Our Notebook

Maison & Co. on Designer, Alix Rico - Part III

It has been so much fun exploring the work of Alix Rico in the last couple of blogs! This is the third blog in a four part series of her work. Alix, owner of Design Source, lives in New Orleans with her husband, Paul. I have had the good fortune of staying in both of the Rico's homes in France. Maison & Co. covered each of those homes in Parts I and II. Recently Alix and Paul invited my husband and me to visit them at their home in New Orleans. It was so much fun to see their lovely home in the United States. Alix and Paul live in a beautiful neighborhood in New Orleans.

Maison & Co. on Designer, Alix Rico - Part II

Alix Rico, interior designer and owner of Design Source, lives in New Orleans with her husband, Paul. A true Francophile, Alix does beautiful design work in an airy and sophisticated French style. This is the second story in a three-part series of Alix's work. Our 2007 family vacation to France was a dream come true! We were determined to return the next year. Immediately we set about securing a house. We learned that Alix and Paul owned another beautiful home--this property located in the small village of Goult.

Maison & Co. on Designer, Alix Rico - Part I

Alix Rico, interior designer and owner of Design Source, lives in New Orleans with her husband, Paul. A true Francophile, Alix does beautiful design work in an airy and sophisticated French style. This begins a three-part series of Alix's work. My first introduction to Alix Rico was in 2007 as my husband and I prepared to take our children to France for the first time. I spent hours researching and planning this trip. We would start in Paris and then spend some time in Brittany visiting the historic town of Quimper and its Quimper faience factory. The highlight of our trip, however, would be taking the high speed train south to Provence and relaxing in a home for the duration of our stay.

The Swedish Gustavian Settee

At Maison & Co. we adore the fresh appeal of Swedish furniture, especially that of the Gustavian period. The history of Gustavian furniture began in 1771, when the future king of Sweden, Gustav III, returned home to Sweden after an extended stay at the court of Louis XVI at Versailles. The young monarch was highly influenced by the Neoclassical style and sought to recreate it in Sweden.

The French Butcher Table

The French table du boucher, or butcher table, has been an object of our affection for quite some time. Kendall is fortunate to own two. These beautiful tables are typically 19th century and feature a cast and wrought iron base with a marble top. Some were used to prepare meat, while others were reserved as presentation tables in the shop's window.

Swedish Herbaria

An herbarium is a collection of plant specimens dried and mounted on acid free paper and labeled for use in scientific study.  The term also refers to the building in which the collection is housed.  The plural for herbarium is herbaria.  You might have heard the term herbier used which is simply the French word for herbarium.

Maison & Co.'s Valentine's Cherubs

Our children have been studying Greek and Roman mythology. In preparation for tests, we have learned a lot as well! The last chapter highlighted Cupid's mischievous desire to shoot his arrows into the hearts of unsuspecting victims, resulting in the victim falling madly in love with the first person he saw. Maison & Co. has a pair of mischievous Cupids of our own. We know you will fall in love with their charming faces and beautiful patina. With Valentine's Day around the corner, what a perfect opportunity to share a little information about these darling figures.

Mercury Glass Bottles

Perhaps the most exciting purchase we made in Provence this summer is this exceptional collection of mercury glass apothecary bottles. Authentic antique mercury glass is becoming harder and harder to find, and we have never before seen such an amassing of mercury glass apothecary bottles!