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I was perusing the "Vivi et Margot" French housewares site, and admiring the cottage of owner Charlotte Reiss.

 

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In the master, love her cottage-style bed, and the curvy French fruitwood-colored night table.  Even the wallpaper, never my favorite treatment, has a subtle, tone-on-tone quality.

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The cottage seems to breathe ease, and sunny days ahead.

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END OF CHARLOTTE REISS'S COTTAGE

 

Of all the straight "traditional" decorating styles,  French is probably my favorite.  I love traditional English country style equally, but it veers a little more frilly.   There's often a little more "spare" or "curated" quality in French rooms, even the verging-on-maximalist ones, that appeals.  I also like the earthiness of stone, raw wood, pottery and iron in combination.

 

Found an article on French living room ideas.  A pastiche of a few rooms, either actually in France, or simply imbued with French verve:

 

They show their eclecticism-- their affinity for Oriental rugs, personalized color,  old things mixed with new, luxe comfort, all manner of paintings and antique mirrors, natural elements, and exotic pottery.

 

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Pretty vintage chair/ chaise.

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While true that they've always relied a lot on neutral, linen-colored, cream-colored and white backgrounds......

 

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I really enjoy also their bold use of chalky color-- 

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Comfort, light and the outdoors...

 

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There must be art, often in the simplest setting--

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Even when they do more pattern-mixing than I'm personally fond of, it's done knowingly and with quirky flair.  The back of an armchair is always an opportunity for a contrasting fabric accent...  

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The heavy French mantel, beams and brick floor give such character. 

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Like the greeney-blue walls.  A typically casual, yet stunning arrangement of fresh flowers....   Who cares if the chair is English in origin?!  It's the easy mix in French rooms that is so beguiling.  

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,830
Registered: ‎06-14-2010

The cottage feeling is comfortable, warm and inviting.  I think the wallpaper is a lovely pattern and color.

 

As far as the other photos go, there are many nice looks and decor.  I love the chaise lounge, that would be my reading place!!!  The color and fringe so lovely!  I am drawn to the furnishings, pinkish color walls, decor, paintings which always enhance a room.  All in all I agree about the French look.  I always have loved the formal French furniture, especially displayed in the royal palaces!!!

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Very rustic and charming. Beautiful pictures.

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@Oznell

I really like all of Charlotte Reiss's cottage and only some of the next. 

Some just have to much going on and not any flow or just too many different things and colors and fabrics stuck here and there or something! I like the chaise lounge picture and some of the more soothing ones.

The first set though is just rightSmiley Happy

 

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"
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Posts: 7,708
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@Oznell   Everything is just LOVELY!  What a treat it would be to get to stay somewhere like that😊

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Really enjoyed seeing the cottage.  I think I'd be very happy in a sparce environment.

 

The lower photos did not draw me in like the cottage did. Cat Happy

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Registered: ‎03-12-2010

@Oznell  I really like most of these pictures. My favorite is the one with the green chaise longue and the beautiful white fireplace.

 

   I also like the headboard with the caning. Back in the 70's when Mediterranean style was popular, I had a headboard with similar caning. It was a darker wood.

 

  My bedroom furniture now is French Provincial fruitwood and my bed is white iron and brass. I do like French decor, but only have it in the bedroom.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,050
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The Charlotte Reiss cottage is by far my favorite. I would love to tour it in person. As they would say on House Hunters International, "It has French Charm."

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@Oznell 

 

Love all of these! I love French Cottage/Country. 

Love the stone work, old weathered wood and earthiness against the romantic white linens and florals...so dreamy and romantic! Beautiful!

"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals" -Immanuel Kant

"Once you have had a wonderful Dog, a life without one, is a life diminished"-Dean Koontz
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Re: FRENCH COTTAGE STYLE

[ Edited ]

Even though I'm not a rustic cottage person, I like the feeling this home gives me. The first photo with the open window, shutters, and bicycle makes me sigh. I'm no expert, but that scene says "old European charm" to me and draws me in. Makes me want to be there.

 

I like several of the rooms too. I love the ones with the Christmas greenery best. The kitchen, dining, living areas, and bedroom are nice. My least favorite spaces are the chalky pink room and the quirky mixed pattern room.