There’s something about sourcing that goes beyond simply finding objects—it’s about inspiration, connection, and storytelling.

Our recent trip to France was exactly that: a slow, thoughtful journey in search of the unusual and the beautiful. From quiet corners of antique markets to dusty brocantes full of forgotten treasures, we set out to collect pieces that would find new life across our events, tasting rooms, and office spaces.

The purpose of the trip?

Time away with friends, doing what we love: exploring, imagining, and collecting.

Our co-founder Jen Middlehurst led the way, joined by a few close friends of Kalm Kitchen. With a loose itinerary and an open mind, we travelled from town to town, stopping often, looking closely, and asking, how could we use that?

“I come up with our concepts by looking at lots of different places for inspiration—travel, restaurants, galleries. It’s all about creating staging that lets our product really sing,”

Jen Middlehurst, Co-Founder of Kalm Kitchen

“I’m always on the hunt for new props. My personal taste runs through everything we do. I love sourcing from French markets, antique fairs, junk shops. I’ll spot an old urn and think—how can I use that in a way it’s never been used before?”

Jen Middlehurst, Co-Founder of Kalm Kitchen

One evening, over dinner, we were served a thyme crème brûlée in a small silver coupe. By chance, we found a box of similar coupes the very next day at a brocante. Now, they’ve been given a second life on our patisserie bars, holding delicate desserts and sparking conversation. Keep an eye out through the journal—can you spot how we’ve repurposed some of the treasures we found?

Moments of Kalm: Behind the Scenes in France

This trip was more than sourcing. It was about slowing down, sharing ideas, and enjoying time together. Between markets and meals, we found inspiration in the quiet moments.

A few glimpses of our journey are shared below.

Bon voyage.

A huge thank you

to the team at Paddo Café who not only kept us going with delicious coffee and breakfast plates we’re still thinking about, but also pointed us towards some of the best antique spots in the area.

True friends of Kalm Kitchen.

Paddo café

Feeling inspired?

The Grande Braderie de Lille—Europe’s largest flea market—takes place the first weekend of September 2025 (Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th). With thousands of stalls and the entire city turned into an open-air market, it’s an unforgettable experience for design lovers, collectors, and anyone in search of a good story.

Lille flea market