Paris in July: Petite Maison

So, you are off to Paris. And while you are there, you may visit some lovely homes -- like those of Marie Antoinette or Victor Hugo. But what about homes where "real" people are living in Paris now?

In my last post you saw lots of doors -- and they have to go somewhere! So today we are going behind one of them.

Behind each of these doors a lovely and charming courtyard. 

Even the courtyards have lovelies!

 

Climb up five flights of steps and note a welcoming arrangement in the hall.

Jiggle the key in the lock (because it is an old lock, after all!) and turn the handle just right! You are home!

Kick off your shoes, take a nap on the couch!

Or better still -- look around! This apartment belongs to my friend Jerry, who is an avid antique collector.

He also is a remarkable designer by avocation with an eye for arrangements. His vignettes are perfect.

You may just want to look out the window at the rooftops on the other side of the courtyard.

The large windows in the living and bedroom make the small space seem much larger.

But I'm hungry. So I'll step into the kitchen. It's a tight fit.

 

One of the things I love about Paris is that people seem to shop for fresh things regularly -- daily bread, whatever one feels like for dinner. I know now why: the fridge is very small. Everything is smaller.

Jerry is a fan of the frozen market, Picard, which Paris Breakfasts described so well HERE. There is one a few blocks away and he'll pick up just the right thing for dinner. Tonight, chicken, veggies and pasta.

We sit at the table by the window. It's rather perfect.

Jerry's collections run the gamut from interesting art...

...to books...

...to keys...

...to bottles...

...and silver pieces.

 

All found at brocantes and vides greniers.

 

The thing that gets me is that he knows just how to put them together!

The bedroom has lots of light. Jerry was kind enough to give up his room to Rick and me during our visit. To awaken and look out these windows was such a joy.

Paris apartments are small by American standards. So Jerry is not only a fine designer and decorator, but a spatial engineer! Every single one of these suitcases on the shelf is completely organized.

Even the bathroom decor is carefully thought out to best use the perfect treasures for that spot.

I can't choose a favorite.

Is it this?

Or this?

I can't decide.

What about you?
 
This post is part of the Paris in July blog traveling party hosted by Thyme for Tea and Bookbath!

 

Please visit them for links to other blogs featuring terrific posts related to France.