The lovely Pia Jane Bijkerk is an stylist, photographer and author of Paris, Made by Hand. Having grown up in Australia and travelled extensively through the world and divides her time between Amsterdam, Paris and Sydney. She currently lives on a houseboat in Amsterdam where she is completing her anticipated second book, . Her Paris apartment, however, captured me moment I saw it (just look at the fanciful heart made of fairy lights and ribbons as her headboard, below).
Pia's lovely space just seems to have a magical quality about it. While she sticks with a simple, neutral palette (lots of black and white!), it's filled with whimsical, romantic details in every corner, like the ethereal floating parasol above the bed as a light fixture. Beautiful chandeliers and lighting seem to appear in every room in her home. It shows Pia's meticulous attention to detail and is also a clever tactic of hers to maximize on one of the best features of her apartment - the high ceilings and ornate crown molding. (Also, an easy detail to use in a rental.)
Pia's clever use of space and impactful details in her kitchen were especially inspiring to me. I have the smallest kitchen in the whole world, or at least whole of Toronto :). I wouldn't have thought of using a chandelier in this small space but it works beautifully and also draws the eye up, giving the illusion of extra height and space. A very simple graphic black and white pattern is used throughout the room, adding some extra interest, but not overwhelming the space with busy patterns and details.
Ah - truly a romantic space - a lovely lounger, crafted from two old palettes that Pia has found and painted white, then mounted onto casters, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the light pouring in or the view from the balcony. Across the glass doors is a song in progress Pia has written for her love, French Boy. Très charmant.
Rather than fight the moody, dark wood in the living area, Pia has played it up with a rich wood dining set and lush tropical plants. A long black fringe becomes a very simple - but very impactful romantic chandelier.
Again in the bathroom - a delightfully pretty floral garland chandelier from Artecnic - in black to keep perfectly with the black and white theme. One of these has been on my wishlist for quite a while. In Toronto, find your at Quasi Modi, or online here.
Pia's Paris apartment is a magical retreat, but so simply executed. When you look closely, nothing is very extravagant or expensive, chosen pieces with a little DIY know-how and artistic details. A very simple black and white palette easily unites the space and adds a sense of flow. For extra information from Pia on the details of this space, click here.
{Photos from Pia's Paris apartment Before and After on DesignSponge, PiaJaneBijkerk and HouseBeautifulviaPiaJaneBijkerk}
8 comments:
Such an inspiring home decor makeover. Genius!
Cheers.
I just got back from Paris on Monday and seeing this apartment makes me want to go back (and live there!)
Wow i love it!
Oh Carol - sounds like you had a lovely time then, I hope you go back soon!
That fringed chandelier is absolutely incredible!
gorgeous space, so charming!
The fringed chandelier was a favourite of mine too, such a simple idea but what an impact!
I love Pia's style. I follow her blog as well.
http://annaelizabethpoole.blogspot.com/