OK Beth, I'm going to try to remember what I wrote last night which some how wound up somewhere on the internet super highway!.
I thought that you might think of changing the entry way where you have hats and baskets hanging on the wall. Pretty and decorative yes but what do you have for coming in with boots and coats, Where will they go? Can you make either a closet or a tasteful "mudroom " instead?
I don't see the cabinet being very practical for cookbooks (you're talking to someone with hundreds of cookbooks ). But as I saw how you were going to put them in the cabinet, , I immediately saw that there would be no way for you to see the titles. You would have to comb through them one by one. You couldn't put them in so that the bindings were facing outward. It's a neat space but I think you'd be hard put to use it for books.
I still think it's going to be difficult even with a capsule wardrobe to outsize that one closet. Is there room for an armoire (think old French homes --they had no closets; everyone had armoires). My friends who moved to the US told me that no one wants the armoires anymore. They couldn't even give theirs away. I bet you could find some beautiful ones in a brocante. Also for things like cleaning supplies, mops etc, can you find closets (think industrial Home Depot) to put in your garage. That's where I have all my cleaning supplies and they're out of sight. I also have my heavy Le creuset and specialty pans on shelves in the basement. I think you don't have a basement? Again the garage may be your saving grace.
I wondered if your house has volets. I always thought they were wonderful. Especially the ones that are opened and closed inside with a touch of a button. They help with heat in the winter too.
Your house is beautiful. I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Ahh so many great ideas Jaqueline! So I know what you mean about the cookbooks! There is a shelf in our buffet in the dinning room, that now houses a bunch of plastic bowls, plates, cups and spoons from when we had renters. I was going to store that in the garage, and then clear it off for the books perhaps :) Sadly I had a huge collection of cookbooks too, that I had to give away. It was just too costly to bring them all and my husband would joke that I would need 5 lifetimes to cook all the recipes in them LOL! So I brought about 10-15 so they may just fit there! Yes funny about the armoires, there is no closet in our bedroom, the old owners used an armoire but the room is so small I have no idea how they moved around it with a bed in there?! LOL! Luckily we do have a little laundry room on the side of the house that also has room for all the mps and things! So that's a relief! Ha! Thanks for all the ideas!!
Just watched this video. Can’t believe you’re sharing that tiny closet! What about winter sweaters and coats when winter comes? 🤪
And hope you’re enjoy Il de Re!! We were there past Feb and there is this wonderful and charming seafood restaurant at the very end of the pier. My husband and I had a delicious meal with wine there. 😋
I know right?! BUT that closet will only hold the current season's clothes. Everything else has to be put into those suction bags and stored in the garage. It's definitely going to be a challenge ha! I think I know the restaurant you are talking about! In Saint Martin de Re? If so it's one of our favorites too!
Yeah!!! Glad I gave you a few ideas. Hope it works out they way you like it. Take one room or space at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. Cause it can be overwhelming! But you got this and yes I am a designer , tv host and magazine publisher/author .. do many things. Hugs to Georgie. xoxo
Beth I wrote a long comment but it’s not here. Before I try to reconstruct the whole thing I’m just checking. Maybe you got it or Substack has it but just not yet posted?
Hi Beth. Just loving your generous posts here and on YT, not just for the cooking but for sharing snippets of your family life (and the gorgeous George). Admire your courage in uprooting to full-time living in another country and culture, not just for holidays. I spent the best part of 10 years studying and working in Paris in the 70's so know what it feels like. I still often dream in French. How I envy you.
Noticed several times you've mentioned buying French cooking mags to help improve your language fluency. Terrific idea. A little suggestion: have you ever encountered a mag called 'Daphne's Diary'? It's published 8 times a year in English, German...and French. Full of lovely images and articles on food, home decor, brocante, local artists and places to stay and visit, all within Europe, often in France.. Very reasonably priced and has lots of freebies via posters, stickers and knick knacks. Might also amuse your lovely Aurelie. They also do a decorated annual bullet journal/planner that is such fun to help with organizing your life and memory-keeping at the same time. I've used them for years.
Oh thank you Patricia. I’m so glad you enjoy all the posts! Thank you also for the wonderful tip of Daphne’s diary that sounds right up my Ali! I will definitely check that out! Wow, 10 years in Paris that sounds totally wonderful. What a great opportunity that must’ve been. I have been thinking about that. What my life might be like in five years from now. If it will truly feel like home and French will be a reflex rather than a mental exercise every time I open my mouth, ha ha ha.😂💕🇫🇷
Hi Beth, I have some ideas for you for your master bedroom closet. What it you took out some of the shelving on the right side of closet and extend the hanging rod to fill the space where you removed the shelving. This is where you could put blouses & shirts. So you have one side for long hanging items and short side for shorter hanging clothes. Put folded clothes in a chest of drawers. (I am sure you have already thought of these ideas).
For your shoes, you might consider, putting your bed on risers to create more space under the bed. That is if your bed is close to the floor. Your shoes could be placed on a roll out platform that is stationed under your bed, out of the way but easy to get to. Perhaps just put shoes you don't use often under the bed and store one or two pairs in the closet. If there is room, hang a full length mirror on the inside of one of the closet doors or a small rack for hanging handbags, hats, ect. Just thinking out loud. Hope this helps in some way. Great to see Georgie. He's loving his new home. Your home will be even more comfy and cozy when you get finished. Wish I was there I would help you.
P.S. Love your dining and open kitchen space as well as the living room. Cozy up with pillows and throws in favorite colors/textures. Do you have room in your dining room buffet to put your cookbooks? Just my 2 cents.. LOL. Happy decorating. xo
Liz I love all these ideas! Is this what you do for a living? Seriously genius! I'm going to look at that closet today and see if those shelves are easily removed because you are absolutely right! Remove a few to make more hanging storage would be the way to go! And then as you say keep the folded things in a dresser. I also really love the idea of shoes in the bed storage (we have beds with drawers that could accommodate this, now I just have blankets in there, but I think I could find another place for them and put all the shoes in there!) Thanks so much for the tips! And yes Georgie is living his best life ha! He loves it here! :)
This is my observations. Your still thinking California furnishing. Large pieces in a small French house. I would downsize downsize downsize get storable foldable tables you have too many big tables storage them until needed. You only have three people living in this house. A four top table and chairs is PLENTY. What you do outdoors is different big tables is fine. But I would put them away until needed. Your choice in new draperies for fall/winter if you want. Think small more room. I downsized from a three bedroom house to a two bedroom apt to now a studio, I have just basics. I'm a cook like you I still don't have enough storage in the kitchen, if you don't use it everyday sell it. It was heartbreaking for me to downsize to a studio, I had a lot of beautiful pieces from my mother but I had too..I was in a bad mood for a while because of it, but life is a challenge for us humans. Your kitchen is very small but you need to store your fruit baskets in a cupboard a nice narrow tall storage cabinet against the kitchen wall. Just my humble opinion Beth. Take it for what it's worth. Too much large furniture in that living room. 🍾👌🌹
I know! There is furniture that is too big! My husband is 6'2" and s the smallest of his 3 brothers, and I call him Paul Bunyan because he loves all these large pieces ha! This town is small and so it's very social! Which is fun, but that also means 10 people could show up for lunch or dinner o any given weekend, so it is really nice to have the large table :) But I think I like your idea of "Think small" for the office!! And yes I had to return a lot of sentimental china to my parents when we moved, it was heartbreaking but I just couldn't bring in :( I know how that feels. It haunts you. It's just awful! But then I have to remember they are "just things" and no one takes away the memories they represent. Those last forever :) ❤️
The house is amazing and the yard is so beautiful! I can see a lot of commonalities with your American house - the trees, the rocks, the trellis - all beautiful touches! Your Ile de Re video from a couple of years go is my ultimate all time favorite video - such a cute and fun place. I wish we can see it again but totally understand not wanting to use the camera on the trip. Happy birthday to your husband and enjoy your getaway! :)
Ha! Yes I think my daughter is still recovering from my Florence shoot lol! "Mom, Me and the Camera went to Florence!" So I promised it would just be us! But I'll snap off a few pics and share them with you guys in Notes here and the Community tab on YT, because it is such a lovely place!! Oh and we booked that hotel I always wanted to stay in! The one in that cute sie street with the garden :) It's our last little family trip before our eldest goes off to college so we thought we'd celebrate by staying in this hotel we've all been so intrigued by over the years! The girls are excited!
You are ADORABLE. House is great. Do ask your sweet Dad for some Sunbrella remnants and have seat cushions made for the dining table. Consider a ‘’fur’ rug from AUSKIN for next to your daughters bed (in natural ivory) and maybe a neutral HIDE under your antique (desk/table which could also be round or square centered in that small room. A thick rug could cause issues w/french doors opening over the rug. A hide solid ivory hide needs no pad and is not thick. Love the way you are considering moving your artwork👍🏻 the beautiful antique French armoire should be perfect for cookbooks, likely what those shelves were always intended for. Hoping out loud on the induction deal. We cooks like our gas but we know you will master this. Love from Scottsdale. Mary Meinz,ASID INTERIOR Design🌸
Aww thanks Mary! Love all those ideas! And you're right, re: Sunbrella remnants! My Dad used to have tons of these large 20 x20 samples that would be perfect! I'm going back in Feb to see them so maybe I can fold up a bunch in my suitcase! Ha :)
Thanks for sharing with us Beth. I am cheering you all on! Having moved overseas in the 70’s with my family as a pre teen I know there are many ups and downs throughout the adjustment from vacation mode to full time living. Currently I live in the Greater Toronto area. We have weekly recycling blue bin and green bin (food scraps) pick up weekly and garbage pick up by-weekly. It is an adjustment but it’s amazing how much garbage we can reduce when needed. You’ll get there! 🥰🤗
It really is! It's just fascinating that it really makes you stop and think, about what you buy! It's completely connected! Yes adjusting to a new language and culture for my 13-year old I'm sure will be a bit of a roller coaster ride! But she is very introspective for such a young age and I think it will serve her well later in life :) Fingers crossed!
Hi Beth and Thank you. Sometimes you just need someone to run ideas by so if you ever want to run your thoughts or just need another opinion feel free to touch base. I do not charge my friends for consults, sometimes we all just need a little help and without a fee. :)
Hi Beth, I hope you saw my 5 tips on the Induction stove. It took me about a year to feel confident in using it . I enjoyed this video and the one walking along the coast. I'm so inspiring. Denise
Whenever I'm feeling a little down, and it's not that often, EWB pops up in my mail and you do bring smile to my face. You are a genuine person. Your dad is a delight too. Lots of good suggestions from friends. I thought of that book dilemma too. Happy birthday to your husband.
OK Beth, I'm going to try to remember what I wrote last night which some how wound up somewhere on the internet super highway!.
I thought that you might think of changing the entry way where you have hats and baskets hanging on the wall. Pretty and decorative yes but what do you have for coming in with boots and coats, Where will they go? Can you make either a closet or a tasteful "mudroom " instead?
I don't see the cabinet being very practical for cookbooks (you're talking to someone with hundreds of cookbooks ). But as I saw how you were going to put them in the cabinet, , I immediately saw that there would be no way for you to see the titles. You would have to comb through them one by one. You couldn't put them in so that the bindings were facing outward. It's a neat space but I think you'd be hard put to use it for books.
I still think it's going to be difficult even with a capsule wardrobe to outsize that one closet. Is there room for an armoire (think old French homes --they had no closets; everyone had armoires). My friends who moved to the US told me that no one wants the armoires anymore. They couldn't even give theirs away. I bet you could find some beautiful ones in a brocante. Also for things like cleaning supplies, mops etc, can you find closets (think industrial Home Depot) to put in your garage. That's where I have all my cleaning supplies and they're out of sight. I also have my heavy Le creuset and specialty pans on shelves in the basement. I think you don't have a basement? Again the garage may be your saving grace.
I wondered if your house has volets. I always thought they were wonderful. Especially the ones that are opened and closed inside with a touch of a button. They help with heat in the winter too.
Your house is beautiful. I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Ahh so many great ideas Jaqueline! So I know what you mean about the cookbooks! There is a shelf in our buffet in the dinning room, that now houses a bunch of plastic bowls, plates, cups and spoons from when we had renters. I was going to store that in the garage, and then clear it off for the books perhaps :) Sadly I had a huge collection of cookbooks too, that I had to give away. It was just too costly to bring them all and my husband would joke that I would need 5 lifetimes to cook all the recipes in them LOL! So I brought about 10-15 so they may just fit there! Yes funny about the armoires, there is no closet in our bedroom, the old owners used an armoire but the room is so small I have no idea how they moved around it with a bed in there?! LOL! Luckily we do have a little laundry room on the side of the house that also has room for all the mps and things! So that's a relief! Ha! Thanks for all the ideas!!
Just watched this video. Can’t believe you’re sharing that tiny closet! What about winter sweaters and coats when winter comes? 🤪
And hope you’re enjoy Il de Re!! We were there past Feb and there is this wonderful and charming seafood restaurant at the very end of the pier. My husband and I had a delicious meal with wine there. 😋
I know right?! BUT that closet will only hold the current season's clothes. Everything else has to be put into those suction bags and stored in the garage. It's definitely going to be a challenge ha! I think I know the restaurant you are talking about! In Saint Martin de Re? If so it's one of our favorites too!
Yeah!!! Glad I gave you a few ideas. Hope it works out they way you like it. Take one room or space at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. Cause it can be overwhelming! But you got this and yes I am a designer , tv host and magazine publisher/author .. do many things. Hugs to Georgie. xoxo
Oh wow how cool! I knew you had to be involved in design in some way with all those great ideas ha!! xx
Beth I wrote a long comment but it’s not here. Before I try to reconstruct the whole thing I’m just checking. Maybe you got it or Substack has it but just not yet posted?
I haven’t seen it here yet? Was it the comment about the tomato tart? I did see that on Instagram and wrote you back.💕
No it was about the entry way and the cookbook cabinet and why it won’t work. I’ll try to reconstruct it when I have some time
OK sounds good! Im not sure why it didn't appear? but I'll let you know if it surfaces!
Hi Beth. Just loving your generous posts here and on YT, not just for the cooking but for sharing snippets of your family life (and the gorgeous George). Admire your courage in uprooting to full-time living in another country and culture, not just for holidays. I spent the best part of 10 years studying and working in Paris in the 70's so know what it feels like. I still often dream in French. How I envy you.
Noticed several times you've mentioned buying French cooking mags to help improve your language fluency. Terrific idea. A little suggestion: have you ever encountered a mag called 'Daphne's Diary'? It's published 8 times a year in English, German...and French. Full of lovely images and articles on food, home decor, brocante, local artists and places to stay and visit, all within Europe, often in France.. Very reasonably priced and has lots of freebies via posters, stickers and knick knacks. Might also amuse your lovely Aurelie. They also do a decorated annual bullet journal/planner that is such fun to help with organizing your life and memory-keeping at the same time. I've used them for years.
Do check it out on www.daphnesdiary.com. I really think you might like it.
Amicalement,
Patricia
Oh thank you Patricia. I’m so glad you enjoy all the posts! Thank you also for the wonderful tip of Daphne’s diary that sounds right up my Ali! I will definitely check that out! Wow, 10 years in Paris that sounds totally wonderful. What a great opportunity that must’ve been. I have been thinking about that. What my life might be like in five years from now. If it will truly feel like home and French will be a reflex rather than a mental exercise every time I open my mouth, ha ha ha.😂💕🇫🇷
Hi Beth, I have some ideas for you for your master bedroom closet. What it you took out some of the shelving on the right side of closet and extend the hanging rod to fill the space where you removed the shelving. This is where you could put blouses & shirts. So you have one side for long hanging items and short side for shorter hanging clothes. Put folded clothes in a chest of drawers. (I am sure you have already thought of these ideas).
For your shoes, you might consider, putting your bed on risers to create more space under the bed. That is if your bed is close to the floor. Your shoes could be placed on a roll out platform that is stationed under your bed, out of the way but easy to get to. Perhaps just put shoes you don't use often under the bed and store one or two pairs in the closet. If there is room, hang a full length mirror on the inside of one of the closet doors or a small rack for hanging handbags, hats, ect. Just thinking out loud. Hope this helps in some way. Great to see Georgie. He's loving his new home. Your home will be even more comfy and cozy when you get finished. Wish I was there I would help you.
P.S. Love your dining and open kitchen space as well as the living room. Cozy up with pillows and throws in favorite colors/textures. Do you have room in your dining room buffet to put your cookbooks? Just my 2 cents.. LOL. Happy decorating. xo
Liz I love all these ideas! Is this what you do for a living? Seriously genius! I'm going to look at that closet today and see if those shelves are easily removed because you are absolutely right! Remove a few to make more hanging storage would be the way to go! And then as you say keep the folded things in a dresser. I also really love the idea of shoes in the bed storage (we have beds with drawers that could accommodate this, now I just have blankets in there, but I think I could find another place for them and put all the shoes in there!) Thanks so much for the tips! And yes Georgie is living his best life ha! He loves it here! :)
This is my observations. Your still thinking California furnishing. Large pieces in a small French house. I would downsize downsize downsize get storable foldable tables you have too many big tables storage them until needed. You only have three people living in this house. A four top table and chairs is PLENTY. What you do outdoors is different big tables is fine. But I would put them away until needed. Your choice in new draperies for fall/winter if you want. Think small more room. I downsized from a three bedroom house to a two bedroom apt to now a studio, I have just basics. I'm a cook like you I still don't have enough storage in the kitchen, if you don't use it everyday sell it. It was heartbreaking for me to downsize to a studio, I had a lot of beautiful pieces from my mother but I had too..I was in a bad mood for a while because of it, but life is a challenge for us humans. Your kitchen is very small but you need to store your fruit baskets in a cupboard a nice narrow tall storage cabinet against the kitchen wall. Just my humble opinion Beth. Take it for what it's worth. Too much large furniture in that living room. 🍾👌🌹
I know! There is furniture that is too big! My husband is 6'2" and s the smallest of his 3 brothers, and I call him Paul Bunyan because he loves all these large pieces ha! This town is small and so it's very social! Which is fun, but that also means 10 people could show up for lunch or dinner o any given weekend, so it is really nice to have the large table :) But I think I like your idea of "Think small" for the office!! And yes I had to return a lot of sentimental china to my parents when we moved, it was heartbreaking but I just couldn't bring in :( I know how that feels. It haunts you. It's just awful! But then I have to remember they are "just things" and no one takes away the memories they represent. Those last forever :) ❤️
The house is amazing and the yard is so beautiful! I can see a lot of commonalities with your American house - the trees, the rocks, the trellis - all beautiful touches! Your Ile de Re video from a couple of years go is my ultimate all time favorite video - such a cute and fun place. I wish we can see it again but totally understand not wanting to use the camera on the trip. Happy birthday to your husband and enjoy your getaway! :)
Ha! Yes I think my daughter is still recovering from my Florence shoot lol! "Mom, Me and the Camera went to Florence!" So I promised it would just be us! But I'll snap off a few pics and share them with you guys in Notes here and the Community tab on YT, because it is such a lovely place!! Oh and we booked that hotel I always wanted to stay in! The one in that cute sie street with the garden :) It's our last little family trip before our eldest goes off to college so we thought we'd celebrate by staying in this hotel we've all been so intrigued by over the years! The girls are excited!
You are ADORABLE. House is great. Do ask your sweet Dad for some Sunbrella remnants and have seat cushions made for the dining table. Consider a ‘’fur’ rug from AUSKIN for next to your daughters bed (in natural ivory) and maybe a neutral HIDE under your antique (desk/table which could also be round or square centered in that small room. A thick rug could cause issues w/french doors opening over the rug. A hide solid ivory hide needs no pad and is not thick. Love the way you are considering moving your artwork👍🏻 the beautiful antique French armoire should be perfect for cookbooks, likely what those shelves were always intended for. Hoping out loud on the induction deal. We cooks like our gas but we know you will master this. Love from Scottsdale. Mary Meinz,ASID INTERIOR Design🌸
Aww thanks Mary! Love all those ideas! And you're right, re: Sunbrella remnants! My Dad used to have tons of these large 20 x20 samples that would be perfect! I'm going back in Feb to see them so maybe I can fold up a bunch in my suitcase! Ha :)
Thanks for sharing with us Beth. I am cheering you all on! Having moved overseas in the 70’s with my family as a pre teen I know there are many ups and downs throughout the adjustment from vacation mode to full time living. Currently I live in the Greater Toronto area. We have weekly recycling blue bin and green bin (food scraps) pick up weekly and garbage pick up by-weekly. It is an adjustment but it’s amazing how much garbage we can reduce when needed. You’ll get there! 🥰🤗
It really is! It's just fascinating that it really makes you stop and think, about what you buy! It's completely connected! Yes adjusting to a new language and culture for my 13-year old I'm sure will be a bit of a roller coaster ride! But she is very introspective for such a young age and I think it will serve her well later in life :) Fingers crossed!
Hi Beth and Thank you. Sometimes you just need someone to run ideas by so if you ever want to run your thoughts or just need another opinion feel free to touch base. I do not charge my friends for consults, sometimes we all just need a little help and without a fee. :)
Hi Beth, I hope you saw my 5 tips on the Induction stove. It took me about a year to feel confident in using it . I enjoyed this video and the one walking along the coast. I'm so inspiring. Denise
Whoops you are so inspiring.
When are you going to put in a veggie garden.
Whenever I'm feeling a little down, and it's not that often, EWB pops up in my mail and you do bring smile to my face. You are a genuine person. Your dad is a delight too. Lots of good suggestions from friends. I thought of that book dilemma too. Happy birthday to your husband.
Beth ~ your home in CA was beautiful so I am sure this new place will be cozy and wonderful in no time.