YOUR FRENCH COUNTRY HOUSE

Hello again! It’s me, Jules, continuing on with my new French home renovation! Having re-configured the downstairs layout so I could have the dining room off the kitchen, I wanted that flow-through effect that allowed me to be in the kitchen and still be part of the conversations in the dining room.

Previously a children’s playroom, it was really a pretty straightforward job, one of the very few in this house. Floors, although in great condition, needed some attention. The walls were in red, which had to go! The door between the kitchen and the dining room, we moved to close the kitchen off from the hallway.

The walls were painted in a pale grey with white ceiling and door. The window frame was dreadful yellowing wood so it was simply a case of a repaint in graphite grey. As with all the oak floors, they were cleaned with bicarb and water then three coats of satin yacht varnish to seal.

The wallpaper, whilst black and not to everyone’s taste, really works. The two armoires were junk shop finds and simply repainted to store glasses and my lovely white Limoges porcelain dinner service.

Our dining room table was purchased on a used furniture site. It’s a one off, made in Portugal and very dark wood. To bring some light into the space, I simply limed the table to bring out the beautiful wood grain and carvings.

My chairs, purchased at auction, went off to my trusted upholsterer and here is where I had some fun. Three jewel colours and two chairs in each colour. As the chair seats are quite deep, I decided to add some cushions for comfort and again, these were eclectic.

My stunning light is art deco in feel and a terrific find, I just love it! I have added a French mirror, and a stunning drawing by a very talented young Australian artist.

During this renovation process, I haven’t followed any of the normal design rules. I wanted an interesting house that would be a very liveable and comfortable home, one that was about us.Next month will be our kitchen, then in the coming months, profiles on textiles and staircases.

Abiento Jules.

Paint used - Frenchic Moon Whispers, Whiter than White wall paint, Dazzle Me and Smudge from the Al fresco range Upholstery - Charlotte Van Rooyen - Creative Upholstery Artwork - Ashley Harry Haine - artist Australia