… and you were expecting a picture of a cushion, were you? See a stylish one in today's story…. Meantime, have a look at the new blooms in our winter potager! One of the joys of being a perennial newbie gardener is to be amazed to learn that broccoli flowers! (Ditto, on witnessing this artichoke bloom–in electric purple!). Now back to our story-column.
le coussin (koo-sehn)
: pillow, cushion (seat, bed…)
le coussin péteur = whoopie cushion
le coussin de sécurité = air bag
le coussin de siège = seat cushion
coussins de feutre (just bought a pack of these "felt pads" to place beneath the side tables so they don't screech each time we move them)
(Photo of golden barrel cactus by André Karwath)
Audio File (I couldn't find any colorful "coussin" expressions (apart from the French translation for whoopie cushion), in French, but I did come across an amusing "coussin" term :-). Hear Jean-Marc pronounce it, in the following sentence, from Wikipedia: Download MP3 or Wav file
Ce cactus …est parfois appelée "coussin de belle-mère" en raison de ses fortes épines. This cactus is sometimes called mother-in-law's cushion, because of its strong needles.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
"Is it a bed sheet or a tablecloth?" (Or why I would fail Etiquette school… but could possibly stand a chance at Late Bloomer's Design Academy)
Despite a recent home-decor victory (an eclectic conversation piece, made for our stylish convives), it's taken several more weeks to follow another nudge of inspiration.
Then yesterday I happened upon "The January Cure" (going on over at Apartment Therapy), in which readers are following a month-long series of home-improvement prompts. This late in the game (how many days till January's over?) I chose the easiest item on the list:
"Get A Fresh Perspective in Just 10 Minutes".
The exercise involved little effort and won points for its noncommittal nature. To sit, stare, and dream a little… now that I could do!
This particular prompt required focusing on one "problematic" area in the house. In a lickety-quick decision, I chose the dreary corner of our bedroom, which, these days, doubles as my office.
I wanted to see change in this industrious area of our home, and here was the chance to do something!, yet, no matter how easy the home-improvement exercise was supposed to be, I resisted.
Sitting in my bed, staring at that corner kind of depressed me. How could anybody create a story in that lackluster space? And yet, for the past 5 months this has been my busy writing nook.
My mood quickly lifted as I thought about all the stories I had, in fact, managed to compose, however uncomposed my environment looked! I'd written a story about ant invaders, a nouvelle about the little Provençal Christmas tree, I'd drawn, via words, a portrait of a homeless man… and, recently, a punk rock shepherd…I typed essays about hopes, fears, and elephant tears…
In all, nearly 50 stories were created in this little corner on this creaky card table. Maybe it was time to honor it?
"Before"
After perusing all the impossibly cool interior decorating sites, I realized it didn't have to take a lot of time or money or brains to improve a space….
Start by clearing it off! my inner-voice prompted.
Good! Now what are the colors that you love? (I love green and red… spirited, like Christmas!)
Super! Now hurry through the house and find the materials! But first, take a snapshot of the "before"…
This last tip, issued from the gut, was most helpful. It was by taking a picture of the area that I was able to truly "see" the extent of the dreariness–and to face it! Staring at that snapshot, I knew that any improvement, no matter how small, would make a big difference!
"After"…
Not 10 minutes later, and my desk was transformed! To cover the old card table, which belonged to Jean-Marc's father, I'd fished an old tablecloth (or was it a sheet?) out of a drawer (Ever since we were given the engraved linen, as a cadeau de mariage, I have never been able to determine whether it was a drap or a nappe. One day, out of sheets, I dared use it. (…The day came when we were out of clean table cloths; I felt a little smug, then, using the "sheet"!).
In the entryway, I grabbed the new cushion with red stripes (the one bought half-price–4.99!… only, once at the cash register the saleswoman informed me that the pillow inside the case was not included, but cost the same price as the discounted coussin! The price switch didn't bother me so much anymore: for now the coussin would enliven my mother-in-law's rush chair!
In the kitchen I unhooked the bread basket (there were two) from the wall–it would make a cozy in-box….
On the way back to the bedroom, I carefully collected the prickly holly (a gift from Jean-Marc, who collected it as a surprise for me, while out on a bike ride).
I snatched up the little teddy nounours, a sentimental gift from Kate, from its place on the buffet.
And, last but not least, I lugged back the large Italian Valpolicella affiche. The poster was a gift from Jean-Marc's dear cousin, Audrey, and her boyfriend, Julien. There's a whole 'nother story behind the art work–or the framing of it (will save it for another time!…)
The various items, each with a history and all with a sentimental value, would make this little writing nook a warm and inviting place. And the upside was, I no longer had to look at the dismal corner, when lounging in bed, staring off into the distance, dreaming….
I might even find further inspiration, what with a pretty corner to gaze at! Admiring my work, I thought about how it didn't take much to fix up a place, especially when you focused on a little "snapshot" of a space.
And though I could not compare my design project with those of the professionals, it did seem to have one thing in common with the pretty "vignettes" laid out in glossy magazines: such spaces are often more fantasy than functional. Just like a beautiful party-dress, pinned together and hastily retouched at the last minute, the wearer will have to walk stiffly to pull it off…. 'else risk coming undone!
Eyeing the nifty new working space, with its newly pinned "skirt", the question, now, is where to put my legs?!
****
Update: I wrote the first story (today's) at my new desk. My legs are as cramped as a charm school girl… but the strict structure keeps me in line, I like to think…
To comment, click here. Did you enjoy the before and after photo? Did you ever wonder what my office looked like? Did this before picture fit that image? Could you work at a desk like the "after" desk? Share your response to this story, here.
French Vocabulary
Check back to the blog, where I continue to update and edit this post.
le convive = guest
une nouvelle = short story
le cadeau de mariage = wedding present
le drap (du lit) = bed sheet
la nappe = tablecloth
le coussin = pillow, cushion
le nounours = teddy bear, teddy
une affiche = poster
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Exciting update: after the more boring improvements to our property (did I tell you we put in a new septic tank? and had insulation blown in-between the ceiling and the roof?…), we are grateful to the sensitive lumber jack, who took out just enough treetops to create a view of the Mediterranean Sea below. The water is silver in this photo, you may have to squint… but I tell you, the surface sparkles like the night sky, bursting with étoiles!
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Just lovely!! xoxo
Just lovely!! xoxo
Lovely transformation – thanks for the inspiration, I need it! Transformation via imagination, woohoo! Have never seen broccoli blossoms before-sweet little flowers.
Lovely transformation – thanks for the inspiration, I need it! Transformation via imagination, woohoo! Have never seen broccoli blossoms before-sweet little flowers.
A creative living space, greenery, the poster…the table covering looks great. I feel inspired to start on my laundry makeover. Thank you so much!
A creative living space, greenery, the poster…the table covering looks great. I feel inspired to start on my laundry makeover. Thank you so much!
Nice job! I’d just suggest re-folding the cloth so that it drapes down the two sides and leaves the front clear for your knees! I think it may look more elegant, and would be more functional!
Nice job! I’d just suggest re-folding the cloth so that it drapes down the two sides and leaves the front clear for your knees! I think it may look more elegant, and would be more functional!
You gave me a good laugh today! It looks great but then… is it functional? lol As you so aptly stated sometimes you have to be a little ” stiff” to pull off the ” look”! Such is life.
You gave me a good laugh today! It looks great but then… is it functional? lol As you so aptly stated sometimes you have to be a little ” stiff” to pull off the ” look”! Such is life.
Loved what your did with your ‘coin’! A tiny grammatical note – twice you used it’s (it is) instead of the possessive adjective its.
Loved what your did with your ‘coin’! A tiny grammatical note – twice you used it’s (it is) instead of the possessive adjective its.
Michele, missing our cancelled IKEA meet up today,but,as you can see,I am plugging along and can almost hear you cheering beside me!
Pat, glad you mentioned the broccoli buds–arent they sweet?!
Michelle, best wishes with your project!
Molly, good idea… But I am looking for a way to hide all the cords from view.
Susan, thanks for the helpful corrections — much appreciated.
Michele, missing our cancelled IKEA meet up today,but,as you can see,I am plugging along and can almost hear you cheering beside me!
Pat, glad you mentioned the broccoli buds–arent they sweet?!
Michelle, best wishes with your project!
Molly, good idea… But I am looking for a way to hide all the cords from view.
Susan, thanks for the helpful corrections — much appreciated.
Thanks for the inspiration Kristin! I have a few of those ugly duckling corners and need to attack them, toute suite!
An idea for you: try pinning that extra triangle fabric on the inside of the legs rather than the outside, that way you can leave a bit of extra fabric loose so you have some leg room.
Thanks for the inspiration Kristin! I have a few of those ugly duckling corners and need to attack them, toute suite!
An idea for you: try pinning that extra triangle fabric on the inside of the legs rather than the outside, that way you can leave a bit of extra fabric loose so you have some leg room.
Try putting the cloth on diagonally (ie with the corner points sitting in the middle of each of the tabletop’s perimeter edges). It will be draped into folds at the corners so does not need tucking to ‘tidy’ it. You can then bunch the ends more loosely, so that hopefully your knees can squeeze into the fabric without dislodging it or being hemmed in. Also, if ends to long and drapey, take a chunk of fabric at each corner-top and swirl it into a sort of knot and secure with elastic band – push fabric over band so it can’t be seen – like making a topknot or bun with hair). Sorry this description is so longwinded and incomprehensible – I could show you how to do it in a few seconds!
Your new writing corner looks good anyway, well done!
L.
Try putting the cloth on diagonally (ie with the corner points sitting in the middle of each of the tabletop’s perimeter edges). It will be draped into folds at the corners so does not need tucking to ‘tidy’ it. You can then bunch the ends more loosely, so that hopefully your knees can squeeze into the fabric without dislodging it or being hemmed in. Also, if ends to long and drapey, take a chunk of fabric at each corner-top and swirl it into a sort of knot and secure with elastic band – push fabric over band so it can’t be seen – like making a topknot or bun with hair). Sorry this description is so longwinded and incomprehensible – I could show you how to do it in a few seconds!
Your new writing corner looks good anyway, well done!
L.
Claire and Lorraine, thanks for these ideas. I will give them a try. I forgot to mention, in my story, the fire hazard concern! So much fabric next to all those cords might not be a good idea?
Claire and Lorraine, thanks for these ideas. I will give them a try. I forgot to mention, in my story, the fire hazard concern! So much fabric next to all those cords might not be a good idea?
Brava! The colors and textures are so attractive to me. I think you’ve created a relaxing and inviting Creative Space. Whenever I decorate on pennies, two of my best friends are rubber bands and a staple gun. As Lorraine suggested, I can gather up fabric into faux flowers with just a twist and rubber band – it’s a lovely way to gather up excess fabric. I’ve also created a false ‘window’ by tacking up a landscape poster and then using a firring (spelling?) strip to thumbtack a fabric swag ‘drape’. It relaxes me to have a ‘view’ when I’m snugged into a corner.
I think you have a great eye, so experiment with what pleases you!
Brava! The colors and textures are so attractive to me. I think you’ve created a relaxing and inviting Creative Space. Whenever I decorate on pennies, two of my best friends are rubber bands and a staple gun. As Lorraine suggested, I can gather up fabric into faux flowers with just a twist and rubber band – it’s a lovely way to gather up excess fabric. I’ve also created a false ‘window’ by tacking up a landscape poster and then using a firring (spelling?) strip to thumbtack a fabric swag ‘drape’. It relaxes me to have a ‘view’ when I’m snugged into a corner.
I think you have a great eye, so experiment with what pleases you!
Lovely! Having recently redone a similar area in my home, I enjoyed reading about your inspiration and process. Thanks for taking the before and after photos. The transformation is amazing, and I’m sure you will find “visiting” your creative nook a much more inviting experience in the days to come. Love you, my friend.
Lovely! Having recently redone a similar area in my home, I enjoyed reading about your inspiration and process. Thanks for taking the before and after photos. The transformation is amazing, and I’m sure you will find “visiting” your creative nook a much more inviting experience in the days to come. Love you, my friend.
The corner now glows. Perhaps you will find even more inspiration in your new space.
The corner now glows. Perhaps you will find even more inspiration in your new space.
It’s amazing what a difference a few items make!! Great job,Kristi.!
My very simple idea for leg space is to unfasten the cloth and just let it hang loosely so you can just push your chair and legs under the table…then when you have company or are taking a writing break ( do you ever??) you can refasten it…
Another suggestion is keep your eyes open at a Marche aux Puces and you might spot a little treasure of a real desk with a drawer even!!!Don’t go searching or you’ll never find the “write one” , pun intended,( ugh) it will just appear one day and your lovely chair and you will have the writing surface you really deserve!
It’s amazing what a difference a few items make!! Great job,Kristi.!
My very simple idea for leg space is to unfasten the cloth and just let it hang loosely so you can just push your chair and legs under the table…then when you have company or are taking a writing break ( do you ever??) you can refasten it…
Another suggestion is keep your eyes open at a Marche aux Puces and you might spot a little treasure of a real desk with a drawer even!!!Don’t go searching or you’ll never find the “write one” , pun intended,( ugh) it will just appear one day and your lovely chair and you will have the writing surface you really deserve!
If the cords are in any way frayed or nicked, get new ones! Just not worth any risk, and cords are cheap.
Then no worries at all about fabric covering cords. All plugged in to a surge suppressor? I use one to protect my computer, and organize the cords, enough places for all the plugs that computers seem to propagate.
The engineer in me talking!
So insulation in the roof is not boring either — a project I have done once or twice.
I still had in my mind a photo of the office in your last house — never thought to do a mental update. This make over is much better looking.
The view of the sea is amazing! I did not realize you were so very close. Which chair lets you stare at that view?
If the cords are in any way frayed or nicked, get new ones! Just not worth any risk, and cords are cheap.
Then no worries at all about fabric covering cords. All plugged in to a surge suppressor? I use one to protect my computer, and organize the cords, enough places for all the plugs that computers seem to propagate.
The engineer in me talking!
So insulation in the roof is not boring either — a project I have done once or twice.
I still had in my mind a photo of the office in your last house — never thought to do a mental update. This make over is much better looking.
The view of the sea is amazing! I did not realize you were so very close. Which chair lets you stare at that view?
I will never complain about my desk chair nor ever again use it as an excuse for writers block, etc. if you can produce such beautiful delights while seated on that pretty and pillowed piece of non-ergonomic wood. :=)Sl
I will never complain about my desk chair nor ever again use it as an excuse for writers block, etc. if you can produce such beautiful delights while seated on that pretty and pillowed piece of non-ergonomic wood. :=)Sl
You did a marvelous job, Kristen- I love your new writing corner! Do you look outside from the glass door I think I see on the left?
You did a marvelous job, Kristen- I love your new writing corner! Do you look outside from the glass door I think I see on the left?
Suzanne, enjoyed your artist eye take on this arrangement, and the low key suggestion to just let fabric hang). Re desks, I do have a neat little one in another room (the cozy entry), but It should stay there… So maybe I will look for another, now that you mention it 🙂
Sarah, thanks for your thoughts about those cords. Good idea about checking for worn cords, too! (re which chair… Thanks for the photo prompt!)
Karen, LOL! It bugs my mom to no end, the type of chair I use for writing. She thinks I am a martyr. Me thinks I do not want to be too cozy… Or slack off!
Alyssa, thanks! The windows in the photo are Jackies room and the TV room.
Suzanne, enjoyed your artist eye take on this arrangement, and the low key suggestion to just let fabric hang). Re desks, I do have a neat little one in another room (the cozy entry), but It should stay there… So maybe I will look for another, now that you mention it 🙂
Sarah, thanks for your thoughts about those cords. Good idea about checking for worn cords, too! (re which chair… Thanks for the photo prompt!)
Karen, LOL! It bugs my mom to no end, the type of chair I use for writing. She thinks I am a martyr. Me thinks I do not want to be too cozy… Or slack off!
Alyssa, thanks! The windows in the photo are Jackies room and the TV room.
Clever girl ! A great improvement & all your own work !! Well done
Clever girl ! A great improvement & all your own work !! Well done
Sorry to be negative, Kristen – but I like the look of the old table. I find the giant block of white (my favourite colour) too jarring.
On the contrary – I love the look of the card table with its cords connecting you to all of us.
Mostly though, I think its the time worn wood, reminding me of fun times – the ones you so freely share with us each day.
And finally… I love the space under and around the table. Space (for me) is the essence of good design – particularly in my garden. It’s what’s not there, far more than what is included, that gives the area its mystery.
Sorry to be negative, Kristen – but I like the look of the old table. I find the giant block of white (my favourite colour) too jarring.
On the contrary – I love the look of the card table with its cords connecting you to all of us.
Mostly though, I think its the time worn wood, reminding me of fun times – the ones you so freely share with us each day.
And finally… I love the space under and around the table. Space (for me) is the essence of good design – particularly in my garden. It’s what’s not there, far more than what is included, that gives the area its mystery.
Your office transformation is beautiful! Aren’t you just amazed with all the creative people there are out there and how lucky we are to be able too click away and find inspiration in a matter of seconds? I have several sites I check in on daily to get amazing and affordable ideas. ps. I love to picture and the pillow!
Your office transformation is beautiful! Aren’t you just amazed with all the creative people there are out there and how lucky we are to be able too click away and find inspiration in a matter of seconds? I have several sites I check in on daily to get amazing and affordable ideas. ps. I love to picture and the pillow!
Hey Kristin – I have one suggestion that would completely change that “dreary” corner, albeit no longer dreary, save your pennies and find an old bistro table, you know, the ones you still see once in a while in cafés or small bistros: rectangular with wrought iron legs and a marble or wood top. That would look sensational!
Hey Kristin – I have one suggestion that would completely change that “dreary” corner, albeit no longer dreary, save your pennies and find an old bistro table, you know, the ones you still see once in a while in cafés or small bistros: rectangular with wrought iron legs and a marble or wood top. That would look sensational!
Kristin:
Tres bien! I think you have to brighten the corner where you work every now and then. I share a studio space with my husband. He paints at his easel on one side of the room and I work on my photos on my computer and design project which involved my sewing machine and collage materials on the other. It’s a big room in a 100 year old Victorian, but somehow there’s never enough space. I do have a Bronzino print of a portrait of an elegant lady watching over me while I work.
I’m due for a decluttering myself!
Edie from Savannah
Kristin:
Tres bien! I think you have to brighten the corner where you work every now and then. I share a studio space with my husband. He paints at his easel on one side of the room and I work on my photos on my computer and design project which involved my sewing machine and collage materials on the other. It’s a big room in a 100 year old Victorian, but somehow there’s never enough space. I do have a Bronzino print of a portrait of an elegant lady watching over me while I work.
I’m due for a decluttering myself!
Edie from Savannah
Edie, good idea about now and then… why not change this space again soon?
Heather, thanks for your honest opinion. I am touched by your words about our connection here. I will think differently about those cords, in the next metamorphis of my dear desk (the desks change, the dearness remains–to be able to write is dear to me!). The table that you like, is Jean-Marcs fathers. His name was Gerard, and he passed about when JM was only 19. There must have been a felt top, as part of the table (?) but its long gone and the thin surface is warped. Any ideas on what could make a nice new covering (more felt? A mosaic? wood planks? Glass? Fun to imagine, even if the DIY drive is not in me!)
Lark, which sites do you like? Would love to know!
Young, will keep my eye out for a café or bistro table. Good looking idea!
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Edie, good idea about now and then… why not change this space again soon?
Heather, thanks for your honest opinion. I am touched by your words about our connection here. I will think differently about those cords, in the next metamorphis of my dear desk (the desks change, the dearness remains–to be able to write is dear to me!). The table that you like, is Jean-Marcs fathers. His name was Gerard, and he passed about when JM was only 19. There must have been a felt top, as part of the table (?) but its long gone and the thin surface is warped. Any ideas on what could make a nice new covering (more felt? A mosaic? wood planks? Glass? Fun to imagine, even if the DIY drive is not in me!)
Lark, which sites do you like? Would love to know!
Young, will keep my eye out for a café or bistro table. Good looking idea!
French Word-A-Day http://french-word-a-day.com
Book: Blossoming in Provence:
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/1467929794/mdj-20
Latest video from France/sign up to our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FrenchWordADay
J’adore le affiche, Kristin. Does that old table have any of its original felt remaining? If so, preserve it by having a glass top cut for it. If you think the table is sturdy enough to be used for writing for awhile, it would be worth the expense to preserve the sentimental piece.
I, too, got caught by that coussin malarkey when I got to the register and was told the pillow was separate from the cover. Since I actually needed a pillow I gave in and bought the pair. I steamed a little over that.
Good on you for choosing that corner to improve. My writing space is horrendous because I lost an office and had to cram everything into a spare sunroom that lacked bookcases or any room for them (duh, a sunroom is all windows). For too long I’ve let that be an excuse for writer’s block. However, we’re going to do home renovations — including creating real office space for me — so what excuse will I use then?
J’adore le affiche, Kristin. Does that old table have any of its original felt remaining? If so, preserve it by having a glass top cut for it. If you think the table is sturdy enough to be used for writing for awhile, it would be worth the expense to preserve the sentimental piece.
I, too, got caught by that coussin malarkey when I got to the register and was told the pillow was separate from the cover. Since I actually needed a pillow I gave in and bought the pair. I steamed a little over that.
Good on you for choosing that corner to improve. My writing space is horrendous because I lost an office and had to cram everything into a spare sunroom that lacked bookcases or any room for them (duh, a sunroom is all windows). For too long I’ve let that be an excuse for writer’s block. However, we’re going to do home renovations — including creating real office space for me — so what excuse will I use then?