CREATIVITY thrives when we share. We all find inspiration and new ideas when we open our minds to the work of others and our hearts to the beauty of the world’s many cultures.
This blog is about styling and how it applies to interiors, food and fashion.
My wish is that it will inspire you. My hope is that all of you who have been so kindly following me over the years will welcome this blog and bring friends along to celebrate the love of self-expression, authenticity, diversity and character.
As many of you already know I have been styling interiors for numerous national and international print publications and books for over 25 years. And as a stylist I know that you don’t need to spend huge amounts of money to create something really lovely from what is available. Most people already have great items but they often need to be moved around/repurposed in order to create the most visually pleasing look. But the one thing to remember is that the revamped rooms also have to be practical for every day life and not just look great for a magazine shoot!
*TIP: When you are styling your space take photos (even with your cell phone) and look at them on your tablet or computer as you go. This is such a great tool as it actually allows you to clearly see what you might want/need to move or eliminate. You are aiming for your home to be a poetic mix of textures, materials, and gentle contrasts, whatever your decorating style of choice.
FRENCH COUNTRY
Styles come and go but French Country is one that endures. It owes its longevity to its easy mix of elegance and comfort. I thought it would be a lovely one for the first of many posts and styles. I hope you will enjoy it and find ideas you can apply in your own home. I am happy to answer your questions.
Fifi
ELEMENTS OF FRENCH COUNTRY
“The magic of French Country Style comes from the mix.”
Materials, textures, colors, finishes, accessories and shapely furnishings are staples of French interiors.
So put on your best beret and come along to see how all these elements happily coexist in French Country homes.
Bonjour!
The pale stone and mortar exterior, terracotta roof and simple wooden shutters are typical features in farmhouses of Provence.
Outdoor spaces play a big role and are furnished with comfortable and pretty pieces, an abundance of flowering plants and fragrant herbs and meaningful items.
SET THE SCENE - COLOR
With nature as your muse, let each room revel in a host of neutral colors. Mix shades of white, gray or tan walls create a light-filled space where your antiques and decorative accents can shine.
FABRICS & PATTERNS
Fabrics—from chintz to toile to cottons and linens are often blended for a layered look, and keep the pace with the size and scale of rooms. French fabrics are unsurpassed in ability to evoke domestic coziness. Look for toile de Jouy prints or quilted boutis or white-on-white matelassé coverlets. Stripes, buffalo checks, and printed grain sacks, are also perennial favorites.
ACCESSORIZE
Collect handcrafted pieces, unique artwork, one of a kind relics and use these iconic elements in the same way they have been traditionally used or repurpose them to suit your fancy. Flea markets here and abroad are treasure troves and ideal places to find authentic items that will bring the French flavor to your decor for a song!
FURNISHINGS
Rustic ore refined? Whether you favor primitive and painted or love curvy lines and upholstery or a mix of both don’t be afraid to indulge your preferences. Shapely and well-scaled pieces are defining staples of French interiors.
What better way than to end this post than with a little libation? Pick one (or both) and enjoy!!
French Martini
Shake 1oz of vodka with 3⁄4oz each Cointreau and pineapple juice and 1⁄2oz of
Crème de Cassis and voilà: a French martini.
or
Champagne Cocktail
4 dashes of Angostura bitters and a Demerara sugar cube turn bubbly into a
Champagne cocktail.
Santé!
PHOTO CREDITS
Photo 1 Lucrezia Vozzaphoto Photo 2 none Photo 3 Shirley Kempf Photos 4 & 5 John Ellis Photos 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 Lucrezia Vozza Photos 11, 12 & 13 none Photo 14 Johne Ellis Photo 15 none Photo 16 Mark Lohman Photo 17 Lukrezia Vozza Photo 18 Mark Lohman Photo 19 none Photo 20 John Ellis Photo 21 Max Kim Bee Photo 22 Mark Lohman Photos 23 & 24 Mark Lohman Photo 25 John Ellis