How the French like to live

by Sharon Santoni
This house, that belongs to a friend of ours,  is a great illustration of how young design-conscious French families like to live today.  Elegant, relaxed, greys, neutrals, mix of new and old, comfortable.

Loving the grain sack cushions;  the gold letters on black background; the faux bird and cage; vintage toys and industrial chair; touches of red on grey.

This is not flashy, not even that pricey, more a collection of articles that are loved for what they are, warts and all!

Tomorrow I’ll show you the store this girl has in her garden!

chic living room with upholstered chairs and a table in the background
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black cabinet with decorative letters in black and neutral
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wooden bird in chicken wire dome display
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neutral beige desk with photos, small globes, and a red metal chair
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small attic bedroom with wire shelves and red accents
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black and white bathroom with curtains under the counter and black lockers
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industrial lamp over a cooktop in the kitchen
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photos thanks to Journal de la Maison

20 comments

Acquired Objects November 15, 2010 - 11:08 pm

Beautiful home, love the little touches throughout like the number plaques on things. It brings so amny textures into play without being over done, love it!

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Jeanne November 15, 2010 - 11:10 pm

It is lovely Sharon, just the way a home should be. A few great ideas in here too. Loving those tall silver lamps for winter and the idea of pegging photos to a line. Very clever 🙂

Jeanne xx

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Pamela Terry and Edward November 15, 2010 - 11:22 pm

That first photograph is pure perfection.

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Terra November 15, 2010 - 11:55 pm

The gas pump is very fun!

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Delana November 15, 2010 - 11:56 pm

Gray is it in these parts, isn't it? It is so frustrating for me to live in a rented, furnished apartment and not be doing my usual nesting, painting, rearranging, reupholstering…and thus and so. But I live vicariously through your pictures. Thank you

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mydesignchic November 16, 2010 - 12:40 am

Love the beautiful, relaxed feel…

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Cindy November 16, 2010 - 1:55 am

I adore this house, it is just precious! The childs bedroom is wonderful! The bathroom and kitchen are small but well appointed.
Cindy

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La Dolfina November 16, 2010 - 2:16 am

That house is lovely. So many clever details and treatments. Is it in Paris?
You always bring us the best homes.

xo

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oldgreymare November 16, 2010 - 2:37 am

I could move right in and feel very at ease.

I'd love to get more greys into this oldgreymare home. Most of it is out in the garden…

xx

z

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Blondie's Journal November 16, 2010 - 4:32 am

Lovely home, Sharon. Lots of clever elements here.

XO,
Jane

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chateaudelille November 16, 2010 - 4:54 am

Love all the natural colours mixed together. Im hoping to do rustic french a little more this Christmas.Fiona

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Leah - The Inside Story November 16, 2010 - 6:18 am

I love all of it. Absolutely beautiful!

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Debra Phillips November 16, 2010 - 7:08 am

oh there is much to love here sharon!
imperfection adds elements of interest, character and depth, lovely images
debra

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* French Farmhouse 425 * November 16, 2010 - 8:24 am

~*Wow it is amazing!! Im ready to move in!!lol..Hugs, Rachel~*~*

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Bree Oliver November 16, 2010 - 8:33 am

Great inspiration thanks.

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marian November 16, 2010 - 9:14 am

Well, that's exactly how I'd love to live too!
Bye,
Marian

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Cindy and Joe November 16, 2010 - 12:16 pm

Gosh, I could move in!

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a Broad November 16, 2010 - 9:55 pm

I love that first photo !
I like rooms that look like these but then I wonder how depressing will all that grey be in the winter .. I think a bit more color, somewhere might work better for me but I do love the decor.

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bethsheba November 18, 2010 - 2:05 am

What Gorgeous rooms the chairs are very elegant and the drape's look
Just right gauzily and sleek and the stone floor wow.

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Nicole Liew July 1, 2011 - 8:57 am

I have just discovered your blog and its content. I am so in love with France that I have decided that one day soon, I will live there before I die and it would be my last chapter which will find me painting, writing, gardening and entertaining friends in chic surroundings. I have been visiting Nice for the last four years but will try and venture inland more. I go to Paris for trade shows twice a year and whenever I am there, I like to go to Porte de Clignancourt for the puces!

I am trying to persuade my sister to invest in a french property and have sent her a link to this blog. Meci!

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