The Curators: Kelly Croteau of Maison Plage

A destination for escapism nestled in Hollywood

When I started the Library Booth, I didn’t quite know where it would take me. Would I stick to the same format for every post? Did I want to evolve it into something different? After a few posts in, my brain was whirling with more ideas. I love connecting with other book lovers in the space who are doing cool things. Whether they’re working on a passion project, creative spinoffs, or diving into writing their first novel - I thought an interview series was a natural fit and progression for The Library Booth.

Back in February, I attended a book exchange in honor of Valentine’s Day hosted by Seen Library and Maison Plage. The exchange took place at Maison Plage in Hollywood, and upon walking in I felt like I was transported to a French chateau alongside the French Riviera. The curation of books in the space immediately made me feel inspired. Rare, vintage book stacks carefully divided by color and subject by the owner, Kelly Croteau. I have an ongoing list of books I need to purchase from her collection, so I was excited to reach out to Kelly to kick-off this new series. And of course, if you haven’t already, make sure to check out Maison Plage online for the most beautiful curation.

Tell us how you got started in library curation - what was the initial spark that led you into this career path?

When I was little I always knew I wanted to do something creative. I wanted to get back to that excitement and spark that you have as a kid when you are really passionate about something. I had been in digital marketing (the technical side) at the same company for almost 10 years but knew that that wasn't my true passion. I landed on books because I have always collected them and given them as gifts to friends/family which they always loved. With books I wasn't pigeon holing myself to just one industry, it allowed for diving into art, travel, interiors etc. To set myself apart I created Maison Plage, a brand behind the bookstore merging French grandeur with the beach. All of the books are representative of the brand. In terms of the library curation that took off later and has been such a fun part of MP, we source books from all over the globe and give libraries that ‘Maison Plage’ touch. 

I'm continually amazed at your thoughtful edits at Maison Plage. When you're sourcing books, do you go into it with a set theme already in mind or do you let the theme come to you based on what you're seeing?

It's a bit of both. If there is a certain artist I love I run with that as a collection. I also take into consideration the season. For example, a new book on florals came out and from there I wanted to do a whole collection of gardening books.

Being on the cusp of Summer, what's a book you can recommend at Maison Plage that evokes that sense of escapism?

Anything on our Riviera page at Maison Plage and The Pleasure of Leisure. A new book is also coming out in June that evokes all those summer vibes.

Tell us about a book you sourced for Maison Plage that still inspires you and why.

I really love VERVE, the ultimate review of art and literature. It's a compilation of VERVE covers from an art publication out of Paris that ran periodically between 1937-1960. Lots of Picasso, Chagall and Matisse.

How do you break out of a creative slump?

By getting off my phone and looking around.

What's something you're reading right now?

‘Honey, Baby, Mine’ by Laura Dern & Diane Ladd... also looking to read ‘Martyr!’ by Kaveh Akba and ‘The Outline Trilogy’ by Rachel Cusk