My favorite homes are always those where homeowners have succeeded in making interiors look uniquely personal and welcoming in spite of limited budgets. Case in point: this North Carolina home where, with her artist eye and feminine touch, Cindy Redman brings home the charm of French Country to her small cottage.
As the saying goes “You can’t judge a book by its cover”. Many unassuming houses hide surprising interiors. Cindy’s little cottage is sweet on the outside but its interior shines with furnishings and items that seem to be straight out of the French countryside. The mood is evident the moment you step into the foyer where a weathered sideboard, oversize basket, a tall mirror, and toile de Jouy drapes welcome you with muted gray and white tones.
Cindy created the perfect vignette with an antique girandolle and a drawer turned planter filled with gray-blue hydrangeas .
The sofa, armchair, side tables, sconces, and mirror speak with a French accent while the sheep painting (one of Cindy’s many art pieces) brings to mind pictures of the pastoral countryside. Barely there pink accents bring a hint of color and warmth to the otherwise neutral palette.
The glass top of the garden wrought iron table contributes airiness to the room while the multi-arm candelabra adds to the space romantic undertones.
A tarnished pitcher, mercury lamp, silver tray, soft and nubby textures…all show Cindy’s love of low key French elegance, romance, and comfort. The weather-worn candelabra is the perfect companion piece to the iron base of the table. Using candles of varied sizes, shapes and colors add dimension and create interest.
Cindy makes an architectural statement by placing an old door frame sideways atop a French dresser. Note how colors and textures unify the living room.
Corbels, a vintage bottle, brushes, books, and a few garden cuttings confer a personal sense of home.
The dining area owes its inviting appeal to its very simplicity. It’s a little bit rustic and a lot French. The wicker chairs and wall basket are a great counterpoint to the simple table and weathered door. The chandelier, silver tray and mercury vase are among Cindy’s signature feminine touches.
In the master bedroom, across from the bed, Cindy created a seating area complete with a French loveseat and chair. She included the white platters display to keep the space airy and cozy. A little chandelier awaits its rightful place.
Identical window frames and lamps distract from the fact that the dressers turned nightstands are disparate in style. Just goes to show that things don’t have to match in order to fit within a scheme.
Cindy’s studio is in the back of the house and is the only room with walls painted blue.
Cindy’s art reflects her love of animals, flowers and faces. A favorite rose painting stands out against the blue wall next to her desk.
The tools of the trade……
Cindy and her rescue kitty, Althea. You can see more of Cindy’s work @cindyfracturedfairytale and on her website cindyaustinpaintings.com
I for one am very lucky to have one of Cindy’s beautiful painting in my home: this exquisite portrait will always go with me wherever I go. Thank you Cindy! XOXOXOXO
