I have been clearing my study lately and sorting through decade-old stacks of fashion and home design magazines. It is amazing how certain objects and styles look dated whereas others remain almost eternally fresh and appealing.

Check the Louis XIV-style mantel for example. If the overall decorative style of French King Louis XIV, as seen in the Château de Versailles looks too grand and even somewhat pompous in today’s world, one of the innovations of French decoration during his time, the “Cheminee a la Royale“, remains surprisingly ageless.

The “Cheminee a la Royale”  is a low molded mantel with a tall mirror (or a panel with a painting or bas relief) above, which over time, became a feature of the wall. The mantel surround itself with its simple molded shape truly is a timeless design.

So much so that this historic design fits perfectly into any room decor, including Eclectic and Contemporary ones. Take a look at our Mont Richard mantel, a hand-carved reproduction of an original Antique Louis XIV mantelpiece, and see how this French period style “hasn’t aged a day”!

In this gentleman’s study created by designer Dan Carithers, the wall panel above the mantel is the perfect backdrop for contemporary artwork. Another setting typical of the grand style of Louis XIV.

The designers from McLaurin Interiors blended the limestone mantel with like colors to create a classic and  elegant dining room.

In this Florida Estate, the Mont Richard mantel creates an architectural accent in this contemporary dining room designed by Phil Kean.

For this eclectic space, designer Mark Christofi selected a copper Mont Richard mantel hand-crafted using a traditional Cold Cast technique. Revived by Francois & Co, this highly-prized craftsmanship lends each piece an extraordinary metallic finish.

So where do you see your Mont Richard?

~ Valerie Mayer

During my recent trip to France, I tasted the most delicious Bouillabaisse ever in a small family-owned restaurant nestled in a calanque (a cove) near Marseille… just like this one.

Bouillabaisse is a French fish soup made with several kinds of fish, shellfish and vegetables, and flavored with a variety of herbs and spices. It is traditionally served with a rouille, a mayonnaise made of olive oil, garlic, saffron and cayenne peppers on grilled slices of bread.

It looks great, smells and tastes divine!

Our Bouillabaisse mosaic pays a vibrant tribute to this French traditional dish.

Our hand-crafted mosaic cannot render the exquisite aroma and delicious taste of the original culinary masterpiece but it sure makes me dream!

Here is an easy recipe if you would like to try it.

Bon Appétit!

~Valerie Mayer

A couple of weeks ago, I visited the wonderful town of Carcassonne in the South of France –my sister lives nearby, lucky her! This fortified medieval city really looks like it’s coming out of a fairy tale and reminds me of romantic Troubadour poetry, courtly chivalry and armored knights.

No wonder, Medieval times still are such a vivid source of inspiration!

Take a look at our Antonella Range Hood for example; pretty close, huh?

Fireplace drawing from the Dictionary of French Architecture from 11th to 16th Century, volume 3 by Eugene Viollet-le-Duc

12th Century Fireplace mantel in the Logis des Clergeons in the City of Puy-en-Velay, France - Picture by J_D Salvèque

Antonella Range Hood by Francois & Co. A semicircular shelf and narrowing stack reminiscent of the medieval hood

And call me a hopeless romantic but I couldn’t help but see a similarity between our Antonella Hood with a custom copper stack and a beautiful hennin, the medieval headdress worn in the Middle Ages by European women of the nobility.

Antonella range hood with a copper stack - design by Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Ltd.

A Medieval headdress, detail from a painting circa 1500 by Hans Holbein the Elder

Here is one more Antonella in a beautiful kitchen.

And just so that you know that is my dream kitchen!

~ Valerie Mayer

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