The French are known to have this effortlessly chic style, which I absolutely adore. From what I've seen though, it's anything but effortless. It's deliberate and well-thought out, and only appears to be effortless. It's one of the great many french paradoxes, like taking the most vacation but still being one of the worlds super powers, or having the richest and creamiest food, but having the lowest heart disease. IT truly is dumbfounding, and enviable!
This weekend I finally managed to sit down with the newest issue of Elle Decor. The summer home of Inés de la Fressange was featured and it truly was the epitome of french style. In my opinion, it was exactly how a summer home in the South of France should look.
At my first look I loved the architecture of the home and the simple white palette, with black accents (my favorite colors - in decor and fashion). My first thought though was that it seemed a bit bare, but then I realized that if I was leaving my city life behind for a couple of months that it's exactly the kind of place I'd like to be. In the short article, Inés is quoted saying, "decor has a great deal in common with fashion. You have to have several basic pieces, just as in a wardrobe - furniture that resists passing trends. Then you add accessories - a vase, a rug - that play the role of a belt around a dress or sweater." It sounds so simple. And the result comes together looking so simple. But in between there are so many well-placed decisions.
It's easy to imagine yourself coming in from a leisurely bike ride down to the sea and kicking off your shoes and relaxing in the living room:
I love the stairs here. It opens the space up so much you don't realize how small it really is:
The kitchen was probably my favorite shot. I could definitely see myself coming in from the local market and chopping up vegetables here for a lunchtime salad, or having my morning café at the counter.
Just dreaming of France, as usual...
LMF
All images from Elle Decor - full article here
You are so very right about all of the paradoxes. I'd like to live that life full of them, I'll tell you that :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteAhhh yes aren't we all dreaming of France. I'm so jealous you can even put that on your to-do list...that's only in my dreams right now haha. xo
ReplyDeleteChampagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget
I don't think a day goes by that I don't dream of France!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful space! I love how everything is open with natural lighting. Gorgeous details!
ReplyDeleteOMG I was going to blog about this tomorrow! Ha! Love her, her style, her home. And so true about that darn French paradox! What is up with that?! I say red wine.
ReplyDeleteOh my... that looks and sounds just lovely. Can I join you during your summer in the south of France? I've always been sort of obsessed with that region even though I've never traveled there.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know about a new blog FEST about food, style & travel. Come follow along as I document my wardrobe challenge: to not but any clothes in 2012. It's gonna be great. Also, be sure to join the site so you can enter the giveaway.
I love Ines' place - in fact so much so that I blogged about it twice! :) Who wouldn't want a home in the South of France especially when it looks like this, right? Thanks for stopping by today and the lovely comment.
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