French Inspired Interiors

If you'd like to add a touch of French charm to your rooms here are some photographs I'm sure will inspire you. No need to stick to just Louis XIV and antique furniture. From clean and modern, to rustic farmhouse, this collection of beautiful interiors will give you some ideas for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms.<br /><br /><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/top-images/galleries/37/Dining-Room_0989.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 789px;" title="" /><br />An oversized crystal chandelier and ceiling medallion set a traditional tone in this light and airy dining room. Louis XVI chairs covered in honey-coloured velvet and a Matelasse coverlet, used as a tablecloth.<br /><div class="photo-credit-photographer"><strong>Photography: </strong><a href="http://www.angusmcritchie.com/index_large.htm" target="_blank">Angus McRitchie</a> </div><br /><br /><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/top-images/galleries/37/268-246_SUP_HH_DE09.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 824px;" title="" /><br />Milk-glass schoolhouse light fixtures, black and white marble hex tiles and a chunky marble countertop are tried and true French bistro elements. The clean white backdrop and stainless steel appliances, meanwhile, update the look. A framed chalkboard panel with an Eiffel tower is a smart, affordable art idea that can be changed easily.<br /><div class="photo-credit-photographer"><strong>Photography: </strong><a href="http://www.michaelgraydon.ca/" target="_blank">Michael Graydon</a></div><br /><br /><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/top-images/galleries/37/XB8B0928_SUP_HH_NO09.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 837px;" title="" /><br />A home office in the corner of a bedroom. French antique furniture such as the Régence style desk, Trumeau mirror, marble topped demi-lune table and red Louis chair.<br /><div class="photo-credit-photographer"><strong>Photography: </strong><a href="http://www.monicrichard.com/monic_ang.htm" target="_blank">Monic Richard</a></div><br /><br /><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/top-images/galleries/37/_D8K2339.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 825px;" title="" /><br />A chunky wood harvest table and hurricane pendant light for this dining room. A weathered wood cabinet with exposed hinges adds to the casual, farmhouse look. Displaying framed artwork on a chair rail goes with the informal style, and allows the arrangement to be changed easily.<br /><div class="credits"> <div class="photo-credit-photographer"><strong>Photography: </strong><a href="http://www.virginiamacdonald.com/" target="_blank">Virginia Macdonald</a></div> </div><br /><br /><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/top-images/galleries/37/D8K1362_SUP_HH_OC07.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 772px;" title="" /><br />A gilded settee, upholstered in a ticking stripe fabric, is the focal point of this library. Ikea bookcases are mounted on the wall and the floral skirt along the bottom hides a storage area underneath. Accessories and framed artwork add the layers that make this room look vintage and timeworn.<br /><div class="photo-credit-photographer"><strong>Photography: </strong><a href="http://www.virginiamacdonald.com/" target="_blank">Virginia Macdonald</a></div><br /><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/top-images/galleries/37/XB8B0968_SUP_HH_NO09.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 824px;" title="" /><br />Contemporary French loft. White painted walls, a light hardwood floor and neutral rug provide a clean backdrop for a mix of French antique furniture, wall sconces and a gold and crystal candelabra. A modern sofa and ottoman, upholstered in simple white cotton, adds a current note, making the room comfortable and inviting rather than fussy and formal.<br /><div class="photo-credit-photographer"><strong>Photography: </strong><a href="http://www.monicrichard.com/monic_ang.htm" target="_blank">Monic Richard</a></div><br /><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/1/tudhope_13_HH-AP08.dining.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 705px;" title="" /><br />Large scale windows, a dramatic fireplace and the floral centrepieces create an air of elegance in this dining room. It also features a 19th century Louis XVI mirror, French Directoire chairs and a mahogany Regency dining table, offset by warm quarter sawn oak flooring.<strong><br />Photography: </strong>Ted Yarwood<p><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/top-images/galleries/37/MattCarr65_SUP_HH_JA10.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 734px;" title="" /><br /></p><p>In this modern kitchen a rustic Chinese table and an industrial metal chair update French-style black and white floor tiles and a large crystal chandelier.</p><p><strong>Photography:</strong> <a href="http://www.perkristiansen.com/%22" target="_blank">Per Kristiansen</a></p><p><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/14/Bathroom-8833.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 833px;" title="" /><br /></p><p>Vintage fixtures and a roll-top pedestal bath tub set the traditional tone of this soothing and elegant principal bathroom. Designer and homeowner Julie Charbonneau designed the built-in cabinet to create storage for linens, recycling former leaded windows from elsewhere in the house into the doors. An off-white palette and Roman shades create a soothing ambiance, while art and an antique chandelier complete the look.<strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Photography: </strong><a href="http://angusmcritchie.com/index_large.htm" target="_blank">Angus McRitchie</a><br /></p><div class="photo-credit-photographer"><br /></div><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/1/00140_final_SUP_HH_JY08.kitchen.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 644px;" title="" /><br />A vintage-looking French La Cornue stove is at the heart of this grand kitchen. Custom oak cabinets, a marble countertop and a pressed-metal ceiling complete the design. <div class="credits"> <div class="photo-credit-photographer"><strong>Photography: </strong>Michael Graydon<br /><br /><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-gallery-image" src="http://www.houseandhome.com/files/imagecache/gallery-image/3/Mimran-1974_SUP_HH_FE08.lighting.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 826px;" title="" /><br />A kitchen lighting system that layers an antique chandelier, antique wall sconces, pot lights mounted under the cabinets and a candelabra with taper candles is visually stunning but also allows the flexibility to create any type of mood. Herringbone patterned hardwood floors and framed French doors with leaded glass elevate the European country, luxe look. <div class="credits"> <div class="photo-credit-photographer"><strong>Photography: </strong>Ted Yarwood</div> <div class="photo-credit-designer"><strong>Room design: </strong>Sharon Mimran<br /><br /></div> </div><br />All photographs from <a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />I am linking this post over at Jerri's blog <a href="http://simplysweethome.blogspot.com/?">Simply Sweet Home</a> for the Friday Favourites MckLinky party. Thanks Jerri for hosting!<br />I am also joining Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture party right <a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/?">here</a>.<br /></div> </div>

French Inspired Interiors

If you'd like to add a touch of French charm to your rooms here are some photographs I'm sure will inspire you. No need to stick to ...

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Interior Designer Serena Crowley

Interior designer Serena Crowley from California opens up he Canaan, Connecticut where she lives with her husband Paul and their children Mckenna and Theo. Let's take a tour of her sunny welcoming home.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouselg_1.html" linkindex="31" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouse_1.jpg" style="width: 570px; height: 412px;" /></a><br />The Crowleys’ living room; walls of windows and French doors give the space the feel of a conservatory.  Walls are painted a soft gray and furnishings are in creams and white. Artwork and an antique Oriental rug add punches of color, and potted banana palm trees connect the room to the outdoors. French doors open to a bluestone patio softened with clumps of purple thyme.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouselg_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouse_3.jpg" style="width: 570px; height: 479px;" /></a><br />The dining room is almost as sun-filled as the living room. China cupboards accent three corners of the room; a fireplace fills the fourth. French doors open onto a sunny terrace.<br /><br /><p class="bodyLinks"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouselg_10.jpg" linkindex="31" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouse_10.jpg" style="width: 570px; height: 462px;" /></a></p><p class="bodyLinks">The library includes an office nook for Paul, separated from the main space by glass-paned pocket doors.</p><p class="bodyLinks"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouselg_9.jpg" linkindex="32" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouse_9.jpg" style="width: 570px; height: 707px;" /></a></p><p class="bodyLinks">In the mudroom coats and hats hang from hooks in an arched niche. Above, a collection of hats is displayed.</p><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouselg_4.jpg" linkindex="30" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouse_4.jpg" style="width: 570px; height: 460px;" /></a><br /> <p class="bodyLinks">The kitchen is large. Two islands with thick, honed marble countertops. A black-metal custom hood trimmed with nickel bands hangs above the range. For the range backsplash, Serena used a simple pressed-tin ceiling panel attached to the wall.</p><p class="bodyLinks"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouselg_5.jpg" linkindex="32" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouse_5.jpg" style="width: 570px; height: 705px;" /></a><br /></p><p class="bodyLinks">Serena’s collection of vintage cookie jars are showcased in glass-front cabinets with hefty polished nickel hinges and pulls. Adding to the vintage look are a separate refrigerator and freezer that are finished with cabinet faces and nickel hardware to resemble old-fashioned iceboxes.</p><p class="bodyLinks"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouselg_6.jpg" linkindex="32" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouse_6.jpg" style="width: 570px; height: 703px;" /></a></p><p class="bodyLinks">The kitchen’s dining nook is furnished with an antique pine table and Swedish-style chairs.</p><p class="bodyLinks"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouselg_8.jpg" linkindex="32" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crowleyhouse_8.jpg" style="width: 570px; height: 747px;" /></a><br /></p><p class="bodyLinks">The potting room, with a deep copper sink and open shelves for vases.</p><p class="bodyLinks">I have linked this post to <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/">SomeDayCrafts</a> MckLinky party hosted by Michelle. Thanks Michelle!<br /></p><p class="bodyLinks">Photography Tria Giovan<br /></p>All images and information from <a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/crowley-house_ss1.html">Traditional Home</a>.

Interior Designer Serena Crowley

Interior designer Serena Crowley from California opens up he Canaan, Connecticut where she lives with her husband Paul and their children Mc...

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Interior Designer Ty Larkin's Home

Let's step inside interior designer Ty Larkin's house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Elegant, full of French furniture and subdued colours, he has made himself a superb home. Come and see.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/1j/larkins-8-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 501px; height: 638px;" /><br />Larkins describes the exterior as a detached neoclassical town house.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/Hg/larkins-7-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 500px; height: 638px;" /><br />One of four outdoor seating areas.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/NL/larkins-12-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 500px; height: 638px;" /><br />Fig ivy covers the courtyard walls.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/br/larkins-2-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 501px; height: 640px;" /><br />The foyer's elaborate staircase has alternating balusters of three different designs.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/ML/larkins-1-de.jpg" style="top: -5px; left: -6px; width: 500px; height: 391px;" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/JN/larkins-3-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 500px; height: 638px;" /><br />Full length curtains match the red toile pattern slipcovers in the dining room.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/D7/larkins-4-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 500px; height: 639px;" /><br />The patio was inspired by the romantic courtyards in the French Quarter.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/t0/larkins-6-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 498px; height: 636px;" /><br />The library.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/EL/larkins-5-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 500px; height: 638px;" /><br />The kitchen is reminiscent of staff kitchens in 1920s Southern mansions — they were generous in size, but always very simple. Countertops and island are honed Carrara marble.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/4Z/larkins-11-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 500px; height: 638px;" /><br />A kitchen chalkboard by Ballard Designs.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/uN/larkins-13-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 501px; height: 640px;" /><br />In the guest bedroom, a large drum shade lamp is juxtaposed with an antique French daybed. What a contrast those small modern tables make!<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/Gf/larkins-14-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 500px; height: 638px;" /><br />The other side of the library. A Louis XVI trumeau mirror reflects the dark, moody clubbiness of the library.<br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/uB/larkins-15-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 500px; height: 638px;" /><br />Dark mahogany and walnut bedside tables.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/5W/larkins-16-de.jpg" style="top: -55px; left: 44px; width: 500px; height: 638px;" /><br />Travertine marble tiles give the bathroom a spa-like atmosphere. The freestanding Vintage bathtub is a modern interpretation of a claw-foot tub.<br /><br />Photos byThomas Loof<br />All images and information from <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a>.

Interior Designer Ty Larkin's Home

Let's step inside interior designer Ty Larkin's house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Elegant, full of French furniture and subdued colou...

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Maryland House by Thomas Pheasant

Interior deisgner Thomas Pheasant was appointed to reconfigure this residence in Bethesda, Maryland. A soft palette was used throughout the rooms. Elegant, well-balanced and inviting. Let's peek in.<br /><br /><img alt="" class="slideImg" id="slideImg" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2005/03/pheasant/arsl01_pheasant.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 716px;" /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="" class="slideImg" id="slideImg" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2005/03/pheasant/arsl02_pheasant.jpg" style="width: 549px; height: 715px;" /><br />A fireplace adds warmth to the entrance hall. Notice that the shape of the lamp repeats itself throughout the house.<br /><br /><img alt="" class="slideImg" id="slideImg" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2005/03/pheasant/arsl03_pheasant.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 538px;" /><br />Soft palette for this welcoming sitting room.<br /><br /><img alt="" class="slideImg" id="slideImg" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2005/03/pheasant/arsl04_pheasant.jpg" style="width: 651px; height: 540px;" /><br />“The hand-embroidered leaves on the chairs bring the outside into the dining room and lighten the tone of the space in a fun way,” Pheasant points out. “Little touches matter.” Art Déco painted consoles with stone tops flank the French doors.<br /><br /><img alt="" class="slideImg" id="slideImg" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2005/03/pheasant/arsl05_pheasant.jpg" style="width: 651px; height: 540px;" /><br />Blues, greens and stone colors keep things calm and comfortable in the family room.”<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" class="slideImg" id="slideImg" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2005/03/pheasant/arsl06_pheasant.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 716px;" /><br />Pine panelled library.<br /><br /><img alt="" class="slideImg" id="slideImg" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/architects/2005/03/pheasant/arsl07_pheasant.jpg" style="width: 654px; height: 542px;" /><br />Symmetry in the master bedroom<br /><span class="c"><span>Photography by </span>Durston Saylor</span><br />All images From <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a>

Maryland House by Thomas Pheasant

Interior deisgner Thomas Pheasant was appointed to reconfigure this residence in Bethesda, Maryland. A soft palette was used throughout the ...

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