19th century French floor tiles

  In most of the old houses around here if you let your gaze drop to the ground, you'll find that you are standing on an old 19th century decorative tiled floor.   These tiles are tough enough to resist to most conditions, and  even when walls need re-plastering or the actual floor level has moved, the tiles can be retrieved and relaid straight.

Typically the decorative tiles were laid as a 'rug' to echo the shape of the room.  A border around the edge.  Today it is possible to find complete 'rugs' of tiles for sale in the most beautiful colours.

It is not unusual in the old houses like ours, to find a decorative pattern used in the entrance hall and the kitchen with wooden parquet, or brick red tomettes laid in the adjacent living and dining areas.

I love the subtle colours of the floors, they seem to bring warmth and whimsy to today's neutral tones.  In the  bathroom below 19th century tiles have been reworked as a the wall on a walk in shower.  Gorgeous yellow with the grey woodwork

Of course some tile patterns are more intricate than others, some designed to impress others to comfort (those things never change!), but to me it's a bonus to find an old house that still has this decorative floor pattern intact.

PS  If you haven't entered yet, don't forget the fantastic Diane James Home giveaway, 2 days to go!

light and space in an old French bastide

If I were to move back down to the South of France with it's beautiful light and gentle living, I would definitely love a house with proportions like these.  Tall ceilings, wide open windows, gently light colours.  Everything feels calm and uncluttered, the living looks easy.

 I love the long dresser in this picture, so great for displaying plates or even lining up dishes for a big family lunch!

The furniture is not overdone, mostly vintage or brocante pieces, the accent is on colour, patina and textures.  The bareness of the walls in the sitting room provide a striking set for the two huge orchard ladders.

Fittingly it is the bedroom that is given the most comfortable treatment, with a big soft armchair, and of course the wonderfully simple baldaquin over the bed.

How simple is this table?!  Two  bench supports and plank table top rounded at the corners.  What makes it spectacular is its size.

This is my favourite picture,; I love the grey of the lamp stand against the neutral stone wall.   The way the side table height has been raised, and those amazing little vases attached to the lamp - those I want!

Another example of French understatement, less is more.  Simple materials, neutral colours, comfort in textiles with looking for anything fancy.    The overall effect feels soothing to me - what do you think?

all pictures with thanks to campagne et doecoration

snowdrop sunday

A 'lively' day here today, so  I'll just leave you with a picture 

of our first snowdrops that started flowering this week.

Thank you for stopping by.

I wish you all a serene Sunday.

dreaming of the smaller french house for sale

A couple of readers have kindly written to me explaining  that while you enjoy seeing the properties I show for sale, many would prefer some smaller less expensive houses to dream over. 

So today let's pretend that we have maximum 200,000 euros to spend on a property in Normandy.  We prefer an old house with character, and we don't mind if it needs a little restoration, and total redecorating!  Do you agree with these criteria?  Good, then here is my selection for you to carry around in your mind this weekend    .......

I am showing you one of my favourites first of all, comes complete with a stable, chicken house, pond, large garden, wine cellar and huge attic to renovate

These properties are mostly further west in Normandy than us, often in the traditional Normandy style, that is long and narrow, rooms leading from one into another, usually with several fireplaces.

The beams showing through the structure is also typical of the region, on this house I love the exterior staircase

From the so sweet to the more imposing!

 Voila!  I have to add that I am not an estate agent, and the agencies have not paid me to show these properties, it's just my pleasure for an in-between-season weekend.  If however you want more details on any of the houses, just drop me a line and I'll give you  the link.

Happy dreaming! 

small is beautiful

 I'm having fun with some old earthenware pots that I found.  They must have been hand made, they are tiny and uneven in shape and size, so much more charming than today's industrially produced flower pots.

At the approach to spring it's nice to bring a little bit of outdoors inside.  I've been playing around with some early crocus, snowdrops and pansies.  What I don't have to hand in the garden can be bought at little expense and shared between the pots.

If I want to take the exercise further then I put together little vignettes using props to hand, like these gorgeous old books I found at the same place as the pots.

Little things, that take a few minutes but make the house feel dressed for the weekend!

Wishing you a sunny weekend, full of flowers and fun!

a Diane James Home give away

I am delighted to welcome the fabulous Diane James Home as a new sponsor to My French Country Home, and to tell you about her amazing giveaway.

This pretty Peony and Rose bouquet looks as if the flowers have just been cut in the garden but they are actually faux!   You have a chance to win this beautiful bouquet, that normally sells in Diane's store for $350.

 Diane James arrangements have become a favourite with interior designers, and are to be found in elegant homes around the world.   When you visit her store you'll be amazed at the variety of bouquets in all your favourite flowers, and the huge choice of beautiful plants that will look good for years!

Diane James creates the most exquisite faux bouquets with all my favourite flowers as well as beautiful faux plants and orchids. Her  natural flair for flower arranging was nurtured when she lived in Europe, where she trained with the experts.  Today her twin daughters, Carolyn and Cynthia,  have joined her in the family company, and together they form a charming and winning team.    In the United States she is a favourite supplier to designer stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

If you want to keep up with all their latest news, and see more stylish inspirations, you can check out the company's blog The Buzz

To enter the giveaway is easy.  Simply check that you are a follower here, then head over to the Diane James site and browse her shelves.    Come back here and tell me which of her products you prefer.   If you would like additional entries to the draw, you simply talk about the giveaway on facebook ,  twitter or pinterest.  A separate comment for each new entry please.

Extra good news is that Diane James is generously opening the give away to everyone, no matter where you live!

I will draw a winner in one week, on Thursday 2nd February at midnight Paris time.  The lucky girl (or boy!) will be announced the next day, and hopefully will receive their bouquet in time for St Valentine's day.

Bonne chance à tout le monde!