Fine Living with Linda 

Most of us know cable television's Fine Living Network, a popular lifestyle channel featuring shows about design, travel, shopping, health, hobbies, etc. This month, Liz Gray of the channel's website, FineLiving.com interviewed Linda for an online article about the elements of true French Country design. Linda shared her insight and tips for achieving an authentic look in this popular and timeless style. Here are some excerpts from the article, which we've illustrated with photos from Linda’s current project, a French Country remodel in Kentfield, California. 

 

 

 

French Country Design

[excerpted from FineLiving.com]

Inspired by the picturesque lifestyle of the French countryside – the ivy-colored stone cottages with flourishing flower and herb gardens, roaring hearths and big, sunny kitchens – French country style is warm, casual and nature-inspired.

 Here are some classic characteristics of French country style:

French Anduze pot

An antique French anduze pot overflowing with colorful blooms brings the essence of the French countryside to this Northern California patio.
painted niche with wrought iron element

A niche gets the French Country treatment with a colorful faux painted moulding and a curvy wrought iron element.

  • A sense of antiquity. French country-inspired interiors use distressed or antique pieces.
  • Feminine fabrics. Small floral patterns, pretty lace trims and ruffles often adorn window treatments, furniture and bedding.
  • Intricate details. Designs are often added on baseboards or door frames, and furniture features elaborate carvings.
  • Cozy, relaxed and informal. The colors and fabrics used in French country spaces give them a welcoming warmth.
  • Natural inspiration. The style’s color palette is inspired by the rich shades of the flowers and plants you might find outside a French country cottage.

 

 

French country is warm with little formality, so it's ideal for people seeking a relaxed lifestyle. The spaces are ideal for entertaining, because guests don’t need to be afraid to sit on the couch.

 

 

"Fabrics have a lot going on, so if you spill wine or food on the patterned, textured fabrics, they kind of soak it up," says Applewhite.

 

 

 

 

right: A warm and vibrant Mediterranean palette is another hallmark of the style.

 French Country sofa and pillows

 

Antique Cane Bergere with Mirror

A French antique cane bergère chair finds new life with sumptuous custom cushions. The masculine brown tones of the wood floor frame the chair's more feminine curves and cool colors.

 

 

A room has more longevity if you mix styles together. Bring in elements from other countries, like Victorian frames, Turkish rugs, or Italian murals, says Applewhite.

"The wood beams and dark colors are masculine, but the fabrics give it a feminine touch," says Applewhite.  ♦

 

Click here for the complete article on FineLiving.com’s website.

 

HGTV Episodes Airing in August/September

 

 

Sensible Chic 

Tuesday, Sept. 1

8:00 am PT/ET

Modern Whimsy Living Room #713

 

 

Curb Appeal

Sunday, August 23

10:00 am ET/PT

Suburban Bungalow #1613

 Modern Whimsy Living Room

Linda's Inspiration Room for

Sensible Chic's Modern Whimsy Living Room

Airs Tuesday, September 1 on HGTV

 

For more photos and description of this project click on Portfolio / Architectural Design and scroll down to Large-Scale Luxury.

 

 

"Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment."

 

- Claude Monet