AT HOME WITH FRANK BARRON, AKA CAKEBOYPARIS
Frank is one of those people who you can't help but like. He is kind, funny, and best of all: always has cake! But before he became know as Cakeboyparis and renowned for his sugary sweet and beautifully decorated sponge cakes, he lived in San Francisco and worked at deYoung Museum after graduating with a degree in Art History from UC Berkeley. The native Californian (from San Diego) relocated to Paris six years ago with James, his partner of 15 years and their loyal Boston Terrier, Parker. Although he left the world of art behind, there are hints of his former life in the beautiful light-filled Marais apartment, which is thoughtfully decorated with unique pieces, paintings, sculptures and items picked up on their travels, such as the Berber rug from Morocco and the screen that hangs in their salon that they brought back from China. Aptly I first met Frank at a book launch hosted by La Trésorerie, a Scandi-style interiors shop in the 10ème and was instantly intrigued by this dapper chap with dog in tow and once I got whiff of his stylish apartment, I knew we were going to be friends. Last week I sat down with him (and Parker) to enjoy some freshly baked strawberry cake, while the sun streamed in through massive windows washing the whole apartment in a warm, sunny glow
What inspired you to start your Cakeboyparis blog and Instagram?
My Instagram account came first and the blog was born after I started baking more regularly here in Paris. I found I had a collection of cake photos and wanted to explore making more detailed cake stories along with occasional recipes.
What inspired you to start baking?
I grew up baking traditional American cakes with my mom and have always found baking therapeutic.
Best career advice you ever received?
Embrace Failure. Especially true in the kitchen as recipes don’t always work out. I have my fair share of cake disasters, but try not to let that deter me in trying again.
What else do you like to do besides bake?
Travel!
What is your favorite thing to bake?
Birthday Cake, preferably vanilla with rainbow sprinkles
What were the biggest decorating challenges?
Finding a way to incorporate furnishings and decor without upstaging the Parisian elements of the apartment. I definitely wanted the original features to shine through.
How would you describe your interior style?
I would describe it as transitional. I like a stylish space that is also warm and inviting.
Favourite piece(s) of furniture/treasures?
I love the Chinese Lotus screen we found on a trip to Beijing. It somehow fit perfectly within a niche in our Salon.
Favourite places/shops to buy for your home?
We are so lucky in Paris to have multiple brocantes throughout the year. I have found so many treasures for our home brocanting. I do love Merci as well.
What styles inspire you?
I’m really inspired by the interior designs of Southeast Asia. Especially those of Sri Lankan born architect Geoffrey Bawa. Bali is one of my favorite places in the world after Paris.
What do you like most about the area you live in, in Paris?
The Marais is home to some of the best coffee shops and boutiques in Paris, not to mention the beautiful Place des Vosges which always makes me smile when I stroll through.
Favourite sources for inspiration?
I prefer print magazines to digital, but I do find inspiration from instagram and I love the new bookmark feature to save content that inspires.
Favourite three social media mavens?
Linda Lomelino, Luke Edward Hall, Jihan Zencirli
Favourite three lifestyle blogs?
The Journal by Mr. Porter, Manger by Mimi Thorisson, Call Me Cupcake by Linda Lomelino
Last good book you read?
“Call Me By Your Name” by Andre Aciman
What’s in your magazine pile?
Frankie magazine, Monocle, The New Yorker & Cherry Bombe
What’s on your nightstand?
Currently my iphone charger and a tin of salted caramels.
What’s your morning routine?
Walk my dog Parker to grab a cafe creme and granola bowl at local haunts like Fragments or Neighbors.
Go-to alcoholic beverage?
Glass of champagne
Tea or coffee?
Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon
What do you do to relax?
Go for a swim
Paris favourites:
Favourite Café, Favourite restaurant, favourite shop
It’s always changing but at the moment I’m happy sitting at Cafe Kitsune’s terrace inside the garden of Palais Royal, Obsessed with lunch at Le Gabriel of La Reserve Hotel and I want to buy everything at Astier de Villatte on Rue St. Honore!
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