Like a lot of decorating junkies, I go through phases of being in love with a particular style. Sometimes I crave modern spaces, sometimes it’s what I call ‘upmarket coastal’ (basically what many refer to as ‘Hamptons’ style), or it could be bright, colourful, American East-coast style. But I always come back to french provincial, or at least a little bit mixed in with whatever else I am loving. French chairs in particular are my big weakness! I am so drawn to the french grey palette (see previous post!), linen and hessian fabrics, mixed with chipped paint and a hint of gilt.
To me this is heaven in display (above)! How I love the shapes and aged patina of this mirror and candlsticks.
I am always on the lookout for pieces that fit with this look: antique french candlesticks (reproductions are around but they at least have to look antique!), grey or off-white-painted furniture and of course french chairs. Being a very impulsive person, I have sadly sold many of my ‘french’ pieces over the years when I have been in a ‘modern’ frame of mind. At the time it seemed right but I occasionally remember something I used to have and regret that I sold it so hastily. Though it does mean I can continue to shop…






Sara Tuttle's cool and colourful apartment
My work on HGTV.com
Happy Friday!
High Gloss Magazine
Christmas countdown shopping
Thank you Table Tonic!
Junk Shopping
I'm still a sucker for french provincial
Love a pop of kelly green!
Thinking of a Home Office
A little project in zig zag
Neutrals and classics
A new favourite designer: Kimberley Ayres
Warm rooms and high ceilings
Painting the back of bookshelves
see you soon..
A living room work-in-progress
Naomi Stein's apartment
Saturday House of Inspiration - Christmas







I’m starting to really love all the chinese-inspired rooms you’ve been showing lately, and I also like all the Hollywood Regency stuff that’s around at the moment, but for me french provincial is still my first love too, and the style I always seem to come back to. And I can’t seem to get rid of all my ‘french’ style furniture, I just keep adding more to it! Lovely pics
Hi Mary, yes I know what you mean. I have managed to sell many of my more ‘fancy’ french-style pieces to make way for some Asian-styles and more modern style pieces, but there’s a few chairs that I will keep. I think a mix of styles in a room looks infinitely better than all matching anyway, don’t you? Thanks so much for your comment.