Flashback Friday: PARIS IN JANUARY—THE DESIGNER’S DREAM I NEVER KNEW I NEEDED

Maison et Objet, Les Ombres, and Why Paris Has Me in a Chic Chokehold

There are moments in life that leave a lasting impression—like your first luxury hotel stay, that one impeccably tailored blazer you wear on repeat, or the moment you realize your steam oven might actually be smarter than you (just me?). And then… there's Paris.

This past January, I had the absolute pleasure of attending Maison et Objet and Deco Off in the city of light, love, and let-me-move-in-right-now. Let me just say: Paris exceeded my expectations in every way—food, fashion, culture… all of it. And yes, I’ve been known to set the bar high (we’re in luxury interiors, after all).

A Feast of Fabric and Inspiration at Maison et Objet + Deco Off

If Maison et Objet is the Super Bowl of interior design, then Deco Off is the exclusive afterparty only your favorite textile house knows about. Both events were brimming with inspiration. Think rich velvets, daring color stories, statement trims, and textures that made you want to swatch everything.

I spent my days weaving through the iconic streets of Paris, discovering fabulous fabric and material showrooms tucked into Haussmann-era buildings. The kind of showrooms that make you rethink your entire sample library and wonder if your carry-on can handle just one more boucle. (Spoiler: it couldn’t.)

A Party with a View (and a Private Museum Tour to Match)

One of the standout highlights? A breathtaking evening hosted by Behr Paint that started with a private tour of the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. The museum, known for its striking architecture and global collections, offered a powerful reminder of how design is a conversation—one that spans continents, cultures, and centuries.

And just when I thought the evening couldn’t get more magical, we dined at Les Ombres, perched above Paris with an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower doing its hourly sparkle thing. Between the incredible company, the beautifully curated design crowd, and the Parisian cuisine, it was an experience that blended luxury, culture, and connection in the most unforgettable way.

The Sights, the Strolls, the Spark

When I wasn’t in showroom or soirée mode, I carved out time to be a wide-eyed tourist. Notre Dame. Champs-Élysées. Musée d’Orsay. Yes, I did all the things. And yes, I did them with the energy of someone seeing beauty for the very first time. Paris has that effect.

Every detail of the city—from the hand-painted moldings in centuries-old apartments to the way a baguette is wrapped like a work of art—reminds you that great design isn’t just about looks. It’s about feeling. And that’s exactly what we aim to bring into our clients’ homes.

Where We Stayed: CitizenM in the 8th Arrondissement

Our home base was CitizenM, a boutique hotel in the 8th that perfectly balanced comfort with Parisian flair. (Think elevated minimalism meets high-tech functionality with cheeky charm sprinkled in.) It was the perfect crash pad for long days of design hunting and late nights soaking in the city.

From Paris to Pennsylvania: What This Trip Reinforced

At Nile Johnson Interior Design, we specialize in turning homes into sanctuaries—from the Main Line to Kennett Square, Wilmington to Center City Philadelphia. And this trip reminded me why our mission matters so much.

Our clients—busy professionals, parents, leaders, visionaries—deserve spaces that fill them up. Just like Paris filled me up. With every gilded mirror and hand-knotted rug, I thought of our clients who love travel, art, and a touch of the extraordinary. Many of them dream of living with the same effortless elegance they experience on vacation, but aren’t sure how to bring that feeling home.

That’s where we come in.

We translate the luxe, the layered, and the global into everyday living—without it ever feeling overdone. Our design philosophy is all about approachable luxury: thoughtful, elevated interiors that are as livable as they are luxurious.

Why This Matters to You

If you’re reading this and feeling a pang of envy—or maybe even guilt—for wanting that level of beauty in your own home, let me say this clearly: You are worthy of a beautiful life at home.

Whether it’s a Parisian-inspired powder room, a family room with hospitality-level lighting, or a kitchen that makes you actually want to cook after work (gasp!)—you deserve it. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

From full-scale renovations to signature furnishing packages, we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity, creativity, and care.

A Final Thought (and a Reminder)

Paris didn’t change me—it confirmed me. It confirmed that beauty is always worth the effort. That thoughtful design is more than an aesthetic—it’s a lifestyle. And that whether you’re dining under the Eiffel Tower or pouring cereal at your kitchen island, your surroundings should make you feel something.

If you’re ready to bring a little Paris home with you (minus the jet lag), let’s talk.

Ready to create a home that feels as good as a 5-star hotel stay? Inquire Here →