5 minute read
Très chic The art of classic French decorating
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DISCOVER THE HALLMARKS OF FRENCH STYLE TO BRING A LITTLE JE NE SAIS QUOI TO YOUR INTERIORS
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Words KAYLA WRATTEN Photography ALEX REINDERS
Elegant. Effortless. Eclectic. French interior design blends the understated beauty of Paris with the rustic charm of Provence, through the telltale design features of parquetry flooring, antique decor, exposed timber, and neutral hues. The timeless style of French interiors is a lesson in unfussy sophistication – and it’ s a look that can work so well in Australian homes. “French style can be theatrical, while also showing restraint. I love the playful sophistication, combining bold shapes with a controlled use of pattern and colour, ” says interior designer Justin Bishop, who designed this Melbourne home (seen throughout). For a heady dose of Gallic inspiration and expert tips, flick through these striking interiors and fall head over heels in l’ amour.
Perfect parquetry
To harness French provincial style, natural wood parquetry flooring is non-negotiable. “Parquetry flooring is a design classic. It gives texture in a subtle way and has a very high-end look, ” says interior designer Annie Bowen. “Keep the colour palette very simple with white walls and contemporary or classic style furniture; the parquetry then becomes the hero. ” Whether you opt for herringbone, chevron or Chantilly patterns, timber parquetry flooring boasts a gorgeous geometric design and can be restored and refinished over and over again, lending every room an authentic sensibility. >
N G I S E D R O I R E T N I P O H S I B N I S T U J ) T U O H G U R O H T N E E S ( N G I S E D R O I R E T N I E D A M S G N I H C T E E U Q I T N A F O S E L I M I S F A C ) T U O H G U R O H T N E E S ( K R O W R T A N G I S E D R O I R E T N I P O H S I B N I S T U J B Y D E M A R F D N A H D N A S E A G L L O C O T N I
Parquetry flooring in a herringbone pattern flows throughout this grand home – a perfect match for the neutral palette and architectural details (below and opposite). DESIGN FILE
Wall sconces, antique timber pieces and styled vignettes of objet d’art inject a little French fancy.
Neutral shades teamed with quality materials and fabrics epitomise the French approach to decorating.
French polish
Metallics such as brass and gold should be in every decorator ’ s treasure chest of design and can be used anywhere in the home. “Brass accents add a lot of charm to a house. In the bathroom, one of my favourite combinations is an old cast-iron bathtub and ceramic sinks with brass fittings, ” shares Sarah Poniatowski, director of Maison Sarah Lavoine. As for the living room, she suggests “ adding a discreet touch of brass and associating it with simple, natural and timeless materials such as wood, stone and brick” . To channel French appeal, scour vintage stores for antique gold-framed mirrors, brass door handles and wall sconces.
“WE USE simple , NATURAL AND TIMELESS MATERIALS, SUCH AS WOO RATTAN D, A STONE ND raff, i B a ” RICK,
~ SARAH PONIATOWSKI, INTERIOR DESIGNER
Effortless elegance
You never know what you ’ re going to find when you step into a French home, as the favoured decor is often eclectic. “We favour high-quality materials and beautiful fabrics, which give an unflashy refinement, ” says French designer Sarah. “French interiors are void of fashion and trends; it’ s an effortless and confident blend of different eras, both old and new, that creates a distinctly French style, ” adds Justin Bishop, who designed the versatile butler ’ s table (left). Adopt a laissez-faire attitude by mixing characterful flea-market finds with modern pieces and personal treasures, while introducing gentle textiles. “The use of linens for your soft furnishings and window treatments plays an important role in softening the space, ” advises Dominique McAdam, founder of Provincial Kitchens Home.
Shake it up
Provincial style comes into its own in the kitchen. Essential ingredients include natural stone benchtops, marble tile splashbacks and exposed timber beams in older, heritage properties. “Shaker-style cabinets are constructed with a frame around a recessed centre panel, which is popular in provincial kitchens because of its solid, traditional lines and detailing, ” explains Dominique, who favours hand-painted timber cabinetry for its longevity.
A provincial-style kitchen starts with Shaker-style cabinets, subway tiles and curated homewares. DESIGN FILE
“FR A ENCHtimeles I s NTERIO elegance R A S B HAV OUT E h TH istor E y M, W O IT FTEN COMBINI H CONTEMPOR NG ARY STYLE” ~ JUSTIN BISHOP, INTERIOR DESIGNER
DESIGN FILE
Calm and collected
Taking colour cues from nature, French design pairs neutral shades with bold accents to create contrast and structure. “Matt, grey-based whites are the traditional choice. For the more adventurous, using variations of muted blues, pale grey-greens or a soft duck-egg blue can provide an interesting alternative to white, ” says Dominique. “For a lovely charcoal colour, try Porter ’ s Paints Gunmetal Grey or Taubmans Gravel, ” advises Annie. “For a crisp white, try Dulux Lexicon Half or Haymes Paint Greyology 1. ”
Think elegance, restraint and all things symmetrical when creating a French-inspired garden.
~ VICTORIA KINGSBURY, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR, HOME BEAUTIFUL
Garden party
Beautifully manicured gardens are the epitome of French formal garden design, as the symmetrical landscapes boast sprawling flowerbeds, boxwood hedges and gravel pathways. To steal this style, start by introducing gravel underfoot or create stepping stones or pathways that lead you through to different zones in the garden. In your flowerbeds, plant blooms in cool colours such as lavender, jasmine, gardenia, climbing ivy and delightful rose bushes.
