At Paris Perfect, decorating our vacation rentals is more than just design – it’s about creating a timeless, elegant space that reflects the beauty and heritage of Paris. Over the years, we’ve developed a signature design element that has become a much-loved feature in our apartments: framed vintage Hermès scarves. These iconic silk pieces are the perfect blend of artistry, history and luxury, and they’ve become an integral part of the décor in our properties.
What started as a design idea for our Paris Perfect Shared co-ownership properties has grown into something truly special, resonating with guests and design lovers alike. A recent video of Paris Perfect founder Madelyn going on a sourcing trip to find vintage Hermès scarves in Paris has already garnered over a million views (watch it here!), and the response has been overwhelming. So, in this post, we’re sharing more about how we select, frame and incorporate these beautiful scarves into our vacation rentals – and where you can shop for them yourself in Paris!
Hermès scarves like this one at Cairanne are stunning works of art!
Why Hermès Scarves?
There’s a reason Hermès scarves are so iconic. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship, intricate designs and rich history, these scarves have been a fashion staple since the 1930s. But beyond wearing them, we’ve found that they make stunning statement pieces when framed.
Our approach to interior design at Paris Perfect is all about timeless elegance – creating apartments that will stand the test of time, just like these scarves. Each piece we select adds a distinctive touch to our apartments, often becoming the inspiration for an entire room’s color scheme.
Take the Conti co-ownership apartment, for example. The striking black, white and gold design of the scarf hand-picked for this apartment completely shaped the décor. The tassels in the scarf’s pattern inspired the sconces on either side of the fireplace, while the bold black shades were a direct nod to the striking black accents in the design. You can read more about how the scarf patterns influence decorating in many of fractional properties here.
At the Conti, the Hermès scarf inspired the decor.
Finding the Perfect Scarves
Sourcing the perfect vintage Hermès scarves is an art in itself. Madelyn has built relationships with experts in Paris who specialize in authentic, high-quality pieces. Two of our favorite sources include:
- Véronique at Le Grenier d’Amatxi – Located in Marché Vernaison at the Paris Flea Market, Véronique is a true expert with an encyclopedic knowledge of Hermès designs, artists and history. This is always one of Madelyn’s first stops when searching for scarves.
- CornerLuxe Bosquet – A centrally located boutique in the 7th arrondissement, just a short walk from many of our Paris vacation rentals. Along with scarves, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of vintage luxury pieces.
The beautiful Hermès scarf in the Syrah bedroom.
The Framing Process
Once we’ve chosen the perfect scarves, the next step is framing them. This is where Isadorure, a specialized framing workshop in the 7th arrondissement, comes in. Isabelle and her team are experts in restoring antique gilded wood and framing artwork to perfection.
One recent update in our framing process is opting to frame scarves without glass. While traditional framing methods include a glass cover, we’ve found that scarves hold their color exceptionally well, and removing the glass prevents glare and keeps the frames lighter. The first apartment where we tried this was Syrah, and we loved the result! A simple feather duster is all that’s needed to keep the fabric clean.
Enjoy a stay at our charming Saumur apartment rental – with our signature Hermès scarf touch!
For a unique twist, our Saumur apartment features a smaller Hermès scarf, so we worked with Isabelle to create a double frame and custom-painted matting to make the piece stand out. It’s now the perfect finishing touch to this beautiful one-bedroom vacation rental on Rue Cler.
Where You Can Spot Hermès Scarves in Our Apartments
We’ve incorporated these beautiful scarves into several of our vacation rentals across Paris and Italy, adding a distinctive and elegant touch to each space. In addition to Saumur, here are just a few of our favorites:
- La Place Dauphine – Our charming apartments in this historic square were recently updated, and each one now features a stunning Hermès scarf to complement its timeless Parisian décor. Stay tuned to the Paris Perfect blog for a fun look at the scarves we selected for La Place Dauphine!
- Vivant – When you step inside this co-ownership apartment you’re greeted by the iconic Les Clefs design Hermès created by Caty Latham in 1965. This vintage beauty came from the Paris puces and we love how the elegant keys symbolize a warm welcome to your own Paris apartment. Want to experience it for yourself? Right now there’s a share available of the Vivant. Find out more here!
- Saint-Pourçain – The scarf in this apartment brings a vibrant pop of color to one of the lovely bedrooms, making it a lively and inviting retreat. It’s the perfect example of how you can use a scarf to not just inspire a room’s design but also add color in a stylish way.
A vintage scarf is the perfect way to add a pop of color like at the Saint-Pourçain vacation rental.
- Concerto – Our signature Hermès design isn’t just in Paris – you’ll also find it in select Italy Perfect vacation rentals! At the Concerto in Florence, the primary bedroom’s beautiful design was inspired by a sumptuous red and gold vintage Hermès scarf.
- Maestro – At Maestro, our stunning fractional apartment in Florence, the primary bedroom’s rich gold and deep blue tones were drawn from a beautifully framed Hermès scarf. And bonus – there’s currently a share available! Find out more here about making this remarkable space your home in Florence.
Expanding the Paris touch to Italy Perfect with the Concerto in Florence.
Bringing a Piece of Paris Home
Many guests who stay in our apartments fall in love with the look of framed Hermès scarves and ask where they can shop for their own. If you’re inspired to bring a piece of Paris home with you, we highly recommend visiting Véronique at Le Grenier d’Amatxi or CornerLuxe Bosquet. A framed Hermès scarf makes for a unique and timeless souvenir – one that perfectly captures the essence of Parisian elegance.
If you’re staying in one of our apartments and fall in love with the look, why not bring a piece of Paris home with you? A framed Hermès scarf makes for a unique and timeless souvenir.
The gorgeous Hermès scarf in the Maestro in Florence. A share is currently available at Maestro!
Follow Along for More!
We’re thrilled to see how much interest this design element has sparked, and we’ll continue to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of the process on @parisperfectrentals. From sourcing and styling to tours of our vacation rentals with Maddy, we’ll take you along for the journey.
Looking for a beautiful Parisian vacation rental that blends luxury, history and thoughtful design? Click here to find your perfect stay in Paris!
And if you love Paris Perfect, be sure to follow @italyperfect and @londonperfectrentals for stunning vacation rentals in Italy and London’s best neighborhoods.
