Museum of Decorative Arts

The Museum of Decorative Arts (Musee des Arts Decoratifs) is a fantastic museum that I had never been to until just a few weeks ago. Amy and I decided to stop in and have a look. She was especially interested in the items from a few centuries ago.

My interest in those things dried up pretty quickly, but once I got to the section of the museum with the more modern design displays (i.e., from 1900 forward), I couldn't get enough.

There was a great display of chairs in all different designs and styles covering decades of design. I think there were 100 chairs in all.

I inevitably found the minimal embellishment and great lines and structure of the mid-century modern pieces to be wonderful.

I know not everyone would feel the same way, but to me this chair looks like I could just sink right in and read for hours (as long as I had an ottoman). See the next picture for a full view of the "lamp" wall-piece you can see, um..., sprouting out of the chair.

This picture is ugly. But I wanted to include it to show that lamp. Amazing. I love it--function, cool design, and a big piece of wall art at the same time.

I love everything about this "room." I love that the furniture is a little bit lower (since my legs are so short, furniture that is closer to the ground is helpful--otherwise, it's all about the ottomans.). I think the lines of the chaise are just awesome. And those floating shelves are going to get a DIY attempt one of these days (once I'm home, of course).

Can I have this set of consoles, please? (You can barely see it, but just behind the informational sign in front of the console, there is a black circle on top of the console. I'm guessing it was a record player or something similar, but I couldn't tell for sure).

If you want to spend thousands of dollars on me one day, try to buy this sideboard or one like it. Isn't it beautiful? I love the simplicity of the design and the lines, but the warmth of the wood and the pattern of the grain.

And I don't even know how to begin describing the perfection of this desk and chair. (The desk chair, not the leather one in front.)

And this was just a delightful surprise. It's an awesome old armchair with embellished woodwork that has been painted with acrylics paints! I think I now have to do this. Even if I just send it to the dump afterwards.

So, that's a taste of the Museum of Decorative Arts. Obviously this is only a sampling that is very biased toward my own preferences.

I wouldn't suggest this to families with younger children (or even adolescents, really), and unless you're really interested in design or interior decoration, I would keep this as a reserve activity should you find yourself with an hour or two to spare. I absolutely loved it, but I've also already seen the "big" sites in Paris.