If you'd like to add a touch of French charm to your rooms here are some photographs I'm sure will inspire you. No need to stick to just Louis XIV and antique furniture. From clean and modern, to rustic farmhouse, this collection of beautiful interiors will give you some ideas for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms.
An oversized crystal chandelier and ceiling medallion set a traditional tone in this light and airy dining room. Louis XVI chairs covered in honey-coloured velvet and a Matelasse coverlet, used as a tablecloth.
Milk-glass schoolhouse light fixtures, black and white marble hex tiles and a chunky marble countertop are tried and true French bistro elements. The clean white backdrop and stainless steel appliances, meanwhile, update the look. A framed chalkboard panel with an Eiffel tower is a smart, affordable art idea that can be changed easily.
A home office in the corner of a bedroom. French antique furniture such as the Régence style desk, Trumeau mirror, marble topped demi-lune table and red Louis chair.
A chunky wood harvest table and hurricane pendant light for this dining room. A weathered wood cabinet with exposed hinges adds to the casual, farmhouse look. Displaying framed artwork on a chair rail goes with the informal style, and allows the arrangement to be changed easily.
A gilded settee, upholstered in a ticking stripe fabric, is the focal point of this library. Ikea bookcases are mounted on the wall and the floral skirt along the bottom hides a storage area underneath. Accessories and framed artwork add the layers that make this room look vintage and timeworn.
Contemporary French loft. White painted walls, a light hardwood floor and neutral rug provide a clean backdrop for a mix of French antique furniture, wall sconces and a gold and crystal candelabra. A modern sofa and ottoman, upholstered in simple white cotton, adds a current note, making the room comfortable and inviting rather than fussy and formal.
Large scale windows, a dramatic fireplace and the floral centrepieces create an air of elegance in this dining room. It also features a 19th century Louis XVI mirror, French Directoire chairs and a mahogany Regency dining table, offset by warm quarter sawn oak flooring.
Photography: Ted Yarwood
In this modern kitchen a rustic Chinese table and an industrial metal chair update French-style black and white floor tiles and a large crystal chandelier.
Photography: Per Kristiansen
Vintage fixtures and a roll-top pedestal bath tub set the traditional tone of this soothing and elegant principal bathroom. Designer and homeowner Julie Charbonneau designed the built-in cabinet to create storage for linens, recycling former leaded windows from elsewhere in the house into the doors. An off-white palette and Roman shades create a soothing ambiance, while art and an antique chandelier complete the look.
Photography: Angus McRitchie
A vintage-looking French La Cornue stove is at the heart of this grand kitchen. Custom oak cabinets, a marble countertop and a pressed-metal ceiling complete the design.
A kitchen lighting system that layers an antique chandelier, antique wall sconces, pot lights mounted under the cabinets and a candelabra with taper candles is visually stunning but also allows the flexibility to create any type of mood. Herringbone patterned hardwood floors and framed French doors with leaded glass elevate the European country, luxe look.
All photographs from here.
I am linking this post over at Jerri's blog Simply Sweet Home for the Friday Favourites MckLinky party. Thanks Jerri for hosting!
I am also joining Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture party right here.
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