French Style 2018-Fall

FRENCH
CLASSIC BLENDS OF GLAMOUR AND EASE

FRENCH STYLE • FALL 2018
style
The
Lure
FRANCE
of
Parisian Chic
meets the French
THE LURE OF FRANCE
Countryside
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A PARISIAN FALL 2018 • DISPLAY UNTIL 10/09/18
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FRENCH
INSPIRATION
UN PETIT
8 HAUTE COUTURE
Capture Parisian style in your own home with
understated elegance and feminine charm.
BY JESSIE YOUNT
12 ANTIQUITY, EN VOGUE
The delicate beauty of these vintage French
country-style pieces will elevate your home to a
classical French charm.
BY LYNN FONG
16 GARDEN SOIRÉE
Host an al fresco gathering, and bring the mes-
merizing beauty of the French countryside to your
own backyard.
BY JESSIE YOUNT
20 PARISIEN CLASSIQUE
A boutique Parisian hotel transports guests into
classical, 18th-century France.
BY LYNN FONG
16
8 28
24 DECADENCE IN
DESIGN
Infuse your child’s dream bedroom
with a French influence.
BY JESSIE YOUNT
28 L’ART DES
HORS D’ŒUVRE
Treat your guests to a festivity of
delectable hors d’œuvre.
FRENCH STYLE
BY ELIZABETH FALKENBERG
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BIBLIO
VISITE
104 STYLE
32 A PARISIAN STORYTELLING
ROMANCE French style mixes with vintage charm to
A small apartment with staggering views create homes designed to reflect those who
of the Eiffel Tower is imbued with French live in them.
style through the artistry of two designers BY ELIZABETH FALKENBERG
from Atlanta.
BY AUTUMN KRAUSE
108 HOMEGROWN
40 BEAUTIFUL 32 ENCHANTMENT
LIVING Learn to love peonies with this comprehen-
sive guide to growing and appreciating these
Feast your eyes on the charm of a Paris
apartment that’s glamourous yet easygoing.
64 gorgeous flowers.
BY LYNN FONG
BY JO-ANNE COLETTI
DÉTAILS
50 LE PETIT VAL
A couple finds bliss and historic meaning in
an 18th-century half-timbered home in the 6 EDITORIAL
countryside of France.
BY JESSIE YOUNT WITH MIEKE VENDEL
112 RESOURCES
114 LE FIN
64 EARTHY OASIS
A refined countryside villa captures the heart ON THE COVER
with inventive design and al fresco appeal. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL COSTELLO
BY CHANTAL HINTZE DESIGN BY JESSE CAO
80 CIRCA 1883
A manor in Loire exudes plenty of classic
and regal elegance.
BY HANNAH ALSTON
98
88 THE PINK
PALACE
The seaside Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
offers decadent French interiors and pictur-
esque views of the lush gardens.
12
98 WHEN FRANCE
FRENCH STYLE
MEETS ENGLAND
Finding French serenity in the English coun-
tryside is no hardship for this designer.
BY HELENA BERNÁLD WITH LYNN FONG
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88
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EDITORIAL
The
French Way
WHAT INTERESTS ME MOST ABOUT
FRENCH STYLE, apart from the appointed
opulence, is its timeliness. Coco Chanel said it
best: “Fashion is not something that exists in
dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street,
fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live,
what is happening.” In my opinion, that is
French style in its wholeness.
As an artist, photographer, and designer by
trade, and the owner of vintagerosecollection.
com, I’ve had a love affair with French culture
for as long as I can remember. I was born in
Ottawa, Canada. Listening to my father speak
French was like music to my ears. I am not
fluent in the language of romance; however,
those years residing in Canada gave me an
appreciation for art, French history, interior
design, French cooking and living beautifully
around ordinary things. And the French do it so
well, don’t they? Yes, they are notorious for refined elegance, but also for
simple, down-to-earth living. The French enjoy life on a slow simmer—
they allow life to just happen.
Long, leisurely lunches in a Parisian café, taking a peaceful ride
through the back roads of the French countryside, a gentle cruise along
the River Seine—what’s not to love about the European way of life.
In this issue of French Style, our home tours showcase the diversity of
the style. We begin with the enchantment of two Parisian-chic apart-
ments (p. 32, 40) that are as opulent as they are light and fresh. Then,
explore a French country villa with romantic details in the historic coun-
tryside of Normandy (p. 50), an ancient farmhouse in Sicily surrounded
by the Mediterranean Sea (p. 64) and a beautiful Renaissance-style
palace on the French Riviera (p. 88). We also indulge your feminine side
with the “luxury of luxuries” for the French woman—a flirty and fun
boudoir brimming with silk, ribbons and of course, Chanel No. 5 (p. 8)—
as well as a fanciful garden soirée fitting for Marie Antoinette (p. 16).
Take a few blissful hours savoring over each page and experience the
charm of French living again and again.
Vivez la bonne vie,

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NELI KIREVA
FRENCH STYLE
JO-ANNE COLETTI
Editor
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For more, SEE PAGE 8.
FRENCH
style
FALL 2018
EDITORIAL
Editor: Jo-Anne Coletti
Managing Editor: Elise Portale
Editorial Interns: Hannah Alston, Elizabeth Falkenberg,
Lynn Fong
DESIGN
Design Director: Jesse Cao
CONTRIBUTORS
Adriana Anzola, Helena Bernáld, Emily Followill, Renee
Frinking, Anneke Gambon, Chantal Hintze, Shirlie Kemp, Neli
Kireva, Autumn Krause, Georgianna Lane, Keith Scott Morton,
Becky Norman, Dan Piassick, Eric Richards, Mieke Vendel,
Lucrezia Vozza, Jessie Yount
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AUJOURD’HUI
FRENCH STYLE
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HAUTE
CAPTURE PARISIAN STYLE IN
YOUR OWN HOME WITH
UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE
AND FEMININE CHARM.
COUTURE BY JESSIE YOUNT

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BY NELI KIREVA
FASHION SEEMS TO BE AN INNATE PART OF THE

FRENCH CULTURE, from high fashion to exemplary
interior design. A Parisian woman’s sense of style is iconic,
both effortless and graceful. It’s unsurprising that the
French woman’s dressing room delivers a similar vibe—a
combination of flirtation, glamour, elegance and fun.
Designer Neli Kireva’s French-inspired boudoir embodies
this Parisian sense of style with a mixture of antique
treasures and feminine couture. Meanwhile, a dash of luxe
and a hint of florals enhance the scene with a luxurious
appeal. To get the look in your own home, rethink the
characteristics that define classic French style.
FASHION FORWARD
High-end fashion, or “haute couture” as we know it today,
was borne into existence in 19th-century France. This
concentration on “good taste” resulted in the overwhelming
popularity of expensive materials, gold accessories and
natural fragrances. France would later come to prominence
for its slew of ingenious fashion designers, including
Coco Chanel and Christian Dior. Indeed, today, France is
recognized as the fashion capitol of the world.
Neli’s design speaks to this unquestionably French
appreciation for self-care; an assortment of lavender- and
rose-colored soaps and scrubs and crystal perfume bottles
enhance the scene with functional décor and aromatic
appeal. Meanwhile, luxurious satin gowns dangling from
equally glamourous hangers and statement sequins heels
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remind us of high fashion at its finest.

9

AUJOURD’HUI
CLASSIC
ELEMENTS
IMBUE YOUR OWN SPACE WITH SOME FAMOUSLY
FRENCH ELEGANCE USING THESE 4 RULES:
Treasure antiques and family heirlooms, and show them

off. Use old letters and framed photographs as inspiration for
the rest of the design.
Color is key. Opt for similar hues to maintain a cohesive

look—allow a pink ribbon to bring out the pink florals on
a patterned quilt or rug. Remember that an occasional
deviation from your chosen palette can have a brilliant effect.
Be audacious.
Err on the side of delicate materials, and remember that

texture is crucial. Mix fine materials with sheer ribbons,
dainty tassels and feathers.
FRENCH STYLE
Use flowers in sparing amounts, and pay attention to

placement. There’s nothing more classic than a bouquet of
roses in a vase, but dried petals sprinkled over a chair can
achieve the same romantic appeal.
10

BENEATH THE SURFACE
If you look closely, you’ll notice that
beyond the glitz and glamour of the
jewelry and gowns, the walls in the
background are imperfectly perfect.
Distressed, peeled and worn, the
Old World aesthetic demonstrates
the French nature of understated
elegance. There’s no need to strive
for perfection but rather embrace the
chaos and nurture the imperfection.
Enjoy the juxtaposition between
gilded décor and rustic furnishings,
and take comfort in the fact that
small scratches or bumps will only
add to the authenticity of the room.
Nonchalance is in style, and it has
been for years. A lacey cloth draped
over an upholstered chair, flower
petals spilling over a vase and onto
the floor, trinkets peeking out of a
jewelry box—these are all signs that
the home is lived in, beloved and
fashionably French.
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MARCHÉ
ANTIQUITY,
EN VOGUE
THE DELICATE BEAUTY OF THESE VINTAGE FRENCH
COUNTRY-STYLE PIECES WILL ELEVATE YOUR HOME TO
A CLASSICAL FRENCH CHARM.
BY LYNN FONG
Duval French
Crystal
Candlestick Table
Lamp, Lamps
Plus, $99.99.
(800) 782-1967 or
lampsplus.com.
Provencal Heart Chair,
The French Bedroom
Company, $341.00. Visit
frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk.
Regency 2-Piece Chaise,

Ballard Designs, $1,699.00–
$2,359.00. (800) 536-7551 or
ballarddesigns.com.
FRENCH STYLE
Everett Foyer Table,

World Market, $329.99.
(877) 967-5362 or
worldmarket.com.
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Hand Carved Heart Spoons,
Old World Kitchen, from $199.00.
Visit poldersoldworldmarket.com.
Eloquence Genovese
Chandelier in Aged
Gold Finish, Eloquence,
$4,625.00. (310) 876-0661
or eloquenceinc.com.
19th-Century
Framed Oil Painting
on Canvas, Inessa
Stewart’s, $559.00.
(214) 742-5800 or
inessa.com.
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13

MARCHÉ
Handmade Vintage Style Eiderdowns, Peony

Vintage Copper Coffee
and Sage, $521.00. Visit peonyandsage.com.
Pot, Old World Kitchen,
from $225.00. Visit
poldersoldworldmarket.com.
The Sacré Coeur Pink

Velvet Bed, The French
Bedroom Company,
$2,492.31–$3,612.53. Visit
frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk.
FRENCH STYLE
14

Handmade
Sainsburys English, English Potted Meat Crocks, Mathilde Cushions,
$38.00. Visit attic-antics.com. Peony and Sage,
$76.00–$85.00. Visit
peonyandsage.com.
Charbonnel Et Walker Pink

Marc De Champagne Truffles,
Nordstrom, $29.99. (877) 543-
7463 or nordstrom.com.
Bronte Nightstand
in Fleur De
Lis, Eloquence,
$1,325.00. (310)
876-0661 or
eloquenceinc.com.
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15

FÊTE
GARDEN
SOIRÉE
HOST AN AL FRESCO GATHERING, AND BRING
THE MESMERIZING BEAUTY OF THE FRENCH
COUNTRYSIDE TO YOUR OWN BACKYARD.
BY JESSIE YOUNT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHIRLIE KEMP
STYLING BY SHIRLIE KEMP AND FLEUR & FIG
A SOIRÉE DOESN’T NEED TO BE EXTRAVAGANT;

USE YOUR NATURAL SURROUNDINGS TO
CREATE AN ELEGANT, FRENCH-INSPIRED
GARDEN PARTY. Designer Shirlie Kemp (former back-
up singer for ‘80s band Wham) used her luscious backyard
in the U.K. to animate her own dinner party scene. Using a
few classic French design elements, including florals, linens
and a few glamorous accents, Shirlie demonstrates that
there are few things you need to pull off a summer soirée.
AL FRESCO INSPIRED
Shirlie’s al fresco dining space centers on a wooden table
and wicker seating, establishing a feeling of rustic elegance.
These key pieces of furniture are surrounded by low-
hanging white wisteria and rich greenery, adding whimsy
and providing contrast to the furniture’s darker shades and
textures. The two elements play off each other well and
result in a softer, romantic feeling.
Inspired by her casual and down-to-earth setting in
the backyard, Shirlie infused the space with accents and
décor to enliven the scene. A hanging floral chandelier by
Snowdrops Weddings supplies the centerpiece for the party,
FRENCH STYLE
complementing the natural botanicals in the backyard. Pale

pink and white roses and fresh fruit abound, filling the area
with a floral scent reminiscent of the French countryside.
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GUESTS TOAST TO AN EVENING of
romance and casual elegance with Miraval
Rosé in crystal champagne flutes.
Maintaining the theme of natural

décor, red grapes were placed on the
table; they are quite fitting, as France
is one of the leading producers of
red grapes and red wine. As for the
beverage selected for the evening,
French Miraval Rosé gleams in crystal
glassware. Known for its aroma of
fresh fruit and spring flowers, the
drink selection fits in effortlessly.
CASUAL CHARM
Shirlie describes her dinnerware as
rather casual, with the exception of
the glassware. When the sunlight
reflects off of the crystal glassware,
with flowers in full bloom, Shirlie
notes that the “setting feels ever so
French.” The warm weather during
this time of year alludes to France
once more, as it is one of the warmer
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European countries.
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FÊTE
PALE PINK AND WHITE ROSES AND FRESH FRUIT

ABOUND, FILLING THE AREA WITH A FLORAL SCENT
REMINISCENT OF THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE.
The designer also notes that “pops
of luxury” were added with small
accents. Using brass cutlery and an
assortment of candles brings about
an element of high class. Meanwhile,
a layered look is achieved by using
candles and vases of various shapes
and sizes, creating different levels and
visual appeal.
Small escort cards and menus by
Rosy Creates add a personal touch
to the table, making the scene more
inviting to all. Escort cards and
menus make great little souvenirs to
commemorate special occasions or
events, too.
FRENCH BLISS
Shirlie’s design wouldn’t be
complete without the soft, cream-
colored fabrics that offset the rustic
furnishings in the garden. The
mixture of fabrics brings a feminine
element to the table, culminating in a
French-inspired look.
Shirlie says that these feminine
touches create a feeling of ‘Hygge.’
Although there is no direct
translation in English, the Danish
concept of Hygge has been described
as a feeling of bliss and intimacy with
one’s natural surroundings. Just like
the feeling one gets from conversation
among friends in the garden beneath
the cool shade, with an occasional
breeze passing through.
The French, too, have a similar
concept known as “la vie en rose.”
The phrase literally translates to
seeing life in pink, but a more
conceptual definition is seeing life
through a happy or rosy lens. And
after all, what could be more French
FRENCH STYLE
than a feeling of satisfaction and

gratitude for the beautiful outdoors
among loved ones, delicious cuisine,
fine wine and cake?
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SHIRLIE SAYS, “Mix and
match your dinnerware styles to
give off a 'Hygge' feel. Pare down
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your plates and raid your posh

crystal cupboard like we did!”
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VACANCES
PARISIEN
BY LYNN FONG
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF
HÔTEL CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS
CLASSIQUE
A BOUTIQUE PARISIAN HOTEL TRANSPORTS GUESTS
INTO CLASSICAL, 18TH-CENTURY FRANCE.
FRENCH STYLE
SOMEONE WALKING BY may not immediately recognize the Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais
as a hotel. That’s because this boutique hotel prides itself on the unique experience it offers.
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THE HOTEL IMMERSES GUESTS into Beaumarchais’ 18th century, which, Bigeard says, “is the century of the woman.” The first
female revolution in France, he says, is in “art and literature. The seduction and the elegance, the liberty and the delicacy, are the start of
the French style.”
DOWN THE STREET FROM WHERE

PLAYWRIGHT PIERRE-AUGUSTIN CARON DE
BEAUMARCHAIS famously wrote “Le Mariage de
Figaro” in 1778 lies a small boutique hotel named
after him. Unlike the cold monotony of many modern,
overpriced Parisian hotels, the Hôtel Caron de
Beaumarchais welcomes guests to an affordable and
truly one-of-a-kind experience.
PARISIAN HISTORY
The owner, Alain Bigeard, opened the hotel 26
years ago, but the building itself is much older.
“Part of the structure dates to the 18th century,”
Bigeard says, “and then the house was transformed
into a hotel in the 1920s.” When he took over, Bigeard
was able to complete a full renovation. “I could do
something completely new,” he says. “Beaumarchais
gave me the keys. We gave his name to the hotel.”
“THE INSPIRATION is the French 18th century,” Bigeard

says. “Refined fabrics are [a reproduction] of French 18th-
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century models,” and antique items are all original and

mostly from the 18th century. These include the chandelier,
desks and many of the artwork.
21

VACANCES
5 THINGS
TO DO in
Le Marais
THE DISTRICT OF THE MARAIS IS A
QUINTESSENTIAL CULTURAL CENTER
FOR PARISIAN HISTORY. GUESTS CAN
ENJOY THE INCREDIBLE LOCATION
BY VISITING ANY OF THE COUNTLESS
CULTURAL LOCALES MERE STEPS
FROM THE HÔTEL CARON DE
BEAUMARCHAIS’S FRONT DOORS.
A walking tour of the historic district is the

first thing owner Alain Bigeard recommends.
“You are in the center of the center,” he says,
“two steps from Notre-Dame and the River
Seine.” Walking is the easiest way to discover
the Marais, and a stroll along the River Seine will
give you the some of the most beautiful views
in Paris.
Don’t forget to do plenty of shopping in the

area. “The Marais is, today, the most trendy
area of Paris,” Bigeard says, “with thousands of
boutiques and small restaurants.” The streets are
always lively, filled with shops that are not only
fashionable but also very diverse.
Gorgeous historical buildings are a must see

when touring the Marais. The most famous is
THE PIANO AND perhaps La Place des Vosges, which includes
HARP in the entrance one of the oldest squares in Paris as well as
of the hotel are antique several grand mansions that housed 17th- and
pieces chosen to reflect 18th-century French aristocracy and notable
writers such as Victor Hugo.
Beaumarchais’ love of
music. “’Le Mariage de Lovers of art and culture will want to visit the
Figaro’ was adapted in the many renowned museums in the area. Notably,
opera with Mozart, and Musée Picasso and the private collection of the
Mozart was only playing Picasso family can be found at the Hôtel Salé,
pianoforte,” Bigeard says. while the nearby Musée Carnavalet is dedicated
“Beaumarchais was also to preserving Parisian history.
a teacher of harp, with the
Make sure to stay out late enough to fully
daughters of Louis XV.” experience the “City of Lights,” however
tempting it may be to head in early after a long
ANTIQUE PAINTINGS day exploring the district. At night, says Bigeard,
around the hotel help give “with its bridges lit up, Notre-Dame illuminated
the spaces an authentic and the Eiffel Tower twinkling away in the
18th-century style as well distance,” Paris is truly a place of magic.
FRENCH STYLE
as a feeling of French
cultural elegance.
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EVERY ROOM IS UNIQUELY DECORATED. This is an example of a front-side room, which are the hotel’s largest rooms. Each
room is fully furnished with beautiful antiques and a chandelier. “The attention to details is the key,” Bigeard says. “Attention to details is
the French style—refinement and delicacy.” Rooms look beautiful but also provide important comforts.
COZY COMFORT
With only 19 rooms, the hotel promises both homey, STUNNING
intimate ambience and plenty of privacy. Larger, front- VINTAGE
side rooms provide more connection to the cultural streets, PIECES are
while the rear rooms are cozier and quieter. Of course, displayed all
the historical rooms are not without their contemporary around the hotel.
luxuries. Each room has air conditioning and a full private The intricate
bathroom as well as minibar, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. décor makes
guests feel as if
they have truly
EXPERIENCING THE CLASSICS
entered the
Stepping into the hotel is a venture into classical France.
world of 18th-
L’Esprit français, or French spirit, says Bigeard, “is born in century France.
Paris, in the 18th century.” Each room is carefully crafted
to evoke an 18th century atmosphere, but although the
hotel displays many antiques, Bigeard says, it’s not a
museum. Above all, he says, “the most important is this:
‘Travel back in time.’”
As if inviting you to partake in a dream, Hôtel Caron de
Beaumarchais enchants with a purposeful disconnection
from our hectic modern world. This is “the real way to
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enjoy a vacation,” says Bigeard. “That’s where I would like

to find myself when I am traveling.”
23

TRÈS CHIC
FRENCH STYLE
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DECADENCE
IN DESIGN
INFUSE YOUR CHILD’S DREAM BEDROOM WITH
A FRENCH INFLUENCE.
BY JESSIE YOUNT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AFK FURNITURE AND DAN PIASSICK
STYLING BY GAIL REITER SEDIGH
IF A BABY IS ON THE WAY, or your Skillfully crafted furnishings are another

child’s room is in need of a makeover, look unique touchstone of French design.
no further than Art for Kids Furniture. Hand-carved furniture with floral designs
AFK was founded in Los Angeles in 1981 infuse the bedroom with petite yet timeless
by Gail Reiter Sedigh. With her own child grace. On the other hand, curvy bench legs
on the way, Gail embraced her passion for and chair frames represent historic French
children’s interior design. While the business design, infusing the bedroom with a sense of
began with a few hand-painted designs, it meaning and tradition.
quickly transformed into a luxury children’s
interior design boutique. DÉTAILS ET GRANDEUR
AFK’s flagship store opened in Beverly Lighting is like the jewelry of a room: A
Hills, California, in 2009, offering customers gleaming chandelier or glistening wall
the very best furniture, décor and interior sconce adds eye-catching glamour to the
design services for children. AFK’s selection bedroom. As with jewelry, it’s important to
is truly unparalleled, both artful and refined consider scale. In a room with a high ceiling,
in taste. Use their high quality furnishings low-hanging, tiered chandeliers function
and services to create a classy and whimsical well as the focal point of a room. Classic
bedroom for your child. French elements like crystals and candles on
a chandelier enhance a luxurious quality on
FRENCH CLASS these statement pieces. In a smaller room
Even traditional French furnishings bring with more condensed space, use smaller
about the quality of feeling “lived in” or sconces and table lamps to scatter hints
worn, which happens to be perfect for of elegance and light throughout. Don’t
a child’s bedroom. Distressed armoires forget about fixtures—select a design that
embrace a shabby style on par with gilded mimics or highlights the overall theme in
dressers and upholstered chaises, and the bedroom.
effortless elegance has never come easier.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
25

TRÈS CHIC
Get the
LOOK
Begin by picking out a specific theme and color palette
for the bedroom. Whether it’s girly and feminine or modern
and luxe, that’s up to you. Bear in mind that lighter colors
make a room feel more airy and spacious.
Evaluate the bedroom from top to bottom, in terms

of functionality and design. Wallpaper may be a design
choice, but carpet may be a must for you. Similarly, fixtures
and lighting need to be considered for both purposes.
Consider your main pieces of furniture—armoires,

dressers, beds, tables and chairs. This is where the fun
begins, as you select the pieces that fit into your theme.
FRENCH STYLE
Décor pieces are key in establishing the overall feeling of

the bedroom. Add these pieces last to create a personalized
sanctuary for your child.
26

SOFT TOUCHES
From a pink, tufted headboard to a silk canopy
that hangs above the bed, fabric plays a pivotal
role in the bedroom. Mix and match fabrics to
achieve a sophisticated and layered look, allowing
the subtle textures of cotton and rayon to balance
with more delicate materials, like lace or velvet.
Consider pattern, too—use a checkered pattern to
achieve a French-country style, or opt for a more
classic, Old World feeling with a toile pattern.
For a more French-inspired look, focus on the
details—frills around the edges of pillows or tassels
at the bottom of drapes. Even ribbons and bows
have the power to elevate a room with one more
layer of fabric and one more splash of color.
PLAYFUL ACCENTS
A child’s room is incomplete without cheerful
accessories and colorful artwork. Allow the
selection of accessories in a child’s room to define
or enhance the theme. Ballerina or princess,
country or couture—these themes will surely lift
spirits and create a happy place.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
27
FS-1871-TresChic.EP-CX.indd 27 7/8/18 11:05 PM

DÉLICIEUX
L’ART DES
STYLED BY SHIRLIE KEMP
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHIRLIE KEMP
Hors d’œuvre
FRENCH STYLE
TREAT YOUR GUESTS TO A FESTIVITY OF DELECTABLE HORS D’OEUVRE.

28
FS-1871-Delicieux.EP.indd 28 7/3/18 5:20 AM

ONE BITE OF
THESE SUMPTUOUS
GARDEN-FRESH
HORS D'OEUVRE WILL
INSTANTLY TRANSPORT
YOU TO FRANCE.
THE FRENCH ARE KNOWN TO DINE SLOWLY

AND PURPOSEFULLY because a meal should not
be a quick affair. That is true for dainty dishes like hors
d’œuvre. In France, the phrase “hors d’œuvre” is the
singular and the plural form of the word and describes
a small savory dish. Hors d’œuvre can be presented at
the table or passed around on trays among guests and is
served before a meal.
Savor the flavors of French cooking with four recipes
sure to make your next gathering un succès français. After
cooking up these recipes for a perfectly authentic French
gathering, don’t forget to encourage your guests to also
dine like the French. By leaving the dishes available
for your guests to serve themselves, they will be able to
enjoy these dishes and each other’s company at their
own relaxed pace.
[right, top] YOU CAN’T HAVE A FRENCH-INSPIRED

gathering without cheese. Assemble a cheese and fruit plate as
an appetizer for your guests to enjoy as they arrive. • [right] With
figs coming in season in early autumn, make the most of this
delectable fruit by serving it at your gathering. Cut your figs in
half and serve them as nature intended. • [opposite] This apple
FA L L 2 0 1 8
tart is a delicious French dessert and a great option for your

gathering. Keep it on display throughout the evening so your
guests can admire the beautiful apple-slice arrangement.
29

DÉLICIEUX
FRENCH STYLE
ANTIQUE SHELVING looks like a rustic French way to display jars of pickles, stacks of crackers and other condiments for your party.
30

Caramelized Fennel, Onion and Gruyère Tart
1 bulb fennel, halved and thinly sliced
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoon olive oil
All-butter shortcrust pastry sheet
2 large eggs
½ cup cream
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup grated gruyère cheese
Chopped chives, to serve
OFFER YOUR GUESTS a refreshing
lemon and lavender drink that’s perfect for the 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
garden setting. 2. Sauté the fennel and the onions in oil until golden brown then
cool completely.
3. Unroll the pastry sheet and use to line a shallow baking pan.
4. Cover the pastry with half of the cooked onion and fennel.
Celeriac Remoulade Beat together the eggs, cream and seasonings and stir in the
Juice of 1 lemon grated cheese.
1 small celeriac (celery root), peeled 5. Pour this over the remaining fennel and onions.
6 tablespoon good-quality mayonnaise 6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes until pastry is golden and
2 tablespoon whole-grain mustard filling has set. Top with chopped chives and serve.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoon crème fraîche Tarte aux Pommes
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 13 ounce pack of puff pastry, preferably all-butter
5 large baking apples (such as Granny Smith)
1. Tip the lemon juice into a bowl. Thinly Juice of 1 lemon
slice the peeled celeriac, then cut each slice 2 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
into matchsticks and toss in the lemon juice. 2 tablespoon vanilla sugar (or regular sugar)
2. Mix in the other ingredients and season. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
You can eat this straight away, but if you 3 rounded tablespoons apricot conserve
leave it for a few hours, it will soften and the
flavor will mellow. 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll out the pastry to fit a greased 10-
inch diameter pan.
Slow-Roasted Garlic with Thyme 2. Peel, core and thinly slice the apples and toss in the lemon
6 plump heads of garlic juice. Arrange in rows over the pastry.
Good quality olive oil 3. Dot the top with the butter and sprinkle with vanilla sugar.
Fresh thyme leaves Bake for 20 minutes until the apples are tender and the pastry
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper is crisp. Brush with warmed apricot conserve.
Warmed rustic bread, to serve
1. Slice whole heads of garlic in half and

French onion tart
place on a baking pan with the cut side
facing up.
2. Drizzle generously with very good quality
olive oil and scatter with fresh thyme leaves,
sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper.
3. Cover with aluminium foil and bake at
350°F for 30 minutes. Then remove the
foil and continue baking an additional 10
minutes until the garlic is golden brown.
4. Squeeze out the garlic purée from each
FA L L 2 0 1 8
clove and spread onto warmed bread.

31

FRENCH STYLE
32
FS-1871-HT1-HuffHarrington.EP.indd 32 7/3/18 5:27 AM

A
A SMALL APARTMENT WITH STAGGERING
VIEWS OF THE EIFFEL TOWER IS IMBUED WITH
FRENCH STYLE THROUGH THE ARTISTRY OF
TWO DESIGNERS FROM ATLANTA.
PARISIAN
ROMANCE BY AUTUMN KRAUSE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY FOLLOWILL
WWHEN ANN HUFF AND MEG HARRINGTON OF HUFF

HARRINGTON HOME SAW THEIR CLIENT’S TURN-OF-
THE-CENTURY PARISIAN APARTMENT, they described
it as a darling ugly duckling of a space. However, they weren’t
deterred. Instead, they saw the apartment’s high ceilings, French
doors, natural light and jaw-dropping views of the Eiffel Tower
and knew they could transform it for their client, who runs a
home ownership/rental company. “For us, this was a dream job,
to create a jewel box-style space—sort of the equivalent of a
little black dress for an apartment,” Ann says. With the client’s
creative construction team on site and the Huff Harrington
duo happily commuting from Atlanta, a plan was put in place
to maximize the square footage of the apartment by replacing
walls and floors and installing two new bathrooms, a kitchen and
a bedroom. By the time everything was done, the ugly duckling
apartment had transformed into a beautiful swan of a space.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
33

FRENCH STYLE
TWO RUSTIC CHAIRS and a flowerbox romanticize the terrace, making it

a wonderful space to enjoy the staggeringly beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower.
34

BOTH ANN AND MEG
HAVE A PASSION FOR
ART. “We love finding
original pieces to incorporate
into our designs,” Meg says.
In addition to their décor
boutique, they also have a fine
art gallery, so it only made
ROOM WITH A VIEW sense that the Kelley Ogburn
Ann and Meg found inspiration in the rich painting set the stage for the
living and dining room décor.
history of the Haussmann building, where
the apartment is located, and the surrounding
neighborhood. “We decided to go with classic,
understated and rich décor that would enhance
and not compete with the apartment’s pretty
features,” Meg says. For the living room, they
sourced a sassy and beautifully painted figure by
Kelley Ogburn from Huff Harrington Fine Art
and let the painting’s palette dictate the color
scheme, drawing out its hues of gold, charcoal,
pink and touches of chartreuse green. A hide rug
anchors the room while an Italian-made sleeper
sofa and a spectacular Louis mirror create a
stunning pairing.
However, one of the greatest features of the
living room is just outside the French doors: a
clear view of the Eiffel Tower. All the windows
face the famous landmark and inhabitants can
pretty much see it from wherever they are in the
living or dining rooms. “There’s nothing more
magical than turning out all the lights, pouring a
glass of bubbles and settling down to watch the
hourly evening Eiffel Tower light show sparkle
and twinkle,” Ann says.
DINING DIVINE
In order to create a sense of space in the dining
and living room areas, Ann and Meg imple-
mented one of their favorite tricks. “We faced
two mirrors across from one another and hung
a chandelier between them,” Meg says. “Not
only do you get a gorgeous reflection of light and
crystal, but you instantly get two chandeliers!”
They envisioned a round dining table and
found the perfect one at les Puces, a Paris flea
market. “It got a mini-makeover before it was
ready to take its final place of honor in the
dining room,” Ann recalls. Elegant chairs with
oval backs from a Parisian vendor tie in with the
shape of the table while triple-lined silk window
treatments elongate the space. (The curtains,
also used around the French doors, were made
by Huff Harrington’s Atlanta workroom and
brought over in suitcases.) It’s an exquisite place
FA L L 2 0 1 8
to dine, with sophisticated touches imbued with

Parisian romance.
35

IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE THE
APARTMENT’S SPACE, Ann and Meg
created an open floorplan while keeping the
original French doors (but framing them in
custom drapes). A spectacular Louis mirror
gives off Versailles vibes while also doing
double duty to expand the apartment. Small
light sconces glimmer on either side and
tie in with its gilded finish.
FRENCH STYLE
36

FA L L 2 0 1 8
37

THE DINING ROOM IS
A BEAUTIFUL BLEND
OF OLD, new and custom
furnishings, showing the Huff
Harrington team’s ability to find
unique and stylish interiors.
FRENCH STYLE
“For example,” Ann says, “a

round dining room table is an
unexpected yet exciting departure
from a typical rectangle.”
38

DELICATE DETAILS, LIKE THE
PETITE SCONCES AND SIDE
TABLES, feel ethereally French and give
the master bedroom lightness. They add
strong style without dominating the small
room. “Everything comes together to create
a sleek new bedroom,” Meg says.
FRENCH DREAMS
A new master bedroom was added,
and the muse behind its design
was an Hermès scarf that Ann and
Meg stumbled upon at one of their
favorite Paris fairs. “Once we saw its
rich colors and elegant equestrian
pattern, we knew we had our master
bedroom inspiration,” Meg says. “It
set the tone with soft blues, greens
and golds that all play together to
create a soothing and chic space.”
There was very little square footage
in the room, so Ann and Meg got
creative with bedside tables and
lighting. They found a pair of dark
and diminutive nightstands, which
were proportioned to the space, and,
to add a little sparkle to the wall, they
hung decorative crystal sconces on
either side of the framed scarf. The “FOR US, THIS WAS A DREAM
bedroom is now a lovely space to
dream away—in French, of course. JOB TO CREATE A JEWEL
Ann and Meg are always motivated BOX-STYLE SPACE—SORT
to create beautiful spaces, and this
one, which reflects a perfect mix of OF THE EQUIVALENT OF A
old and new and incorporates one-of-
a-kind furnishings, embodies true joie
LITTLE BLACK DRESS FOR
de vivre. The apartment has fittingly AN APARTMENT.”
been christened “Cairanne,” after the
FA L L 2 0 1 8
delicious Côtes du Rhône wine.

39

“THERE’S THAT FEELING
WHEN YOU KNOW
YOU’VE FOUND WHAT
I LIKE TO CALL A
‘TREASURE,’ THAT
UNIQUE AND FADED PIECE
FROM THE PAST THAT YOU
HAVE TO BRING HOME,
OTHERWISE YOU RISK
NEVER FINDING IT AGAIN.”
FRENCH STYLE
40
FS-1871-HT2-ShabbyWhites.EP.indd 40 7/4/18 12:25 AM

Beautiful
LIVING
FEAST YOUR EYES
ON THE CHARM
OF A PARIS
APARTMENT THAT’S
GLAMOUROUS YET
EASYGOING. BY JO-ANNE COLETTI
W
STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIANA ANZOLA
WHITE IS THE COLOR OF ELEGANCE. STEP INTO A HOME

DRESSED IN WHITE AND YOU ARE TRANSPORTED TO A
PEACEFUL PLACE WHERE CARES AND WORRIES SEEM TO
FLOAT AWAY. Designer Adriana Anzola fashioned her Paris apart-
ment using an eclectic mix of white furnishings, French antiques, crystal
chandeliers and shabby accents. Adriana’s style is timeless and strikes the
perfect balance of beauty, comfort and glamour.
ADRIANA BELIEVES
FLOWERS add a sense
of romance and tranquil
beauty to her home and
incorporates them in all
aspects of her design.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
41

LE COUP DE FOUDRE
Paris flats are notoriously dark, so when Adriana began renovat- ARCHITECTURAL
ing her small Paris apartment, she went all out with wall-to-wall IMPRESSIONS ARE
whites and creams. Located just around the corner from Palais THE SHOWSTOPPERS
Garnier, the Paris opera house, the home’s stylish architecture HERE—crown molding,
was one of the elements that caught Adriana’s eye straight away. parquet floors, a marble
“The Haussmann buildings with their exquisite molding on the fireplace, carved-wood
detailing, iron railings, a
ceilings and walls are one of the most stunning features of a
stunning balcony, and the
Parisian home,” she says. “It was love at first sight.”
double-door floor-length
Living smart in a petite space can pose a challenge, but windows with a magnificent
Adriana took advantage of the natural light from the large view of the streets of Paris.
French windows and furnished the space with airy, cottage
finds. Adriana shops the Paris flea markets weekly in search for
beautiful French antiques; it became her obsession and biggest
thrill. “There’s that feeling when you know you’ve found what I
like to call a ‘treasure,’ that unique and faded piece from the past
that you have to bring home, otherwise you risk never finding it
again,” Adriana says.
French interiors can be heavy on the fancy meter, so Adriana
FRENCH STYLE
chose humble, painted furnishings with plenty of patina to

create an interesting contrast. The end look is casual, graceful
and charming.
42

“FLOWERS ARE A SOURCE
OF INSPIRATION FOR ME.
I ALWAYS KEEP FRESH
FLOWERS AT HOME AND
EVEN FIND IT HARD TO
DISPOSE OF THEM ONCE
THEY’VE FADED AWAY.”
FA L L 2 0 1 8
43

FRENCH STYLE
44

(opposite)
IN THE KITCHEN,
Adriana maximizes the space
with freestanding vintage
cabinets and open shelving to
showcase her pretty dishes
and kitchen necessities.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
45

LA ROMANCE
FRANÇAISE
French shabby design portrays a simplistic aesthetic with airy,
open spaces. It uses minimal accessories and avoids unnecessary
items. Here are some tips to get the look in your own home.
Blooms: Fresh flowers are a must in every room, particularly roses and hydrangeas,
which are incredibly popular in French décor.
Palette: White, cream, pale blue, light pink and gray are perfect bases. Walls and floors
are painted white or gray or left natural.
Furnishings: Slipcovered sofas and chairs in white, gray or tan are key pieces. The
wood furniture of choice is blond birch, white pine, beech and alder or painted in pale
colors. Window treatments are bare or dressed in lace or white muslin.
FRENCH STYLE
Accessories: Hand-embroidered textiles, velvet, damask, lustrous silks, large ornate

mirrors, French gold and gilded accessories, crystal chandeliers, architectural elements,
carved furniture, garden statuary, and candles offer a fresh and chic look.
46

PRETTINESS, EVEN IN THE
KITCHEN—Mixing vintage French china
and flatware is what makes everything extra
special in this setting. Vintage pieces have so
many details that you don’t really need to add
much more to your table, just a pretty bunch of
flowers of course! The perfect balance between
shabby and chic.
UN PEU D’ATMOSPHÈRE
Adriana’s apartment maybe limited in
space but that doesn’t stop her when it
comes to creating the perfect ambiance
for a special occasion. She entertains
frequently on her balcony overlooking
some of the most gorgeous Haussmann
buildings—a much-loved spot for guests.
“I love to have dinner parties, and
flowers are a big part of my settings,”
Adriana says. “I spread around rose pet-
als to make the table look effortless even
if it took me hours to figure out where to
place that teacup. Attention to detail can
be fascinating and very-well appreciated
by my family and friends.” She loves
mixing French style and country design
and believes they are the perfect balance
between elegance, comfort and Old
World beauty.
Pale and muted colors are Adriana’s
favorites combined with raw wood
and white furnishings. There’s also her
love of roses. “Flowers are a source of
inspiration for me,” she says. “I always
keep fresh flowers at home and even find
it hard to dispose of them once they’ve
faded away. I appreciate their beauty in
every stage of their lives.”
Adriana has been living in her Paris
apartment for five years now and has
accumulated all sorts of bits and pieces
that she has collected throughout the
years. “I’ve managed to create a place
that is very dear to me,” Adriana says.
“It is my jewel, and one that I lovingly
FA L L 2 0 1 8
call home.”
47

FRENCH STYLE
ADRIANA’S SLEEPING CHAMBER IS EQUALLY BEAUTIFUL. An oasis of white

invites the bliss of leisurely napping and dreaming. She embraces a soft palette with hints of
color, an Italian Florentine nightstand, a French chandelier and sumptuous, plump bedding.
48

“I LOVE MIXING
GLAMOUR AND
COUNTRY. IT’S
AS IF THESE TWO
WERE MEANT TO
BE TOGETHER
TO CREATE THAT
PERFECT BALANCE
BETWEEN ELEGANCE,
COMFORT AND OLD
TIME BEAUTY. “
FA L L 2 0 1 8
49

Le Petit VALA COUPLE FINDS BLISS AND HISTORIC MEANING
FRENCH STYLE
IN AN 18TH-CENTURY HALF-TIMBERED HOME IN

THE COUNTRYSIDE OF FRANCE.
50
FS-1871-HT3-PetitVal.EP.indd 50 7/4/18 12:37 AM

N NESTLED ON THE NORTHWEST COAST OF
FRANCE, NORMANDY IS A PLACE THAT BOASTS
A RICH HISTORY AND UNIQUE APPRECIATION
FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS. But husband and wife
Kees and Thérèse first discovered the allure of Normandy
by chance. Passing through on their way home from sum-
mer holidays in Spain and Portugal, the couple was drawn
to its lush green valleys. The couple began to dream of a
summer home in Normandy, and with a little persistence, it
wasn’t long before their dream became a reality.
BY JESSIE YOUNT WITH MIEKE VENDEL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNEKE GAMBON/COCO FEATURES
STYLED BY JEANETTE PHILIPSE
FA L L 2 0 1 8
51

A DELICATE LACE CLOTH
displays beautifully over an old linen
tablecloth and a floral handbag made
by Thérèse drapes over a French
antique chair.
FINDING A HOME
The couple’s dream was met with some resistance at
first, but after a year of searching, their luck changed:
They found their dream home. The first time Kees and
Thérèse set eyes on their summer home, it was love at
first sight. The pair gazed upon a small, half-timbered
house surrounded by greenery and meadows. The sun
cast its fading light onto the scene, surrounding the
home in a gentle glow. “It just seemed to be waiting for
us, and so we bought it without hesitation,” Thérèse
says. The couple adds that Normandy offered a nice
contrast to the drier southern countries that they were
FRENCH STYLE
used to. Instead, Normandy was full of “green mead-

ows, apple orchards with grazing cows, gentle hills,
beautiful half-timbered houses and, last but not least,
the very friendly inhabitants of Normandy.”
52

“WHEN WE VISITED
THE HOME FOR
THE FIRST TIME ...
WE SAW A SMALL,
VERY OLD BUT
ADORABLE HALF-
TIMBERED HOUSE
SURROUNDED
BY LUSH GREEN
MEADOWS. IT JUST
SEEMED TO BE
WAITING FOR US.”
FA L L 2 0 1 8
53

FRENCH STYLE
54

A
CAST-IRON
woodstove adds warmth,
charm and ambience to the
dining room. Around the table are
four antique Lloyd Loom chairs painted
by Kees. On the table: homemade
muffins on a serving dish, an antique
English tea set, glass carafes
and French antique china and
silverware make for an
inviting setting.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
55

THE KITCHEN, WITH AUTHENTIC
FRENCH FLOOR TILES, a French antique chair
and bistro table and old kitchen cupboards, is the
epitome of Old World charm.
FRENCH STYLE
56

RICH HISTORY
The house was originally built for a worker and his family, so it was
very small and primitive. Over the years, the couple transformed the
space, creating a bathroom, extra bedrooms and an outdoor area for
leisure and activities. In the attic, the couple created a study for Kees
and a workspace for Thérèse.
Although the couple had to put a lot of hard work into the home,
the house’s history makes it all the more special. One day, the son
of the worker who originally inhabited the home came to visit. He
told Thérèse and Kees about his time as a child, and his wonderful
memories of growing up in the house. He told them that “the whole
family always slept together in the large living room, gathered next to
each other in front of the large fireplace.” This anecdote brings new
FA L L 2 0 1 8
meaning to the home, adding a sense of togetherness and family.

57

THÉRÈSE
DESCRIBES THE
HOME AS A COZY
MESS.“I DON’T
WANT TO LIVE IN
A SHOWROOM,”
THÉRÈSE SAYS.
FRENCH STYLE
58

RESTORED BEAUTY
After purchasing their lovely home
in the countryside, Kees and Thérèse
invested their energy in preservation
and renovation. The couple’s main
goal during the renovation process
was to respect and maintain the au-
thentic style of the house and its sur-
rounding area. To this end, Thérèse
adds, “we joined ‘Maison Paysannes
de France,’ a French organization
that wants to increase awareness
about the original architecture of
historic French buildings.”
Maison Paysannes de France offers
workshops, teaching people original
building techniques from earlier
times. Thérèse and Kees took part in
a workshop where they learned about
a technique known as torchis. Torchis
is a mixture of soil, straw and loam
that was traditionally used to fill the
spaces between the beams of half-
timbered houses, like Thérèse and
Kees’ home. “The isolating features
of torchis are much better, and it is
more flexible than cement, which will
eventually crack,” Thérèse says.
A CHARMING
NOOK in the
hallway features
a self-made
storage cupboard,
decorative
straw hats and
authentic French
tiles on the floor.
Thérèse keeps a
collection of wicker
baskets around
to house laundry,
bedding and other
household items.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
59

A SMALL TABLE IN
THE CORNER where
Thérèse always sits when
she is using the phone. In
the vintage pot, some dried
hydrangeas next to an old
"dictionary Larousse." On
top sit two old ink bottles.
The wall displays some
antique handkerchiefs
Thérèse framed in an old
picture frame. The chair
is French antique. The
window offers a beautiful
wide view on the valley.
ALFRESCO AFFAIR
The couple yearned for more outdoor space to enjoy the valley and later
purchased more surrounding land. This expansion allowed them to create
a larger garden with a lot of roses and a vegetable garden. “More work for
us, but we both love it,” Thérèse adds.
On the southern side of the home, the roofing was extended to create
a covered terrace. Thérèse says it was “the best decision ever!” Many
of their months during the summer season, or la belle saison, are spent
FRENCH STYLE
reclining and relaxing under the roofed terrace. Kees’ workspace also
fits under the extended roofing, allowing Kees to take up his hobby of
carpentry and making renovations and updates easier than ever before.
60

FRENCH DETAILS
A brocante, or French vintage, theme
carries throughout the interiors. About
10 years ago, the couple decided to
paint the interior walls in a warm,
white tone, adding an airy and spa-
cious appeal to the home. Although
the couple was reluctant after having
learned that many original inhabitants
painted the interiors of their houses
white, the decision was finalized.
The lighter walls provide contrast to
the furniture and décor pieces. Most
of the furniture was hand made by
Kees, but French antique and vintage
furniture also populate the home.
Meanwhile, dainty décor pieces,
including handkerchiefs, antique
European dishes and an assortment
of vintage pots, baskets and candle
holders add whimsy and elegance to
complete the design. “Harmony and
serenity are two features that describe
our interior decoration very well,”
Thérèse adds.
BLISSFUL HAVEN
Although the home is decorated with
beautiful French antiques, Thérèse
describes the home as a cozy mess.
“I don’t want to live in a showroom,”
Thérèse says. When Thérèse isn’t gar-
dening, she’s typically in her workspace
working with fabrics. “I love working
with fabrics, preferably antique lace,
ribbons and linen,” Thérèse adds. Her
beautiful romantic creations can be
found in local markets or on Etsy.
Thérèse and Kees love spending
time in their treasured and well-used
second home in Normandy, where
they’ve made many friends; their lives
have become even more cozy with the
purchase of their romantic property in
FA L L 2 0 1 8
the French countryside.

61

FRENCH STYLE
62

UNDER THE ROOFED TERRACE are two white painted wicker
chairs and table that Thérèse purchased at a brocante shop in Den Bosch,
Netherlands. On the table, some plant pots and a vintage garden shovel.
On the gravel tiles, a vintage French basket with some roses from the
garden. Hanging against the wall, a vintage bird cage with two doves.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
63

THE FORMER
HAYSTACK has
been turned into a
welcoming entrance
hall. Light comes in
but the heat stays out
thanks to the thick
stone walls.
FRENCH STYLE
64
FS-1871-HT4_EarthlyOasis.EP.indd 64 7/4/18 12:48 AM

Earthy
A REFINED COUNTRYSIDE
VILLA CAPTURES THE HEART
WITH INVENTIVE DESIGN
AND AL FRESCO APPEAL.
OASIS
BY CHANTAL HINTZE
STYLING BY WILMA CUSTERS
N
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENEE FRINKING
NESTLED IN A NEARLY 3-ACRE PLOT OF LAND

RICH IN MEDITERRANEAN SHRUBBERY, this
ancient farmhouse may appear as though the past centu-
ries have treated it kindly when, in fact, it took Elisa and
Cristiano Russo’s hard work and love of history to restore
the farm back to its former glory. It all started shortly af-
ter the couple met in 2006. “We met in Milan, but after a
brief chat, we discovered we were both from Sicily,” Elisa
remembers. “Amazed by this, we decided to spend a few
days together on our beloved island.”
Elisa and Cristiano used their first holiday together
to explore the Ragusa countryside along the island’s
southeast coast. The late Baroque towns are a (UNESCO)
World Heritage Site. “This part of Sicily has been left
unchanged by the flow of time. It’s a place where the
endless silences are broken only by the chirping of
crickets and the gushing of the sea,” Elisa says. “We
were astonished that so much beauty could have been
preserved with no sign of degradation.”
Cristiano was particularly taken by the impressions
of that weekend. “After only 48 hours, he told me that
this would be the place we would return to with our
children,” Elisa says. “Back then, we’d been together for
less than a month, but in that moment, our quest for a
Sicilian farmhouse had begun.”
THE ANTIQUE DOOR of an old Sicilian mansion has been given

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a new lease on life at the Elisa and Cristiano’s idyllic farmhouse.

65

EVENINGS ARE SPENT
on comfy sofas around
the fireplace. Passionate
about her heritage, it
was important to Elisa
to give the farmhouse an
authentic Sicilian feel. As
such, she has decorated
the fireplace with ceramics
from Caltagirone, a Baroque
town located in the heart
of the island that has come
to be known as “The City of
Sicilian Ceramics” due to its
thousand-year-old tradition.
FRENCH STYLE
66

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67

THE KITCHEN IS
ARMORED with plenty
of storage, including this
French blue island that
doubles as a serving buffet.
FRENCH STYLE
68

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CEMENT COUNTERTOPS ensure that the kitchen is ready to withstand the next century.
The colorful tiles give the kitchen a playful, retro feel.
69

LA RECHERCHE
Three years and countless scouting
trips later, they finally stumbled upon
the house they had been looking for.
“We were driving along a beauti-
ful, panoramic road leading to the
Irminio River Nature Reserve when
we spotted three stone houses built
around a charming courtyard,” Elisa
says. Being a gemologist, she knows
how to look beyond a rough exterior
and see the precious potential that
awaits within and was undeterred by
the collapsed roof and the charred
walls of the higgledy-piggledy com-
plex of rural buildings. “We immedi-
ately knew that it would be this place
or nothing else and danced in the
cowshed like two children in a toy
shop―we had found it!”
A few months later, they presented
their ideas for a faithful renovation
of their farm to the Authority of
Cultural Estates and were granted
permission. “These single-floor
farmhouses, built in a quadrangle
with one side open as if to symbolize
a hug or protection for those inside,
were typical in the days when
peasants were given the opportunity
to build their own houses to manage
the land granted to them by their
landowner,” Elisa explains. “With so
much history attached to it, it was
important to us to conserve as much
of the building’s authentic character
as possible.”
“WE IMMEDIATELY KNEW In order to achieve this, the pair
went to great lengths. All of the
THAT IT WOULD BE THIS thick stone walls were repointed
PLACE OR NOTHING ELSE AND with a mixture of washed sand and
natural lime binder, giving them their
DANCED IN THE COWSHED soft, yellow color, which contrasts
so beautifully with the azure skies.
LIKE TWO CHILDREN IN A TOY Layers of cement were delicately
FRENCH STYLE
SHOP—WE HAD FOUND IT!” removed from the courtyard’s

cobblestones and a century-old
olive tree was planted in the center.
70

THERE’S PLENTY
OF ROOM around
the big table, but most
days, food is served
in the al fresco dining
area, complete with
outdoor kitchen.
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71

“It looked harmonious, like it had
always been there,” Elisa says. “The
height of the building and the height
of the tree were in perfect balance.”
But even rural retreats need a
little comfort, especially when it
comes to keeping them warm during
the winter months. To avoid the
installation of visible radiators, the
pair opted for underfloor heating―a
big undertaking if you are set on
preserving your existing floor. “I
loved the limestone floor in the
haystack, which we converted in the
entrance hall and wanted to continue
the look,” Elisa says. “So, we had to
remove every single stone before a
craftsman could crop them to create
enough space for the heating system
to be fitted underneath.”
Her desire to retain the historical
appearance and keep the original
spirit of the farmhouse intact
didn’t stop there. The roof needed
to be replaced for structural
reasons, but Elisa was determined
ELISA AND
CRISTIANO HAD the to avoid replacing the old roof
iron four-poster bed in with a new one and went looking
their master bedroom for alternatives. “After a month
shipped over from of searching, I heard about some
Florence. All bed linens barracks that had been destroyed in
are by the Italian company a recent earthquake; however, the
Tessitura Calabrese. ancient roof had survived unscathed.
Nevertheless, it was going to be
discarded, and I was very happy we
were able to give it a new home and
new lease on life,” Elisa says. “Even
today, the result of that puzzle of
beams that arrived on our doorstep
leaves me speechless, and I think it’s
the coolest thing about the house.”
“QUITE OFTEN, VISITORS BELIEVE THAT THE STORY

FRENCH STYLE
OF THE HOUSE IS A SIMPLE LEGEND. FOR ME, THAT’S

THE BEST POSSIBLE COMPLIMENT.”
72

FANCY A ROMANTIC
GETAWAY? The farmhouse is
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available for rent via The Thinking

Traveller. The farmhouse can
accommodate up to 10 guests
across its five bedrooms.
73

THE BATHTUB on the mezzanine floor of the
guestroom stems from an ancient public bath in
Ragusa and comes with an ocean view.
FRENCH STYLE
74

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IN THE BATHROOM, an Old World-style sink, a metal mirror and light fixture and straw baskets are the perfect nod to Tuscan décor.
75

THIS EYE-CATCHING
BEDROOM steals the show with
twin beds in tranquil blue and
cream. A lace curtain pulled back
FRENCH STYLE
with boat rope chimes perfectly

with the home’s rustic feel while
also being reminiscent of the ocean
that’s just a stone's throw away.
76

LA PRÉSERVATION
The respect for the historical memory
of the farmhouse was also extended
to its pertaining grounds. Landscape
architects from BB Paesaggio (http://
www.bbpaesaggio.it) planted a garden
true to its Mediterranean roots with the
intention of reviving some of the island’s
traditional vegetation. They planted
more than 600 native shrubs, 50 olive
trees as well as a patch of Timilia wheat,
a 2,000-year old grain cultivated solely
in one corner of Sicily. And by adding
an array of aromatic herb bushes, such
as rosemary and lavender, they created
an oasis for all the senses. “All the colors,
the rich greens dotted with colorful
blooms, are beautiful and were all care-
fully chosen,” Elisa says. “The landscape
architects have designed the garden ac-
cording to the xeriscape method, which
seeks to minimize the need for water by
using drought-tolerant plants, ideal for a
semiarid climate like Sicily’s.”
Once the exterior of the farmhouse
was fit for its new life in the 21st century,
Elisa was able to start work on the
interiors. “My first thought was that
it had to be eclectic in style to reflect
all the different feelings this space had
stirred up in me,” she says. “Therefore,
I mixed several styles: rural to enhance
its authentic character, second-hand
furniture to highlight the peasant and
non-aristocratic nature of the house,
Sicilian classics for their uniqueness, but
with some Provençale influences because
of the extreme likeness to the stone
houses of Southern France.”
The result is a toned-down interior
that enhances the rustic character of the
ancient farmhouse without competing
for attention. “Quite often, visitors
believe that the story of the house is
a simple legend,” Elisa says. “For me,
that’s the best possible compliment.”
After years of dreaming, searching
and renovating, she, Cristiano and their
three children can now enjoy the natural
beauty of their farmhouse and the ELISA LIKES TO MIX AND MATCH ELEMENTS to create drama—like
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surrounding countryside for many years natural wood furniture, metal materials and a hint of delicate laces to add texture,
to come. softness and interest.
77

HANGING OUT
ON THE PATIO with
FRENCH STYLE
family and friends is the

best way to wile away a
summer’s day.
78

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WHEN THE SCORCHING MIDDAY SUN beats down on you, it’s nice to have a shaded spot to withdraw to.
79

FRENCH STYLE
80
FS-1871-HT5-FrenchManor.EP.indd 80 7/4/18 12:59 AM

Circa
BY HANNAH ALSTON
STYLED BY AURELIEN-BAPTISTE SAVOYEN AND JULIE HUH
1883
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECKY NORMAN
A MANOR IN LOIRE EXUDES CLASSIC

AND REGAL ELEGANCE.
W
WHEN THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF
THE PARISIAN LIFESTYLE GETS TOO
CHAOTIC, URBANITES OFTEN RETREAT
TO PAYS DE LA LOIRE. Known for its
world renowned wine and spectacular archi-
tectural inspiration, Julie Huh knew this was
where she wanted to purchase an estate. “The
French Manoir,” a tranquil 4,600-square-foot
estate owned by Julie and designed by David
de Decker, lies on a sizeable 2 acres. Ponds,
gardens and farmland encompass the grounds,
making this estate picture perfect. The best
part about this petit château one might ask? It
holds the character of an 1883 château yet is
renovated to last a lifetime.
A LOVELY POND is one of the many serene

components you will find at the petit château. Ease
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your mind with a stroll around the property and grasp

all of its unique charm from the exterior.
81

TWO CHANDELIERS and an eccentric
floor design invite you down the hallway where
a curvilinear staircase awaits. Following the
traditional theme, the bright walls are carved
with excellent shapes and wooden accents are
placed along the way.
FRENCH STYLE
82

THE COZY
FIREPLACE and
traditional velvet daybed
makes this space easy on
the eyes. Brass accents
continue throughout the
manor, which keeps its
vintage ambiance.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
83

GROUND FLOOR
This fully restored château shows off its traditional ele-
gance at first glance. Following the nostalgic pebble road,
a warming arrangement of roses beside a rustic white
door awaits. Through the alluring door lies an awe-in-
spiring foyer with two delicate chandeliers bringing the
gaze down an extended hallway covered in original tile.
The hallway spills into a grandiose dining room, where
antique pieces and a French-inspired table stands in
harmony. A beautiful fireplace frames the room and adds
romantic ambience for cozy evenings by the fire. To com-
plete the lavish dining experience, a collection of fancy
French china is shown on display. For a more casual bite,
head down the hall to the kitchen for an intimate meal.
After enjoying the regional cuisine, there are more than
enough places to relax without even leaving the ground
floor. For the bookworm, there is an impressive library,
and for the moviegoer, there is an open-layout living
room with a TV.
SECOND FLOOR
When slumber beckons, there are three options to choose
from. The first bedroom, being the most lavish, is a regal
THE CHARISMA IN THIS DINING ROOM
room with stunning crown molding, a double bed, en comes from the pristine mixture of brightness and
suite bathroom and a fireplace. Antique linens from Julie’s formality. Brown wicker chairs around a simple dining
collection can be found in the charming armoire. The
FRENCH STYLE
table sits underneath a striking chandelier. The flowers

second room includes two double beds and immaculate bring a genuine and familiar flare to the space.
antique furniture purchased from a nearby château. The
third bedroom is similar to the others and contains one
84

A BEAUTIFUL FIREPLACE FRAMES THE ROOM AND ADDS
ROMANTIC AMBIENCE FOR COZY EVENINGS BY THE FIRE. TO
COMPLETE THE LAVISH DINING EXPERIENCE, A COLLECTION
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OF FANCY FRENCH CHINA IS SHOWN ON DISPLAY.

85

THE SOLITUDE OF THE
COUNTRYSIDE PAIRED WITH
FRENCH STYLE
THIS REGAL MANOR IS THE

RECIPE FOR FRENCH SERENITY.
86

FRESH FLOWERS and a
turquoise antique lamp are a
timeless duo. Working together to
build character, the rug and wood
flooring give the bed additional
elements of comfort.
double bed along with a fireplace. Both the sec-

ond and third bedroom share a bathroom, which
was added during renovation. All three bedrooms
have their own identity, yet they share a tradi-
tional French-inspired design.
THIRD FLOOR
For the ultimate relaxation location, head to the
third floor to enjoy the grand family room. Being
the only room on the floor, there are remarkable
panoramic views of the countryside and space
for the whole family to unwind. If the TV in the
downstairs living room is taken, don’t worry—the
grand family room is equipped with another TV
and additional places to lounge. Before renova-
tion, this floor consisted of two bedrooms and
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a great room. Known as the “man-cave,” this

open space was renovated for extreme comfort all
while staying true to the French look.
87

FRENCH STYLE
88
FS-1871-HT6-VillaEphrussi.EP.indd 88 7/4/18 1:06 AM

THE PINK
PALACE BY ELIZABETH FALKENBERG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCREZIA VOZZA
A
THE SEASIDE VILLA EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD
OFFERS DECADENT FRENCH INTERIORS AND
PICTURESQUE VIEWS OF THE LUSH GARDENS.
ATOP A SUMMIT ON THE PENINSULA OF SAINT-

JEAN-CAP-FERRAT, France, the rose-colored Villa
Ephrussi de Rothschild is a 1912 French mansion as de-
lightful as its French Rivera setting. Filled with Baroness
Charlotte Béatrice de Rothschild’s personal collection of
antique furniture, paintings and sculptures, the villa offers
many beautiful reasons to visit.
AGING GRACEFULLY
In 1905, Béatrice discovered Cap Ferrat and was in awe
of its natural beauty. To acquire the 17 acres of rocky and
barren land, Béatrice disputed with the King of Belgium,
who, at the time, wanted to enlarge his adjoining prop-
erty. But even that didn’t stand in Béatrice’s way. After
acquiring the land, construction of the mansion began.
Many architects and builders were involved in the home’s
creation. The multiple creative influences of many archi-
tects further added to the hybridized European style of
the home. As a member of the wealthy banking family of
the Rothschilds, Béatrice had plenty of funds to construct
and decorate her dream home on the Riviera. Seven
years later, the pink-painted villa and beautiful gardens
were completed and ready for her extravagant parties and
extensive art collection. Now managed and preserved by
The Académie des Beaux-Arts and Culturespaces, the
villa is open to visitors who want to admire the detail and
uniqueness of this pink home.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
[opposite] ON THE MANTEL of one of the villa’s fireplaces,

precious items, like the gilded clock, remain for visitors to see. Many
of the home’s pieces were sourced from royal or aristocratic origins.
89

FRENCH STYLE
THE ANTIQUE furnishings of the

drawing room create an extravagant
space for entertaining.
90

SEVEN YEARS LATER, THE
PINK-PAINTED VILLA AND
BEAUTIFUL GARDENS WERE
COMPLETED AND READY
FOR HER EXTRAVAGANT
PARTIES AND EXTENSIVE
ART COLLECTION.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
91

FRENCH STYLE
92

IDYLLIC GARDENS
Outside the home are nine exqui-
sitely landscaped gardens, which the
Ministry of Culture classify as “No-
table Gardens of France.” The beau-
tiful gardens include Spanish- and
Japanese-themed gardens, a colorful
rose garden and a garden decorated
with ornate musical fountains. The
villa’s garden area was conceived to
look like the shape of a ship when
viewed from the upper loggia of the
house. To add to this visual illusion,
the original gardeners were required
to dress like sailors. Today, the gar-
dens are the setting for the annual
Rose and Plant Festival, Painters’
Day and Azuriales Opera Festival.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW

Within the interior design of the
home is a mixture of French, Span-
ish and Italian influences. While
the house holds hundreds of works
of art, the architecture and interior
design is just as artistic. The main
patio, where Béatrice would receive
her guests, has columns made of
pink marble from Verona. Above the
patio, galleries with Hispano-Moor-
ish arches line the balconies where
the musicians once played. The
detail and extravagance of the home
is further illuminated through the
décor of candelabras, room dividers
and pattern furniture. The large
living room is notably decorated
with 18th-century painted woodwork
from Paris. The large windows bring
in additional light and provide guests
with more opportunities to admire
the outside gardens.
Béatrice’s personal apartment is GO FOR A VISIT THE INSIDE
accessed via a boudoir decorated Located in southeastern France, the WALLS of the villa
with neo-Pompeian woodwork. The villa is a popular destination for vis- are adorned in detailed
18th-century wall
room forms an oval projection and itors. Open to the public 365 days a
paintings. This wall
looks on to the bay of Villefranche- year for a reasonable admission rate,
painting shows a scene
sur-Mer. The ceiling is intricately the typical visitor can spend hours of heavenly angels.
decorated with 18th-century exploring the grounds and interior
Venetian painting. For today’s rooms as well as enjoying lunch in
visitors, shop windows in the the tea room. The extravagance and
FA L L 2 0 1 8
wardrobe of Béatrice’s apartment beauty of the villa has impressed

display 18th-century French and visitors for years and experience an
19th-century Chinese costumes. unparalleled level of French style.
93

[above] THIS PHOTOGRAPH of Béatrice is still
framed in the home. It adds a personal touch for those
visiting her villa today.
[below] PHOTOGRAPHS AND PERSONAL

ITEMS have been left on display in the home to show
visitors how the home would have looked when Béatrice
lived there. On this antique desk is a photograph of
Béatrice and others in Gaza, Egypt.
Get The LOOK

Pay homage to Béatrice’s villa without going over
your budget with these affordable design tips.
Fresh coat of paint. Changing the exterior paint color will easily
add a breath of fresh air to your home. You can go in a bold direc-
tion by choosing a rose pink like Béatrice or select a muted maroon
for a more sophisticated look.
Garden waterworks. Investing in a professional landscaper can
be an expensive commitment. Making modest changes on your
own to your garden is an affordable alternative that will make a big
difference. Start small by installing a French-style fountain in your
FRENCH STYLE
garden.
Artwork. If the excessively elaborate details of Béatrice’s villa is too
much for your home, select humble pieces of artwork from flea
markets and antique stores for the perfect compromise.
94

FA L L 2 0 1 8
95

THE VILLA is painted pink
because it was Béatrice’s favorite
color. The bright color of the villa
has led to the villa’s nickname as
“the Pink Palace.”
FRENCH STYLE
96

FROM THE UPPER WINDOW, the stretch of beautifully
maintained gardens is visible. Inspired by her voyage on the S.S. Île
de France, Béatrice suggested the garden be designed in the shape
of a ship.
[right] THE ARTWORK inside and outside the home alludes to

the detail and beauty of the craftsmanship of the past. This marble
statue is one of many attractions on display in the gardens.
THE BEAUTIFUL
GARDENS INCLUDE
SPANISH- AND
JAPANESE-THEMED
GARDENS, A COLORFUL
ROSE GARDEN AND A
GARDEN DECORATED
WITH ORNATE
MUSICAL FOUNTAINS.
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97

When
FRANCE
FINDING FRENCH
SERENITY IN THE
Meets
ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE
IS NO HARDSHIP FOR
THIS DESIGNER.
BY HELENA BERNÁLD WITH LYNN FONG
PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BY HELENA BERNÁLD
ENGLAND
French style. The words themselves seem to
carry that je ne sais quoi that evokes a pleasant feeling
in so many lovers of French design.
But what is the quintessential French style? It could
be a regal Parisian apartment where the spirit of
Louis XVI wraps itself around the gilt-framed mirrors
and sinuous sideboards hobnob with silky satins. Or
maybe the brocante-inspired eclectic country cottage
where olive trees rub shoulders with weathered
cupboards and a vintage metal bucket or two. Perhaps
it is a bit of both. And is it really possible to recreate a
corner of France anywhere?
Helena Bernáld’s residence in the U.K. offers a
successful blend of French relaxed vintage, her native
Swedish “less is more” approach and a touch of the
local English country style. Items from flea markets in
all three countries mix with upcycled and homemade
décor to create a casual and inviting home.
Helena’s home is in rural Wiltshire, England, the
southernmost tip of the Cotswolds, where there is no
shortage of picturesque villages. Here, admirers of
quirky 300-year-old cottages or grand stately homes
are in for a treat. Stunning and quintessentially
English villages such as Castle Combe—often named
the prettiest village in England—and Lacock are
just two of the numerous jewels nearby and favorite
destinations for a Sunday walk and an afternoon tea.
FRENCH STYLE
CLASSIC “LOLLIPOP” bay trees

welcome guests to this country home.
98
FS-1871-HelenaBernald.EP.indd 98 7/4/18 1:51 AM

FA L L 2 0 1 8
99

Should you feel you have reached your limit for
chocolate box cottage charm and crave a different type of
architectural eye candy, then the beautiful city of Bath, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only 10 miles away.
When Helena designed the extension for her Victorian
semi-detached house, she wanted the new installment
to keep with the old. To create an already lived-in feel
for the brand new room, she utilized reclaimed wooden
floorboards from an old Victorian hospital and distressed
new beams to fabricate a vintage look. Finally, she
furnished the dining room with a French farmhouse table
matched with distressed, recycled and upcycled finds.
The result is an inviting space where a bouillabaisse feels
right at home and the linen napkins do not feel a need to
apologize for never having heard of starch.
“EMBRACE IMPERFECTION! EVEN THE MORE LUXURIOUS

FRENCH HOMES OFTEN HAVE A LIVED-IN FEEL, WHICH
FRENCH STYLE
COMES WITH ALLOWING, OR EVEN INVITING, ITEMS THAT

ARE NOT IN PRISTINE CONDITION.”
100

LESS THAN A DECADE OLD, this extension was designed with a classic, lived-in feel in mind.
[opposite] IN THE VILLAGE OF CASTLE COMBE, the flower boxes are well planned and plentiful,
yet relaxed and untamed. A perfect marriage between timeworn dwellings and fresh foliage.
FA L L 2 0 1 8
101

[above] THE
TRANQUILITY
OF COUNTRY
LIVING. A
neutral palette
and distressed
garden furniture
echo the color
and character of
this beautiful17th-
century home.
FRENCH STYLE
102

Asked what advice she would give to anyone wanting to
HELENA BERNÁLD’S introduce a French vibe to their home, Helena opens her
RESIDENCE IN THE U.K. arms and smiles: “Embrace imperfection! Even the more
luxurious French homes often have a lived-in feel which
OFFERS A SUCCESSFUL comes with allowing, or even inviting, items that are not
BLEND OF FRENCH in pristine condition. Whether an old family portrait with
a faded frame or a creased linen cushion, it all adds to a
RELAXED VINTAGE, HER welcoming feel where the guest does not have to worry
about … well, creasing the cushions!”
NATIVE SWEDISH “LESS Someone who struggles to find the time for gardening,
IS MORE” APPROACH Helena also happily uses “French relaxed style” as an
excuse to let the moss linger between the patio slabs and
AND A TOUCH OF adds that a reliable accomplice in this scheme is lavender.
THE LOCAL ENGLISH “Just throw in lavender and a few lollipop trees,” Helena
says. “And voilà!” And what better place than this French-
COUNTRY STYLE. scented corner to indulge in some English afternoon tea
and Swedish cinnamon rolls?
FA L L 2 0 1 8
103

BIBLIO
Style FRENCH STYLE MIXES WITH VINTAGE CHARM

TO CREATE HOMES DESIGNED TO REFLECT
THOSE WHO LIVE IN THEM.
STORYTELLING BY ELIZABETH FALKENBERG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH SCOTT MORTON AND ERIC RICHARDS
FRENCH STYLE
104
FS-1871-Biblio_Carolyn.EP.indd 104 7/4/18 1:59 AM

AS THE PLACE WHERE WE LIVE OUR LIVES,
OUR HOMES SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO
BE BOTH FUNCTIONAL AND REFLECTIVE
OF WHO WE ARE. “Raised with a passion and
appreciation for detail,” Carolyn Westbrook has
always understood “home” as more than a roof
and a collection of walls. In her book Vintage French
Style, she displays multiple homes that incorporate a
unique take on French design. Throughout her visual
journey, she demonstrates that the best of vintage
and French-inspired design reflects a homeowner’s
personal life story.
FRENCH APPRECIATION
As an international hub for culture, art and music for
centuries, France has long attracted visitors and fascination
from around the world. While traveling throughout France,
Westbrook found inspiration around every corner. She
features her own home, a Texas plantation built in 1850,
in her book as an example of design with roots in French
influences. Her country house incorporates French doors,
chairs, chests and mirrors in several rooms. Recognizable
French-style furnishings like these establish a purposeful
and consistent style throughout the entire home. Vintage
French Style outlines other possibilities that arise from
incorporating French influences with vintage pieces. The
other featured homes incorporate various interpretations
of French style, such as sophisticated city elegance, château
farmhouse and Midcentury Modern.
VINTAGE TREASURES
To successfully find the balance of diverse styles,
Westbrook recommends building the design of rooms
around the unique vintage treasures that mean a lot to you.
In her home, she incorporates muted vintage rugs that
show just the right amount of timeworn qualities. Prime
antique furniture and accessories in neutral colors give
your design a longevity that new and trendier pieces can’t
always provide. As for the details of the space, adorn your
walls with vintage oil paintings, framed botanical prints
and antique mirrors. Westbrook writes that the best vintage
FA L L 2 0 1 8
French-style homes “skillfully partner inherited treasures,

while mixing new and vintage.”
105

BIBLIO
BE OUR GUEST
Westbrook loves the mixing of styles in one’s home,
not simply because this yields beautiful results but
because unique homes “reflect the spirit of those that
dwell there.” The best way to design your home is to
tell a story. While your décor may not literally talk to
your guests, they do tell your story metaphorically.
The homes featured in Vintage French Style showcase
how eclectic vintage French style can communicate
where a family has lived and traveled and what
their passions are. Westbrook writes that “like an
artist faced with a blank canvas,” homeowners turn
their home design into masterpieces by “adding and
mixing until it is just right ... for now.” Her home
design continues to evolve as she finds new vintage
pieces and grows as a person and designer. For
Westbrook, this type of home design is about finding
personal ways to incorporate vintage French design
into your home in a way that works for you.
FRENCH STYLE
106

“I FOUND
INSPIRATION
EVERYWHERE
I VISITED
IN FRANCE
AND WAS
DETERMINED
TO BRING THAT
FEELING AND
STYLE BACK
Vintage French Style:
Homes & Gardens
WITH ME.”
Inspired by a Love
of France by Carolyn
Westbrook, published
FA L L 2 0 1 8
by CICO Books, © 2018;

www.rylandpeters.com.
107

BIBLIO
HOMEGROWN
ENCHANTMENT
LEARN TO LOVE PEONIES WITH THIS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO
GROWING AND APPRECIATING THESE GORGEOUS FLOWERS.
BY LYNN FONG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGIANNA LANE
WHETHER “A FRILLED, FLOUNCED AND CURLED

CONFECTION—the Marie Antoinette of the flower
world—or blessed with a classical perfection of form like a
Greek statue,” a peony is truly enchanting to behold. In her
newest book, Peonies: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden, PEONIES BRING A STUNNING
vibrant color to any garden. Walking
Jane Eastoe’s detailed tips on cultivation and appreciation
through a field of peonies in bloom is
invites all of us to the delightful world of peonies. a delight you will never tire of, and the
Each page of Peonies introduces us to a different fragrance simply enlivens the air.
favorite variety; Eastoe separates these based on aesthetic
distinctions. “Pure” peonies are harmonious and
symmetrical, while “dramatic” types draw attention with
their striking colors and exotic patterning. Special occasions
may call for “romantic” peonies, whose delicate petals
and sweet palette make them extremely popular for spring For the inexperienced gardeners
weddings. Finally, use the particularly aromatic “fragrant” among us, cultivating a garden full of
varieties to bestow an intoxicating perfume into any space. peonies may seem like an arduous task.
There are “some 40 species of peony that grow naturally Yet, writes Eastoe, peonies “are hardy
in the wild,” Eastoe writes, but experimentation with and long lived—a span of 50 to 100
breeding and hybridizing peonies has resulted in countless years is not unusual for a peony, and
new forms. Today, peony varieties exist in the thousands, they are relatively disease resistant as
as numerous as they are each uniquely beautiful. Strolling well as fairly impervious to slugs.” If
through a garden filled with peonies is truly a “feast of you live where it rains regularly, she
visual delight,” she writes. writes, “let nature take care of the
watering for you.”
“Enjoyment is not limited to the
garden,” Eastoe writes. Peonies can
grow massive blooms, which make for
PEONIES CAN GROW MASSIVE stunning cut flowers whether alone or
BLOOMS, WHICH MAKE FOR part of a bouquet. They stay vibrant
FRENCH STYLE
for weeks in cold storage, and each

STUNNING CUT FLOWERS WHETHER variety has its own individual scent
ALONE OR PART OF A BOUQUET. that perfectly enlivens a room.
108
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FA L L 2 0 1 8
109

BIBLIO THE PEONY IS GORGEOUS
for a garden of any size. Blooms
can grow to be as large as a
cabbage, with different varieties
displaying distinct patterns,
textures and colors to fit every
person’s unique taste.
PEONIES COME IN all kinds of sizes, shapes and colors. “To aid identification,”
Eastoe writes, “the American Peony Society has classified six types of flower: the single,
the Japanese, the anemone, the semi-double, the double and the bomb.”
5 TIPS FOR A
PERFECT BLOOM
WHETHER YOU ALREADY HAVE A FEW BUSHES OR DON’T KNOW
WHERE TO BEGIN, THESE KEY TIPS WILL GET YOU ON TRACK FOR
A THRIVING PEONY GARDEN.
UNDERSTAND THE TYPES. There themselves harmless to peonies, so

are three distinct cultivations of simply clean up any dead foliage to
peony: the tree peony, the herbaceous prevent any spread of fungus.
peony and a hybrid of the two,
known as the “Itoh” peony. Each WATCH FOR WINTER. The peony
kind responds slightly differently to not only endures the cold, it needs
various climates. Herbaceous types, to stay cool in the winter in order
for example, are more comfortable in to flourish. “To develop flowers the
colder climates than tree peonies. following season,” Eastoe writes,
“peonies need a daily winter
PLANT CAREFULLY. Though they temperature of below 4˚C (40˚F) for at
are hardy once settled, peonies least six weeks.” If it gets much colder
require some care when being than that, add mulch to your garden
planted somewhere new—the right to protect roots against frost.
amount of depth and watering is key.
“Plant container-grown peonies with USE AS CUT FLOWERS. Peonies
the garden soil at the same level as the make fabulous cut flowers, so don’t
soil in the pot,” Eastoe writes. be afraid to take advantage of their
wonderful blooms! Make sure to wait
KNOW YOUR PESTS. Peonies are for the third bloom before you begin
FRENCH STYLE
naturally resistant to disease and are cutting your peonies, and put them
unappealing as food to deer or rabbits. in plenty of water when displaying.
However, its buds are attractive to If they look a bit droopy, submerge
ants, so you may see ants along the the entire flower in water to get them
stalk right before a bloom. Ants are back to vibrancy.
110

TODAY, PEONY
VARIETIES
EXIST IN THE
THOUSANDS,
AS NUMEROUS
AS THEY ARE
EACH UNIQUELY
BEAUTIFUL.
DRAMATIC PEONIES, like this

Bowl of Cream, easily capture the
center of attention. “This exquisite and
fragrant peony has a great explosion
of creamy-white petals that unfurl to
create an elegant bowl-shaped bloom,”
Eastoe writes.
Peonies: Beautiful
Varieties for Home and
FA L L 2 0 1 8
Garden by Jane Eastoe,

published by Gibbs Smith,
© 2018; gibbs-smith.com.
111

RESOURCES
ON THE COVER
Interior design: Tara Shaw Antiques &
Design. (504) 525-1131 or tarashaw.com.
HAUTE COUTURE
Page 8
Interior design: Neli Kireva. Visit
nellyvintagehome.blogspot.com or
instagram.com/neli_kireva.
GARDEN SOIRÉE
Page 16
Interior design: Shirlie Kemp.
Visit shirliekemp.com.
Styling: Fleur & Fig. Visit fleurandfig.co.uk.
Escort cards and menus: Rosy Creates.
Visit rosycreates.com.
Floral chandelier: Snowdrops Weddings.
Visit snowdropsweddingsandevents.com.
PARISIEN CLASSIQUE
Page 20
Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais.
Visit carondebeaumarchais.com.
20
DECADENCE IN DESIGN
Page 24
AFK Furniture. Visit afkfurniture.com.
L’ART DES HORS D’ŒUVRE

Page 28
Designer, Stylist and Photographer:
Shirlie Kemp. Visit shirliekemp.com.
Recipes: Tess Prince. Visit lovefoodibiza.
com or Instagram.com/lovefoodibiza.
PARISAN ROMANCE
Page 32
Interior design: Ann Huff and Meg
Harrington, Huff Harrington. Visit
FRENCH STYLE
huffharrington.com.
Painted figure: Kelley Ogburn. Visit
huffharrington.com or kelleyogburn.com.
Custom drapes: Huff Harrington. Visit
huffharrington.com.
112
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32
ROMANTIC
homes
Follow us on
BEAUTIFUL LIVING
Page 40
Antiques: Visit etsy.com/shop/Myshabbywhites. Explore beautiful and
CIRCA 1883 inspirational home décor ideas
Page 80
The French Manoir. Visit thefrenchmanoir.net. from the Romantic Homes experts.
LE FIN
Page 114
Sideboard: Everett Foyer Table, World Market.
Visit worldmarket.com or (877) 967-5362.
facebook.com/romantichomesmagazine
Antiques: Vintage Rose Collection.
Visit vintagerosecollection.com.
romantichomes.com
FS-SUM18-French Garden House 3/9/18 9:07 AM Page 1
FA L L 2 0 1 8
113
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LE FIN
FRENCH STYLE
114
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Le Bar
de la Caféine
A COFFEE, TEA AND PASTRY BAR THAT’S BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL
AND BRIMMING WITH FRENCH-COUNTRY CHARM.
WRITTEN, STYLED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JO-ANNE COLETTI
IF YOU’VE EVER STAYED AT A BED AND BREAKFAST IN FRANCE,

you know that mornings are served up with fresh fruit, in-house made pastry,
freshly baked croissants, expresso, tea and tartines with jam deliciously displayed
on a beautiful buffet table—morning treats that are commonly self-served with
everything conveniently at arm’s reach.
Useful food and drink bars have one thing in common: an efficient buffet or
console table. Here are a few tips to add a French-style caffeine bar in your home.
Begin with a console table or buffet, preferably vintage or like the new piece
shown here from World Market. This rustic console table impresses with a French-
inspired architectural style. It includes two drawers and a lower shelf that provides
ample storage for kitchen necessities. Its extended length and weathered finish
make it charmingly French and suitable for a bar.
Next, choose a coordinating color scheme for maximum impact. Here, pristine
white, natural warm-wood elements and copperware adds just the right amount of
color pop and contrast.
Add the right accessories. Wire baskets contain white coffee mugs, cereal bowls,
tea towels and cloth napkins. Cream-colored Ironstone pitchers house gold-plated
spoons, coffee pods and teabags. A marble-based, glass-domed cake stand displays
home-baked goods like croissants, scones and morning breads.
Styling around your console ties it all together. A French kitchen is not complete
without an assortment of wooden cutting-boards, white Ironstone pitchers, sap
buckets, and new and vintage copper kitchenware.
This fashionable coffee and tea bar won’t have you rushing off to the nearest
Starbucks but will transport you to a cozy French B&B, where the mornings are
easygoing and the coffee is always savored and sipped slowly.
FS-1871-LeFin.EP.indd 115 7/4/18 2:15 AM

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FRENCH

CLASSIC BLENDS OF GLAMOUR AND EASE

HOMES IN FRANCE 0 71486 01943 5

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Vivez la bonne vie,

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EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

FRENCH STYLE © 2018 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights

SINGLE COPY SALES

BOOKS, MERCHANDISE, REPRINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, NEW PRODUCTS OR TO

ENGAGED MEDIA, INC.

This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the

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COUTURE BY JESSIE YOUNT

FASHION SEEMS TO BE AN INNATE PART OF THE

remind us of high fashion at its finest.

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Treasure antiques and family heirlooms, and show them

Color is key. Opt for similar hues to maintain a cohesive

Err on the side of delicate materials, and remember that

Use flowers in sparing amounts, and pay attention to

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Regency 2-Piece Chaise,

Everett Foyer Table,

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Handmade Vintage Style Eiderdowns, Peony

The Sacré Coeur Pink

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Charbonnel Et Walker Pink

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A SOIRÉE DOESN’T NEED TO BE EXTRAVAGANT;

complementing the natural botanicals in the backyard. Pale

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Maintaining the theme of natural

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PALE PINK AND WHITE ROSES AND FRESH FRUIT

than a feeling of satisfaction and

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your plates and raid your posh

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DOWN THE STREET FROM WHERE

“THE INSPIRATION is the French 18th century,” Bigeard

century models,” and antique items are all original and

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A walking tour of the historic district is the

Don’t forget to do plenty of shopping in the

Gorgeous historical buildings are a must see

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enjoy a vacation,” says Bigeard. “That’s where I would like

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IF A BABY IS ON THE WAY, or your Skillfully crafted furnishings are another

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Evaluate the bedroom from top to bottom, in terms

Consider your main pieces of furniture—armoires,