Classic Wood French Country Inspired Furniture & Decor

Look at this paint combination.  A solid black paired with raw wood.  Black is enhanced by the moldings around this dresser.  This piece was listed by Beverly Marcheso

French Handles listed by Laura Armata on Facebook

Beautiful French twin sized bed frame. Originating from France, purchased in southern CA from antique dealer who sells to Hollywood staging and public.Jen Hooper

This piece was listed on facebook marketplace.  What an exceptional.  It reminds me of the Louis XVI styles.  This vintage end table was listed by Karla Petermann

Lisa Morgan-Hoffman showcased this mirror that got a makeover using tufted fabric.  What do you think?  Would you consider a makeover like this? 

Can you imagine stumbling across this incredible find?  Just for 10 dollars!  Someone hit the jackpot !

Vintage French Furniture – Arkan Mahmood

3 piece French Provincial Set – Melissa Cheney

A farmhouse styled French Provincial chair listed by Kristyn Wearly Puntenney

A lovely wall clock listed by Tammy Levine

Antique Furniture – Anthony Perea

French vanity featured on facebook by William Cline

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

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Great French Provincial Design Is a Philosophy More Than a Look

French Provence Style

French Provence Style-magazine.pierrefrey.com

New York interior designer Miles Redd says, “Life in the 21st Century means taking the best of history and making it work for you.” That is a good philosophy to adopt, whether your design preferences are for contemporary, island chic, British Colonial or French Provincial. Selecting the best of the design traditions and adapting them to your individual lifestyle is the very essence of the design ethic.

What a Feeling

“Most of all, country French is a feeling,” according to French Heritage. Speaking of furniture, the company, which was founded by French-born Jacques Wayser and his American wife, subscribes to the adage that there is no one “period” in history that encompasses French provincial. It is, rather, a way of life, and a philosophy that encompasses the past and adapts to modern needs, uses and sensibilities. In that sense, it is neither rigid, nor formal; it is, however, very personal and always changing to meet new needs and new circumstances.

That accounts for its undying popularity. French country design is seemingly always fresh, always appropriate, and always evolving.

Flexible and Inventive

Remaining true to the beloved French Provincial style ethic is simple when you first adopt the philosophy: Respect for the styles of the past and a willingness to revise, modernize and “make do” when necessary. The essence of court-originated style during the reigns of French monarchs was captured in informal style and inexpensive woods for the “common” folk in the provinces.

Well-made, sturdy furniture lasted for generations. However, years of use took their toll, and inventive families had to make repairs and replace parts, adapting to changing needs. In time, the painted finishes and well-used looks became well-loved as well.

Personal Choice Dictates

Today, the range of options in interior design is sometimes overwhelming. It can be daunting to face the myriad of decisions involved in completing an interior design scheme. The choice of country French as a decor, however, is a wise one, allowing a wide range of available choices with an emphasis on lasting comfort and individuality.

For all your choices, ranging from wall colors to floor coverings, from furniture to window coverings, and from accessories to art, you should realize that there are no hard and fast rules. If you prefer an uncluttered modern look, you can leave windows bare if there is no issue with privacy. On the other hand, wood blinds from TheShadeStore.com, in your choice of finishes, would give you room-darkening possibilities and be perfectly suited to a provincial scheme. You could soften the look with flowing draperies in a colorful toile print, or with gathered panels in a bright country check.

Animal-ish and Whimsy

Charles Faudree and Betty Lou Phillips are two of the most respected interior designers in the country; each has a personal style. They rely on a bit of “whimsy” to make a room come alive, utilizing color, layers of fabric, and a mix of textures and themes. Iconic French symbols appear as well: The fleur-de-lis, an occasional Napleonic bee, chickens, gold braid, and French words. According to their sites (CharlesFaudree.com, and BettyLouPhillips.com), advice given by each designer is the same: “Enjoy the style!”

Guest Post by Timothy Allen

 

Timothy is an interior designer with an eye for straight lines and Mediterranean styling.

Chateau Montgeoffroy

Chateau Montgeoffroy- www.ot-saumur.fr

Chateau Montgeoffroy

Chateau Montgeoffroy- magazine.pierrefrey.com

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3 Ways To Borrow Pam Pierce’s Slipcover Looks For Your Provence Home

Pam Pierce has single-handedly brought back the popularity of slipcovers, as her interiors bring forth the charm of the old world European interiors to center stage once again.  Slipcovers have always played a key role in her interior designs.  Linen ruffles and gatherings in dark olive, and oatmeal are paired with stone floors, re-claimed wood tables, white washed wood furniture, and time aged painted decor.  Pierce tends to use natural materials like stucco, limestone, reclaimed beams, and sea-grass to create a sense of warmth and history.  Her designs also incorporate architectural salvage such as reclaimed antique doors, and iron to create an aged European feel.

Decorators and homeowners have realized the possibilities that slipcovers offer a home. Slip-covers are not only decorative, but practical. At one time, slipcovers served the means of protecting upholstered furniture from the dust of summer months, although they have evolved over the years, from just large sheets which covered furniture, to be tailored to fit the shape of sofas and chairs, even having decorative pleating, ruffles and embroidery.

3 Ways To Borrow Pam Pierce’s Slipcover Looks:

1. Use The Same Material On All Of Your Furniture

Get the look of a set for less, by slip-covering all of your furniture in the room with the same material.   Unite several pieces of furniture out of the same bolt of material.  Buying matching sets of vintage or antique furniture can be rare and costly.  Create the look of a set by using the same material on all the pieces.  Create drapery out of the same material to unite the room.  Several ebay sellers offer bolts of fabric, which can be shipped to your home without having to drive from store to store.

2. Choose Natural Fabrics

Heavy linen, and cotton canvas have been popular as natural slipcover choices.  French tickings can give a natural look, while at the same time, isn’t plain to look at.  Consider using unbleached muslin, which can be dyed in soft shades of blue, green, or yellow. Gingham, simple checks and stripes lend a sophisticated touch to a Provence styled home.  Stripes, patterns, florals hide dirt well, and are easier to launder.  Checks, stripes and florals work hand in hand.  Consider using 2 or three fabrics together in a room to create interest.

3. Go The Extra Mile With Detailed Slipcovers

Gathers, and wide flat box-pleats add interest to the bottom of slipcovers. These details can be used just below the seat of the chair,  on a line with the seat frame. This style works particularly well with French chairs, as the legs themselves are decorative in themselves that they do not need to be concealed.  Consider pairing down the accessories and furniture in your room, and opt for longer gathers, which puddle on the floor.  Work this idea in larger rooms, where the furniture itself is the main focal point.

Additional Links:

– Drop Cloth Slip Cover Tutorial-beneathmyheart.net

-How To Make A Club Chair Slipcover- lisaroy.ca

-DIY Ottoman Slip Cover-dittledattle.blogspot.com

-How To Sew Double Cord Welting –littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com

-Upholstery Adhesive – Beacon Magna-Tac 809 –littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com

-How to Make a Sofa Slipcover- makethingsforhome.blogspot.com

-How To Bleach Drop Cloth- myjoyinthejourney.blogspot.com

-Slip Cover Tutorial – 6 Part Video Series- missmustardseed.com

-How To Make A Chair Slipcover- honeybearlane.com

-Wing Back Slipcover- thebrickpathstudio.blogspot.com

 


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5 Paint Color Choices For Provincial Furniture

Painting furniture can be an outstandingly satisfying craft. You can find an old, outdated piece and breathe new life into it with a simple color of paint. Once it’s in a new space, it can brighten and invigorate it, adding charm and drama all at the same time.

Sometimes the hardest decision of all is what color to use. When you want to go bold, here are some top color choices to consider.

Emerald Green

Emerald green is the hot color of 2013, according to the design industry. It connotes thoughts of riches and a recovering economy, and its lushness can bring a look of jewel luster into your home.

Because neutrals are still popular to decorate with, a splash of bright, bold, emerald green can be a lovely contrast against beiges and tans. Think about painting a chest or end table emerald green and adding some gold or silver accents or hardware. You’ll have a standout piece that will take charge.

Red

It seems red is a classic for painted furniture, one that can last through the years. Every room can hold a bold piece of red painted furniture, and the colors can range from candy apple to deep garnet. Like emerald green, a deep jewel tone will add drama, and a brighter red will add cheer.

Whether it’s a chair, table, or something else, a red accent piece of painted furniture will work well with almost any other color schemes, from neutral palettes to brighter colors ranging from blues to greens to yellows. Red can add freshness, drama, or whatever look you’re going for.

Blue

Colors of nature are very in right now, so painting a piece of furniture with the bold tones of blues in nature will be just the thing to do in 2013. Blue can be soothing like the sky, or invigorating like the sea. Choose from any blue shades to create a bold standout piece that will bring the natural world indoors.

Like red, blue tends to work well with most other color palettes and is a wonderful contrast to black and white.

Lavender

Whereas pink or purple may be too young to place in areas other than girl’s rooms in the home, lavender is like pink all grown-up. A single painted piece of lavender furniture will pop in a room and add that vintage drama that can bring the room to life.

Lavender is a great color to mix with other bold tones, like yellow and green, or use it against a white palette for extreme drama. Have fun with it – go bold – remember, it’s not a kid color anymore!

Yellow

Yellow is taking off on the runways now, so why not bring it in the home. A bold piece of yellow painted furniture, from chests to chairs to dining tables, will add a fresh new feel to any room.

Yellow can brighten darker areas and works great with natural woods or metallics. Don’t be afraid to go bold – lean towards the canaries, lemons, and golds rather than the softer butter and cream yellows.

Adding that piece of boldly painted furniture to your home will invigorate your home. Take a look around at what you have already; you never know, the very piece you want may already be in your home…just waiting.

Heather Legg is a writer who writes about small businesses and Spokeo removal, the art of creativity and keeping a positive perspective every day.

DE TONGE Provincial Table- Famous French Furniture Manufacture-Coco House, Palm Beach, FL

Wrought Iron Leaf Iron Chandelier In A Happy Yellow- dos gallos

Antique Yellow Painted Wicker Fiddelhead Chair – BG Galleries -Weymouth, MA

French Painted Tole Garden Table – Milord Antiques

 

Cabinet de curiosités Clément Lafaille, après 1766. Style néoclassique. Muséum d’histoire naturelle de La Rochelle. Source

Yellow Reproduction French Vaisselier- Traditional Home

Yellow Painted Provencal Armoire – Cote Jardin Antiques

Louis XV Painted Buffet – Bremermann Designs

French Commodes – Available Through Cote France

Marieclairemaison

French Painted Buffet Deux Corps-  Jean Williams Antiques

Blue Painted French Furniture- European Paint Finishes

Etienne French Painted Furniture

Cote France Tables

Green Painted French Provence Styled Furniture- Available Through Cote France

Louis XV Period Painted Console Table,  Bermingham and Co – New York

Au Rendez-Vous de Montmartre, Paris And Beyond Blog– Red Painted Desk Cote France

Red Painted French Louis XV Chest- Cote Jardin Antiques

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