A thrilling testimonial!

Let me introduce you to Chantal Cloutier, a former fashion model and icon, who left the world of fashion and entertainment to pursue other passions, along with volunteer work.

And now I want to introduce you to Casa Mon Amour – her home.

Take the refined Zen aesthetic of Asian design, blend it with the relaxed design style of California ranch living, add a layer of vintage 1940’s Hollywood glamour to it, sprinkle upon all of this a helping of elegant, feminine allure and then, set this seamless composition against the canvas of Santa Ynez’s majestic wine country – and you have Casa mon Amour!

Once a 5 bedroom mish mash of a home, Chantal transformed it into a place serene and peaceful, where lovable rescue animals are as at home lazing in the green outdoor areas, as are elite crowds that mingle in the 2000 square foot kitchen and dining area. This is Chantal’s sanctuary, a place where time stands still, or at the very least slows its pace. Its where barefoot living and elegant cocktails co-exist peacefully.

The inspiration to transform this  “too many bedrooms, bathrooms and small spaces home” into a single bedroom and open sunlit sanctuary exposed to 360 degrees of outdoors, came directly from my strong connection to nature and love of animals. The primary feel was “Simplicity” and creating a large indoor/outdoor open space to let creativity in and clutter out.

The interior inspiration came from music from my hippie days, Ravi Shankar and sounds from Eastern influences that were soothing to the soul. In the 70’s I would buy the thin cotton paisley bedspreads from India and use them for everything from wall hangings to dresses.

I have just recently discovered Saffron Marigold fabrics and they are timeless. The elegance and design has enhanced the peacefulness of my home,  like entering a room full of candles,  calming and beautiful.

I have so many ideas of how I will use their fabrics and pillow covers as the main accessory to my home one day, and look forward to sharing more photos soon.

Chantal plans to decorate each room with our linens and we will bring you those pictures as and when we get them.

In the meantime, enjoy what she sent us so far – and be inspired.

Here is a bedroom with Vanilla Glace. Soft, elegant and romantic, this is a room for hushed voices and whispers. The “almost monochromatic” palette is broken by artwork in soothing blue and yellow. The graceful curve of the headboard and the scrolling pattern of the sconces as well as the side tables, provide a feminine touch and break the severity of straight lines and hard edges.

Says Chantal:

They are Gorgeous!!! The Bedspread and Pillow shams are some of the most elegant
yet Earthy I have seen, Very simple and outstanding at the same time.

This is a second bedroom, classic and timeless in our two black and white prints – a Paisley au Lait bedspread and Filigree shams. Your eye cannot help but notice the similarity of the ironwork of the windows and the scrolling pattern of Filigree. Each one complements the other. While normally black pillows on a white couch may seem stark and minimalistic, the low slung informal design of the couch encourages relaxing and lounging!

What beautiful spaces these bedrooms are – simple and uncluttered in their beauty, peaceful and serene, and a treat to the senses. For more eye candy visit her site.

Chantal – thank you for the lovely testimonial. We love the pictures and are eagerly awaiting more which we can share with our viewers.