Hilltop Hideaway: Hotel Crillon Le Brave in Provence

A stylishly designed stone sanctuary that occupies an old hilltop village in Provence, Hotel Crillon Le Brave is a bucket-list worthy destination for any design tripper in search of organic, luxurious relaxation.  Crillon Le Brave is perched above the Vaucluse Valley, offering views of vineyards and olive trees.  This boutique hotel exemplifies the simple pleasures for which Provence is famous. 

The hotel, which occupies eight village buildings in a town that dates back 2,000 years, is ideally situated in the region - 25 miles from Avignon. You are within close proximity to the major sites of Provence, yet heavens away.

We stayed three nights at this historic village property in the shoulder travel month of October (which means deals and no crowds), and I have been dreaming of returning ever since.  Six months pregnant at the time, Hotel Crillon Le Brave delivered much needed pampering (one of the best masseuse ever), comfortable bedding and silky linens, deep soaking bathtubs, and breathtaking views of the Provence floor that can only be described as "relaxation at a higher level than yoga".  Oh, and let's not forget, the seasonal, epicurean delights served in an ambient stone cellar or on the sun-bathed terrace.  The staff was lovely, attentive and helpful in an informal way (no butler gloved hands lingering over your shoulder at this resort). 

Simple elegance of the main entrance

Historic well overlooking Provence's ground floor

Vineyard views

Image from Crillon Le Brave

Charming shutters

Image from Crillon Le Brave

Sun-bathed terrace

Magical sunsets

My girlfriend enjoying the perfectly designed breakfast room

As Provence is my vacation destination of choice (how couldn't it be with its beautiful, colorful, artistic landscape (just ask Van Gogh), gorge-worthy food, inspiring design and down-to-earth living?), I am admittedly biased in this review. 

Design Trip Notes

• Shoulder Season: Provence virtually shuts down during the Winter and is a tourist zoo during the Summer.  Traveling during the shoulder season, late September to October or April to May, not only avoids the crowds but also enables luxury accommodations at motel prices.  Call Hotel Crillon Le Brave in advance and ask if they have any specials - you'll be surprised by the offered discount!
• Brocantes: France is a treasure trove and a pilgrimage for flea market lovers.  Avignon and nearly every other village holds a brocante (e.g., flea market) once a week.  Ask the Hotel upon arrival and they should be able to provide you with a schedule of the neighboring markets.  In April and October, large brocante festivals are usually held at select villages throughout Provence, the most famous of which are Barjarac and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
• Seeking Lavender: Lavender season is June to August, but this is also prime tourist season.  The beauty of the rows of purple balls may just be worth the price and crowds.

Images Brooklyn Boheme (unless otherwise noted)

House Tour: An Entrance Grounded in B&W

This high-contrast combo grounds a small space with black-tie panache.  It visually expands a space, brings order to the most eclectic of spaces and it plays nicely with both period furniture and pop art modern.  I love it in bold stripes, punchy graphics and saturated noir - this combo is timeless, chic, modern and playful.  This combo is also the starting point for our petite 1930s Regency-style home. 

Black & white striped outdoor curtains frame our inky-black front door in homage to a Parisian Bistro scene.  Door painted in high gloss Sherwin Williams' Contessas Cape.  The curtains, found on sale at Pottery Barn, are tacked up on nails (no special outdoor hardware needed) and casually pulled back with rope picked up from the hardware store.  This curated black & white style is easy to achieve on a budget!

Antique white knocker contrasts against the inky black front door

Black and white striped curtains envelope guests at the entrance

The monochromatic theme continues into the foyer.  The "foyer" is a lavish word for our broom-size closet entry.  With odd angles (note, there are 3 doors in the foyer), our decor options were limited.  By painting bold black & white stripes on the foyer ceiling and saturating the front door in a black hue, we instantly changed the small room with a DIY elegance.  The bold stripes are an unexpected greeting and cause the ceiling to visually recede, while the door adds a visual pop to the limited wall space.  Walls painted Benjamin Moore's November Skies set-off by a Sherwin Williams' Dark Knight front door.

Design Tip: When painting stripes, use painter's tape in a width of the desired stripe.  Ensure straight lines by placing strips of the tape edge to edge, starting with the corner of the ceiling - creating rows of tape. Remove every other row of tape, and then paint the contrasting color. 

Ceiling before

Ceiling after

Front door before

Front door after

Black & white graphic art echoes the ceiling's stripes

The ornateness of the gilded Hollywood Regency mirror and console compliment the chic simplicity of black & white.  Stacks of DIY muslin covered books with hand-painted gold numbers on the spine, bound in black & white polka dot ribbon, add a modern sculptural twist.  While an antique red and black Moroccan rug is the counterpoint to the vintage Moroccan light fixture (scored at a flea market for $10) hanging above it.

The foyer is still a work in progress - I'm hunting for that perfect crystal light fixture and black-ish & white graphic wallpaper (and struggling to get over my wallpaper fear...if you've ever removed wallpaper, you understand) ....perhaps, the Etched Arcadia Mural by Anthropologie.

Design Tip: Create a curated library display by recovering mismatched books in a uniform cloth.

Gilded details add chicness to the monochromatic space

Black & white extends from the foyer into the adjacent kitchen and living room.  The continuity of the theme from room to room gives a sense of order and visual expansiveness to our small home.  An antique black & white bus sign in the kitchen is a natural transition from the foyer's black & white striped ceiling.

Design Tip: Enliven a monochromatic space with unexpected pops of color (such as the vintage pink Hotel Ritz ephemeral on the foyer's console).

Antique black & white bus sign

Black & white elements in the living room continue the foyer's theme

Cocktail Apothecary: Savoring Summer with a Blueberry Mojito

Here's one last Summer cocktail to savor the season before Labor Day.  I was first introduced to the Blueberry Mojito at the the seclusive shores of the Horned Dorset hotel in Puerto Rico, and I returned home with this recipe as my souvenir of choice.  I love the pureness and simplicity of a refreshing Mojito, but this sweet twist elevates the classic drink to chic delicousness.  This recipe requires juicing, muddling and straining, but it's worth every last effort.

Blueberry Mojito

Blueberries may be substituted for strawberries, blackberries or your Summer berry of choice, but only fresh seasonal berries and no frozen or prepackaged juices or purees.  As with all apothecary concoctions, the devil is in the quality of the ingredients. 

Recipe (per cocktail serving):
*12 mint leaves
*Handful of blueberries
*1/2 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
*4tsp. bakers sugar
*1 1/2 oz white rum (I used Bacardi because that's what was on hand)
*Splash of club soda

Muddle the mint leaves and lime juice in a beaker.  Mash and strain fresh blueberries into the same beaker.  Add bakers sugar and ice, followed by rum.  Stir and then pour into high ball glass 3/4 way full.  Top with club soda.  Garnish with a spring of mint and lime wedge.
 

Essential ingredients - fresh seasonal blueberries, lime and mint.

Muddled mint and lime juice.

Blueberry mash and strain.

Blueberry muddled concoction.

Serve and enjoy.

Images by Brooklyn Boheme.
 

Classic Winter Wedding Affair in San Francisco

Vintage met modern at this classic San Francisco wedding in the Presidio.  From the quaint historical chapel used by military officers of a bygone era, minimally decorated with white Lilies and holiday appropriate wreaths, to the vintage venue of the Presidio Social Club outfitted with modern eye-popping lounge vignettes, this wedding was classic perfection.  The wedding's grey, white, and fire engine red palette honored the holiday season with a contemporary twist, and the classic cocktail Moscow Mule, donned with red and white paper straws, greeted guests in a nod to the iconic venue's roots as a military barrack.

The Bride, who exudes "Jackie O" elegance, wore a classic, flowy, sweetheart neckline VWidon gown, tailored by Jin Wang of San Francisco.  Her hair tied into a chic chignon was the perfect compliment.  A streamlined ceremony featuring the Bride's sister as THE bridesmaid, wearing a black chiffon Adrianna Papell ballgown, offered a preview of the evening's elegance and jubilation.  The Groom looked dapper in a black Armani suit.

Vintage postcards compliment modern grey+white invites.

Simple floral arrangements and holiday garland allow the venue's historical beauty to shine.

Not a detail was missed at the reception.  Vintage themed postcards of the Golden Gate were offered in lieu of a guest book, an art gallery of grey escort cards within red lacquered frames offered guests their table assignments, and festive cocktails were a plenty.  In a tented patio trimmed with vintage string lights, guests enjoyed the evening's stars while being protected from the San Francisco chill.  Cigars followed dinner, and late night french fries and sliders ensured guests kept the party going.

Ornate hand-painted beams paired with the contemporary lines of the Lilly arrangements.

Understated beauty in this elegant Pronovias lace shrug.

Caroline + Bryan

The Bride's style tips:

• After hours party: Not wanting the evening to end, serve late night snacks to fuel your guests. 
• Best money spent: Hire a wedding planner so that you can enjoy your day and the weeks leading up to your day.  Without the brilliant team of Rebecca Reategui Weddings & Special Events (for whom I am so grateful), I would have lost my mind trying to nail down the days' details. 
• Guest bags: Welcome long-haul guests with regional goodies - a local map, bottle of water, regional snacks and travel guide.  We included local gourmet popcorn (Thatcher's) and chocolate (Ghiradelli), guide to exploring the Presidio along with a map of San Francisco, a fortune cookie with a personalized message ("we are lucky to have you here!"), golden gate bridge magnet, and Anchor Steam beer (another SF specialty).  
• Venue selection: Choose a venue that is conducive to dancing to ensure your reception is not a dud.

All images © Andi Hatch Photography all rights reserved, used with permission.

Paris Shopping Essentials

I have been spoiled by Paris, spoiled by the city's charming cobbled lanes, designer patisserie windows, fashionable pedestrians and spoiled from ever traveling to another city.   I simply cannot get enough of this city, and I apologize to its neighbor, London, but she just doesn't offer the same grandeur, cafe charm or shopping indulgence.  I swoon over Paris's design sensibility and the art-directed window displays of the couture houses as well as the humble yet chic offerings of the many Parisian artisans.

From couture houses, to artisans and gourmands, to brocante markets, Paris offers goods for every wallet size and aesthetic.  Exploring Paris boutiques and brocantes is a trip unto itself, and here are my shopping essential tips for Paris.

Shopping route on Rue Saint Honoré

Brocante shopping

Paris's shopping bounty is endless, so organize your shopping day by arrondissement.  Rue Saint Honoré is a shopping route for those dressed by couturiers, while the Marais offers many vintage and small artisan labels, and the Madeleine is a food lovers delight.   Below are my must hit shopping destinations when in Paris. 

• Elegant lingerie and the finest of stockings:
  Chantal Thomass: 211 Rue Saint Honoré
   
• Delicious white ceramics:
  Astier de Villatte: 173 Rue Saint Honoré
   
• Stylish flats for meandering the cobblestones:
  Repetto: 51, Rue des Francs Bourgeois
   
• Vintage couture:
  Didier Ludot: Jardin du Palais Royal, 24 Galerie de Montpensier
   
• Chic and classic totes:
  Maison Goyard: 233 Rue Saint Honoré
   
• Absinthe selection:
  Vert d'Absinthe: 11 Rue d'Ormesson
   
• Truffles of every sort (and the best truffle-brie sandwich for on the go shoppers):
  Maison de la Truffe: 19 Place de la Madeleine
   
• Mustard on tap and served in a souvenir ceramic pot:
  Boutique Maille: 6 Place de la Madeleine
   
• I am not a fan of one-stop shopping in Paris, but the Belle-Epoque beauty of this famed department store is worth the trip:
  Printemps: 64, Boulevard Haussmann
   
• Brocante:
  Point de Vanvre (every Sat and Sun morning)
  Village St. Paul (Marais)

Maison Goyard

Belle-Epoque grandeur of the famed department store, Printemps

Images by Brooklyn Boheme.