team two days after we moved into our newly built home. In the following two years, they have transformed our house into an elegant and welcoming home. It was a pleasure working with them. I valued their creativity, dependability, attention to detail, work ethic & professionalism. I highly recommend them and appreciate all of their efforts in making our home a warm and special place.

- PG, Stouffville -

When we first began the renovating and decorating process, I had a vision of what I wanted our home to look like. My biggest concern was whether I would be able to get my ideas across to the people involved in the process. Thanks for being a crucial part in making “my vision” into a reality, and for all the decorating advice when I just wasn’t sure what to do. It looks great-you made it painless and fun!

- AL, Richmond Hill -

The compliments never stop. It was so nice working with Lumar Interiors. You made everything so easy and understood exactly what I wanted in style and in cost…I had used many decorators before that charged through like a steam roller giving little time to me and my wishes. Working with the team at Lumar was sheer pleasure. I felt I not only found a new decorator but a new friend as well.

- PK, Thornhill -

Marisa Lupo from Lumar Interiors recently helped me update my 1990’s kitchen and make it a beautiful room. I have known Marisa for many years now and together we have also redecorated my family room and dining room. Slowly we have successfully turned my house into a home. Marisa’s patience and knowledge have made working with her a pleasure. I look forward to our next decorating project together!

- MS, Woodbridge -