Travel Inspired Interior Design: Part 2 in Bordeaux & Saint-Tropez

by | Oct 20, 2022 | Design, Inspiration, Interior Design | 0 comments

Buildings in Bordeaux
Paris Building Red Canopies
Paris Building Red Canopies

 

 

 

 

But as we moved further south, not necessarily chasing the sun, we came to appreciate the more colourful and open scenery of the Mediterranean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MSID Fabric shop

Although France is quite a large country, there are the same wonderful familiarities that can be found wherever you go. For those who read my last blog about my trip to Paris, here is the next instalment… as we move further south in France, firstly to Bordeaux and then to Saint-Tropez. Like Paris, buildings in Bordeaux are also primarily constructed with sandstone, with original wrought iron features. 

 

 

fabric shop
fabric shop
MSID rug samples
MSID rug samples

Combining original features and finishes, wallpaper patterns and textures, with modern furnishings and fittings, creates a beautiful and classical finish that instantly feels welcoming. I find that in France I am constantly in awe at the ways that different materials and styles are used in interesting ways, and try to incorporate this into my own design inspiration. 

 

MSID Fabric shop

Hotel interior design

It has always been a dream of mine to one day have the opportunity to design a boutique hotel. So naturally, when visiting hotels when I’m on holiday, I am always eager to see how they are designed and appointed. Timelessness is history, and I love the history of Europe and France. I am drawn to traditional things. It’s that feeling of permanence that is emulated in the design there, which is how I design homes for my clients, so they feel instantly at peace in their environment. 

In our hotel in Bordeaux, the traditional features of the building remained, such as the original wooden flooring and paneling, finishes that even those in new homes are seeking to recreate.

 

fabric shop

Our hotel room in Saint-Tropez was quite different from the room in Bordeaux; in keeping with the history and traditions of the South of France. Although you may spot that once again the design incorporates a freestanding bath in an open bedroom/bathroom as opposed to the more observed en-suite in a hotel. 

 

 

 

 

 

When designing a home for a client, I ensure that the design is cohesive throughout the home. That the entire home feels like one space that continues effortlessly and seamlessly to the next, which is how we achieve a high-quality, timeless design for our clients. 

 

MSID details flowers
MSID Fireplace
Msid Flowers on table
MSID Fireplace

Our hotel in Saint-Tropez felt very cohesive and I appreciated that special touch, as we entered the restaurant,  it provided the same warm, welcoming atmosphere as the rooms. Using the same orange as the colour palette, the same stone finish for the flooring, soft lighting and ornate furnishings… the design even flowed through to the outdoor entertaining areas such as around the swimming pool. 

Inspiration doesn’t just come from design… 

Alongside taking inspiration from the rich history and culture that we found travelling around France, there was another element that enriched my experience there: the amazing food. No matter where we were, we enjoyed delicious, fresh food, whether that be a warm pastry straight from the baker on a morning, juicy fruit from a market as a mid-morning snack or freshly caught and sourced seafood for lunch. With such vivid colours, compelling textures and smells to accompany them, it’s hard not to continue to be inspired even when taking a break from exploring. 

MSID-religious-celing-scaled

My restaurant experiences during our entire stay, no matter where we were, were simply an inspiration. From the spectacular locations or buildings, immaculate decor, the way they serve food/wine, then of course, the food itself, just amazing. 

I hope you’re enjoying my journey so far, join me next time for the final instalment of my French trip and how Europe continues to inspire me as an interior designer, in my work, my life and my own home. 

MSID paris dining
MSID-eating-out

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Stephanie Nadel

Assosciate Interior Architect

What makes Stephanie Nadel’s success story so remarkable is that she has come so far, so fast.
Stephanie, the Associate Interior Architect at Marylou Sobel Interior Design, has gained more experience, and handled more responsibilities in the past ten years than many other design professionals take on in their careers.

Stephanie, a multi-talented full service professional, carried out a wide variety of commercial and residential design tasks while she was based in London. She worked for three prominent interior design firms, as well as on her own, and served clients around the world.

In the process, she helped complete within 12 weeks the design and installation of a penthouse suite on The World, the luxury residential yacht that circumnavigates the globe. Prior to this Stephanie lead the full refurbishment of a lavish, Grade II listed, five bedroom home in the Hampstead Garden suburbs in London.

During her five years in London, she worked with Gensler, the world’s largest collaborative design, planning and consulting firm; MoreySmith, a leading design and architecture studio, and Fiona Barratt Interiors, an award-winning luxury design firm.

Assisting with projects for those firms, launching her own residential practice, and interacting with vendors worldwide provided her with project management, creative problem solving, sourcing, technical and other skills that benefit her clients today.

Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Interior Architecture degree at the University of New South Wales.

While she is adept in several aspects of design, she’s particularly interested in the challenge of refurbishing existing spaces. “I enjoy the problem solving that’s involved with existing buildings,” she says. “Although it is always a privilege to design alongside a team to create new and innovative structures, I love creating meaningful design from older properties and taking inspiration from heritage details.”

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