Have you ever felt that travel enriches your life, leaving you more inspired and fulfilled? Each journey abroad recharges my creative spirit. As an interior designer, I find endless inspiration in the architecture, fashion, and natural beauty of captivating cities. Paris, in particular, embodies a harmonious blend of iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and avant-garde art and fashion, which deeply influence my design philosophy. Immersing myself in this enchanting city feels like stepping into another world—where bustling streets, romantic bridges, the aroma of exquisite cuisine, and the allure of unique art exhibits and boutiques create a treasure trove of inspiration.

What made this trip to Paris unique compared to my previous visits with my husband, the kids at various ages, or even on my own was that it was a business trip with esteemed colleagues and friends. Experiencing the city through their perspectives added a new dimension to my visit. Each person’s view of the city—whether it’s their first time or through shared insights from past visits—offers a fresh perspective. This trip was especially memorable thanks to an exceptional guide from Clarence House, whose deep knowledge of fabrics led us to unique and exclusive events and experiences we might have otherwise missed.

During this January trip, we attended two incredible events; Paris DecoOff and Maison & Object, where decorators and interior designers from around the world gathered for inspiration and exclusive resources. Strolling through the charming Parisian streets, we visited prestigious showrooms that unveiled the latest trends and innovations in wall decor, trims, fabrics, and cutting-edge furniture designs.

We were immersed in a world of luxurious textiles, exquisite wallpapers, and stunning furniture and decor pieces crafted by top designers from around the globe. We engaged with the creative minds behind them, explored their inspirations, and gained insights into emerging trends. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the hum of conversations, the rustle of fabric, and an undeniable buzz of excitement. Various workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities further enriched the experience, making it an exceptional place to learn, connect, and be inspired. This brings so much excitement to us and after every inspirational trip, we eagerly anticipate customizing our clients’ projects with bespoke fabrics, furniture, and accessories from these incredible new collections.

But who can be in Paris just for business and not indulge in everything the City of Lights offers? You bet, we certainly made time to enjoy its architecture, explore flea markets, visit art exhibits, do a little shopping, and savour a delightful array of culinary experiences.

ARCHITECTURE

I love Parisian architecture for its rich blend of styles, each adding to the city's unique charm and elegance. During my visit, I explored the recently restored Hôtel de la Marine, a masterpiece designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel as part of King Louis XV's grand vision for the square. Renowned for its neoclassical architecture, the Hôtel de la Marine features rooms adorned with intricate mouldings, gilded accents, and stunning frescoes, each with its own color palette that evokes a sense of timeless luxury.

The furniture, often original pieces, is carefully curated to reflect the period's aesthetic while maintaining the comfort and functionality of the era. Ornate chandeliers add a touch of grandeur, bathing the rooms in light. Spaces like these have inspired many of my projects, offering valuable lessons along the way. It’s not about replicating a specific style but rather understanding the deeper meanings and designing spaces that capture that essence while embracing modern sensibilities.

ART AND FASHION

One of the highlights of this trip was the Louis Vuitton Art Exhibit featuring Mark Rothko. This special exhibit masterfully combined Rothko’s minimalist yet emotionally charged paintings with the sophisticated aesthetics of Louis Vuitton, blending the brand’s avant-garde fashion sensibilities with Rothko’s revolutionary approach to art.

What captivated me most about Rothko’s work is his use of bold and subtle color combinations, creating a harmonious interplay that is as powerful as it is understated. He viewed his art as a means to explore the human condition, delving into themes of tragedy, ecstasy, and the sublime. His paintings often evoke a profound sense of stillness and contemplation, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the work and reflect on their own emotions and experiences.

As art historian John Emmett noted, “He saw color as a universal language that could transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. His use of color was intentional, as he sought to create an emotional and contemplative atmosphere within his canvases.” This sentiment resonated deeply with me as an interior designer, we work with a vast array of colors and materials to carefully curate spaces that evoke positive emotions and create harmony for those who inhabit them.

MARCHE MALASIS

It’s always fun to visit Paris’ flea markets and this year was exciting to run into famous design celebrities hunting for original pieces just like us. We found some treasures that would certainly make our projects unique and one-of-a-kind.

AND LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST, THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE...

As Julia Child famously said it, "With enough butter, everything tastes good." Knowing butter is the main ingredient who can resist French cuisine? In Paris, croissants and baguettes are somehow crunchier yet softer and delicious, and even street sandwiches become culinary delights. This year, I had the honor of being invited to a surprise dinner at Le Grand Colbert, and every dish was exquisitely cooked to perfection! One would agree with Diane Keaton's character in Something’s Gotta Give—Le Grand Colbert truly offers some of the best food in town.

As a thank you for being with us till the end, we would like share 3 helpful tips when traveling internationally:

As always, we continue to travel the world to find inspiration and eagerly look forward to working on your projects!

Stella Ludwig Interiors is an award-winning boutique design firm specializing in high-end residential design. Based in historic Rittenhouse Square, we cater to discerning professionals, empty nesters, busy executives, and international families in the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond. We believe a dream home is more than just beautiful design—it’s a curated environment that enhances your daily life, well-being, and aspirations. Whether it's a full home, condo design, kitchen or bathroom renovations, office, guest rooms, or entertainment spaces, we meticulously craft every detail to create a seamless, stress-free experience, perfectly tailored to your needs. Our clients are discerning individuals like you—those who value their time, know what they want, and seek an expert to bring their design visions to life.

Keep us in mind when you're ready to revamp your home or redesign your newly purchased condo. We're here to help—click the link below to join our waiting list, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more design and travelling inspiration.

- Stella Ludwig and Team.

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