18th Century French Style By Coorengel Calvagrac

Michel Coorengel

Michel Coorengel Photo Credit  April 2013 Elle Decor

Photography by William Waldron

When interior decorator Michel Coorengel and his partner Jean Pierre Calvagrac first met, they discovered a mutual passion for antiques and decoration. Born and raised in Holland, Michel is half Dutch and half Indonesian whereas Jean Pierre is a native of France. “We had both studied law and had similar tastes,” explains Michel who started his career working for antiques dealers and decorators during his school holidays.

This 18th-century estate above had fallen to disrepair over the years when designer Michael Coorengel and Jean-Pierre Calvagrac, of Coorengel and Calvagrac, were hired to renovate the estate, which lasted over three and a half years.  The pair transformed this estate by selecting age appropriate paint colors, drapery and antique furniture.  Through the process the designers stumbled upon a thrilling discovery.  Several rooms which had been boarded up and forgotten for decades revealed antiques untouched for years. It was there that they revealed 18th-century painted chinoiserie panels and gilded-bronze candelabras, and so much more.   Read more about this at Elle Decor

Here are several more spectacular rooms from this team of designers.

Previous Works

-Louis XVI armchair covered in Verel de Belval silk in drawing room with renaissance walnut table and grey taffeta window hangings, also by Verel de Belval – See Here

-A satin covered Louis XVI canape in front of a wooden sculpture of Saint Joseph in a drawing room with grey taffeta window hangings from Verel de Belval” – See Here

-Three plaster head busts placed on glass columns designed by Coorengel and Calvagrac – See Here

-A restoration daybed or lit de repos covered in red silk satin by Prelle in a blue room, with white columns, gilded wall sconces and lion skin rug with mounted head- See Here

-A pair of vermeil and jade candelabra by Puiforcat on a restoration gueridon with white marble top in blue room with lion rug and red daybed – See Here

-A mahogany Louis Phillip bed and circular table in bedroom with Jansen 1940 bronze and brass chandelier and a wrought iron astrolabe from ‘Aero’ in NY. A 17C portrait of Louis XVI hangs on the wall. – See Here

-A head bust of Voltaire on a Louis Phillip table along with an astrolabe from Aero, NY. A mink blanket is draped on an 18C chair in front of a marble mantelpiece. – See Here

-A pair of rattan chairs by Jean Michel Frank flank a 1940’s plaster column and vase in room with wrought iron table with a mercury glass top and parquet floor- See Here

-A portriat of the Count de Quelen above a Louis XV style desk in room with a white vase in faience and a silk chinese lantern. On the desk is a sterling sillver bowel by Jean Puiforcat – See Here

Michel Coorengel Photo Credit April 2013 Elle Decor

Michel Coorengel Photo Credit  April 2013 Elle Decor

Michel Coorengel Photo Credit April 2013 Elle Decor

Michel Coorengel Photo Credit  April 2013 Elle Decor

Michel Coorengel Photo Credit April 2013 Elle Decor 2

Michel Coorengel Photo Credit  April 2013 Elle Decor

Save

Save

9 Homes Decorated Around The European Old World French Styles

“Gerard Tremolet’s chateau in Normandy, France. 

French provincial color palettes are usually inspired by hues found in the countryside of France. Brick red, dark brown, forest green, cornflower blue and weathered white are all good candidates for the wall colors in a French provincial room. Muted shades, or those colors that have a bit of gray added, are best, as they amplify the time-worn appearance of the architecture often found in France. For an authentic look and feel, use a faux finish, such as color washing, to give the walls added depth, dimension and texture. The end result will be walls with an Old World appeal.

Add the classic look found in France by incorporating an armoire, or large carved storage cabinet. Armoires are often painted and distressed showing darker weathered wood. Use storage pieces to show off dishes, bedroom linens, jars, metal objects and plaster carvings.

Ladder-back chairs have also been quite popular with natural, rush seats for a country style French appearance.  Work with tufted, upholstered piece to accent the design style.

1. Marie-Lise Dulac Fery’s Apartment in Lyon

The apartment is located in the 19th century old building in Lyon, it’s been completely renovated and redesigned. The long corridors were removed as well as the walls. Only the large and elegant arched windows and old doors were preserved. The owner, Marie-Lise Dulac Fery, is a young antiques dealer and decorator.

2. Monique Waque’s Country House In Germany

Canadian Monique Waque’s picturesque cottage seems like it comes straight out of a fairy tale. It was renovated by the previous owners and she re-decorated using the colors that evoke the French / Scandinavian style.

3. Gerard Tremolet’s chateau in Normandy, France.

This home was featured in Elle Decor October 2012.  The walls and curtains are of a Thevenon toile de Jouy, and the bed’s alcove is covered in taffeta, the armchair is Louis XV,and the rug is Russian.”  You won’t see a more classic French style home.

4. Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale, completed a careful restoration of 17th century chateau – Pau, South of France. The owners found gorgeous antiques in Parisian flea markets and every room is tastefully decorated in the French style.  The home has gorgeous stucco ceilings, original floors, a large kitchen with an impressive fireplace from the 1600s. In the dining room, a rustic table of chestnut planks is where the family has their dinners.

5. Nicky Haslam’s Home

Your going to love the wallpaper in this home.  Fowler installed an over-sized Mauny wallpaper in the hall, staircase and second floor landing. Eventually it became so old and fragile, that Nicky asked Mauny to remake the discontinued print just for him – which they did.  WOW!

Chateau de Gizeux in the Loire | Yohann Legrand

6. Chateau de Gizeux in the Loire

Ivy Clad featured remarkable pictures of Chateau de Gizeux, which originally was featured in the October 2012 World of Interiors article. The grand salon, as well as other rooms and corridors, were vandalized or fell into disrepair through lack of maintenance. In the Mid 16th century, the walls were elaborately painted by Italian artists to suit the tastes for courtly life favored by the then-owners. Visit the site HERE for more beautiful shots of the chateau inside and out.

7. Old Farmhouse of Sculptor Yves Bosquet

Since 1961, Yves Bosquet, sculptor and painter, resides in Waterloo, just outside Brussels, on an old farm, which in the past was used by Napoleon during his last defeat in 1815, to prepare and conduct the famous battle. The house is filled with a collection of precious objects. When Bosquet bought the home, there was enough space for a comfortable studio with a kiln. Over the time the owners, Bosquet and his wife, renovated the house and garden and added to it in the French country style. {corriere.it}

8. 11th Century French Property-Perigord, France

An 11th century French property is located in the Cognac Vineyards. The home is currently run as a hotel, with it’s 11 suited bedrooms, and would be the perfect weekend getaway to the French countryside. Keeping with the French theme, this house has kept it’s historical integrity throughout and immaculately maintained.

9. 17th Century In The Old World Style Home in Perigord, France- 

This home rests on 3.5 hectares of riverside grounds and parkland. The main house features 4 living rooms, 2 kitchens, 9 bedrooms (7 with en suites) & 2 studies. Maxwell-Storrie-Baynes

 

Antique French Louis XV Style Finely Carved Walnut Adjustable Vanity Chair Stool

Antique French Louis XV Style Vanity Stool, Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay

Nice Pair Vtg Petite French Louis XVI Style Carved & Painted Bergere Arm Chairs

Petite French Louis XVI Style Carved & Painted Bergere Arm Chairs, Quality Is Key On Ebay

Marie-Lise Dulac Fery’s Apartment in Lyon

Marie-Lise Dulac Fery’s Apartment in Lyon

Country House In Germany

Gerard Tremolet- Seen In elledecor

Gerard Tremolet- Seen In elledecor.com

Set of Louis XV Cane back ChairsSet of Louis XV Cane back Chairs, Jacques’ Antiques

Country House In Germany

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Gerard Tremolet- Seen In elledecor

Gerard Tremolet- Seen In elledecor.com

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

French Settee Painted In White From Lisa Liby RyanFrench Settee Painted In White From Lisa Liby Ryan

French Side Table with Antique White Painted FinishFrench Side Table with Antique White Painted Finish, Judy Frankel Antiques

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Deleuze09GOG03

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Nicky Haslam’s Home-  nh-design.co.uk

C 1850s Lovely Original Paint French Bench Dearing AntiquesC 1850s Lovely Original Paint French Bench Dearing Antiques

Nicky Haslam Seen In Lonny Magazine

Nicky Haslam ~ sentimental accessories from his home: self-portrait of Cecil Beaton, a David Hockney wax sketch, French candlesticks, a Lucian Freud engraving Lucian brought to lunch as a gift and plans for a palace for the Duke of Waterloo to rival Versailles which the Duke turned down Found on pictures.lonny.com

Vtg Italian Carved Green & Gold Gilt Wood French Neoclassical Style Wall Mirror

Vtg Italian Carved Green & Gold Gilt Wood French Neoclassical Style Wall Mirror

Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay

Chateau de Gizeux in the Loire

Chateau de Gizeux in the Loire

Chateau de Gizeux in the Loire

Provencal Armchairs -Maison de Provence - New OrleansProvencal Armchairs –Maison de Provence – New Orleans


Old Farmhouse of Sculptor Yves Bosquet


Old Farmhouse of Sculptor Yves Bosquet

French Paper Back Books From English Country Antiques In NY

French Paper Back Books From English Country Antiques


Old Farmhouse of Sculptor Yves Bosquet


Old Farmhouse of Sculptor Yves Bosquet

A Pair Of French Louis XVI Style Open Arm Chairs

A pair of French Louis XVI style open arm chairs with carved beechwood frames painted gray, the leaf and floral motif detailed frames having tapering fluted legs and ribbon carving. Upholstered seats, back, and armrests covered in blue velvet.- David Duncan Antiques


Old Farmhouse of Sculptor Yves Bosquet

Old Farmhouse of Sculptor Yves Bosquet

Vintage French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Oversized Bergere Arm Chair Settee

Vintage French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Oversized Bergere Arm Chair Settee

Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay

Antique French Louis XV Style Carved Wing Back Settee Sofa Jansen Style Vtg

Antique French Louis XV Style Carved Wing Back Settee Sofa Jansen Style

Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay

Antique French Louis XVI Style Carved Wood Fire Side Arm Chair Jansen Style Vtg

Antique French Louis XVI Style Carved Wood Fire Side Arm Chair Jansen Style Vtg

Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay

Chateau de Gizeux

Chateau de Gizeux 

Elizabeth Pash AntiquesElizabeth Pash Antiques

18thC Provincial Pine French Table With Coral Marble

18thC Provincial Pine French Table With Coral Marble

Parc Monceau – Home – Atlanta, Ga

Country French Interiors In Dallas Texas

18th Century Painted Cabinet from Provence- Country French Interiors

11th century French Property located in the Cognac Vineyards.

11th Century French Property-Perigord, France

11th century French Property located in the Cognac Vineyards.

11th century French Property located in the Cognac Vineyards.

17th Century In The Old World Style

17th Century In The Old World Style featuring a home in Perigord, France which rests on 3.5 hectares of riverside grounds and parkland. The main house features 4 living rooms, 2 kitchens, 9 bedrooms (7 with en suites) & 2 studies. Maxwell-Storrie-Baynes

17th Century In The Old World Style

Perigord, France 17th Century Home

Pair of Vintage French Louis XV Style Cream Distress Painted Tufted Settees Sofa

Pair of Vintage French Louis XV Style Cream Distress Painted Tufted Settees Sofa

Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay

Antique French Louis XV Style Painted Marble Top Occasional Coffee Side Table

Antique French Louis XV Style Painted Marble Top Occasional Coffee Side Table

Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay

17th Century In The Old World Style 3

Perigord, France 17th Century Home

17th Century In The Old World Style 5

Perigord, France 17th Century Home

Set of 3 Napoleon III Period ChairsSet of 3 Napoleon III Period Chairs- Jacques’ Antiques

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale

Save

Decorating With The Color Green French Provence Style

Color Inspiration

Color Inspiration from here, , here, here, and here

There are so many ways to decorate with green, where do you start?   One starting point is to find a shade that you love.   Borrow color combination ideas from vintage packaging.  French packaging often pairs together colors that just work with one another.

Here are just a few of the colors that are found in France……

Artichoke – the color of fresh uncooked artichoke.

Fern Green is a vivid shade of green that resembles ferns. Fern green was used in 1902.

Laurel green is a medium light hue of greenish gray, first used as a color in 1705.

Myrtle green, represents the color of the leaves of the Myrtle plant, first used as a color in 1835

Teal is a dark cyan color that is seen on the neck of a duck.  – Colors From Wikipedia

How To Decorate With Shades of Green

– Add In Green Foliage – Don’t forget the blossoms, says Nicole Sforza. “Consider green (or greenish) flowers. Forsythia branches, which bloom yellow before sprouting bright green leaves, look great on the console. The Billy buttons, arranged in a light green vase on the table, can last up to two weeks. Also try Lenten roses, which have soft green flowers and foliage.” Real Simple Magazine

– Use Muted Shades of Green– In this link, Martha Stewart shows off 24 of the best rooms decorated around green that were originally featured in her magazines over the years.  In all the pictures, one common trait exists, – she uses old world colors that are muted.

– Pair Natural Wood With Lighter Blues and Green Painted Walls Natural Wood Tones– Stephanie Hoppen says “sandy beiges, and limewash finishes balance barely-there blue rooms. And don’t forget about paint finishes. Chalky flat finishes are warm, while shiny blues will give a bit of a chill”

– Use Muted Softer Colors In Main Rooms, And Brighter Ones In Less Used Rooms– Sasha Emerson, an interior designer says  “When choosing a blue hue, consider how often you’re in the room. For example, don’t choose a very bold blue for a living room — you might tire of the color. Save it for a den or a playroom and pick a more serene tone for central living spaces”

Cooler Tones Can Work With Glass or Mirrors -Stephanie Hoppen says “Frosty blues are elegant with soft creams and shiny accents such as glass. Take the chill off icy colors by teaming them with warm browns, reds, or oranges”

– Pair Jewel Tones Together -Jennifer Flanders says, “The color emerald is synonymous with wealth, prosperity and luxury, so I think it naturally works with other colors that evoke the same air of richness and elegance.  Many other jewel tones mix well with emerald green, but in particular I love this color with deep blues and shimmery golds.”

Farrow-and-Ball Paint

Color Combinations- Real Simple Magazine gives us 4 color combinations.

  • Pair together moss green and soft blue.  Think about colors that play off nature.  The soft colors found in trees, and sky.  You can go bolder with both colors, or really soft subtle shades in the ligher hues.
  • Sea Foam Green and Chocolate.  Think about darker floors, with painted green distressed furniture.  Chocolate walls, with lighter green accessories.  Sea-foam wall colors, with darker rustic WOOD accessories.
  • Consider the classic Rugby- Kelly green and bright white. Go for a bit of a bold contrast with the brilliant Kelly green and white as an accent.
  • Pair together lime green and soft pink.  These two colors can give a soft appearance.  Consider filling an over-sized glass vase with pink cherry blossoms.

Shades of Green

 Home Beautiful’s Color Selections

The Oprah Winfrey Collection

The Oprah Winfrey Collection

Check out my favorite pieces from Oprah’s collection here

Cabinet Bonnier de La MossonCabinet Bonnier de La Mosson

Joseph Bonnier de la Mosson (1702 – 1744), was a French aristocrat who loved science and began collecting exotic insects, snakes, shells and birds. These wooden cases were acquired in 1744 when they were auctioned off following the death of Joseph Bonnier de la Maison, whom was an extremely knowledgeable amateur scientist and connoisseur of art.

They were installed in the King’s Garden Room. Inside these five units made from Dutch wood decorated with serpents a collection of preserved [“dried”] animals. In 1935, the cabinets were disassembled, and were installed permanently in the the Museum of Natural History in the Jardin des Plantes central library in 1979. They are considered an “Historic Monument.”

Borrow this look for yourself, by painting your French furniture a muted shade of light green, and use a shade of white paint to bring out the carved features in your french furniture….

Continue Reading…

The Extra Room- 6 French Provence Decorating Ideas

Sewing Room: No Cats Allowed

Coorengel And Calvagrac Bordeaux Library

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.

French Accessories

– 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

French Provence Decorating

Christophe Laurent Durand Rouffio – Nov. 2011- pictures from maison-deco.com

French Bedroom

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

Continue Reading…

3 Tips To Getting A French Look For Your Home

Picture Credit –themalibubergdorfblonde on ebay

18th Century Home Located in Located in Uzeste, France Maison-Deco

18th Century Home Located in Located in Uzeste, France  Maison-Deco

Here are three tips to get the French looks in your own home.

1.   Painted furniture shouldn’t look freshly painted.  Black furniture, can be left alone, although lighter colored furniture should have some sort of washed glaze over it.  Blue looks fabulous with a white wash.  Green paint looks great with a cigar glaze.  White looks great with distressing and a slight aged look.  It is amazing what a simple step of glaze can do for any painted piece of furniture.

2.  I never clued into sheens until several years after I started painting.  Your walls should always be eggshell, or matte.  Glossy walls don’t work with antique styled interiors, although work terrific in Hollywood Regency, or modern homes.   Matte walls show no flaws, because the light doesn’t reflect off of them, making them appear like fresh drywall.   Furniture on the other hand should never have a flat finish.  Even if you finish your furniture using a flat paint, furniture should be finished with wax, glaze, or polycrylic.  I have learned that an eggshell or a satin works the very best on furniture.  Glossy furniture should be very carefully selected for bombe pieces, or regency furniture that has a slight modern touch to it.  Again, specific styles call for specific finishes.  If you want your pieces to have a flat sheen to them, consider mixing a water based polycrylic with water.  Paint on a light coat, and the overall effect will look matte, but will stay protected.

3.  Architecture can be just as important as furniture.  Consider investing in faux finished walls that look like limestone, or washed plaster walls.  Brick, or stone flooring is a trademark design of the French Provence style.  Invest in anything with stone or metal.  Makeover that fireplace with rough white stone, or consider installing faux brick to 1/3 of the wall.  Find the elements of the French style and collect the main elements of the style, but also focus on the architectural elements.  Focusing on both elements will pull together your look with a designer edge.

Classic French Interiors

Classic French Interiors – classic-french-chateaux.co.uk/

Classic French Interiors

Classic French Interiors – classic-french-chateaux.co.uk/

Continue Reading…

Nicky Haslam’s Romantic Country House

Nicky Haslam’s Folly de Grandeur: Romance and Revival in an English Country House’, is Haslam’s newest book on authentic, English country style decorating.

Haslam shows interiors with carefully mismatched antique and vintage furniture, with color palettes of warm welcoming tones.   From vignettes, to getting the most bang from your hallway, Haslam gives away a wealth of visual interest to the reader.  Learn how to incorporate art, accessories and furniture for a home which is comfortable, yet strikingly beautiful.

Haslam shows off his own 1720 house in Folly de Grandeur.   Floor plans and diagrams illustrate the homes detailed history, as well as the traditional garden, furnishings, and the details of the conservatory.  Images of the house through the seasons shows his true love and attention for the home’s details.  Images of his collecting from flea market finds and treasures from boot sales are captivating.   He shows off upholstery, curtains, chair backs, improvised lampshades and slipcovers.

Interesting Links:

– Nicky Haslam -British Interior Designer’s Website

-Nicky Haslam’s Country House – WSJNicky Haslam, renowned interior designer and London man-about-town, calls a 16th-century royal hunting lodge in the English countryside his home away from home—rose chintz sofas, portraits, flourishing garden and all

-NOW AND THEN: Dreamy English Country Cottages by Colefax and Fowler- Decor Arts Now

-1stdibs Introspective – Nicky Haslam- 1st Dibs

-Interview: Nicky Haslam- House & Home Magazine

-Oh, Nicky, You’re So Fine, You Blow My Mind, Hey Nicky! The Style Saloniste

>Other Design Books Featuring Nicky Haslam:

Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living –Personal Reflections on Stylish Living presents the personal living spaces of fifty distinctive design leaders, including Charlotte Moss, Celerie Kemble, Ashley Hicks, Barry Dixon, India Hicks, Vicente Wolf, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Kevin Sharkey, Suzanne Rheinstein, Rose Tarlow, Jay Jeffers, Michelle Nussbaumer, Jan Showers, Alex Papachristidis, Madeline Stuart, Matthew Patrick Smyth, Colette van den Thillart, Malcolm James Kutner, Ken Fulk, Scot Meacham Wood, Bunny Williams and more. These select dwellings range from chic apartments and luxurious estates, to charming country homes.

Sheer Opulence (Decor Best-Sellers) by Nicholas Haslam

Reviews:

By L. M. Keefer

You will savor every word and image in this book as Nicky Haslam takes you on a remarkably personal tour of his folly of an English home which he describes as “quite simply the prettiest small house in the world.” Formerly the home of renowned designer John Fowler, Haslam fell in love with its “fairy-tale facade”, as Fowler did shortly after the end of WWII. Haslam describes seeing the folly for the first time: “History does repeat itself. And so it was that, some thirty years later, I turned the last bend in the rough lane through these woods, came to a clearing by a lake, and, turning, saw this rose-pink, brick-gabled folly glinting in the evening sun.”

Haslam recounts, “I like to think of him (Fowler) standing in the doorway as his celebrated clients like Debo Devonshire or the Pembrokes drew up to be greeted by his quizzical smile and promise of a nifty Blood Mary. One of his early assistants, Nina Campbell, told me recently that, even before he came to live here, John’s nickname was ‘Folly’ Fowler….”

Situated on the hunting grounds of King Henry VII, the home has a rather magical past before Fowler. It was on these grounds that Catherine of Aragon first set her black Spanish eyes on King Henry’s son Arthur, Prince of Wales, to whom she was betrothed. You may sense a certain magic pervading the house, or maybe it’s Haslam’s unabashed affection for it. In its Tudor beginnings as a refuge from hunting, it was a humble three rooms. Around 1720-40 a fanciful Jacobean facade was affixed to the front, and it was expanded.

Describing his first walk-through after Fowler inhabited it, Haslam allows us to see it through his eyes: “There was no furniture inside the house the first time I saw it…. But in each of the tiny rooms – not one is more than 12 feet wide – the walls were beautiful…. Shabby drapes, some edged in fading hand-painted borders, fell forlornly at dusty windows. Le Grand Meaulnes and Miss Havisham had nothing on this sleeping timeless Wunderkammer. And, strange as it seems now, I knew then that I must retain an echo of this delabre atmosphere; it seemed an essential element of the building’s magical being.”

You may feel you are in the midst of an E.M. Forster novel as you read this, complete with iridescent photos by Simon Upton, to accompany the descriptions.

Leaving much of the home the way Fowler left it, Haslam brings fresh life and luster to it with his original and fresh style. He says of his style: “It would be hopeless to pretend that my style, at home, is anything but a hodgepodge of the things I love….And the house’s soul doesn’t seem to object to the hodgepodge.” It seems every room and piece in the home has a story, and Haslam is happy to tell them in his colorful and amusing storytelling style. His storytelling matches his decor: charming, lighthearted, insouciant, droll and sentimental.

You may find yourself raptly reading every word and studying the pages as Haslam chats about the house and its history, walls, soft furnishings, curtains and drapery, and furniture. Then he takes you on a grand tour of the rooms: the old hall, the staircase hall, the library, the dining room, the kitchen, the flower room, the guest rooms and master bedroom and John Fowler’s old bedroom, which, surprisingly was one of the smallest bedrooms in the home.

Along the tour, Haslam sprinkles his design admonishments: “Increase the scale of wall coverings in small spaces.” And “I never buy anything purely for its monetary value. I like possessions that smile back at me.” Then there’s: “Edging chintz in a solid color is an essential touch.” (This book may make you wonder if it will be the catalyst for reviving the classical appeal of chintz in a major way.)

You will get to stroll outside, too, and view the terrace, the conservatory, the lake and the unique Garden Room. You may feel you have stayed for a pleasant weekend as Halsam’s guest.

This is already one of my favorite of the many decor and design books I own. It should become a classic in design libraries. If you like florals, stripes, painted walls and furniture, tole and hurricane lamps, ruffles, chinoiserie, slipcovers, skirted tables, leaded glass, carved mantels, flagstone, portraits, architectural engravings, busts, books, flowers and rooms that look like they have evolved for 30 years – because these did – you should adore this book. If you enjoy English, cottage or European country styles, you should have this book in your library, or on your ottoman to peruse over and over again. Because you will.

 

Nicky Haslam- Featured On Kalynor Blog

Nicky Haslam- Featured On Kalynor Blog

Nicky Haslam Architectural Digest January 2011 Little Augury Blog 

 

Nicky Haslam Design Featured On Meade Design Group Blog

Nicky Haslam Design Featured On Meade Design Group Blog

Nicky Haslam Design Featured On Meade Design Group Blog

Nicky Haslam – Mrs Blandings Blog

Nicky Haslam’s Country House- online.wsj.com

Nicky Haslam Pinterest

Nicky Haslam – New Orleans- nh-design.co.uk

 Nicholas Haslam DesignThis Is Glamorous Blog

 

Nicholas Haslam DesignThis Is Glamorous Blog

Nicholas Haslam DesignThis Is Glamorous Blog

Nicholas Haslam Design- littleaugury.blogspot.com 

Save