Ooh-la-la, Let’s Add Some French Style

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now and then, I wander down the “what if path?” of romance.  What if my prince galloped up to my door on his white steed and swept me off my feet?

What to do? What to say?  Although tempted to say, “What took you so long?,”  I know I’d chirp,  “Oh, yes, Prince Charming and…have you room up on that horse for my two corgis, too?”  Do?  Simple, too.  I’d buy a little ol’ chateau like this one in the French countryside because every princess wanna-be should have at least one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just south of Paris near Montargis is this 17th century home with just about everything I’ve ever dreamed of from its stately designed home to a series of gardens of different styles.  There are  roses galore, grand fountains, exquisite statuary and even….a moat, although not visible in this photo (perhaps they take it in during the day?)  It also comes with a 3.6 million dollar price tag, so end of story…or is it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While moping about the lose of my moat, I began flipping through Elle Decor.  Lo and behold, I spotted a “Hamptons Home with French Flair” and lots of ideas worthy of trying.  Check out this dining room serves up three classic French design elements: focal point prints (de Gournay chinoiserie wallpaper), mix of architectural elements (stately pedestals, urn-shaped lamps, bold moulding) and attention to detail (fretwork mirror, tailored window treatment with trimmed out draperies and upholstered valance).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although new, this triple pendant light mimics those found in French brasseries with its simple shape and matte black/brass finish.  Mixing black & white with the warmth of wood (via this 18th century table purchased at a Paris flea market) is also a classic French touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As anyone who’s spent time in the land of ooh-la-la can attest, the French know how to catch your eye whether showcasing sweets in a patisserie window or displaying things in their home.  In this kitchen, a collection of 19th century china, hotel tableware and Provencal pottery become art when placed an open shelf wood & wrought-iron French etagere.

Alas, most of us don’t get the chance to jet off to the land of ooh-la-la very often.  However, we can all infuse a touch of french style without ever packing a bag or a French language phrase book.  Here’s how.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Garden Gate mirror features an iconic French design element–metal scrollwork.  And how cool is it that the metalwork “gate” actually swings open?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

French fashion comes home with this Madeleine urn lamp that’s as shapely as a runway model.  Love the see-thru base which creates the illusion of floating light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With its clever train-ticket inspired face numbers, the Tag Time wooden clock looks as if it’s been plucked from Paris’ Gare de Nord train station.