Maison de Cinq - Decor/Lifestyle/Design

Vintage French Bread Boards and How to Decorate with Them

I know you guys know I love just about anything French, but vintage French bread boards are something that I kind of stumbled on in terms of collecting. I don’t even remember where I first saw them, or what made them call my name, but they did! They are plain, and worn out, and definitely unglamorous, but wow, do they have character! They’re something my mother would probably think belongs in a garage sale (haha!), but I just adore them. Actually, I like any bread boards, even new ones, but the old French ones are particularly special. They are usually quite worn, with an amazing patina that comes from years and years of use and handling. I love the texture they add wherever you display them.[...] read more

Why a Bergére is the Perfect Chair, and Where to Find the Best Ones!

There is nothing quite like the perfect arm chair in a living space. And of course, since I’m partial to French style in general, I just adore a good Bergére chair! They’re versatile, classic, and comfortable (which not all armchairs are). For those of you not familiar with it, a Bergére is a chair designed in the Louis XV style, with an upholstered back and arms, and fitted with a loose tailored seat cushion. These antique French chairs typically featured wood frames that were either gilded or painted and were upholstered with fine fabrics.[...] read more

Friday Favorites – Cute and Chunky Block Heel Sandals

Lately (and by lately, I mean for about the last 6 months) I’ve been loving block heel sandals! Not only are they far more wearable than a narrower heel is, they are feeling more current than a stiletto right now. Anywhere that I would have worn a traditional high heel in the past, I find I’m pulling out a block heel instead.[...] read more

Friday Favorites – Twenty Gorgeous Black & White Kitchens

I’ve always gravitated to the crisp, clean match-up of black and white. I absolutely love it in fashion, having talked about it in both this post and this one. It’s a pairing that I wear all the time, and probably would wear every day if I could! And now I find I’m gravitating to black and white kitchens, too. Maybe it’s having recently finished the renovation of this kitchen with touches of black that’s re-inspired my love for it. Or it could just be the fact that I’ve always loved it; I even decorated my first apartment in the combo. Whatever the reason, I’m definitely feeling an affinity for black and white kitchens these days![...] read more

Friday Favorites – Decorating with Animal Hides

I’m a little late in coming around to the animal hide trend. For a long time it didn’t speak to me; I guess I wasn’t entirely comfortable with it. But I must confess, it has slowly grown on me! Decorating with animal hides can not only look luxurious, but it also brings much needed texture to a room (something that is often missing in interiors). I’m especially drawn to a zebra or cheetah print rug layered over another natural fiber rug underneath. So chic![...] read more

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