Another favorite little home is Diana Heard’s California cottage. It features many fine French items married to more rustic ones. Diana’s style is very personal and ever so cozy. Come take a look.
In true French Country style Diana juxtaposed weathered and even garden furniture (like the folding metal table used as a side table) with old shutters and antique mirrors.
A pink, rusty metal bucket is a fitting container for hydrangeas while the luster of the aqua bowl complements that of the glossy shells.
What could be more fitting than a French poodle to accessorize a sofa upholstered with matelasse and topped with French ticking pillows?
The union of refine and rustic is a recurring theme in the cottage. Here a crystal lamp cohabits with the fading paint of a wood candle holder, a weathered vintage corbel and a cast iron urn. Touches of greens and aqua keep the mostly white palette lively.
Mismatched chairs keep company to a bench fitted with a plumped cushion and cozy pillows. Diana balances the ornate bureau and the crystal chandelier with the rougher finish of a rustic door.
The white lamps and white-washed planter soften the gold frame of the mirror and the ornamentation of the drawers. The French armchair gets a hint of color from a pillow. The wicker basket marries well with the tarnished-gold hue of the dresser’s embellishments.
Need more French influences? This little doggie is a pretty good spoke “person”, and that old chair a great example!
The kitchen island and chandelier are other representations of French Country. Weathered wood, glass and enamel buckets contribute a vintage feel.
There is no denying Diana’s love of French style. Case in point the garden chairs, bistro table, mirror and frame that constitute a little eating corner in the kitchen, Looks to me like a perfect spot to enjoy une tasse de cafe avec un croissant!
Diana infuses a bit of French romance in the master bedroom with a canopy above the handsome headboard, white linens with just the right amount of flounces, and an airy crystal chandelier .
The guest bedroom welcomes with it simplicity and thoughtful touches. A collection of aqua bottle surrounds a bucket in the same color family and together convey a comfy cottage mood.
The bathroom gets the French treatment with an etagere set atop the vanity. A mix of urns and glass container add texture and charm.
With tarnished glass tiles, an elegant light pendant and a sweet, peeling table Diana manages to bring beauty and class to the intimate powder room.
In the foyer a carved dresser topped with a vintage mirror flanked by a pair of narrow French doors welcomes guests whether they are coming or going.
A sheltered porch is one of the family’s favorite spot to relax in the gentle California weather. The aqua lantern stays true to Diana accent color.
This little nook out in the open is the other beloved spot. Notice the color of the lanterns’ glass panels. The galvanized buckest are home to fragrant rosemary.
Thank you lovely Diana for allowing us to photograph your charming home! xoxoxo
(Photos by Mark Lohman. Styling by Fifi)