Traveling is one of my unrivaled passions besides interior design. Traveling the world invigorates my senses, liberates my mind and deeply inspires me – in any aspect of my life including the decoration and styling of my own home. Now when it comes to choosing a suitable hotel at my destination, I tend to favor hotels with a designy edge. Last month, when I went on a weekend to the Normandy in northern France, more precisely to the quaint town of Honfleur (I blogged about it HERE), I’d gone for a completely new approach: I picked a hotel that took me on an inspiring nostalgia trip to past eras. Welcome to the hotel L’Ecrin in Honfleur!
The hotel L’Ecrin is a former mansion and located in the old town of Honfleur. The building reflects the traditional Normandy architecture and its surrounding garden full of blossoming trees and flowers is more than inviting for a sunny breakfast alfresco.
The entire atmosphere commences right at the check-in. The reception desk is located in a former salon with a huge marble fireplace and ancient furniture. The ground floor consists of two more salons for the guests – these are fabulously equipped with a decoration of the French bourgeoisie of the past century. A piano, massive chandeliers, big oil paintings, busts and voluptuous flower bouquets reminded me of a film set. To be honest, I felt a bit like in Downton Abbey, one of my favorite TV series.
The rooms are on the first floor and take you back to the 19th century, too. Canopy covered beds, massive wooden furniture, huge mirrors, chandeliers and heavy velvet curtains as well as classical lamps and vintage rugs make for a full 360 degrees experience – you’ll feel like a lord or lady, hello Downton Abbey!
Well, for the rest I’ll let the pictures speak. Even though this is not the kind of decoration and interior design I would ever consider for my own home, it was beyond beautiful and inspiring to be surrounded by a completely different look and style than I am used to. Sometimes we need this kind of contrasts to clear our mind and freshen up our view on new endeavours. Happy new week, my friends!
12 Comments
Only WOW…
Amazing!
Who knew you would find this inside when looking at the last photo, right?
A melange of styles but so inspiring. For me, the best ideas come from looking at something completely different.
Great pics.
I so agree with you Igor, not my taste for my own home, but the interior is nevertheless inspiring and BEAUTIFUL!!!!! All great images … as usual!
Thank you for sharing about your travels, it enriches my knowledge bank every time 🙂
Xx.
Wow, how absolutely charming, and amazing photos Igor. I could see how it would feel like you were in a Downton episode, I too am a Huge fan of the show. Much bliss to you
Just love the fabric in the bedroom (and of course the chandelier). Thank you for sharing.
Yes-a great place to stay and what a beautiful looking city. You really do make the most of seeing the world Igor-fabulous!
looks good!
your header is btw very cute;)
Thank you very much:-)
Such a beauty!
I love the pictures from your travels, and oh-my-god how decorated is this hotel! You would almost expect Marie-Antoinette come chat with you while having your breakfast! /maria x
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