Find us in the Merrimack Valley Magazine~ March/April '08

We're happy to have had a visit by the editors of the Merrimack Valley Magazine and we're featured in their "Downtown" section (page 32).
"In “Shopping by Design,” Michelle Xiarhos Curran takes us to some of the best home design and accessory stores in Newburyport and Amesbury."

Going Green to Spring Clean ~ The French Way

As "going green" has gain more social acceptance, it has occurred to us that this is something that Le Bourdon Home & Garden has embraced as its central theme since its inception. By default, LB has adhered to the French lifestyle which has always been rooted in its natural surroundings. All of its centuries old methods of soap making and cosmetics have not changed and are still using all natural ingredients. More importantly, because we have a love for everything old, we strive to reinvigorate textiles and antiques so that they can be revered and discovered all over again by new generations!

In addition to our French line of products, we have embraced US-based Mrs. Meyers Clean Day products, too. For a limited time, we are offering their rhubarb scented spring cleaning kit as our way of promoting a green cleaning season this spring!

Make sure you learn more about all of our "green" French products, too!

Winter Doldrums ~ Mourning Curiosities

The winter doldrums are upon us and we are longing for the breezes of summer. We look for anything starting to think about coming up from the ground for a sign of Spring. Although the winter months of hibernation are good for the soul, mourning can be healthy too. When we take time to mourn, we can stop and appreciate what has gone past us and appreciate what is upon us.

I find that the winter months are essential to take notice of our interior space. Once the spring and summer months are here, we focus our creative efforts on what is outside. This is why I am providing a little sale to help to inspire some nostalgic embellishments and put you in the mood!

Hurry! The Winter Doldrums Storewide Sale lasts only 1 week!
This offer is valid until 11.59pm ET on Sunday 19th March
2008 and is not valid in conjunction with any other Le
Bourdon or Internet offer. Le Bourdon sale items are
excluded from this offer. This offer can be used only once.

Here are some French torchons assembled with textiles from our recent trip to Paris.

Bonjour! New French Finds & Inspirations

We've just returned from our trip to Paris and although we're feeling a bit jet lagged, we have renewed our souls (and stomachs) with a taste of the French lifestyle that is so incredibly appealing. This photo of the Eiffel Tower was taken the night before we returned as it sparkled at dusk. Just a quick note that shipments are on their way and listings will follow. We will share more photos of our tour of the best flea markets of Paris, too.

LB French Vintage Bellybutton Bears

Introducing our new line of hand assembled Bellybutton teddy bears lovingly created using vintage and antique french textiles and buttons . These memory teddy bears are inspired by textiles from France. These two bears are assembled with an antique quilt and vintage quilted bedding. View our vintage French bellybutton bears on our website.

The Story of Antique French Textiles

In order to have an appreciation for vintage and antique French textiles, it is important to know their significance in French history itself. The French love and lust for textiles has carried them through religious persecution (of Protestants who were active in textile design and production), violence, bans, and industrial espionage. Not even the French Revolution and the loss of many aristocratic clients could halt the demand for luxury goods that resurfaced with Napoleon I, the Restoration of the Bourbon dynasty, and the Second Empire under Napoleon III.

There is no substitute to understanding why the French appreciate their textiles other than to see, touch and feel them yourself. French textiles have always been important elements to the world of interior decoration. More than a staple that is almost always incorporated into any good design, French textiles adds a touch of history, uniqueness and character to our decor.
In decorating, there must be elements of the present and past to make it interesting. Whether it is adding a Provencal coverlet, a band of fabric on drapery, or a length of period matelasse toile made into a throw pillow - a few selected elements makes the room warm, inviting and interesting. An antique tapestry pillow with exquisite trim does wonders for a brand new sofa. The old textiles add a note of quality, luxury, and history that enhances the value of the other objects there.
It is the superior detailed designs of the older fabrics, their creativity and originality, and the skills needed to product them with labor-intensive techniques that can't be reproduced to that gives them their value and longevity. Fine antique passementerie (trimming) was made by yhand using old methods. This is what is fundamental to Le Bourdon Home & Garden.
Although there are few of us that take the time to find and restore these fabrics, there are even fewer of us that are experienced enough to work with them in creating stunning accessories for your home that continue to endure the test of time. We are inspired to provide new life to these old fabrics!

Bringing in the New Year with New Inspirations

It has been just over a year since the Le Bourdon Home & Garden website was launched but the years culminating was time spent cultivating a dream to bring French inspirations to the sights and senses to everyone who visits our online storefront.
For those who are fortunate enough to visit the design shop, their senses are stimulated as soon as they pass through the carriage house doors. Not only are they amazed with the colors, textiles, and antiques, but their sense of smell is always tickled (this also includes the UPS, FedEx and USPS men that make their deliveries ;-).
As 2008 is upon us, we hope to continue to find new and vintage products that are true to our belief in celebrating our natural environment and the old world French style of living. We will continue to enhance your online experience and build relationships that inspire and we hope you can give the gift of French inspiration to others.
It is our goal to help you learn about what can be incorporated into your own spaces to create balance and serenity. This year we will focus on tried and true old world French decorating style and enhancing our site with custom ordering to fit your individual decorating needs.
We are excited where we've come and where we're going and we look forward to sharing it with our inspired members!
Meilleurs Voeux 2008~