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FRENCH SUMMERHOUSE
With their catwalks and cafes , galleries and gardens , France and Paris are synonymous with culture , style and romance . Situated in the heart of Europe , between the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea , and neighboured by England , Spain , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Luxembourg and Belgium , France is arguably the historic pulse of European high culture and design .
Inspirations for this garden included the grand gardens of Versailles , Monet ’ s flower garden , and Patrick Blanc ’ s Vertical Gardens – to envisage the possibilities of where this blank canvas could go . Historically , French gardens have represented the place where art , science , mathematics and nature intersect with the human experience . Each of these influences were incorporated to create a contemporary version of the quintessential French garden .
“ Digging deep to discover that the owners liked French style , however , was all the inspiration I needed .”
– Jamie Durie
PAVILION
The pavilion has an open roof to encourage more light , drawing upon the opulence and charm of 17th century French Baroque style .
A built-in bench seat provides seating around the table in the dining area from which to view the garden beyond .
Constructed from decorative lattice and painted in a white / grey-tinted limewash , the arbour divides the cottage-style garden from the more formal paved area .
The white and grey checkerboard pavers keep the garden looking light and bright .
An authentic French chandelier and toile fabric cushions complete the look , making this intimate entertaining and relaxation space both comfortable and inviting .