DON’T ...
- Over decorate. I can’t emphasize this
enough. A few intriguing, genuine details
are much better aligned with a French
spirit than, say, Louis XV reproduction
furniture and / or toile de Jouy everywhere.
- Go matchy-matchy. French provincial
decor is eclectic - you’ll find an antique
chandelier over a simple platform bed,
with modern art on the wall. Mismatched
bedside tables, or chairs as bedside
‘tables’.
- Fake an antique look, especially for
built-in cabinetry. In France, you can use
an antique armoire with a modern fitted
kitchen. No one bats an eyelid. No one
would dream of trying to match the new
kitchen cabinets to the antique armoire.
PERFECT HOMES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
257