When we bought our apartment the most exciting part of moving in was realizing the decorative potential of our space, albeit it very small. The bedroom and kitchen are the most colorful while the living room (and dining room, as it were) feature more natural, earthy tones with touches of color from candles and flowers. Despite an ever-growing interest in interior design, I feel completely hopeless. How do we really optimize such a small space and make it appear larger?
It wasn’t until Nichole linked to a guest post she did for Will Taylor that I discovered Bright Bazaar, an interior design and styling blog with a focus on color. He’s got a wonderful eye and through his posts has introduced me to a number of shops and brands that I might not have found otherwise. When he’s not blogging, Will is a prop stylist and a freelance writer, with a monthly column in the online publication Rue Magazine. Although he lives in London, Will always has his eye on Paris.
Describe what you love about France in 3 words.
I love French….
Passion, style and wine.
What are your favorite shops in Paris and why?
I really like a peek inside le Petit Atelier de Paris for their handmade ceramics, but one of the real winners for me is Papier+ for it’s brightly coloured stationery, great service and adorable shop front.
What is the biggest similarity and difference between London and Paris?
The main similarity between the two cities for me is that they are both really, really expensive! For me one of the biggest differences between the two is their ‘openness’. OK, let me explain! I find that when I am in Paris everything feels spacious (well maybe not the hotel rooms or the tiny little bars and restaurants) but more so on the streets and when riding the Metro. In London the tube is small and claustrophobic, whereas in Paris there are double width stations and trains you can actually stand up in! Plus, their tree-lined avenues and wide streets are the opposite of London’s twisty and turning roads and lanes, which are charming in their own way, but definitely feel different to those in Paris.
How do you incorporate French style into your home? How can others add French flair to their interior?
When I was in Paris in January this year I went to see an exhibition at Hotel de Ville celebrating the work of Andree Putman, which I found utterly inspiring. I love Putman’s graphic use of black and white checkerboard, so this is something I’m keen to introduce into my new apartment. Check out her website for some lovely ideas on furniture and style.
Favorite French film and/or book?
I’ve not seen a huge number of French films (something I’d like to change) but I did find Heartbreaker amusing last year. I bet your readers have some good suggestions, which I’d love to hear about!
So, who can help him out? What films would you recommend to get his feet wet?
Follow him on twitter: @will_uk and his obsession with color on Bright Bazaar!
