Vicorian post-quarantine infusion

At last...this weekend, I finally got to experience a couple of days in Paris again! Hooray!

Huge deal to me as the French city of lights is a second home to me and my family.

We hyped up on deco and fashion shopping, followed by a culture trip to Musée d'Orsay that was showing a James Tissot retrospective.

I'll tell you, walking around the city was a pure delight.

It was quiet and rather empty (Parisians must have fled to the countryside after a long and strict quarantine spent counting rooftops). Not only was access to everything very easy but we were overloaded with Parisian smiles (yes it happens!) from shopkeepers to café waiters... no one to shout our heads off.

They were just sooo happy to see our tourist faces back on their premises.

But back to James Tissot who is the reason for this post...

Next to inspiring us by a very full-lived life: a student of Ingres' direct pupil, a soldier of the Franco-Prussian war, the teacher of a Japanese prince, AND a successful painter of the French and English social elite, Tissot offers art that shows a clear time stamp on Victorian high society lifestyle and can inspire our creative and decorative spirit on the way.

The Victorian period might feel stuffy with countless layers of heavy fabric and gold trim but I do however feel a strong attraction to it as all ornaments and furniture reflect very refined craftsmanship. And let's face it, luxury.

While I would not per se go for a full Victorian-themed room (but you should definitely go for it, if that's your glam thing), I do think a few pieces can infuse a more modern setting and give it some true depth.

I'll admit it's not always easy to mix and match different periods but there are ways to find that ideal balance and enjoy the perfect result. I will gladly help within the appropriate mission if you think you might need some help with that.

But for now, just look at his Hide and Seek piece:

Can you spot 4 elements that still feel very now?

I can...

Romantic window treatment

Tribal masks

Heavy layered seatings and animal skin (synthetic works too)

Persian rugs.

And for those who don't know it yet, if you get the opportunity to visit the Isle of Wight, Osborne House is the temple of Victorian luxury

... as it was once home to Queen Victoria herself.