Dream kitchen

Given a limited budget (I guess it’s always the case for everyone) for renovation works, I would prefer to spend a major proportion in the kitchen. For most French as well as Asians, we love food and we have most our meals at home. As the kitchen evolves from a “work” room to a family room nowadays, it is nice to have a comfortable and cosy, and yet practical space to cook and converse with family members and occasionally, guests.

During our visit to the Foire de Paris, we visited several contractors’ booths and one particular show-kitchen designed by a Belgian ébeniste attracted me most. I noted down the name of the brand and then later on, I found their lovely website.

Real Copy

I'm referring to real copy of the works of grand masters such as Da Vinci, Cézanne, Monet Van Gogh, etc. Reproducing the masterpieces in oil on canvas is real physically. The only element copied is the imagination of the grand artists. In other words, real reproductions are painted by hand by authentic artists and its material, colour and odour resemble the original works.

We can find these reproductions easily and the prices are reasonable. But beware of print reproductions as the current technology allows high quality printing on textured paper to imitate the look and feel. Do ask the workshop whether the paintings are "fine art prints" or oil on canvas. You can also tell the difference by looking at the price.

You might be wondering also whether the reproduction of an oil painting breaches the laws of copyright. In France, the copyright laws do not restrict reproduction if the author is dead for more than 70 years. This should not pose a concern if you are interested to purchase (or even reproduce, if you have the gift of painting!) an impressionist work of the 19th century.

Less for More

I know that's not usually the case when it comes to the price of quality cashmere. But in terms of warmth, a cashmere pullover keeps me well from the cold and yet I don't feel suffocated by its volume and weight.

My favourite is Les Ateliers de la Maille. This shop specialises in knitwear and I love their light cashmere pulls and its prices are reasonable.

Go Organic

I'm pretty used to eating organic food at home as my mom is a loyal supporter. I've been taught the benefits of eating natural foods instead of the processed and genetically-modified ones. Moreover, organic meat and vegetables are much tastier. Being a gourmandise, I'm not blindly supporting the green movement as I love food and I know what good food is, especially in its natural form.

Going organic has recently taken a step into fashion. I've window-shopped knitted wear made from soy and bamboo. Though I still cannot imagine how they turn soy into a pullover, I have no reasons to turn them down. I received an e-flyer one day from an upmarket New Yorker department (online) store. Organic cardigan, that is. It is apparently made from 100% organic cotton. It's quite pretty and I love the colour. I wonder if the dye was organic too.