light and space in an old French bastide

by Sharon Santoni
If I were to move back down to the South of France with it’s beautiful light and gentle living, I would definitely love a house with proportions like these.  Tall ceilings, wide open windows, gently light colours.  Everything feels calm and uncluttered, the living looks easy.
 I love the long dresser in this picture, so great for displaying plates or even lining up dishes for a big family lunch!
The furniture is not overdone, mostly vintage or brocante pieces, the accent is on colour, patina and textures.  The bareness of the walls in the sitting room provide a striking set for the two huge orchard ladders.
[blank]

Fittingly it is the bedroom that is given the most comfortable treatment, with a big soft armchair, and of course the wonderfully simple baldaquin over the bed.

How simple is this table?!  Two  bench supports and plank table top rounded at the corners.  What makes it spectacular is its size.
This is my favourite picture,; I love the grey of the lamp stand against the neutral stone wall.   The way the side table height has been raised, and those amazing little vases attached to the lamp – those I want!
Another example of French understatement, less is more.  Simple materials, neutral colours, comfort in textiles with looking for anything fancy.    The overall effect feels soothing to me – what do you think?

[blank]





all pictures with thanks to campagne et doecoration

39 comments

Betsy January 30, 2012 - 11:50 am

Lovely!

Reply
Linda Stairs May 24, 2016 - 12:43 am

I could sooo relax in this place! I don’t want to use an exclamation to describe the simple elegance.

Reply
Lizzie January 30, 2012 - 12:05 pm

Wow, such lovely images, especially the bedroom!

Reply
Tish Jett January 30, 2012 - 12:15 pm

Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. No one does that unpretentious melange of nonchalance and elegance the way the French do.

xoxo

Reply
Twist of Lime January 30, 2012 - 12:34 pm

Very calming…

Swing over to my blog. I mentioned you today 🙂

Reply
In my garden January 30, 2012 - 12:42 pm

Calm and beautiful!

Reply
my french dream January 30, 2012 - 12:46 pm

Beautiful and very calming.
xx

Reply
plaits and paisley January 30, 2012 - 1:19 pm

Just gorgeous. So many things I love, the armoire, the red chair, and just so simple but elegant.
Penny

Reply
Gina January 30, 2012 - 2:22 pm

Beautiful! Especially the stone walls.

Reply
Nancy's Notes January 30, 2012 - 2:36 pm

Sensational photographs!

Reply
Shabby soul January 30, 2012 - 3:33 pm

The two bedrooms are stunning!
Have a nice day
Silvia

Reply
Christie, Describe Happy January 30, 2012 - 3:34 pm

I really want to curl up with a book in that big chair in the bedroom!! Beautiful and soft!

Reply
hopflower January 30, 2012 - 3:37 pm

Hmmm. Not so in love with this one, really.

Reply
hopflower January 30, 2012 - 3:37 pm

Hmmm. Not so in love with this one, really.

Reply
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style January 30, 2012 - 4:03 pm

Wonderful patina and love those ladders.

Reply
Nancy January 30, 2012 - 4:17 pm

Beautiful, understated elegance, yet looks so comfortable…love it
Nancy
Powellbrower.com

Reply
lipoooo January 30, 2012 - 4:33 pm

great pictures!

Reply
hostess of the humble bungalow January 30, 2012 - 4:49 pm

Lovely!
I could easily live in those sumptuous rooms full of light and linens.

Reply
Teacup-In-The-Garden January 30, 2012 - 4:49 pm

How wonderful!
Markus

Reply
kathy peck January 30, 2012 - 4:59 pm

All so incredibly beautiful. I've noticed that in so many of the homes, there is very little, if any, art on the walls.
I'm curious about that.

Reply
SABINE January 30, 2012 - 5:47 pm

HALLO,
SOOOOOOO LOVELY !!!!!
GRUSS SABINE

Reply
Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita January 30, 2012 - 6:05 pm

it's lovely – so light and clean and uncluttered. Loved this tour.

Reply
Lorrie January 30, 2012 - 6:18 pm

So pretty and airy. Just the thing for a warm summer place.

Reply
rosaria January 30, 2012 - 7:01 pm

Stunning in its simplicity,authenticity. A nod to simple taste that is immortal.

Reply
aboutgarden January 30, 2012 - 7:40 pm

Hi Sharon
I love your beautiful reportage!!!
from Italy
simonetta

Reply
Nancy Reinke January 30, 2012 - 9:57 pm

Beautiful. Inviting. So simple, yet so elegant.I'd live there in a heartbeat. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Francesca Muir January 30, 2012 - 10:37 pm

Hi Sharon – this is a joy – I used to work with Appley who own this with her daughter Zoe. We worked together many, many moons ago on a decorator magazine in Sydney. Such a small world! Thank you for sharing this. Francesca x

Reply
Sarah January 31, 2012 - 12:45 am

Wonderful, dreamy images! Love the oval window hanging on the wall in the first photo, but truly enjoyed all of these. Thanks!

Reply
La Dolfina January 31, 2012 - 3:51 am

I wholeheartedly agree!
I'm drawn more and more to these type of spaces though it is hard to find homes that provide the kinds of canvases that yours in France do.
Wishing you a grand week ahead!!
T

Reply
Heaven's Walk January 31, 2012 - 3:53 am

Absolutely stunning home! I always leave your blog with such inspiring ideas on my own home decor! Thank you so much!!! 😉

xoxo laurie

Reply
Carol January 31, 2012 - 4:36 am

It's beautiful Sharon. l fell in love with the main bedroom.

Reply
Anci January 31, 2012 - 8:06 am

It's lovely !!

xo
Anci

Reply
Lore January 31, 2012 - 12:55 pm

Love everything. But photo #6 is my favorite! the green, the old doll, a perfect composition!

Reply
Suzy January 31, 2012 - 4:23 pm

Just wanted you to know that I am a new follower and I have greatly enjoyed your posts. The decorating, and stories are wonderful!

Reply
NotesFromAbroad February 1, 2012 - 4:29 am

Oh what wonderful rooms !
besitos, C

Reply
Susan February 2, 2012 - 10:38 am

Gorgeous pictures, Sharon – it makes me want to move to France! 🙂

Reply
Anonymous February 3, 2012 - 12:12 am

Lovely but aren't the owners English?

Reply
Anonymous February 10, 2012 - 4:49 am

these are such beautiful interiors..Cheri

Reply
Joseph April 5, 2021 - 6:36 pm

The combination of a large space, light walls and high-quality lighting-gives a wonderful result, a sense of freedom. The right light in the house can affect this, even if you have a small room. Cooperation with a professional electrician will always lead you to the expected result

Reply

Leave a Comment