Dreaming of French Rooms

 I often sit and think about French rooms, simply because I find them so beautiful, so comforting, so timeless. Some of these I may have posted before, and some are not located in France or totally French, but all these rooms have a certain French sensibility to them.
Above, simple, elegant curtains, a French armoire, a gorgeous chandelier - it's all very French!
Below, a French sensibility with wonderful dining chairs that look comfortable as well as chic and a wonderful sofa for after-dinner chats.

 The mirror over the mantle is so very French.  I love blue and white china in a white room.

  Below, another mantle over the fireplace, and though this room is in England, French touches give it a sophistication it would otherwise lack.

 The wallpaper is divine, the chandelier sparkling and the blue is a wonderful sweet shade that is always in style. Although the room is in England, it gets it glamour from French touches.

 I've shown this before, but this French bedroom shows just how wonderful my favorite peach color can be!

 Very feminine, this French bedroom looks as though it would be perfect for a young lady.

 Another blend of English and French bedroom decor is the bedroom below.  English comfort and French style are a great mix!

 A simple bedroom is so very French.  Look how comfortable the bed looks!

Our Apartment in Paris

We just got back from a trip to Paris where we met my son, daughter-in-law, and 3 year old grand-daughter who were on their way home from 2 years living in Mozambique. We decided to rent an apartment there for all of us, and thanks to my wonderful daughter-in-law, found a great one in a great location close to the Bastille and the Paris Opera. While we went to museums, for me (she who could live in an art museum) the great attraction of the trip was getting to be with my family in Paris, and especially with my grand-daughter, whom I had not seen since we were in Mozambique at Christmas. We arrived at the front door of the apartment building at about the same time (they had already been in Paris for a few days)and she greeted me from her stroller with the biggest smile ever saying, "It's not easy to be this glamorous!"

We loved the apartment which had 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and plenty of room for us to roam around in - a full length balcony overlooking a small street below and a large boulevard to the right. Every room was complete with a chandelier and sconces for lighting. The living room had a French marble fireplace with a large mirror over it.

Below is the combination tv room/dining room.  The only reason the tv was ever turned on was because we needed to catch up with the Tour de France. Chris and family would go to see the riders finish on the last day.

Below is the bedroom Jeff and I had.  No closets, of course, just a large armoire. Jeff's stuff filled it almost entirely (he still hasn't learned totally about downsizing and packing light).

Our bathroom was smallish, but the tub/shower area was very large.

Below, the master bedroom.

 

Below, the master bath which also featured a clear shower.

The Musee d'Orsay was a highlight, though far too crowded for my taste. A crowded art museum is awful; museums should carefully monitor the number of people allowed in at one time (and I know that they do for fire codes, but having more than 3 other people in one of the gallery rooms at one time distresses me, especially when they are not true art lovers, but people who know that they are "supposed" to visit the museum). We also went to EuroDisney (I can hardly believe I did it), but it was all totally worthwhile when we saw the large Goofy in the distance getting off the special Disney train and A. started screaming and laughing at the same time. I swooped her up and ran with her to get as close to Goofy as we could as he flapped his ears up and down; A still laughs when I remind her about Goofy. She also got her picture taken with Mickey (wait in line was approximately 45 minutes) and still talks about how his hand touched her! And I would be terribly remiss if I did not mention this: I have dealt with the French (whom I love) and know that they have a terrible reputation for being unfriendly, unhelpful, and even downright rude. I have experienced it myself. But on this trip, EVERYONE was wonderful. I don't know if it was having the 3 year old A. or if something has drastically changed, but every French person we dealt with was absolutely charming, helpful, and lovely to us, even suffering through my terrible French without being the least condescending or patronizing. I ADORE the French!

French Room Decor: Real French Dining Rooms

Today, here is a look at beautiful French dining rooms, breakfast rooms, and eat-in kitchens.  From the French country dining room to the elegant French city rooms with their crystal chandeliers, French dining rooms are a gathering place in French homes where families and friends spend their time enjoying delicious food, conversation, and the elegant table appointments.

  Above, this dining room is in France although it reminds me of many breakfast rooms I've been in in Portugal and Brazil with the lovely blue and white decor and white walls above the wainscote.

Above, pretty wallpaper, linen curtains and bay windows make this French country dining room especially beautiful. Imagine breakfasting here!

 Below, the love of French colour manifests itself in this dining room with green walls and accents of deep pink.

Above, a gallery wall adds interest to this dining room with modern elements like a concrete floor and industrial style table.

 Below, look at the wall and molding colours!  The elegant chandelier hangs over an oval table and formal French style chairs. Look at the gorgeous chevron-style floor.

Below, this French country dining room uses the bright yellow and red tile floors of Provence, but  adds modern elements such as the lighting fixtures.  The fireplace is wonderful.

Below, one of my favorite mixes of formal French elements such as the chairs and elegant china within a rustic setting. The walls look ancient (and most likely are) while wire baskets are against one wall and an elegant tapestry screen stands in the corner.

If you really want a French flavor in your own home, check out the unfinished looking French floors in so many French rooms whether formal or casual.

Below, look at the wonderful coral wall!



Below, one of my favorite eat-in kitchens in the French style. The deep peachy walls are gorgeous with the tile in back of the stove and blue-grey cabinets.  In many older French kitchens you will see fabric used to cover the lower cabinets which do not have doors.