June 23, 2010 by Genevieve Sandifer
When I first considered living in the Marais, I was drawn, like most, to its centrality, its tiny cobble stone streets and its fabulous shopping (on Sundays, when the rest of Paris is as good as dead). I was tempted by its offers of falafel and its proximity to Berthillon on the Ile St. Louis. I loved that it was quiet and lively, sophisticated and fun all at the same time.

I have now been lucky enough to live in a couple different parts of this wonderful area, and I have to say, it remains one of my very favorite places to both live and spend my time while in Paris.

Although the streets can fill with tourists (both from other countries and other areas of Paris — jealous of the scene-y café terraces, bars and Sunday shopping), on a rainy afternoon or evening you’ll still find neighborhood cafés spotted with low-key, well-heeled locals reading the paper, sipping a glass of wine, or tapping away at their laptops.

Haven in Paris’ Elzevir apartment, a gem of a one-bedroom that I just know is dying to be graced by my shopping bags and worn out shoes, is located on a quiet street in between the more residential northern Marais and the livelier south Marais. Right smack half-way between the famous Place des Vosges and the rue des Archives’ great terraces, it truly is a haven of designer furniture, open spaces and sophisticated touches. Continue Reading »
Posted in Design, Homes, Parisian Living | 3 Comments »
February 19, 2010 by Tory Hoen

When I lived in the 5th arrondissement, I spent hours pounding the pavement (or the cobblestones, as it were) just exploring and trying to make sense of the diverse elements that make up the neighborhood: the historic Place de la Contrescarpe with its charming cafés, the lively market street Rue Mouffetard, the wild Jardin des Plantes, the magnificent blue-and-white-tiled mosque (La Mosquée de Paris), and the unexpected Arènes de Lutèce (a first century Roman amphitheatre). But more often than not, my walks ended with me staring up at the breathtaking Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute), my face tilted skyward as I struggled to take in the awesomeness that is this structure. Continue Reading »
Posted in Design, Parisian Living | 3 Comments »
February 12, 2010 by Nichole Robertson
Our friend Nichole Robertson over at Little Brown Pen just clued us into Jennifer Causey’s new book, Simply Paris, which is a photographic journey through the City of Light.

Ever have one of those moments where you jump off your chair, couch, whatever you happen to be sitting on? Well a few minutes ago, I had one of those moments.
It happened when I was reading Jennifer Causey’s blog. I’ve been a huge fan of her Simply Breakfast blog for years, and it’s a constant in my Google reader. Apparently, I was a little behind in my reading, because on January 29, she announced her new book—Simply Paris. Continue Reading »
Posted in Design | 1 Comment »
January 20, 2010 by Sarah Raymond
Object of Sound collection by NOCC studio. Image courtesy of NOCC.
As if Parisians weren’t already chic enough with their fabulous clothing and accessories, this weekend the city throws its twice annual home fashion show, Maison & Objet. And fashion show it is indeed – much like the runway shows, Maison & Objet has a degree of exclusivity and is invitation-only. Sadly, the invites are available only to professionals in the home & furnishings industry. Luckily, our secret sources have slipped us a few photos of pieces that will be on exhibit, and we just couldn’t resist sharing them with you. Of note is NOCC, an up-and-coming Paris-based design studio that we love and that has been selected as one of the Talent à la Carte designers to be featured at the show. They will be displaying their Object of Sound, Radiation, and Undished collections. Don’t have an invitation to Maison & Objet? Fear not, you can find them at their studio in the 12th arrondissement… more information on their website.
Items from NOCC’s Object of Sound collection. Images courtesy of NOCC.
More photos from other designers after the jump… all images below courtesy of Maison & Objet.
Continue Reading »
Posted in Design, Events | 1 Comment »
January 11, 2010 by Tory Hoen
Having lived in Paris, our friend Nichole and her husband Evan have serious skills when it comes to capturing the aesthetic details that make this city so gorgeous. For Christmas this year, Evan gave Nichole an illustration he had done of the main Rose Window at Notre Dame. One illustration led to others (in other colors), and Evan put together this awesome color-themed collage by integrating the illustrations with photos that he and Nichole have taken in Paris. We’re in love!





Photos by Evan Robertson
Written by Tory Hoen for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
Posted in Design | 5 Comments »
December 20, 2009 by Genevieve Sandifer
Images Courtesy of VIA.fr
Not that there is any shortage of exciting things to do in Paris in December and January, but the Pompidou Centre has just teamed up with VIA to put on a stellar exhibit featuring some of France’s most influential contributions to the interior design field in the past 30 years. Conceived to present pieces considered “most representative of French design when applied to lifestyle” to the public, you can expect early and important works from giants such as Philippe Starck, Martin Szekely, Jean-Paul Gaultier and many more. The exhibit runs from December 17 to February 1, 2010. Continue Reading »
Posted in Arts, Design, Events | 2 Comments »
December 15, 2009 by Haven in Paris
Looking for a gift for the Paris-obsessed people in your life? Pia Jane Bijkerk’s book Paris: Made by Hand explores 50 of Paris’ hidden shops where artisans of all kinds are crafting one-of-a-kind items. You can read more about Pia’s work as a stylist, photographer, and author on her blog. Guest blogger Vanessa Joie (of Pois Rouge) discusses the book and some of Pia’s secret spots…
Text by Vanessa Joie
I’ll be honest, growing up the words “handmade” or “homemade” made me cringe. I had visions of little old ladies knitting big, bulky, awkward sweaters I would be forced into while my friends wore something cute and “store bought.” I would long for Oreo’s while my mother spent hours in the kitchen baking delicious smelling treats. Fortunately, when I was 19 I took my first trip to Paris and fell in love—not with the big shops, but with the markets and the boutiques and the studios where the real treasures of Paris were hidden. Continue Reading »
Posted in Design, Shopping | 4 Comments »
November 8, 2009 by Haven in Paris
Two of our favorite francophiles, Linda Donahue (of Parisien Salon) and Claudia Strasser (of The Paris Apartment) sat down to chat about Parisian style. Check out the interview below!

Interview by Linda Donahue; Photos by Claudia Strasser and One & Only Photography
Claudia Strasser is a style doyenne, a successful entrepreneur, a Jersey Girl and the author of the ever-popular book, The Paris Apartment. And on top of managing a thriving business, writing another book (or two) and planning her frequent trips to Paris, Claudia still finds time to keep her blog—also called The Paris Apartment—constantly updated.Claudia’s followers—and there are many—have learned how to bring Paris style to their homes in the U.S. So we’re thrilled that Claudia took the time to sit down with Parisien Salon. Continue Reading »
Posted in Design, Parisian Living | 3 Comments »
October 9, 2009 by Genevieve Sandifer

Attention all design and interior décor gurus! This weekend there will be no respite for the aesthetically minded. After a week devoted to decorating the flesh, it’s time to think about the home. October 8-11, two not-to-be-missed events are competing for weekend shoppers – the Puces du Design and the Mondial de l’Antiquité – and turning the outer-limits of Paris into a playground for decorators and amateurs alike. Continue Reading »
Posted in Design, Events, Parisian Living | No Comments »