I fell in love with the simple, classic medallion-back shape of the elegant dove gray chairs that caught my eye as rooms unfolded on my first visit to the original Christian Dior boutique at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Dior believed that the sophistication of French design had roots in the Palace of Versailles and was touched by the oval-backed medallion chairs that Louis XVI used in the rooms of Marie Antoinette (an influencer far ahead of her time). The iconic chair made it the perfect seat for his fashionable guests watching his défilés de mode (fashion shows), and became a signature of Dior’s empire. Inspired by Dior, I immediately knew the two medallion-back chairs I scored at the Paris flea market would be upholstered in dove gray velvet from Lelièvre Paris with nail heads and tailored self-welts. I found a skilled local upholsterer at Atelier Gru, a short car ride away from my countryside apartment. Monsieur Dimitri Gru, is an expert craftsman and has helped me through the reupholstery of chairs, beds and the installation of fabric-covered walls in the guest bath (and was almost late to his own wedding because he was committed to finishing an upholstery project for me the day of of my photo shoot). Kind beyond words. Swipe for additional photos. On an unrelated topic, my thoughts and prayers are with my family and dear friends in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. Hoping floods recede and power is recovered soon. Abrazo fuerte. . . . . . . Apartment photos: Xavier Béjot Atelier photos: David Jimenez . . . . . . #frenchmanor #countrycharme #campagnechic #antique #fleamarket #luxury #designchic #designinspiration #interiordecor #instadesign #decorating #picoftheweek #parisstyle #seemyparis #parisiloveyou #parislove #wheninparis #springinparis #pariscityworld #parisapartment #justsofrench #secretdeparis #parisjetaime #parismaville #parisianstyle #instaparis #ParisianbyDesign #RizzoliBooks @ateliergru #davidjimenez #davidjimenezstudio