French FEED – Page 16 – French Provincial Furniture

Painting French Provincial Furniture

Posted on September 30, 2013October 25, 2021
by Meranda

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 Most often, this style uses white paint, which provides a fresh new look for outdated furniture, although other colors can be used.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.

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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

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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

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Borrow this beautiful color for your provence furniture

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French FEED

French Provincial Looks: Stone Floors

Posted on September 25, 2013October 25, 2021
by Meranda

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

French FEED

French Farmhouse Tables For The Country Home

Posted on July 23, 2013October 25, 2021
by Meranda

New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Magazine

Farmhouse tables are a rustic style of furniture, often seen in the countryside of France. The style of the table table is suitable for a simple lifestyle, one where formality is not important, but function is. The dining room table of the past served as the most practical piece of furniture a family would use through out the day. These tables were designed to be long and large. Imagine food preparation, sewing and knitting done on one end of the table, while the children were doing their homework on the other end. In our Facebook group (Swedish & French Decorating), I posted a wonderful raw wood farmhouse table, here, and here to give you a visual on the sheer length of some of these country farmhouse tables.

There’s no strict style of what a farmhouse table looks like, but the look is always rustic in nature, large, and often rectangular. The legs of these tables differ from one table to the next. Some leg styles are straight with no design what so ever, and other tables feature turned legs. Most farmhouse tables are made from solid pine and oak wood. The table itself consists of four legs that support the table top. The design of this style of table is not complicated and is often left in it’s natural wood state, or can be seen painted. Practicality very much takes precedence over design when it comes to this style of table.

Painted Or Left Raw?

Farmhouse tables are one of the essentials in a rustic countryside home. A large table can be elegant, and dressed up or dressed down depending on the style you are after. A raw solid wood table can really be a centerpiece in a kitchen or dining area, and provide a nice contrast to a painted room.

Often times, the design is seen with the bottom apron and legs painted one color, while the top is left in its natural wood, which can be waxed, or sealed to preserve the wood. This allows the wood to be appreciated, while the painted legs might tie the room together quite nicely.

With a raw table, a layer of paint, which then can be heavily distressed may add to the rustic, shabby nature of the country. If the table is already painted, take the extra time to strip the paint off, leaving the raw wood the ability to soak in the paint. When the paint is dry, take a sander to it, and the finish will turn out spectacular.

Overall, these designs tend to be plain and simple.The design of this beautiful country style table is based around the family lifestyle. The function of this table allows for it to be dinged, gouged, and distressed over years of wear and tear. That’s the charm! Today’s entertaining takes place in the kitchen, and around the table, so invest in a great table that can last you through the years.

Other great posts featuring dining tables:

– Old World Style At It’s Very Best! A Restored 15th Century Tuscan Villa- Primitive Decor Ideas

-How To Antique Your Furniture Yourself- Primitive Decor Ideas

-Primitives: Colonial Decorating Ideas- Primitive Decor Ideas

-Sturbridge Rectangular Dining Set- Primitive Decor Ideas

-The BEST NEW English Inspired Dining Sets-Primitive Decor Ideas

-Primitive Wood Tables- The Swedish Furniture

-Gustavian Oak Weathered Dining Room Tables- The Swedish Furniture

-The Very Best Swedish Wood Outdoor Furniture- The Swedish Furniture

French FEED

3 Tips To Getting A French Look For Your Home

Posted on July 23, 2013October 25, 2021
by Meranda

Picture Credit –themalibubergdorfblonde on ebay

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-chateaux.co.uk/

French FEED

Authentic French Properties For Sale

Posted on July 22, 2013October 25, 2021
by Meranda

Charming Villiage House

Dream Home Provence has a few sensational French properties for sale. Here are just a few of my favorites:

1. Property 1 – This renovated Provencal villa for sale is located only 5 minutes from the historic town of Uzes in the highly sought after Uzege area of The Gard, Languedoc Roussillon. The 6 bedroom house for sale near Uzes is made up of 2 large holiday rental properties (gites) as well as the main dwelling for the current owners and is set in stunning grounds of 3 hectares with swimming pool and panoramic views of the exquisite Uzege countryside. In addition to the main house and the rental apartments there is also a studio with water and electricity, currently used as an office, that could be turned into an additional gite or guest house. The fully fenced garden is equipped with an enourmous 12m x 7m swimming pool ideal for cooling off during the long sunny summers in The South of France.

2. Property 2- A charming XVIII century Provencal property boasts a fully fitted kitchen, cosy living room with fireplace, 2 bedrooms and an office (or 3rd bedroom). It features traditional Provencal floor tiles and authentic old beams throughout. There is a terrace with magnificent views of les Monts de Vaucluse and also room for additional table and chairs at the front of the house. All this in a pretty little village in the heart of The Luberon, one of Provence’s most sought after areas.

3. Property 3– This wonderfully renovated farmhouse comes with landscaped gardens, a guest house, swimming pool, double garage and spa room. The property consists of the main house with lounge, fireplace and dining room both of which open onto the swimming pool and terrace facing the Petit Luberon. The outbuildings consist of a separate double garage, spa room with jacuzzi, sauna and walk in shower. All this surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens boasting various fruit trees provencal flowering shrubs.

4. Property 4– Situated near the lively town of Cavaillon, in the countryside, at the entrance to The Luberon Regional Park, this old farm house for sale in Provence is features several fruit trees native to the region and is located in a region that has over 300 days of annual sunshine.

5. Property 5- This cosy 2 bed village house is situated in the beautiful Provencal village Rustrel in the heart of The Luberon Natural Park in Provence. The village is alive all year round and is home to a bakery, a restaurant, a bar, a school and a grocery store. The lively market town of Apt is just 10 minutes away. There are wonderful walks to be had directly from the house, with the Monts de Vaucluse directly behind and the ochre hills of the “Provencal Colorado” also at your doorstep.

6. Property 6- This manor house for sale in Provence is situated in a typical Provencal village just 5 minutes from Lourmarin in Luberon South. The property dates back to the late 1800s, is south facing and has been excellently renovated throughout. All rooms are light and spacious with high ceilings and lead onto exquisite views of the surrounding countryside. Aix en Provence is only 35 minutes away.

7. Propery 7 This exceptional XVIII century manor house for sale is located just 15 minutes walk from Aix en Provence city centre. The entrance to the house is made up of an alley of 200 year old plane trees and garden features numerous fountains and a 25m x 5m infinity pool. A haven of peace just minutes away from the lively and highly sought after town of Aix en Provence. Ideal as an investment in Provence, a large family home or tourist business in The South of France.

Stone village house for sale near Apt en Provence

French Property With Fruit Trees

Provence Home With Views of Luberon

French Manor House

Mansion in Aix en Provence City

XVII century house Roussillon Luberon – here

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French FEED

A Restored Farmhouse In Provence, France

Posted on July 22, 2013October 25, 2021
by Meranda

When the three farm buildings merged to create a single luxurious home, the result was a functional, yet beautiful to live in. A trio of worn 1850s structures in Provence was transformed into a single, spacious farmhouse. Renovating a trio of Provence farm buildings wasn’t an easy process. It all started with two decrepit houses and a gaping barn in between. Today the three buildings are linked together, which are seen as one whole home with all the modern comforts and old-world charm. Old beams and stonework were preserved, and the new stonework was created mimic the original. A wisteria-shaded pergola is the perfect spot for taking in the tranquil scene of the stone-edged reflecting pool. The house’s original structural beams are displayed in the living room area, enhanced by the patina of generations of paint. To add depth to these beams, the flaking and peeling layers were lightly sanded to reveal the wood with just a touch of subtle colour. Double living rooms bring an open floor plan to the main level of the home. These two rooms are linked by newly constructed arch. A fruitwood-topped buffet running along the rear wall of the large living room provides display space for the homeowner’s antiques.

In the kitchen area, old stone gives this room an old Provence feel. Wooden cupboard fronts, and limewash blends the shelving subtly with the rest of architecture. An antique Italian mirror at the top of the stairs makes a strong statement. A trumeau mirror is heavily distressed and works nicely with a rustic wood pedistal which sits am urn with a splash of red foliage. One of the bedrooms shows an saturated blue painted ceiling and beams. The bathroom shows off a pair of porcelain basins were mounted into a country table.

All images and information from Remodeling Center.

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