I have seen people preoccupied lately with all kind of topics―finances, careers, relationships―and I realize how easy it is these days to fall into a whirlwind of negative thoughts. But in order to remain positive and keep the good thoughts flowing, you have to fill your time with beautiful things: with art, books, music and inspiring stories.
Right before this whole global pandemic started, I had the chance to discover Madeleine Castaing’s shop on rue Jacob. Since then I’ve been wanting to share with you her marvelous world…
Madeleine Castaing (1894-1992) had a unique vision that revolutionized the world of interior design. She owned a decorating and antiques shop in St-Germain-des-Prés for 50 years, from 1940 until her death in 1992, aged 98.
“Madeline had an eye for surprising juxtapositions and whimsical finds. Her decorating career blossomed in post-WWII France, where her bold style stood out a mile against a backdrop of sober recovery. Never one to shy away from colour, an animal or jungle print, she would design a room in a block shades of black or blue, and include unexpected pieces of furniture to deliberately obscure the room’s function. The designer once said, ‘I use three colours: red, sky-blue, and the green of the gardens.'” (via Perch and Parrow)
Castaing died at the age of 98, leaving behind an aesthetic legacy that—despite being rooted in the past—championed the modern idea of mixing high and low, the one-of-a-kind with mass market. “She was free, free, free, totally free, with a fantastic independence of spirit and liberty of thought,” her grandson Frédéric described her. “Conformity bored her.” (CR Fashion Book)
Bathroom of Jean Cocteau’s Villa Santo-Sospir, decorated by Madeleine Castaing
