another side to french brocante

by Sharon Santoni
[blank]For many people the word brocante conjures up romantic images of France  … chipped paint on blue shutters; mismatched china; zinc buckets full of flowers … you know what I mean.
But there is a darker side to this business! …..[blank]
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[blank]welcome to the world of industrial vintage![blank]
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[blank]a world where metal is king, and rust is chic …[blank]
[blank]a world where wax-scented antique stores are replaced by disused hangars and fork lift trucks;[blank]
[blank]where the buyer needs to arrive with a vision, a will to transform;[blank]
[blank]and where a girl is better off in steel capped boots than Prada  ![blank]
[blank]A world where the goods take some deciphering[blank]
[blank]and where a heavy tool kit is more useful than a pot of furniture polish[blank]

[blank]This is also part of my brocante experience.   Each of my professional clients coming here to buy, arrives with a personal wish list and style; it’s up to me to interpret their wishes and lead them in the right direction…..[blank]

[blank]Another reason why I love the role I have carved out for myself via the blog, and the wonderful guests it brings me.   I can be unfolding beautiful linen sheets in the morning, and measuring steel topped workbenches in the afternoon …
 nothing like variety to keep you on your toes!

28 comments

La Table De Nana August 1, 2013 - 11:34 pm

I have treasures for those drawers:) Not real treasures mind you..
There is something for everyone it seems~♥
There is nothing you have shown us that I do not like:)

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Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest August 1, 2013 - 11:45 pm

What a wonderful way of looking at things, Sharon.

I loved this post, I truly did.

One day how I should love to be a guest of yours.

Sigh.

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Khammany @ Sweet Inspired Home August 1, 2013 - 11:55 pm

Beautiful! I love roses and linen and chipped paint but I also I love metal and rust and industrial decor as well! Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos!

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Maywyn Studio August 2, 2013 - 12:05 am

Stunning photographs!
If I saw such a place in person, I think I'd still be on the ground, eyes glazed over and mumbling mine all mine.

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Magnolia Verandah August 2, 2013 - 2:49 am

This industrial stuff is so edgy.

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Emm August 2, 2013 - 4:50 am

What are the metal boxes with the pointed fronts? They look like a kind of file box to me or perhaps something for sorting mail.

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Jennifer August 2, 2013 - 6:11 am

just the kind of things I like to place here and there among the blooms and blossoms in my garden – very interesting finds! jennifer jennsthreegraces

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Faded Charm August 2, 2013 - 6:38 am

Oh, I love everything I see and always have a vision:-)

Lucky girl to be surrounded by so much great stuff!

xoxo
Kathleen

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 2, 2013 - 7:40 am

same goes for me!
xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 2, 2013 - 7:40 am

HI Michele

thank you! I loved taking these pictures, I love the patterns in the industrial stuff

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 2, 2013 - 7:41 am

thank you Khammany

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 2, 2013 - 7:41 am

you can't ever take it all home Maywyn!

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 2, 2013 - 7:41 am

Yes it is, but used in small and well chosen doses, it can look very very good

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 2, 2013 - 7:42 am

HI Emm

The boxes would have been out of a factory, probably with spare parts in each bin, the shape gives easy access without losing bits out the front!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 2, 2013 - 7:42 am

sounds good to me Jennifer

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 2, 2013 - 7:43 am

I certainly have fun each day Kathleen

xx

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Gigi August 2, 2013 - 9:04 am

Nothing a slick of paint can't fix….says she who has bits and pieces building up in the garage…waiting…waiting…. 😉

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landscapes paintings August 2, 2013 - 10:08 am

what a kind of collections
just wondering how would it be after the rework

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Country Maison (Eva) August 2, 2013 - 12:20 pm

I agree with what has been said. I do love everything you have shown here and I was already transforming all of the items in my head, imagining what they would look like in this or another room.
I am the kind of person that when I love something I just get it, then I will think or look for a place for it.

My husband is French but we live in Spain and as we always visit family in France we don't get much chance to go to the wonderful markets and brocante, you have a beautiful blog and house and I love dreaming through it !

xEva

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Kris Vogelsang August 2, 2013 - 1:58 pm

That's MY kind of brocante! I would take all of that!!!(if my wallet was deep enough…)
Kris of Cricket Acres Studio

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Castles Crowns and Cottages August 2, 2013 - 2:31 pm

I missed your animal post and this one! I love them both and those blond maned horses….OMG I want one! WHY, HOW….POURQUOI, COMMENT se fait-il que tout ce que les français touchent se transforme en or? :)))))

Love the vintage, industrial look. Anita

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Pamela Barber August 2, 2013 - 2:52 pm

hi Sharon just got to meet my new Baby granddaughter( she is gorgeous) so haven't seen your blog for a few days..but I love Love the old stuff you have shown us
xx pamela

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vicki archer August 2, 2013 - 5:29 pm

Fantastic Sharon… Would love to know more about this place… it looks fantastic… xv

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Curtains in My Tree August 2, 2013 - 6:17 pm

Oh we like that stuff also

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Sammy August 2, 2013 - 10:24 pm

It is all cool!

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Karen (Back Road Journal) August 3, 2013 - 2:10 pm

This is a look that my daughter enjoys…industrial chic as she refers to it.

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Jennifer August 3, 2013 - 3:42 pm

Love the dark side! Wonderful images!

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Mimi August 4, 2013 - 2:59 pm

Oh my..this post…what eye candy. The rusty, industrial look is beautiful to me. I can't get enough. How I'd love a trip to visit these with you!

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