Maya Romanoff On 1stdibs

Please click on the link to read and view a marvelous thumbnail sketch about the extraordinary Maya Romanoff and his evolution from counter culture tie dye artist to creator of the world's most exquisite wall surfacing materials.

http://www.1stdibs.com/articles/eye_on_design/maya_romanoff/index.php

Paris

Ahhh, Paris.

Where to begin? The sights, the sounds, the smells and the insane beauty simply everywhere! The French have such a delicious touch when it comes to flowers ( lots of one type or lovely delicate mixtures), fabrics (exotic and lush), clothing (look for lots of navy), window display ( always a story being told), gardens (the clean straight tree trunks exactly the same distance apart, the trimmed fresh green leaves, the flower beds so pretty and the raked gravel with tidy benches in just the right places), the beautiful bakeries ( each patisserie a small work of art that tastes as good as it looks), the cafes (so professional and serious in presentation, taste and aroma), and the daily sounds of the bells mingling with the urgent sirens. I have to pinch myself each time and smile throughout the day not really believing my good fortune at being in Paris France!
While enjoying the many flea markets around the city and touching bases with old friends, I am always inspired by what treasures there are still. The Americans have not been able to buy for a long time now, but the dealers are still optimistic and things are starting to improve. I had the special treat of having lunch with Patrick Frey ( Pierre Frey) again and his message was very positive and that they are seeing great recovery in Europe and also on the East Coast in the US. Now that the Euro has become weaker and the dollar stronger, Pierre Frey has made the decision to correct their prices accordingly in the US, within the next ten days. This really is amazing news and is certainly a gift to the trade. I am so impressed once again by this forward thinking company.
I hope you enjoy the few pictures included in the blog. The tent is at the George V, the glorious peonies in a little shop on rue de Rivoli, I am standing on the banks of the Seine last Sunday morning and the fruit is always so pretty in the outside markets. Life is good and I hope you have enjoyed my sharing a few of the recent moments.
Jane back in Seattle

While enjoying the last day in Ireland I am reviewing the things I have done and seen as it relates to our business. Always looking for inspiration or new ideas, but in this case finding little. Design is not high on the list for the Irish, but their charm and happiness makes up for it all. While having a latte in the hotel lobby this morning I looked around at this charming old room and found charm...only. The carpet was rosy beige with a dusty rose design, the sofa's a mustard cord, the too low chairs were brown leather, the walls an odd beige and the art was contemporary with watery turquoise flowers on white. None of it made sense, but it was friendly and busy. I have spotted one very nice remodel while walking in the neighborhood and in contrast to everything else, it is a real standout. The public gardens have been tended and the tulips are in bloom everywhere. The Irish do a very good job of living in a poor economy. We can learn from them and remain ever optimistic. Tomorrow I will be going to France and I can't wait to see the saturated beauty of Paris. I have loved my time in Ireland with my family and my fabulous grand babies, but always love to finish my time in Europe with Paris. I feel so lucky to have this wonderful opportunity and I will try to learn something each day never take for granted how delicious life can be.Best to all,Jane