This section will be updated on a regular basis by my expert buyer of antiques, Jean Pierre, JP has been the best discoverer of trends in interior design, antiques and vintage items for 30 years. This quintessential Parisian knows all when it comes to French antiques and interiors.

Here's what JP has to say this month....

"As already stated in my previous letters, do not hesitate to mix modern Art with antique furniture, it is confirmed as the main trend for several "way of life and financial" reasons very well analysed in the last 2009 Guide of the Art Market published by the Figaro :

First the prices of the formal antique furniture from the 17th, 18th and19th have significantly decreased and become very buyable. That gives the opportunity to acquire some good pieces of Art, for a reasonable budget. Furthermore, taking into consideration the high quality level of such pieces (so many different artists and craftsmen had worked a long time to produce them) and their rarity, they will retrieve a higher value after the current crisis, so do not hesitate to invest if you fall in love for such pieces, you will have both the pleasure and the return.

Secondly, we naturally live within our modern age, which means to be influenced by our environment, by the fashion, by the progress.so we appreciate the modern comfort and the vitality of the fashion. That has been true in all periods."can you imagine the king Louis XV in a seat from the Louis XIII period?" So, choice some selected Artists of the modern Art as well for furniture than for any masterpiece duly certified. Most of them are still at the beginning of their growing curve and consequently will progress a lot within a near future.

Therefore, The alone rule is to mix all together all pieces that you love, modern and antique with the main guidance to choice always certified pieces in a perfect condition, to limit their quantity to some big and selected nice items which will valorised your space as much as possible."

Do you have an old piece of furniture that has a beautiful shape and detail but its' overall appearance is just a little ‘tired'. It is all too easy to discard these pieces and although people like myself can benefit when I find them in markets or auctions, perhaps you can consider reviving them with a carefully applied coat of paint. I saw this a lot in Paris. One stall in St Ouen specialised in selling all repainted items (see the photo below) and her skill was amazing. Some were the beautiful muted grey as she did this bank desk, others were rich deep hues of aqua and purple. Tres chic!

The trick is highlighting the edges and detailed features of the piece E.g. you can paint the edges in contracting colour or rub them back to expose the original wood underneath.

Not only will your final product look amazing but you can be sure it is completely original and make a unique statement in your home.

I use some special products made in France to paint my items but Porters Paints offer some products to achieve the desired effect also.