Lifestyle

Ah, mon cher ami, there’s a particular chill in the European air right now, isn’t there? The kind that makes you pull your cashmere a little tighter and dream of brighter, warmer days. As much as I adore the crispness of autumn, with its rich, grounding colours, there’s always a part of me that begins to yearn for the vibrant promise of spring. And this yearning, I’ve discovered, is exactly where the magic of the “bulb lasagne” truly shines. ...

Bonjour, mes amis! Remember when chair skirts were… well, très dated? I certainly do. Growing up, they were either adorably quaint in a grandmother’s country home, perhaps in a bustling Provence kitchen, or slightly stuffy in a formal dining room that only saw the light of day for Christmas. For a long time, the sleek lines of modern design pushed them firmly into the “vintage, and not in a good way” category. ...

Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2025: Crafting Our European Sanctuaries Bonjour, my dear friend! As the days grow longer here in Paris, and the city hums with that particular energy that only spring can bring, my mind naturally turns to our homes – those most personal of spaces. We Europeans, don’t we just adore our homes? They’re not just shelters; they’re reflections of our lives, our history, our dreams. We invest so much of ourselves into them, don’t we? ...

My dearest friend, When I first laid eyes on my little 200-year-old cottage nestled just outside Lyon, it was an absolute dream from the cobblestone lane. A true slice of French history, complete with exposed beams and a kitchen that whispered tales of generations of hearty meals. But internally? It felt… well, a little too proper. A symphony of “shoulds” and “must-haves” seemed to echo in every room, dictated by centuries of tradition, unspoken design rules, and perhaps a touch of French formality. My heart, however, longed for something else entirely. It yearned for me. ...

Bonjour, my dears! Sophie Laurent here, pulling up a metaphorical chair to chat about something that might, at first glance, seem rather terrestrial. We’re talking about potatoes. Yes, those humble tubers that form the backbone of so many European dishes, from hearty gratin to delicate gnocchi. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Sophie, potatoes? What does this have to do with design wisdom and European living?” Ah, but that, my friends, is where the magic lies. Just as an industry analyst dives deep into the unseen currents of a market, I’ve discovered that the simplest elements often hold the profoundest truths. And potatoes, specifically the act of ‘chitting’ them, offer a beautiful metaphor for how we approach our homes and lives in Europe. ...

My dearest friends, There’s something profoundly satisfying about stepping into your garden, no matter how grand or modest, and seeing the quiet promise of the season ahead. For me, living in the heart of Europe has always meant embracing a lifestyle where functionality and beauty are inextricably linked, not just within four walls, but extending gracefully into our outdoor spaces. We don’t just have gardens; we design them to live in. ...

Are You Cultivating a Secret Rebel? Let’s Talk About Those Banned Beauties in Our European Gardens My dear friend, you know how much I adore our shared passion for crafting beautiful, serene European living spaces. From the sun-drenched balconies of Seville to the cosy, green courtyards of Amsterdam, our homes are our sanctuaries, and the flora we choose to surround ourselves with plays such a pivotal role. But here’s what’s interesting, and perhaps a little surprising: sometimes, those very plants we cherish for their beauty might actually be… well, a bit of a rebel. A legally restricted rebel, in fact! ...