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.
Thank you Saffron Marigold for the lovely write up. Doug Metzler (dougmetzler.com) is the classic photographer/painter of the portrait with the blues and yellows, one of my favorite photographers in the world with a book coming out soon.
Your fabrics and designs are inspirational, look forward to creating many more room and furniture makeovers.
Thank you Chantal. We too look forward to the pictures.
This simply stunning, cutting edge contemporary California Hacienda is only enhanced by the refined beauty of the Saffron Marigold Materials chosen by the owner to soften and create an inviting atmosphere for this homes occupants. Beautiful!
I agree. It is really beautiful and we are so thrilled she chose our linens. 🙂
Claire, The Hacienda style is a perfect backdrop for Saffron Marigold fabrics. Have been waiting for inspiration to do more of the window treatments and create more outdoor sitting areas, and Saffron has provided just that.
I had the good fortune to visit Chantal at her glorious Casa Mon Amour. The house is stunningly beautiful and filled with light. Every detail reflects Chantal’s timeless elegance and impeccable good taste.
Oh Osha, how I envy you. If the pics are so gorgeous I can only imagine what the real thing must be like. Lucky you.
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Chantal on the design and cabinetry/furniture selection of a few rooms of this luxurious estate. Her exquisite taste in design from furniture to lighting to linens is unsurpassed and has transformed this home into a breathtaking, calming sanctuary. I, too, look forward to seeing more of these beautiful fabrics throughout the home. Stunning!
The carefully chosen monochromatic white decor perfectly portrays Chantal’s peaceful elegance and the fabrics, fixtures and artwork partner wonderfully with the textures, lines and proportions of the coveted abodes furnishings. Chantal’s minimalist yet perfectly appointed home doesn’t detract from but only enhances it’s serene surroundings. Simply a beautiful transformation from a sweet home in the woods to a truly magnificent sanctuary. Kudos!
Thank you Paula, The kitchen/living room was a 4 car garage and workshop. The garage doors opened to the beautiful views of the deer and oaks, it was easy to imagine a large sunlit open concept kitchen and living room area in it’s place. The 11 foot kitchen island is the heart of the home, and where the doggie treats are made.
Memories of Shalimar is the perfect pattern for the Large entertainment area, it blends so beautifully with the outdoors and the natural light that pours in. The rooms choose the fabrics, that’s part of the fun of recreating spaces.
Speaking of recreating spaces………….I am redecorating a 4 bedroom beach house in Santa Barbara, CA and Saffron Marigold’s exquisite yet affordable linens are now must haves. I’m grateful for having been lead to them.
This is very beautiful!
-nice serene peaceful environment.
The fabric choice is just a perfect match with the atmosphere
Would love to go and see it in person