4 Unique French Style Estates- Provincial Decorating Ideas
Chateau de la Bourdaisiere-www.tripadvisor.co.uk
Charles Spada’s French Provence Home In Normandy– The Polish design magazine Weranda featured Boston based interior designer Charles Spada’s chateau, a former hunting lodge, located in Normandy. Charles Spada Interiors was established in 1980, after leaving a successful career as a designer of women’s apparel in New York City and Boston. He has been known to decorate with a rich color palette, layered in high end antiques, and architectural elements such as stone and wood flooring. His work has appeared in almost every design magazine including Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Veranda magazine as well as Boston Magazine, Design New England, New England Home Magazine and Interior Design and Architectural Digest Italy.
The Castle Of Chenonceau – This royal palace was built during the 1500s in the Renaissance style. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river. The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) was designed by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l’Orme. After King Henry II died in 1559, his widow Catherine de’ Medici made it her own residence, adding a new series of gardens. She also added rooms between the chapel and the library on the east side of the corps de logis, as well as a service wing on the west side of the entry courtyard. On Catherine’s death in 1589 the château went to her daughter-in-law, Louise de Lorraine. Read more about this palace here
A European Styled Home Designed By Eleanor Cummings
Home Beautiful featured an impressive European home designed by Eleanor Cummings in collaboration with Babs Watkins and Julie Watkins Baker. The home was transformed into a old world looking estate but started out being a typical builders model from the 1980’s. Cummings added a few key architectural pieces which gave the home a classic European appearance.
The foyer reveals Louis carved walnut front doors in their original paint finish, and wood beams which were cosmetically added to the ceiling in the living room. 150 year old planks replaced old limestone floors and wood from a Scandinavian diary were used to make custom cabinetry in the kitchen.
The homes plastered walls show a palette of soft blues and platinum grays. Baker tells Home Beautiful that the color blue can be the most challenging color to get right in a room. The colors surrounding the blue can change the appearance of blue. Natural wood warms blue up, while silver tends to do the opposite; it creates a colder appearance.
The focal points in this home cannot be missed – The antique painted Louis XV carved walnut front doors, the 18th century tapestry, and the beautiful faux finished walls, and painted furniture.
The Château de la Bourdaisière located in Loire Valley has been transformed today into a three-star hotel by the Prince Louis Albert de Broglie and his brother. Although the chateau has had an interesting history. In 1775, the château was partially destroyed by order of King Louis XV’s most powerful Minister, Étienne François, Duc de Choiseul. In 1802 the property was acquired by Baron Joseph Angelier who undertook a massive reconstruction of the chateau, and built it back up. Then during World War II, the château was occupied by the Nazis, and after the war because of a lack of funds from it’s owner, it became run down. In 1959, its contents were auctioned off and government turned the château into a home for the elderly. It wasn’t until 1991 when it was acquired by its current owners, the Prince and Princess of Broglie that it has been transformed once again, and turned into a lavish hotel.
The Castle Of Chenonceau
The Castle Of Chenonceau
The Castle Of Chenonceau
Decorating Around Butter Yellow, French Gray And Natural Raw Woods
Décor de Provence: Gers, France
Antique Provincial Pot Wall Rack with Original Brass Pots- Baileywyck Antiques On Ebay
70 Picture Inspirations Of French Provence Style Interiors
Grand Provence Style-maison-deco.com
French furniture in the 17th and 18th centuries has been considered to be some of the most breathtaking furniture in history. In 1610 when Louis XIII took the throne, the furniture styles around the regions of France started developing their own signature styles. In Provence, furnishings were carved from walnut, while in Normandy, oak was popular for making armoires, buffets, and vaisseliers.
The Provencal style has always been inspired by the beautiful colors of France. The atmosphere of the countryside picks up the bright colors of lavender, yellow, mint and blue. Provencal style changes with the colors of the seasons. The dirt and natural settings seen around France has been the inspiration for earthenware and ceramic hand-painted pottery.
Some of the key elements of this style are stone flooring, rustic furniture,wrought iron accessories, tin enamel, painted pottery, raw cotton and linen. Architectural elements such as beams and alcoves, basin sinks, concrete corbels bring in the antique elements we all desire and admire. Soft, linen curtains and heavy linen upholstery has been a timeless choice for sofas, side chairs, slipcovers and cushions. The perfection of raw-wood furniture has been thought to be a noble choice for furnishings for centuries. Working with rustic hardware, such as wrought iron brings to mind the pastoral, country living that many people find refuge in. It is not only a style, but a way of life that is deeply anchored in a traditional way of life.
Moissonnier Furniture
Old World French Provence Homes- maison-deco.com
18th Century French Style By Coorengel Calvagrac
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
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 Vanity Stool, Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay
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.com
Set of Louis XV Cane back Chairs, Jacques’ Antiques
Country House In Germany
Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale
Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale
Gerard Tremolet- Seen In elledecor.com
Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale
French Settee Painted In White From Lisa Liby Ryan
French Side Table with Antique White Painted Finish, Judy Frankel Antiques
Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale
Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale
Nicky Haslam’s Home- nh-design.co.uk
C 1850s Lovely Original Paint French Bench Dearing Antiques
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
Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay
Chateau de Gizeux in the Loire
Chateau de Gizeux in the Loire
Provencal 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
Old Farmhouse of Sculptor Yves Bosquet
Old Farmhouse of Sculptor Yves Bosquet
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
Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay
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
Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay
Chateau de Gizeux
18thC Provincial Pine French Table With Coral Marble
Parc Monceau – Home – Atlanta, Ga
18th Century Painted Cabinet from Provence- Country French Interiors
11th Century French Property-Perigord, France
11th century French Property located in the Cognac Vineyards.
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
Perigord, France 17th Century Home
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
Seen On Quality Is Key On Ebay
Perigord, France 17th Century Home
Perigord, France 17th Century Home
Set of 3 Napoleon III Period Chairs- Jacques’ Antiques
Aurélien Deleuze and his wife, Pascale
Decorating With The Color Green French Provence Style
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.”
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.
Home Beautiful’s Color Selections
The Oprah Winfrey Collection
Check out my favorite pieces from Oprah’s collection here
Cabinet 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….