Is there anything more lovely than Paris in autumn? The City of Light is hard to beat in this glorious season, and last month, we got the opportunity to travel to France to visit both Paris and Bordeaux. It wasn’t a purely leisure trip (though how can Paris ever feel like work?) — our main intent was to meet with French wallpaper company Isidore Leroy.

We were first introduced to the brand through a friend from design school, then partnered with them on the Lake Forest Showhouse. This collaboration sparked the idea for another: What if we developed a wallpaper collection together?

Centered by Design x Isidore Leroy

It was perfect timing for Isidore Leroy, who was looking to expand their presence in the United States. Typically the brand collaborates with artists on collections, so this was a new partnership for both of us. We’re serving as creative directors for this new line. Isidore Leroy has its offices and printing facilities in Bordeaux, France, and a showroom in Paris, so it was prime time to visit. 

Being in France revitalized our appreciation for art, culture and history. We visited a library dedicated to decorative arts to research historic prints and patterns from Isidore, and checked out  several fabric and print houses, too. 

The six-paper collection will launch in mid 2024, and we can’t wait to reveal it to you. In the meantime, here’s a recap of where we stayed, shopped, dined and got more cultured in beautiful Paris.

Where to Stay

Hôtel de l’Abbaye Paris

Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Hotel Luxembourg Park

Le Bristol Paris

Hôtel Le Meurice

There are so many grand hotels to experience in Paris. However,  I’ve found I prefer booking an Airbnb (like this one). It makes me feel like I’m immersing myself in the city, and Airbnb apartments are typically larger than a standard hotel room.

Where to Shop

Marin Montagut 

Bonmarché

Sandro Paris

Ba&sh Paris

Arket

Merci Paris

Jimmy Fairly

Fleuron

Balzac Paris

Pied De Biche

Rosaé Paris

Mister K

Bonton

Where to Eat

Fontaine de Mars

Parcelles

Café Cassette

Le Maison d’ Isabella and Chez Meunier – the best for croissants!

Frenchie Ru du Nil

Big Mamma

Camila

Le Palanquin

Baillotte

Bistrot Victoires

Bar des Prés

Where to Sip

Noir and Café Kitsuné – our favorites for coffee

Bar Hemingway inside Ritz Paris or Café de Flore – fun atmospheres for swanky drinks

Where to See Art or Have a Quiet Moment

Musée d’Orsay

Picasso-Paris National Museum

Les Arts Décoratifs

Places des Vosges

Luxembourg Gardens

Square du Vert Galant

Sainte Chapelle de Paris

What Are Your Favorites in Paris? 

We are already dreaming of a return trip to this gorgeous city! Now tell us — what are your favorites in Paris? Drop a comment below to let us know.