Friday, January 22, 2016

~~ The French Attic in Winter ~~


The second-floor space in my home isn't really an attic 
but it's always felt like one to me. 

I like to imagine it's one of those tiny Parisian attics like this one where the maid lived. 
I'm sure she'd never be able to afford it now!!


Today this room is my office where I write my blog, 
but if I had a hot plate, a mini-fridge and a daybed, I could live in this small space.


Filled with natural light from tall east-facing windows, 
the room continues to evolve as the scene outside changes. 
Today, as the temperature dips and a snowstorm blows down my street, 
the trees shiver and bare their bony limbs. 


Back inside, one of the recent changes we made in this room was cutting back the lower shelf 
above my refurbished desk by about three inches. 
I was always banging my head on the shelf every time I stood up. Merde!
(That's French for "Who put this stupid shelf here? Oh yeah, that would be me.") Ha!


The other changes are more temporary and easily changed when warm weather returns. 
I brought my vintage birdcage inside from the front porch for the winter.
I love the wiry lines of the cage backlit by the window.
I draped a lacy piano shawl over the stand for a soft look. 



Potted begonias and ferns that I wanted to winter-over inside 
have found a spot next to the sheer-draped windows, bringing a touch of spring to this room.

I've also moved this stained-glass window several times 
and think I've finally found a perfect home for it in front of the windows. 
It brings a bit of color to a mostly white room. 


A linen floral slipcover has been removed to show off the warm red leather 
of the deep club chair and ottoman. 

Here's the summer look . . . 


. . . and here's the winter version. 

I've tossed a white sheepskin over the back of the chair 
and added a chunky throw for a cozy feel. 



The white wicker planter has a new look filled with my favorite books 
and swathed with vintage linens. 
(Yes, it's the same stained-glass window. It moves around a lot.)


Some pretty white silk flowers in a copper flower bucket 



and an evocative Paris poster with my red heels add a sultry French mood to the room. 


This room may not be an attic in France but 

53 comments:

  1. Hi Pat, your space is so cozy and inviting! Love the stainglass piece and the birdcage. The snowy view out the window is lovely!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Gina. I appreciate your kind comments.

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  2. Your home is so pretty! It's pretty but comfortable and that's the best combo of all.

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  3. Your room is just so beautiful! Love everything about it.
    Liz

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  4. Beautiful and cozy. Love the wintery view out the window. I feel like you; I could live in my master bedroom and bath if I just had a kitchenette!

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  5. I love your cozy space. I could stay in there forever, curled up with a book or just watching out the window.

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    1. Thanks Grammy. That's just what I'm going to be doing in a couple of days when a big snowstorm hits Denver.

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  6. *sigh*
    What a beautiful space. It has made me think about my 'French Attic' - the little nursery off the master bedroom in our house. It is a bit of a catch-all, but I think it could be a little like your cosy room. Thanks for the inspiration.
    Visiting from Amaze me Monday - and I'll be your latest follower.

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    1. Oh, thank you so much and good luck with your little space. I'm delighted you're a new follower!

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  7. I love this! I've done a bonus room up for myself (hideaway), and it feels much like an attic too! If only it had a 1/2 bath, it would be perfect! Yours looks like a lovely place to go for peace and quiet!

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    1. Thanks Kathy. When it comes right down to it, we really don't need a lot of space. Hope you visit again soon.

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  8. I love this little cozy space.

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  9. What a perfect " atelier " !!! I could easily imagine I was in Paris sitting in there -
    MERDE - now my next house has to include a loft LOL !!!
    Lucky you !

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    1. Bon Jour Suzan. So glad you stopped by the atelier to visit.

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  10. Let's see, what do I love here?

    the red chair ... an attic space just for you ... the birdcage ... all of it.

    BTW - that's not what I thought MERDE meant!

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    1. So glad you stopped by to visit. BTW, you're right about that word!

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  11. Love your special place. It would make me feel like I was in Paris for sure. That chair is awesome!
    hugs,
    Linda

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    1. Thanks Linda. The chair was an estate sale find. I went back the second day and everything was half off. I grabbed it!

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  12. OMGOSH!!! I love that red leather chair !!!! I would purchase that chair in a heart beat.
    I have been wanting to add a red chair to my living room
    Oh well

    Love you sweet room

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. The chair was an estate sale find. I went back the second day and everything was half off. I grabbed it!

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  13. I love what you have done. Everything looks so warm and cozy.

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    1. Thanks so much Betty. I'm going to need warm and cozy...big snowstorm headed our way.

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  14. Lovely spot! I love the red chair and its setup along with that stained glass piece. So pretty!

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  15. What a pretty place to hibernate in and watch the lane fill up with snow.

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    1. Hey Speckled Hen! Big snowstorm headed our way so I'll be watching the street turn white.

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  16. Good Morning Pam, You have created such a warm and cosy environment to write your blog. I love it. I love how you change the room with the seasons. It is the perfect retreat... I can just see you sitting in your chair, reading a book.... well trying to, as the view from your window would make it hard to concentrate on the book.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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    1. Thanks so much for your sweet comments Daphne. Hope you visit again soon.

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  17. Totally adorable! Very sweet spot!
    Cozy, esp with that window....the chair with its slipcover is cute...
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Nancy. Wouldn't it be neat to have a little balcony outside that window. Sigh.

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  18. Pat,
    Oh, dear one, how you tempt me to extend my ability to use my computer on the lower level of our home!!! I have a "perfect" get~away space in my Art Studio that would make a cozy retreat!!! Whatever the weather out~of~doors, it's always Springtime in my Studio One!!!
    Thank you for sharing your French Attic in Winter!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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    1. Hi there Pat. Oooh, an art studio sounds perfect for a cozy retreat. Good luck and enjoy spring...just around the corner.

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  19. Pat, There is so much love about this room, the cozy size, the red leather chair and ottoman, the stained glass window and the bird cage. Loved to have a tour. Sylvia D.

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  20. Such a cozy spot! Love all the windows and the stained glass window too.
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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    1. Thanks Cindy. The sun is shining today (finally) and the windows look beautiful!

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  21. Such a lovely room, Pat. So bright and filled with beautiful vintage touches. Your stained glass window is beautiful; I'm in love with its simplicity. Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Vintage Charm :)

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    1. Thanks Diana for your kind words. I always enjoy your blog too!

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  22. There is something so charming about attic rooms. Reminds me a being preteen for some reason! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Sherry. I remember my teen years in an upstairs room too. One day I came home to find my mother had painted vertical pink stripes on the walls. I loved it! She was definitely ahead of her time.

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  23. What a lovely room! I enjoyed looking around.

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  24. Thanks so much for linking up with #fleamarketfriday party! I loved your post so much I am featuring it today! See your post in a little bit at www.creativecountrymom.com xxx....Brooke

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  25. Guess we should be grateful we don't get as much snow as Denver. We're on western slope as they call it here. We live about 15 miles west of Grand Junction out in country by Loma, closer to Utah border. CO river is just little over 2 miles south of us.
    Love your "attic", I'd be up there roosting in winter especially, wouldn't want to come down. Your home is so cozy, welcoming. When we lived in our travel trailer at KOA south of G.J I loved it, so cozy. When we finally rented house after 10 months in our trailer I was lagging moving into house. Because all our furniture was still in KY I stayed in trailer on house property for few months before we went to get furniture.
    How long have you lived in your home? Enjoy your homey "attic". Is it hot up there in summer? Happy weekend

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  26. Hi Pat. I just discovered your blog and it has already become my favorite (and I look at a lot of vintage/shabby chic blogs!) I absolutely adore your French attic room - what is the wall paint (it looks grey/green or green/grey)?

    Although my place has some vintage things many of my favorites (such as antique lace, real flowers and plants, etc.) aren't in use as I rescue dogs and cats. Someday perhaps I will have a room just for me - until then I am living vicariously through your blog.

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  27. Hi there! Welcome to my blog. Yours has to be one of the best comments I've ever received so thank you for making my day! The paint in question is Benjamin Moore Gray Mirage (gray/green). I actually keep my paint chips and label them by room in case someone asks me what color is that! I have a rescue Maltese/Bichon so I'm happy to hear you rescue too. I hope you visit my blog often and have a room of your own someday.

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    1. Thank you for the paint information. Rescues are THE BEST! My home is full of love because of them. Can't seem to get my name accepted so its Anonymous for now. Em

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