Friday, April 26, 2013

Worldly Point of View

Our Trip to France


I am returning from a wonderful week cruising the Seine River in France. My journey started in Paris and concluded in Paris. I was surrounded all week by the beauty of centuries old buildings and art. The little towns along the river took me back in time to the beauty of nature, the smell of casual living and the capture of light and color in the paintings of artists such as Monet and van Gough.
 
Then there was the beauty of the history in the buildings in Paris. We strolled the plaza of the Louvre with its walls of opulence and touch of modernism in the glass triangles leading into the museum. Then it was on to the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the little Statue of Liberty and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées with its colorful stores of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and on and on. As we drove the streets of the 7th District I couldn’t help but visualize what might be behind those walls of architecture. We were told that the apartments were too expensive now for the average French family. The homes now attract the wealthy from all over the world.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the shores of Normandy where so many of our brave young men gave their lives for the freedom of others. We walked the paths separating the graves of some 9,000 Americans buried there. It was a breathtaking site when we walked into the cemetery. A very emotional tribute was paid to them with the playing of our National Anthem and then Tap’s followed by a moment of silence. We were each given a colorful rose to place on a grave of our choosing. I walked away with a new appreciation for our American heritage.

What did I walk away with as far as interior design from this trip? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think we can all draw from our pasts as well as the present to bring beauty and solace to our homes.

When you feel a need or desire to do something different in your home, take a peek into the period of history that interests you most. It will be an exciting venture. When you need a little help, my staff and I would love to share with you and help you choose. Give us a call at 565-8337 or visit our showroom in downtown Denton. We look forward to seeing you.

Please visit my Pinterest boards for other great ideas for decorating your home.

And, as always - Happy Decorating.

-- Carol Collins
Window Fashion Certified Professional Expert