PARIS/PIANO THEMED ROOM

Dear Jellybean,

I am wanting to do a Paris theme in my room. I also play piano, and I was wondering how I could blend the two themes together. Any advice?
-Paris/piano_luvr

Dear Paris/piano_luvr,

Paris is known worldwide for being the center of the modern jazz universe. There are funky piano bars all over the City of Light, where hipsters congregate after hours. Why not steal that "feel" for your room decor?

Parisian jazz clubs tend to be very "Art Deco" in style. If you're not familiar with what "Art Deco" is all about, in terms of style, just Google the term (in quotes) and you'll get tons of links and pictures. The color palette tends to be tones of chocolate brown, silver, and lavender. It's all very elegant but also cool and modern, not stuffy or too formal.

So here's what I would suggest for blending the two themes (piano and Paris) together. Base your color palette for walls and fabrics around those Art Deco colors mentioned above. Then add lots of little touches that say "Paris". Some ideas include:

-Luxurious draperies (think dark velvet or heavy cotton), adorable lamps

-A big framed print of the Eiffel Tower (widely available at poster stores)

-Bedside tables (and other small furniture) draped in elegant scarves or fabric swaths

-Some black-and-white posters of classic jazz singers (check the "Jazz" category at Allposters.com)

-Lots of little tea candles set on an elegant silver tray, on your vanity table

-A decorative (art deco!) mirror for above your vanity

Another awesome Parisian touch for the room - if you've got the space - would be a small "Café" area with a table and a couple of chairs. Metal patio furniture would be ideal for this look. set a vase with some fake flowers on the table, et voila - c'est tres Parisien!