FRENCH STYLE

Hand Painted French Bombe Chest ~ Faux Burl

Admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:30:25 +0000

Bombe chests are some of the uniquest furniture because of its distinctive curvy features and round design which are not commonly found in other furniture styles. Bombe chests are one of the most elegant chests to own because they are one of the more complicated to make. I bought my chest a couple years ago, and finally completed painting it. It was finished orignially with baked on white paint, so needless to say stripping it was too labourous. I really am a big fan of burl wood, so knowing it wasn't burl wood, I decided to paint it. The finish turned out terrific. Do visit my Painted Furniture Online Site to get all the details of how I casted the handles to get the unique oversized handles featured on the chest.

Before Picture~ Just as beautiful!

French Furniture Restoration ~Gold Leafing Tips

Admin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:28:35 +0000

Gold Leafing is one of the most beautiful and realistic finishes to real gold. Metallic Spray paint doesn't compare to the luster that gold leaf can give to a piece of furniture, picture frame or chair. When I started out gold leafing, I found it quite frustrating, time consuming and costly that I didn't enjoy it much. After only a couple projects I threw it aside and went back to spray painting again. I picked it up again after several months, and tried a new product, and it was so much easier, that if I need a leafing project done, it is usually done quickly.

(A Piero Fornasetti Umbrella Stand Seller Eric Appel LLC Antiques)

French Sofa Picture Credit Indeed Stock

Simple Leaf Leafing Sheets 5.5''x5.5''-Gold

Here is the product difference. Mona Lisa Leaf has a brand called "Simple Leaf" where the sheets are the same micro-thin sheets that you would get in other brands except the leaf sheets are bonded to wax paper. I find that once my item is sprayed, and and the glue has set and is ready to bond, that I use a paint brush on the wax side of the leaf. It is a forceful way of getting the leaf into the hard to get ornate details of my chair or picture frame.

In the past, I would waste a lot of gold leaf, where as with the wax, I am able to use up pretty much the entire leaf without waste. With other brands, you are always trying to collect the fly-away scraps of leaf, where as the excess leaf will remain on the wax paper for future use! Leaf is composed of copper and zinc, and will tarnish with age if not sealed.

If you want a fast inexpensive way of gold finishing try the Rost-oleum Bright Reflective spray paint. I use it as an undercoat to all my gold leafing. I am inspired by paint finishes, and if you are into painting please check out my paintedfurnitureonline for more painted projects.

Gold Leaf French Antiques

Gold Leaf Vogue Magazine

Photo Credit - Camaryn Wallpaper

The Gilded Room: Decorating with Metallic Effects, from Metal Leaf to Powders, Pastes and Paints

One finish that perplexed me for the longest time is how to achieve an antique finish like the Urn pictured above, until I started experimenting with oil finishes. To achieve this look, I often take a brush and dip it in black oil paint, and then wipe off the entire brush well, leaving vertually no paint on the brush. Then, as you brushing it over the gold, it will leave lines like the urn in the picture. You can use a dark red oil paint, as well as brown oil paint for a antique look following the same technique. It is just another way of adding depth.

Chinese Chippendale mirror - Gold Leaf

This look is achieved by leafing and adding the sand colored paint after. (You can also mix in find sand with your paint as well ) How this is achieved is you leaf your item, and then you paint the furniture with latex paint, and wipe it off using a damp rag. You can also paint the item first, and then leaf only in the areas you want to highlight afterwards. Sometimes painting over leaf can produce an antique finish, because as you wipe off the paint (latex) the paint will stick to the glue that is unsean on the piece, creating a slight crackle look.

GOLD and Dark Gray. Obviously an antique, but you can achieve this look by simply adding paint, and then removing it with a cloth. Do not use oil paint, it ruins the gold leaf.

French Canopy Beds

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:00:37 +0000

French Canopy Beds originated from medieval England and Europe. Today people buy them for their looks, while in the past they served a practical purpose of preventing bugs, spiders, and flys from entering into your sleeping quarters. In Primitive times, the roofs of the homes were not in the best shape, letting the rain, bugs and dirt into your home. Bed fabric panels also added a privacy wall, from the common home where separate rooms was not common in medieval times. Privacy panels were often used to section off a particular space in a home, as well as keeping the warm air from escaping the enclosed area at night. Originally, curtains were hung from the ceiling, but as the bed evolved, a frame was added to support a canopy where the curtains hung.

One of the easiest ways of decorating with high impact is simply with fabric. Combine a few different patterns with the same color tone, and don't be afraid to over lap fabrics. Fabric is the easiest way of adding interest to a room.

Louis XVI lit - Francois Halard photographer's actual bed. He bought it with the money he made off his very first photo.

Early French Children's Costume Seller TC Donobedian

Designer Don Freeman French Style Bedroom

Designer Vincente Wolf (left) and Designer Nate Berkus (Right) 19th Century French Marble Top Center Table Seller Donna Parker Habitat Ltd, French Antique Painted Louis XV style Daybed with Linen Seller Alhambra

Old Hickory Tannery French Parlor Chair Purple

Bienvenue embroidered small room or door hanger, French vintage design ~ Welcome

Gift Mark Elegant French Style Children Chair, with a Sold Wood Frame, White/Pink

French Country Bedroom Furniture: Tradewins French Classics Eight Drawer Chest

The Bedroom

Kelly Wearstler, (top left), French Antique Louis XVI Style Full-Size Patinated (Checked pattern)Bed Seller Alhambra Antiques, Superb Large Green French LXV Style Banquette Seller Sabina Danenberg Antiques

Designer Carolyne Roehm

French Bedrooms By Emma Cassi and Designer Madeline Stuart & Pottery Barns Bedrooms

Pottery Barn Bedrooms (Pottery Barn Design Library)

French Bed Photo Brian Hoy

A PAIR OF CHARLES X STYLE FIGURAL CANDELABRA. FRENCH, C. 1850 Seller Federico Carrera Antiques

House and Garden Book of Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Library Table Seller The Paisley Shop Ltd

House and Garden Book of Bedrooms and Bathrooms

HOUSE AND GARDEN BOOK OF BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS

Creating Your Dream Bedroom: How to Plan & Style the Perfect Space

Rare Late 19th Century Bouillotte Marble Top Side/Tables Seller Pamela Lerner Antiques, Pair of French Campana Shape Urns Seller Bardith, Pr. of 19th Century French Directoire Louis XVI commodes Seller Gerald Tomlin Antiques

Pair of Large Architectural Roof-Top Sphere-Form Finials Antiques on Old Plank Road

Bedrooms: Creating and Decorating the Room of Your Dreams (The Small Book of Home Ideas series)

Nicole Kidman Models In The French Style Waddeson Manor ~

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:55:16 +0000

Waddeson Manor, a renaissance-style château designed by French architect Destailleur in 1874 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild whose family line is one of the richest families in the world. The family made their fortune though owning banks around the world, and are globally known for their involvement in creating the new world order, which has been a hot topic around the world. Waddeson Manor is now available to the public as a museum. The chateau is was designed is after the great chateaus of the Loire Valley, and known today for its world-renowned collection of French furniture, and paintings. Several major paintings are featured such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, Rubens, Watteau, and Boucher. Waddesdon’s eighteenth-century French furniture rank in quality, rarity and are considered as valuable as items in the Metropolitan Museum, NYC, and the Louvre, Paris. Waddesdon has been picked as one of the top ten stately homes to visit in the UK.

Photographed by Mario Testino

Vera Wang gold dress

French Style Interior ~ Versace jersey dress with Gold-plate trim Photographed at the Morning room at Waddeson Manor

French Style Interior Zac Posen Jackquard dress. Check out those marble walls!

French Styled Interior French Chairs and French Dining Table Givenchy Haute Couture satin dress with ombre trim.

French Interior French XV Table Marble Walls ~ Carolina Herrera brocade strapless dress

French Style Home Library

Admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:50:27 +0000

A unique paint color such as apple green, black, or red bookcases can bring out the beauty of the books and displays in libraries. Adding multiple layers of architectural details such as stone, tapestries, wood detail and accessories will add to the detail and charm of classic reading rooms. Purchasing bookcases can be an alternative way of saving money than having custom built bookcases. If you do decide to go that route, be sure to paint your shelves, so that the various materials used will bend together. Consider a classic gray, black or antique color that will give off a classic antique feel. Adding an shelf to the top of typical bookcases can give the look of floor to ceiling shelves. There are many options to make your personal library that dream reading room.

Brass Pocket Compass with Cover and Antique Finish, Picture Credit Vidvandre, Library Picture with two avid readers- By Alilar, Library By Texugo, Picture credit- Vidvandre

Picture Credit Michael James Obrien

Architectural and Interior Design by Marshall Watson and Holmes Easley

Madison Ladder Bookshelf - Antique Black, Madison Swivel Office Chair - Antique Black, Madison Swivel Office Chair - Walnut, Williams-Sonoma Home Hickory Library, Dining Table, Antique Ivory

Library of the Castle in Fontainebleau, Drew Barrymore wears a Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano, Global Views Antique Brass Magnifying Lens on Stand, Adjustable Height, Heirloom Small Antique Globe, Reproduction Antique Brass & Leather Binoculars, Sixteenth-Century Italian Replica Old World Globe Bar

(Libray Picture Credit Katedra), New Banker's Lamp Antique Brass 14.5"H Desk Lamp, Legacy Corkscrew (Antique Bronze

The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World

Photo Credit - Kamuidestiny, Wiblingen Library in Ulm, Germany. This library is known world wide as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The most striking feature are the statue figurines and a large domed painted ceiling.

Designer Alessandra Branca - Dark Bookcases can bring out the beauty of the books and displays in libraries. Consider painting your bookcases a vibrant color intead of just the basic wood

Strahov Theological Hall
Strahov Theological Hall
Strahov Philosophical Hall

Tortoise Shell Box

Admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:41:33 +0000

Why Have an ordinary jewelry box, when you can have a piece of art on your dresser or stacked on your nightstand. Antiques are coming out of the attics, and from the corners of Grandmas house and surfacing in Antique dealers across the nation. Genuine Tortoise shell was used in the 1800's as hunting turtles became popular for their shells. Sadly, many turtles were killed for their fancy and ornate features, and many products were made such as jewelry boxes, fancy combs, and fancy cases. With the invention of plastic, many beautiful jewelry, and accessories were able to be produced without killing the turtles for their shells. If you love this look as much as we do, please check out our tortoise shell blog . Picture Credit Tortose Shell Charles Faudree's French Country Living

George III tortoiseshell tea caddy Seller Daniel Stein Antiques

Outstanding Tortoise Shell Box Seller -Stins on Auctions

DK ImagesTortoiseshell Tea Caddy Seller Daniel Stein Antiques

ANTIQUE WRITING BOX Burl & Brass - $195

Found Locally. What a stunning Box.

19th C. English Writing Box w/ brass & rich burl veneers

Tortoise Shell Caddy Caddy Box - Malleries

Tortoise Shell Caddy Malleries

Burl Veneer Caddy Box - Malleries

Antique Tortoise Shell Caddy - Malleries

French Louis XVI Style

Admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:04:33 +0000

Louis XVI architecture and furniture design was a reflection of Greek and Roman Designs found in the ruins of Pompeii. The style is a straighter, less ornate furniture design than the Louis XV. You will find the chair backs are usually oval, rectangular or shield form. The curved cabriole legs that were once popular in Louis XV, were then replaced with straight legs and fluted imitating the columns of Rome.

This period doesn't have as much ornamentation compared to Louis XV, although it maintains the ornate delicate detail. Often it's design was not carved in detail nor was it painted, but rather finished in the natural wood.

Since this period is so much influenced by the ideals of ancient Rome and Greece, the details were similar in style. Tables usually had fluted legs that were slim, and straight, topped off with a square box with rosette carving. Details were still ornate with classical motifs like columns, urns and lyres.

A Fine Louis XV Style Lacquered Bronze Mounted Commode Antique Dealer Le Trianon, 1854 North Main Street
Sheffield, MA 01257

Mathieu Criaerd worked during the 1740’s for the dealer Hebert who at the time was supplying furniture to the Garde-Meuble Royal. He made an encoignure in blue and white chinoiserie lacquer for Mademoiselle de Mailly at Choisy, now exhibited in the Musee du Louvre; he also made a kingwood commode for the cabinet of the Dauphin at Versailles which remains in situ. Between 1755-1765, Criaerd worked for Giles Joubert who had succeeded Hebert as supplier to the Garde-Meuble, see a tulipwood commode delivered by Joubert for the Chateau de le Muette in 1754, Criaerd also made a night table for Madame de Pompadour at Choisy and a small encoignure for the Dauphin at Compiegne.

Reference: Les Ebenistes Francais de Louis XVI a la Revolution, by Alexandre Pradere, 1989, pg. 224; Dictionnaire des Ebenistes et des Menuisiers,
“Le Mobilier Francais Du XVIII Siecle”, by Pierre Kjellberg pg. 212-213

French Louis XVI Style

Maison Jansen Pair of Green Painted Tables Dealer Greenwich Living Antiques & Design Centre in Stamford, CT

Louis XIV

Louis XVI Style Gilt-Wood Console Table, Dealer Timothy Corrigan Antiques, LA, in California

Louis XVI Style Settee , Antique Dealer Spurgeon Lewis Antiques

French Louis XVI Table French XVI Chairs Photo Credit ~Javierx's photostream

Louis-Xvi Chair and Settee

French Cane Settee

A Very Fine Painted Louis XVI Demi-Lune Console

Louis XVI style is alternatively referred to as "Neo Classical style" as it is much more refined compared to the style of the previous Louis XV. Louis XVI reigned from 1775 to 1789 and changed the style of his time. (Photo Credit Louis XVI Style Center Table Seller Trianon Antiques)

French Style Louis Tables and Chairs

Antique pair of French Louis XVI Gilded Chairs

Nancy Lancaster French Louis XVI Settee and Chairs & Empire Neoclassical Chairs

French Louis XVI Chair Brides Magazine

19th C. Period French Louis XVI Caned Cane Salon Chairs Ebay Seller Mariniimports

Louis XV Table

Admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:10:46 +0000

Louis XV style is one of the most beautiful styles of French design. Louis XV style took place between 1730-1775 and often feature curvy furniture such as bombe chests, sexy desks, and ornate mirrors. If a French piece of furniture is exaggerated in its curves, chances are, they flow from the inspiration of Louis XV. The key feature of unbroken curves is the principle behind the inspiration of Louis XV furniture style such as graceful curves seen in Louis desks, where the legs sweep with delicate lines and shape. Chairs are often seen curved at the back which flows through to the front often seeing curved cushions. Louis XV architecture is likewise as ceilings are seen with curved features such as doomed ceilings, and archways. Round ornate gilt rosettes sit in 3D paneled designs on the walls. Walls, doors and decorative moldings are featured in curved designs.

Heavy motifs were highly in style during the Louis XV period. Motifs decorated beds, mirrors, dressers, desks, chairs, and pretty much everything else. If you love anything heavily carved, you will really get excited about Louis XV styles. Louis XV style is romantic, which was often the source for images of love such as cupid and love scenes featured in pastoral scenes which have been very common during the rococo period. Rococo Style is a term that goes with the Louis XV style, as rock and shell were two items most often featured during this time which is where the name is derived from. Rococo style is often very elaborate and features heavy ornamentation and decoration. Many of the wood surfaces on French chests, tables and desks were often decorated with delicate wood Inlay work and decorated with ormolu mounts. During this period, hand painting came to light as a fascination with Chinese motifs became popular. Painted wood furniture was often painted and with delicate Chinese scenes called Chinoiserie. Louis XV is a style often sought after by interior designers and featured in the most popular magazines such as Veranda, Home Beautiful, and Architectural Digest which feature homes of Hollywood celebrities and the most wealthy in the world. It is a show stopping look, so be prepared for guests to be salivating over your ornate furniture in jealousy.

Louis XV Table in a black. If you were to duplicate this look, you may try black paint in a flat and rub on a dark gray to get the look of metal. What a beautiful table.

Louis XV Table By Hoe Beautiful. Having a striking color on your walls, will certainly make your home stand out. Don't be afraid of bright colors, as pictures and wall hangings will tone down the bright looks and make them more liveable.

Louis XV Table ~ Clare Fraser

Marble tables are fabulous for entry ways if you are looking for something more ornate in style. I have seen the higher end carved gilt wood in person and the knock off plastic tables. They are beyond beautiful, but hefty in price for an antique. With the ornate details of the marble, and the gilt wood, this table is one of a kind. Keep your eyes open for a spectacualar deal, and your entry will be one never forgotten.

French Table - William Abranowicz

Gilt Table From Oscar and Annette de la Renta's Home Check out the French Chairs

Gilt furnishings with a french influence. Interior Design Albert Hadley

Louis XV Table~ One of my favorite pictures. The flooring inside is elaborate, and contrasting to the gilt table. The greenery is nicely manacured as if they were furniture all themselves. The doorway is a striking resemblance to Rococo designs. Eric Piasecki is the designer for this beautiful show stopping entrance

Louis XV Table Painted, possibly wood with a gray paint and distressing which reveals the wood.

Louis XV French Style Antique Desks

Admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:48:07 +0000

Louis style desks is one interior design choice you cannot go with going with. This beautiful french style goes hand in hand with fine intricate woods, floral carving, and inlay of wood designs featuring the most esquisite exotic woods. Antique Louis French Desks are often found with ornate detailed ormolu gold finishing. What makes Louis desks particularly interesting are the delicate gold details not found on other styles. If you love intricate and ornate looks, this desk is the best you can get combining the classy exotic woods, and fine ormolu and curvy shapes which Louis XV desks are known for. Many websites have them listed for various prices, though on ebay you can find a sensational deal for a beautiful desk. Depending on the type of wood you are drawn to, there are some stunning varieties with this style.

Louis XV French Style Antique Desk

Traditional Home Magazine featuring a Louis Chair and Louis XV French Style Antique Desk

Traditional Home ~ French Country Antique Desk

French Painted Desk in Gray

Charles Faudree French Country Living ~ French Country Desk

Charles Faudree French Country Living- Check out the finish on this desk... You cannot see it very well, but it was a crackle finish, excellently done.

French Desk Jean-Paul Beaujard

Louis XV French Antique Desk

Louis XV French Style Antique Desks Sultane Antiques Ebay

Photography by Marina Faust

French Painted Deaks Carrier and Company Photo Credit Mudrick

French Style Provincial Dressers ~ Faux Painting

Admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:24:27 +0000

To the very left is the piece I was inspired by, and the right is the piece I faux painted. This dresser turned out so nice that I even did another dresser that was serpentine in shape as well. The detailed photos, along with how I did it, are found here.

I found these pair of chairs at an auction in Virginia. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to have them. It was then figuring out what to upholster them with. I found some really stunning fake leopard fur at the Goodwill, I had been saving for some time, and wanted to use on a piece I wasn't going to eventually get rid of. When you have a furniture piece you really love, you want to upholster it with the best that you have. Check out my post on Faux Walnut Burl Painting, and it will describe how I accomplished this faux look. The upholstery is not complete, but good enough until I move, and have the time to finish the edging. I am not crazy about the gold, and I may paint that a swedish beige that is distressed somehow. All in all, it works. I really wanted some impact, but after reflection I possibly would have choosen a different fabric with the burl. No time to change it now.... although, it will be a big statement in a room with lots of ornate details... Let me know what you think. ~Meranda You can Find all the pictures HERE.....

This dresser I painted by hand because I loved the pattern of the Ikea boxes that store our quilts. The flowers were painted in gold, and the base coat is a gloss Navy. The dresser turned out fabulous! Check it out! Again, a Dixie French Provincial Dresser. I have used this dresser in the past to paint faux zebra here. To find the full pictures of this dresser, here is the post. Meranda

Walnut burl is one of the most interesting woods out there. It is very rare to find a french piece in burl, and when you do, it is super expensive. Knowing how to faux paint could save you a LOT of money! I found this desk at a company in DC who buys up the furniture out of hotels that are either foreclosed, or upgrading their furniture. Then they sell it at a discounted price. I do not know if they knew that the desks they were selling were antique or reproductions, but I do know they do fetch a higher price than 25 dollars. Possibly she was just a ~really nice~ woman! Every table afterwards she sold to me for 10. So, I took 3~ I told my husband I would have bought her out if I had the room in our small condo. Check out these articles on Louis Desks here and here

Painting Walnut Burl is very tricky.... Find how I did it, with all the pictures HERE......

Enjoy!

Meranda

French Style Garden Topiary Animals

Admin — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:23:22 +0000

One really interesting way to spruce up your entrance is to grow some topiary dogs and animals. Outdoor landscaping was encouraged by architect Louis Le Vau, landscape architect André Le Nôtre, who was the chief designer of the Versailles Palace. Expanded over time, the palace in France is one of the highest destination spots to tour. You may not have the money to duplicate the look of the palace gardens, (acres upon acres of highly maintained gardens), but you can get a lot of great ideas from the elaborate elegance of the residence of the Kings of France who resided there from 1682 until 1790. Versailles was at one time a country village, but today like any older city, it is now a suburb of Paris. Originally the palace was a royal hunting lodge. Its luxury and prestige was set as a show piece for the world to gaze upon. How can you incorporate some of the magnificant gardens of France? Topiary plants are easy and simple to grow, and will provide you an outstanding unique garden if you want your outdoors to look just as beautiful as inside your home. Building up the architecture in your gardens will allow you to feel like your home is twice as big.

You can find some listings Here.

This painting took place before Louis XIV began enlarging the château, Picture Credit Wikipedia

The view of the château de Versailles as seen from the Place d’Armes, 1722”, ca. 1722, by Pierre-Denis Martin. This painting was after the end of Louis XIV’s fourth building campaign. Picture Credit Wikipedia

Classic French Style Colors on the Château de Versailles

The French Gardens of Versailles

André Le Nôtre was a French landscape architect and the principal gardener of King Louis XIV of France. He was later put in charge of all the royal gardens of France, and also became appointed Controller-General of the Royal Buildings. Louis Le Vau also worked closely in the design of the château of Vaux Le Vicomte, and Versailles.

Some of the most beautiful pictures of the Versailles's gardens can be found on Ania Vincy's Flicker

French Style Garden Topiary Animals ~ I kept this picture from a magazine, because these topiaries are so easy to create.

French Style Garden Topiary Animals Birds

French Style Garden Topiary Animals Dog Kneeling ~ Shake a Paw~

French Style Garden Topiary Animals

French Style Garden Topiary Animals ~ Elephants

Ralph Lauren’s Take On French

Admin — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:53:21 +0000

More than a fashion clothing designer, Ralph Lauren has been the master of marketing to every aspect of upsclae elegant living. Every seasonal collection is different but very edgy and of supreme design. Rarely do you see a designer design a number of different styles as well as Ralph Lauren has.

Ralph Lauren's life wasn't always so glamourous, as he grew up in a middle class family working at department stores in his youth and attending business school at night. At a young age he worked after school to buy suits, and carried through with that passion working for Brooks Brothers as a salesman. He eventually dropped out of business school and with the help of financial backing of he opened a necktie store where he sold his own label "Polo".In the 70's his classic Polo shirt became very famous and it came out in 24 colors that became a classic that is known today. One of the secrets of Lauren's success lay in his obsession with detail, always checking product quality and maintaining tight control over the brand image he crafted so carefully. Ralph Lauren's talent keeps him at the top of his game, and people continue to stick to his brand because it is always of high quality and timeless in style.

French Styled Ralph Lauren Interior Decorating and Style

Ralph Lauren French Chest!

French Chest! Outstanding Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren Home Collection Photo by Thibault Jeanson.

Ralph Lauren's French Interior Furniture, Louis Chests and Desks

Ralph Lauren Ad, Beautiful French British Styling

Ralph Laurens French and English Styled Home

A MUST Get Book! Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren isn’t easy to define. Unlike many designers, he is not known for a single signature look, but rather for his sweeping dreams of American living. Over the course of his career, the images of luxury, adventure, and beauty that he created have come to define American style. In this visually stunning book, Lauren speaks candidly for the first time ever about himself and his art. In part one, we get to know the designer through never-before-seen pictures of him in private life and with his family, living the lives he designs for. In his own words, we hear about his life, work, and inspiration. In the second part, Lauren displays and writes about his most important, most iconic, and most beloved work, hand-picked from hundreds of runway shows, collections, and his signature cinematic advertising campaigns. Lauren’s aesthetic influence and unique design sensibility are captured here by fashion’s finest photographers, including Bruce Weber, Deborah Turbeville, and Patrick Demarchelier. Featuring an introduction by Audrey Hepburn (from her 1992 presentation speech at the CFDA awards), this is truly a unique fashion monograph, a personal expression of the artist, and a rare peek into the mind of one of America’s most accomplished fashion designers of all times.

Charles Faudree French Style

Admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:29:12 +0000

French Country decorating is in the details. Adding a ornate vase, or a printed throw pillow or patterned wallpaper can really tie together the details of achieving a french country look. Charles Faudree has been named one of the top 100 designers, and has always focuses on classical french interiors. His books are filled with glossy pictures of many rooms, all having that classic french country design. Faudree assures that you don't need to spend a fortune to have a nice home. He says- "a signature piece doesn't have to be expensive. You can get the look without the seventeenth-century armoire." He often features silk draperies and overstuffed chairs along with patterned fabrics go a long way of achieving that luxurious feel. Faudree encourages home decorators to fill a room till it's "overflowing, but never cluttered or overpowering." He achieves this balance by blending an array of fabrics-toile, stripes, plaid, tapestries-and playing them off antique woods and figurine collections.

Charles Faudree's French Country Living

Charles Faudree Interiors

Charles Faudree's French Country Living

Charles Faudree's French Country Signature

Charles Faudree's French Country Living

Charles Faudree's Country French Living

Charles Faudree's French Country Living

The French Style Chateau de Coutances

Admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:25:17 +0000

Some of the most beautiful tourist spots in france are the palaces and architecture featuring some of the most stunning french furniture, homes and art. I ran across these pictures of Chateau de Coutances featuring a stunning gala. Check out these beautiful pictures featuring classic french architecture., and gaze upon the outstanding french gardens, hand painted ceilings, stone walls, and checkerboard flooring. it is certainly a place to dream about.

The Chateau's garden, designed by Le Notre.

Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte
Château of Dampierre Yvelines domesticated Baroque at the centre of Louis XIVs inner circle

French Styled Interior, Hand Painted Ceilings, French Chairs

The French Style Chateau de Coutances Hand Painted Ceiling

The French Style Chateau de Coutances Marbled Walls

The French Style Tapestries

French Style Interior ~ Stone walls and Checkerboard flooring

The French Style Chateau de Coutances Stone walls ~ WOW!

The French Style Chateau de Coutances Check out that Hand Painted Ceiling

Exterior of the French Style Chateau de Coutances

Wood and Hand Painted? Ceilings? WOW! Amazing!

Exterior of The French Style Chateau de Coutances

French Styled Louis Desks

Admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:07:05 +0000

There's literally hundreds of different desks available in todays market. So which one will you choose? If you are like me, you are grown past the stage of throw away furniture that features composites and plastics, and are opting for quality furniture. Once you see antiques, you will never go back, because they are built to last. Most antiques are hand crafted, than he processes of today which are manufactured to mass produce for more of a profit margin. French Louis Desks are the most glamourous choice out there in comparision to most other desks. They often feature rich wood veneers, and sometimes the rare desks feature a number of rich exotic woods an outstanding detailed look.

The finest ormolu fixtures grace french louis desks outlining their delicate shape. Roll-top desks (bureau à cylindre) and (fauteuil de bureau) feature a sence of privacy for the interior decorator at heart which is opting for a show room atmosphere. Most french desks can come with detailed interior compartments, and lockable drawers. Leather lined writing surfaces are another feature you will only find on antiques, as today's market doesn't take the time in the details that you will find in antiques. Some of the most elegant and rare french desks can be found with custom marble tops

If you are considering a french desk, they do not come cheap. Prices can vary from 500 dollars to upwards of 5K and beyond. The trick to any smart shopper is to check your resources daily. Some of my avenues are ebay, and craigslist. If you do check craigslist, chances are, it may be a number of months before you find a louis french desk, but there is good news. Google now has a site wide feature when you type in craiglist which brings up listings across the country. If there is not a french louis desk in your area, consider looking in different cities. You may have to think about your approach to the seller, because many sellers don't want to think about shipping. You may have to get on the phone and check into moving companies ASAP, before loosing the opportunity. There are great desks out there, and they are within your reach, so if you don't win the bid on ebay, or someone managed to snap up the desk you were hoping for on CL, there is always another. (So, don't fret)

A genuine Louis French Desk WILL be the show stopper of your home. You will not be able to go by your desk every day without really appreciating it. You want to love the furniture in your home, as much as you LOVE your home. Coordinate it with a special upholstered chair that ties in the whole room. You can find some fabulous french desks here and here and Here.

Check out what I did with my french desk HERE There isn't a day that I don't love sitting at it. It is big enough, that my husband and I sit side by side and work together. LOL! It is great!

1940s Louis XV Style Desk in Oak and Mahogany From 1St Dibs Paris, Location Paris, France

Traditional Home Magazine French Styled Louis Desk

Louis XV Style Kingwood Leather Top Desk Dealer Milord Antiques 1870 Notre-Dame St. West
Montreal, QC H3J-1M6, Canada

French Styled Louis Desk ~ Photo Credit House To Home

Partner's Bureau Plat Desk Louis XV Style, Dealer Burke Antiques
527 Pineapple Ave South Sarasota, FL 34236

Partner's Bureau Plat Desk Louis XV Style, Dealer Burke Antiques

Amy Fine Collins French Blue Painted Gilt Deak Elle Decor Oct 2007

Antique French Style Dressers

Admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:20:44 +0000

There are many variations of french dressers, than the often thought about french provincial styles. One clue in the difference is that the wood is heavier in older Louis styles, or Napoleon chests. Take a look at the pictures in this post, the wood is much more chunky and it is solid wood through out. It is just a different design than the 1950's French dressers. There isn't a French dresser that isn't beautiful. Many of the painted looks can be reproduced with a bit of paint and a dark glaze to give it that old antique feel.

Ralph Lauren features this antique french styled chest. The handles are esquiste~

Traditional Home

Traditional home

Traditional Home

Charles Faudree French Country Living

Hand Painted Chinoiserie Wallpaper

Admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:41:34 +0000

What is there not to love about chinoiserie wallpaper. There are many variations of colors of this detailed prints. Louis XV of France, gave special favor to Chinoiserie style, as it blended well with the ornate rococo style. Entire rooms for example such as the Château de Chantilly, were painted in Chinoiserie style. It was extremely popular in the seventeenth century, which reflect Chinese artistic influences. Again, it made its way on to furniture such as the early Georgian English furniture, notable in the cabriole leg. Today it has become collectable in China place settings.

Chinoiserie Wallpaper Picture Credit Affordable Interiors

Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy

The editors of Domino magazine here show how amateurs can achieve a young, sophisticated look in their homes. Different styles are shown for each in plenty of color photographs, with suggested furnishings and advice on how to mix styles. Each chapter concludes with a look at how a Domino staff member has decorated a similar room with a description of her approach to design.

Traditional Home

www.Degournay.com De' Gournay hand paints wallpapers, fabrics and porcelain at the very top end of the decoration market.

Paul Montgomery- Fine Painted Wallpapers, Traditional Home, De' Gournay Hand Paints Wallpapers

French Style Tapestries

Admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:11:58 +0000

I am always surprised at how low ebay prices are for tapestries, needlework and exquisite hand crafted art that takes hours of painstaking detail to create. Why spend 40 - 100 dollars on a cheap pillow though a national chain, when you can get an exquisite hand crafted pillow for less? Some of these needlepoint pillows can take some women several weeks to finish, and it makes you wonder why the prices are so low which would barely compensate them for their effort. Ebay sellers are mostly bargain hunters shopping thrift stores, fee markets and garage sales picking up worthy items at a discounted rate, and in turn selling it on ebay for a return.

(European Tapestries, Pair of French Walnut Tapestry Armchairs Seller Roussett Antiques & textiles)

As retirement hits 70 million baby boomers clean out their homes, (or their parents home) for a home sale, an increase of donations and antiques are showing up more than ever. Ebay has been the collectors dream where more valuable finds are able to be located worldwide from the comfort of their own home. Many people are gathering up different antiques from around the world as they surface on ebay in Europe and other remote places making it even more interesting. In many respects, purchasing off of ebay is supporting the average person working for themselves. Today Corporations are being found to act more immoral than ever exploiting third world countries and paying extremely low wages while forcing drastic work hours. It is a desperate act to increase the shareholder prices year after year. Be sure to buy the documentary entitled Incorporation below, as it was the best documentaries I have seen in the past several years.

Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, Including Crewel

The Encyclopedia of Monograms: Over 11,000 Motifs for Designers, Artists, and Crafters

The Ladies' Work-Table Book - 1844 Reprint: Plain And Fancy Needlework, Embroidery, Knitting, Netting And Crochet

French Country Rooster Aubusson Tapestry Pillow Left Seller Ubestbuy on ebay, Pair of French Walnut Tapestry Armchairs Seller Roussett Antiques & textiles, Veranda Magazine

Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Needlework (Leisure Arts #15861)

Large tapestry six panel screen Seller Gottlieb Gallery, French Fruitwood Foot Stool Seller Antique & Art Exchange

Vernada Magazine , Exquisite Silk Aubusson Pillow, Pheasant Aubusson Tapestry Pillow , Gorgeous Multi Floral Aubusson Tapestry Pillow All by Ebay Seller Ubestbuy, Louis XVI style armchairs Seller Sparrows

Old World French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow Seller ubestbuy, & UK United Kingdom Union Jack British Flag Cotton Throw Blanket

UK United Kingdom Union Jack British Flag Cotton Throw Blanket

Clover Takumi Tapestry Soft Touch Crochet Hooks Gift Set, 8 Sizes Per Set

Alessandra Branca’s French Style Home

Admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:08:21 +0000

A European designer at heart, Alessandra Branca incorporates antique designs into a mix of modern day elements for new takes on old world elegance. The 16th through the 18th century is where she draws her inspiration, as she is an avid reader always looking for an opportunity for a new direction. Her keen eye for color and a willingness to take risks on dramatic style is what is so interesting about her. Drawn to classic looks, her intuition kicks it up a notch with bold color palettes and contrasting designs.

"If you don’t love your things, it’s much better to live in a white box.” Says Alessandra Branca.

It is very true advice to anyone attempting to decorate their home. Fill your home with items you love is always a good starting point when debating what to do when decorating. I always find that if a couple can pick out their favorite items in their home, there is always a design direction present. Design around your favorites, and your design will always fall into place.

“You should always figure out the way you want a room to feel,”

What kind of design do you lean towards? Do you tend to decorate contemporary when you really feel more formal? Go for what you love to look at, but are afraid of trying.

"...........a wall isn't only a wall, it's an opportunity to create depth."

She hits this right on the mark. Most decorators don't put the energy into the basic elements, such as the floor, ceiling, and walls, but instead they focus on filling it up with things. Good design is more than decorating. As she goes on saying........

"It's about layering. I love to see beyond the beautiful furniture in a room. And each room here has a vista into the next room, so you're always dying to see what's around the corner."

Layer your design, so that the little items you do put in a room have purpose and are masterpieces of their own. Great design is about putting the effort into the architectural details and layering in the details of the pictures, textures, textiles, furniture and accessories

"Red is sort of a signature of mine. But I use only touches, so it's not too harsh. That's very important"

I totally agree with her. Everyone needs to try painting one room red to experence its overpowering nature. Red works well on all walls if you can cover most of it up with pictures. Red works the very best in punches of color and spotlight accessories. Red does have to be thought out well to pull off a great design.

Alessandra Branca's New Classic Interiors

French Neoclassical Style Designer Robert Adam

Admin — Thu, 07 May 2009 02:10:35 +0000

Robert Adam, a Scottish neoclassical architect and designer who, with his brother James (1730–94), transformed Neoclassicism in England into His major architectural works include public buildings and his designs were used for the interiors of such country mansions as Syon House (1762–69) in Middlesex (now in Hounslow, London). He is considered by many to be the greatest architect of the late 18th century, and his work influenced the development of Western architecture, both in Europe and in North America

The Country Houses of Robert Adam: From the Archives of Country Life

RRobert Adam (1729-98), Thomas Atkinson (1728-92) and Timothy Lightoler - Bacchic theme.

The Works in Architecture of Robert and James Adam (Dover Books on Architecture)

Etruscan dressing room at Osterley Park in Middlesex.

The Genius of Robert Adam: His Interiors

Entrance hall of Syon House (1762–69), in the London borough of Hounslow, designed by Robert Adam in the Neoclassical Georgian style

Robert AdamSyron House, Brentford, MiddlesexEntrance hall, from 1761

Baroque French Style

Admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:29:25 +0000

Baroque (berōk`)style began in Rome around 1600, and spread throughout Europe after its popularity in Italy. Baroque architecture has been known for its excessive flashy designs often featuring splashy ornate interiors. Baroque style was known to create a dramatic use of texture through color, architecture and design details. Often light and dark contrasting colors were used together to create competed designs often seen in painted ceilings and tiled marble checkerboard floor patterns. A signature style of baroque was the rich use of ornamented decorations. Architectural ornaments were first found on the buildings and made of plaster or stucco and were very detailed and severe in size. The style became so apparent that it quickly dictated the direction of furniture, jewelry and clothing designs. Gowns became even more elaborate in size and pattern. Jewelry was worn in excess and hair styles were tremendously grand in scale,and very flamboyant.

Faux painting had always been popular, but it became even more needed as interiors demanded color and large scale ornate details. Labor intensive ceiling frescoes, faux marble walls and gilding became more popular than ever. Gold was seen everywhere, and ......anything that could be gilded, often was.

Landscaped architecture was something we could borrow from the baroque time period as many homes and palaces are built around magnificent stiff planned gardens and rich designed entrances with grand staircases. The interiors had jeweled walls with striking colors, and rich fabrics which adorned the furniture. The excessive rich details were not spared in any corner of the home. Baroque interiors can be compared to the woman varnishing her lips with cherry lipstick, only to then to add an additional layer of lacquered gloss. They showed no restraint. They had it all, and more.

Baroque French Style

Classical Baroque Interior - Pair of Baroque style lamps- Seller Objects Plus

Baroque: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting

French Style Baroque Style

Baroque French Style - Godfrey Kneller Portrait Seller David Reed Weatherford

Classic Baroque Interiors- Collective Architecture on Baroque, Reflections on Baroque, Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires

Baroque Ornament and Designs (Dover Design Library)

Baroque: Style in the Age of Magnificence 1620-1800

Pink Baroque Style ~ Baroque Mirror~ Seller Gray Morell

A Dutch Baroque Walnut Chest of Drawers Seller Branca, Romanesque: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, French Baroque Ornament (Dover Pictorial Archive Series)

Antique French Style Shops

Admin — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:03:25 +0000

Our Family headed to Colburg Ontario to visit, and I was inspired by some of the downtown shops that were built in the 1900's. If you are into antique style, you can still find these beauties in the older areas of the towns and cities in EVERY city. If you travel to England, these vintage styles are more common. They feature some of the most spectacular eye-catching colors that are hard to miss from the seat of your car. Some of the older architectural designs often had asymmetrical look to them, balanced by windows that made it a very inviting design.