Creating an Ambiance

Do you want to come to Paris with me for free? If your answer is yes, read on....

Over here on Decor Arts Now, I work hard to create a special ambiance everyday---striving for beauty, timeless elegance, knowledge and style.

I am pleased to announce that I have been selected by the luxury furniture line Grange to create a new type of ambiance---the French kind. Grange is running a contest among select bloggers where we customize their popular Directoire Console Cabinet using their new design tool MyGrange--giving the console its own very special environment, or, as the French would say, its own special "ambiance".

Here are some unique ambiances already created by Grange to give you an idea of what's ahead for me.

The winner of the contest will go to Maison et Objet in Paris in January!! And the very best part, the winning blogger gets to choose one of his or her readers to come with them! Whoot and double whoot!

Now I am shy about flexing my design muscles in such a public way--my lack of hutzpah is the main reason I shifted my focus away from my interior design to this design blog and writing for others.

Plus I must master a new online design tool with MyGRANGE--also not my strength, but if I can do it, that equals proof positive that the tool is wonderful for the average consumer.

Obviously this opportunity was too amazing to pass up. How could I not at least try?

It helps that Grange is a company that espouses my daily ambiance of beauty, timeless elegance, knowledge and style to a T. No problem with matching aesthetics here. Grange has been handcrafting artisanal furniture in France since 1904. Their gorgeous products combine 19th century craft with 21st century green techniques to create tomorrow's antiques.

They carry a range of beds, dining tables, sofas and chairs, occasional pieces and entertainment units. I would happy put their products in my own home.

I must come up with my design by the end of July. A panel of judges comprising editors from the top shelter magazines will select 10 finalists by mid-August. From mid-September to mid-October there will be an online voting contest on the Grange Facebook page.

So first I need to get past a panel of judges and then I need to win an online vote --- yet another thing I am shy about--drumming up votes. To vote for me you MUST LIKE GRANGE ON FACEBOOK. Yep do it right now. Thank you.

So everyone, the whole process has me fraught with anxiety. Any support you offer me will be much appreciated. I am trying hard to absorb a particularly apt quote I posted recently.

Wish me luck. I am going to need it. And wouldn't it be great if we could go to Paris together?

This post is in collaboration with Grange.

Photo credits: first photo , Grange and final photo by Lynn Byrne.