The Extra Room- 6 French Provence Decorating Ideas
Coorengel And Calvagrac Bordeaux Library- Elle Decor
Perhaps your children have left the nest, or you are newly married without children and you have that one extra bedroom that seems to be void of any life. You sit at the entry way deciding what to do but haven’t found a use for the room, other than a second bedroom or storage.
If you are wondering what to do with a spare room, and are looking for ideas to fill the space, we give you 7 really practical ideas to make that extra room functional, while at the same time fitting in with your French Provence countryside style.
1. A Library
The suggestion of turning that extra room into the library, instead of a craft room, just may convince your husband to fork out several hundred on a new built in for his, or should I say….. your books. Men love cigar rooms, rooms where the can watch football games, so if you are into compromising, this may be the perfect idea that would work for the both of you.
Consider Provence Colors For The Extra Punch
The library of a French château decorated by Michael Coorengel and Jean-Pierre Calvagrac (above) features a French style, brighter color palette. Colors like bright green, sunny yellow, vivid turquoise, and deep teal are exactly the type of shades that originally would have been used at Versailles. Lets face it, colors fade over 300 years, so the colors we today in Versailles, are not the colors that were originally chosen. Don’t be afraid of going with brighter paint colors. Have fun accessorizing with a French settee and reading chairs.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed With The Cost Of A Library
Yes, built in’s can cost thousands, but it doesn’t have to. Blogger Joni Webb transformed an extra bedroom into a library and reveals some of the in-progress photos. In this photo, you can see how one would assemble the bookshelves, which then would be completed using strips of wood which gives the overall look a professional finish. Paint your bookcases, and add custom lights, and a window bench and you have a room that looks and feels French. Look at Joni’s room after here. It is a dream library.
Perfect French Furniture
-Zentique Jute Bastille Sofa, Jute $3930, matching chair, $2600
-Wingback Chair, Natural Oak/Linen $1020
-Zentique Genevieve Sofa $3500
-Zentique Maison Sofa Natural Oak Natural Linen $2300
2. A Serious Closet
Now that the kids are out of the house, you can spend some serious money on those handbags you always desired, show case the jewelry you have collected over the years, and the shoes you can only wear in the summer. You can finally shop at home, and it costs you no money!
If your spare room is on the smaller side, it could make the perfect dressing room. Custom wall-to-wall built-in shelving could be sensational for storing shoes, belts and accessories, and hanging clothes.
– Get the wood look for less. Consider the Martha Stewart shelving systems available through Home Depot.
– Use Metal Brackets- For all our closets, we decided to work with the Closet Maid products at Home Depot. I installed 4 Shelf Tracks in most of our large closets, spray painted them with an oil based primer before installing, and spaced them in our closets using a stud finder. After installing all the shelf tracks, simply paint over them using the paint you plan on using for the walls. The shelf tracks then just blends into the wall. Instead of using the wire shelving that is sold in the line at home depot, go for wood. Purchase one foot solid wood boards in the length of your closet, and then simply paint them the same color as your wall color. You get the built in look without spending the mega bucks. For all of my closets, I used the lager 16 inch bracket from Closet Maid. Using an oil based primer which will stick the existing paint, spray paint the brackets, which then can be painted in the same overall paint you choose for your closets. Create ceiling to floor shelving for your shoes, and customize boxes by painting them the same color as your walls, for that extra designer touch. Go for dark color inside your closets to make your colorful clothes pop, such as a navy, or rich gray. Having everything painted in one solid color brings attention to your collections. Add corner brass hardware to bring your closet up that extra notch. The details can go a long way.
Lisa Vanderpump’s Closet
Lisa Vanderpump’s closet is one of the most beautiful closets I have seen. In this picture, you can see the closet is painted in white, which nicely shows off all her colorful designer clothing. Consider adding an island with drawers for jewelry like Lisa did. In this photo, you can see all of her pretty heavy jewelry on display. Clothes and handbags are organized by color. Custom floating shelving on the wall show off a variety of pretty handbags and accessories. Make room for a decorative full-length mirror and stool, bench, or French chair.
3. An Old Fashioned French Game Room
Family time now can be set as a priority. All in one games are perfect for kids. This 6 in 1 Multifunction Sport Game Table can be set on a table top, and has a variety of games that can keep grand kids busy.
If chess is your game, order this beautiful wood chess table. Add two French chairs, and enjoy endless nights as your husband teaches you chess. Game rooms can be perfect for connecting with your better half. Conversations can be ignited in a game of cards, something we think is so ancient.
A game of darts, ping pong, or pool are great activities to play with another person. Coffee dates with your best girlfriend can be rather fun over ping pong than sitting in the back yard. These games don’t have to be out of plastic. Today you can buy high quality sets in wood that work with an upper scale theme room.
Here are my favorite links:
– Rome 8 Foot Pool Table- Buy it on Amazon for $1549 , available in Maple
– Athens 8 Foot Pool Table- Buy it on Amazon for $1799
– Marietta 8 Foot Pool Table Buy it on Amazon for $1549
-Stiga Insta Play Table Tennis Table Buy it for $560
– Worcester Arcade Style Dart Board Cabinet Buy it for $349
4. A Multi- Hobby Room
A hobby room can be the best use of space out of all the options. Having a room dedicated to a passion can turn the available space into a serious second income.
This Atlanta Homes Magazine picture features a hobby room that could serve multiple hobbies. Book shelves and baskets serve as good storage options. Two large tables work great for sewing crafts, quilting, photography and scrap booking.
Arts and Craft Hobbies:
Painting, Drawing, Photography, Pottery, Quilting, Sewing, Knitting, Crochet, Scrap booking, Jewelry Making, Candle Making, Soaps making, body scrub making, Flower arranging, Dressmaking, blacksmithing, dollhouses, knife making, musical Instruments, candles, sculpture, film Making, stained glass, shadow boxes, doll making, sewing, glass blowing. Paper Crafts such as origami, decoupage, and quilling.
– Harbor View Craft Armoire Buy it on Amazon $272
– Knotty Alder Raised Panel – Scrapbooking, Jewelry Making, Hobby Storage Armoire- Buy it on Amazon for $1230
– Minibox Sewing Supplies Organizing Desk $945
Music Hobbies:
Music can be so rewarding and bring so much pleasure. Learn to play an instrument. Play guitar, piano/keyboard, the violin, or learn how to sing. Create a dance studio, and learn how to Latin dance, or create a ballet room for your daughter.
Electronic Hobbies
Electronics is a popular past time. This can include building circuits, robotics, R/C Cars, Boats, Planes and Helicopters
Science Hobbies
There are a wide range of science hobbies that a room dedicated to the love of scientific advancement can be thrilling. Many of these hobbies include astronomy,
microscopy, model airplanes, and rock collecting
-Scrapbooking collections can easily get out of control when storage isn’t available. For those who love scrapbooking, in this post, I detail furniture specifically designed for scrapbooking from Martha Stewart. Paint additional furniture in the same color to get a built in look.
– The Alvin Heritage™ Basic French Easel not only has the antique charm of the past, but could serve as a centerpiece in a painting room.
-Alvin Pavillon Art Table – Unfinished Wood Top $182
– Wood Drafting Table with Pencil Ledge and Storage Drawer -$319
Choose furnishings that double as storage and seating, such as convertible storage benches, ottomans and stools. Line the room with open and closed door shelving to store and display hobbies.
5. Home BUSINESS Office
A home office can be a great place to get organized. A desk can hold the supplies that often get dumped into the kitchen’s junk drawer. Lots of people love to write but don’t know how to get organized. Write on a blog, write an e-book, or write poetry. A library, or room dedicated towards your dream of being published might be the best way of really getting serious about putting a plan into action.
A room dedicated to a home office also could allow a second income to earn you money. If you are an attorney, a seasoned accountant, able to do payroll, or any online medical jobs, a second room dedicated towards work can pay the bills and afford you a vacation that you have never taken. Additional jobs that can be done at home are graphic design jobs, website development, and software creation. Any editing jobs can also be done from home.
6. A Simple Drop Dead Great Gorgeous Extra Bedroom
Go buy that dream French bed, and create the perfect French guest room, while at the same time having your hobbies in the closet. Yes, I said closet! Transform the closet into your hobby desk and organization area. If you plan on regularly hosting family and friends, make your spare bedroom a comfortable place for overnight guests. Transform a closet into your storage space for your hobbies, an extra seasonal closet. Save space by using a trundle bed, positioned against the wall.
Additional Ideas- 5 Ways to Makeover Your Spare Room- Cabinet Hardware Ideas
Christophe Laurent Durand Rouffio – Nov. 2011- pictures from maison-deco.com
An 18th-century portrait of Marie-Joseph of Saxony, daughter-in-law of Louis XV, in the Polonaise bedroom; the Louis XVI daybed is upholstered in a chintz based on an 18th-century fabric, the chandelier is 18th century, and the walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s French Gray.
Picture –Elle Decor
Painting French Provincial Furniture
French Provincial Painted Furniture- Thistle by Design Facebook
Not surprisingly to its fans, the French provincial-style furniture has become very popular of late, possibly as a reaction to the aggressively modern style that has dominated previously. Interior designer Bernadette Ferrari says she believes it will continue to be a popular trend as it combines elegance with functionality, according to FerrariInteriors.com.au.
This style of furniture is beautiful to look at without having to change anything at all, but it can become dingy over time, due to its inherent natural appearance. The French are well-known for their proclivity to paint furniture. Most often, this style uses white paint, which provides a fresh new look for outdated furniture, although other colors can be used. Painting is a great way to transform a piece of old furniture into something new with minimal expense.
You can add even more interest to almost any piece by using mouldings, painting details in another color, or adding gilt on the trims, as LilyFieldLife.com suggests.
While you could pay someone to paint your furniture for you, it’s a lot more fun to do it yourself. Save your money, and find a contractor to help in other aspects of a total room or home interior makeover.
Enjoy the opportunity to get creative by following these steps (with help from LilyFieldLife.com) toward painting your own French provincial-style furniture.
Cleaning
Before you begin, cover your work area with old white sheets or newspapers. Even the most meticulous painters make mistakes now and again. Next, clean the item you want to paint by wiping it down with a dusting brush or a moist cloth. Remove all of the dust, as painting over dust doesn’t mend well. As most French provincial style furniture is made of wood, you shouldn’t get it too wet, as this will cause the fibers of the wood to swell.
Unless you want to paint the hardware, removing it will make painting easier.
Sanding
If you find any cracks or holes in the piece while cleaning, use wood filler to fill them, and then sand to a smooth surface. Next, you should sand the piece all over very lightly. Be gentle, and remember– this type of furniture can be quite delicate. If it’s in generally good condition, you don’t need to completely remove the old finish. Rough it up just slightly to give the paint something to adhere to, and sand in the direction of the wood grain in order to avoid any noticeable swirl marks.
As many pieces of French provincial furniture have melamine tops, you can also sand this with a relatively fine sander, and apply a coat of flat white oil paint. As it is quite durable and has a flat sheen, this acts as a primer, according to Natty By Design.
Priming
You’ll need to prime the entire piece. This is especially important with old wooden furniture, as it can bleed through the paint. If this occurs, use two coats of primer and that will usually correct the issue. If you decide to go with a darker color, use a tinted primer.
Painting
Painting the piece can be accomplished using a spray, brush or a roller. A good quality paint brush generally creates the best look. Turn the item upside down, and paint hard-to-reach areas first, keeping an eye out for any drips or runs. These can be corrected by feathering your paint brush across them before they dry. They can be avoided by not putting too much paint on your brush.
You’ll need at least two coats of paint. Wait at least one day in-between them, or longer if possible. It needs to dry completely before painting the next coat. If you live in a humid location, it may take longer to dry.
Protection
A top coat should also be applied, especially if you’ve used acrylic paint. Polyurethane, sealers or furniture wax will work, although oil-based poly or sealer should not be used over white paint, as it will cause it to well.
Finally, you’ll need to wait at least three days, and preferably five, before placing any objects on your beautiful and newly painted piece of furniture in order to avoid scuffing.
Guest Post By George Iverson- George manages his own interior design company and website about home building and decorating.
Italian Side Tables – Interiorflair on ebay
French Painted Cabinet Jansen Greenwich Living
Stoneware Studios produce in Ireland a range of Natural Limewashes and Traditional Paints for historic buildings. We are also the national distributor for the highly acclaimed Earthborn range of paints and decoration products.
Earthborn is a range of eco paints and natural varnishes designed to provide a healthier and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional paints and varnishes. Whether you are looking for VOC free paint, organic paint and varnish, water-based paint, water-based varnish or high performance paints and varnishes, Earthborn Paints has the product you require in its portfolio of natural and eco friendly paints and varnishes.
Chateau de la Goujeonnerie
18th Century Painted Louis XV Buffet Petricia Thompson Antiques
Distressed Blue Painted French Blue Cabinet With Chicken Wire
Cream Painted Armoire- Unknown Credit
Designer Rachel Ashwell
Art dealer Guy Morrison and Penny Morrison Wales Home.
Painted Hutch Featured in French Country Living by Caroline Clifton-Mogg
Italian / French Side Table – Interiorflair on ebay
White Painted Furniture tolix chairs, Swedish Wood Country Chair
Lisa Fine Textiles
Furniture restoration expert Carolyn Pickell has refurbished most of the furniture in her store Side Furniture on San Pablo Avenue including; the french chair with vintage upholstery that she painted pink, Photo: Kat Wade Read more
Romance With Flowers- See This Whole Store Here.
Pink Farmtable- Faded Plains Blog
Worcestershire Barn Conversion- House To Home Magazine
Borrow this beautiful color for your provence furniture
Italian Side Tables – Interiorflair on ebay
All Dolled Up – Reclaimed Furniture By Hand
All Dolled Up – Reclaimed Furniture By Hand
All Dolled Up – Reclaimed Furniture By Hand
JoAnn Barwick’s Blue and White Home Florida- Freshome
JoAnn Barwick’s Blue and White Home Florida- Freshome
JoAnn Barwick’s Blue and White Swedish Home Florida- Freshome
French Furniture – Interiorflair on ebay
French & Italian Side Tables – Interiorflair on ebay
French Provincial Looks: Stone Floors
Chateau Montgeoffroy in the Loire Valley
Choosing the right flooring is the simplest way to get the French Provence style in your home. If you are considering decorating in this style, laying down tiles, or simply polishing the existing concrete is an easy way to get this old world style in your modern home.
The Provence style is associated most commonly with stone floors, plaster walls, french styled furniture, raw wood, and rustic interiors. The ceilings in these old country homes were often ceiling beams of distressed raw wood and timbers, and irregular walls of plaster. The walls often looked as though they were faux finished, and had the appearance of many colors layered upon each other. This effect was a result of thin paint, which didn’t cover well, and so, as an addional layer was added, it gave it a washed appearance. Stone floors are a common element seen in the Italian and Provence styled homes. Here are a couple ways to get the look of stone flooring in your own home without spending a bundle:
1. Faux Stone Molds
Stone is a must in any home which is being decorated in French Provincial style. If you are like me, you really have no idea where to begin when it comes to construction. If you have the money to invest in real stone, I say go for it. If you are on a limited budget, consider faux stone.
You can make your own stone with concrete and stone veneer molds that can be made for just pennies and save up to 90% off retail prices of stone veneer, pavers, tile, brick, and stepping stones. The beauty of molds is they can be made out of cement, plaster, or concrete. This project can be made over the winter and installed in the summer months. You can find a wide variety of stone molds on ebay, in different sizes which can be made over a couple months and installed room by room, without spending thousands. Consider using a combination of molds, perhaps a series of rectangular molds along the walls, and cut stone in round and square shapes in the center of the room.
Stone Master Concrete floor block mould – World $47 US +$15 Shipping
12X12 HEXAGON SLATE Texture Concrete Floor Tile Mold– $19 Free Shipping
If you want to make an interior wall of stone, you simply buy the concrete or plaster and buy colorant to the mix. You can mix both plaster and concrete for a mold that doesn’t take on the weight of concrete, but has a bit more durability that is found in concrete.
The colorant will give you a foundation of color which you then can glaze paint over top for a more detailed look. You can start with orange styled plaster colored stones and gradually build up white paint which is mixed with glaze which could give you a white washed appearance.
Create custom floors with concrete tiles made from molds. The opportunities are endless when you are working with molds that cost you pennies each. This can save you thousands and allow you to put more money into the authentic furnishings of this period.
2. Polish Existing Concrete
Most modern buildings are built on a concrete slab, making polishing the exposed concrete a budget friendly option. Polished concrete floors are low-maintenance, as they are more durable and easier to clean than many flooring options. Polished concrete reduces dust mite and allergen problems, and does not support mold growth.
How to Polish Existing Concrete:
Heavy-duty polishing machines, for example concrete grinder, are used to gradually grind down surfaces to the desired degree of shine and smoothness. The closest equivalent example would be polished granite or marble.
Polishing can be done wet or dry depending on the location in the house. The benefits of wet grinding eliminates crystal silica exposure of dry grinding. Stains can be added, and additional polishing will give you the high gloss shine of marble.
Videos- DIY How To Polish Concrete With A Concrete Floor Grinder – Youtube
Simple Gray Polished Concrete- From Pinterest