July 31, 2011

Back to the Limousin...

(l'Oiseau Bleu, Limousin)

I love the green rolling hills of France, the lush forests and pretty
waterways that gently meander from village to village. Welcome
to the Limousin, central France... This will, initially, be a
part-time home but in the future the aim is to reside there full time.
The l'Osieau Bleu is not far from the house and on the way to
Rochechouart, the nearest market town.

I have set my sights on an old house - actually a farm complex - in a
hamlet not far from Rochechouart. If you have been following my
design ideas, you will know the proposal is to knock
through the two houses to make one family house.

Growing up in London, I remember a breakfast room /gathering
place for family and friends to catch up over a cup of tea and a
biscuit just off the kitchen. As I have moved from home to home,
I've created a similar space and this lovely French home
will be no exception. In fact, it is perfect...


There is already a small but compact room which leads
directly to the kitchen and is absolutely ideal for what
I have in mind.


It wouldn't need much furniture, just a few beautiful but
rustic pieces. I am not overly fond of fitted furniture so would love
one of those antique Swedish bench/sofas or similar French piece
to sit up against one of the walls.


An old wooden rectangular shaped table - nothing fancy - probably
in a dark oak and a set of pretty French country chairs
placed around the open sides.


Then comes the obligatory trimmings. A chandelier, of course,
which would be perfectly centered over the table, perhaps a little
more simplistic in style for a bit of understated sparkle.


And of course, a beautifully ornate French or English antique mirror
on the wall behind the sofa/bench to give the illusion of space.


As ever, the final flourish would be down to a very pretty
arrangement of fresh flowers and, if I could have any flower
at any time, I would love a little bunch of purple and
lavender coloured sweet peas...

Thanks for stopping by

Jo xx

Your comments always make me smile

Photography:
1. Via Google, 2. Uknown, 3. Tumblr., 4. Unknown,
5. Claire Richardson for French Home, 6. Novogratz,
7. Via Google, tumblr.

7 comments:

  1. Beautiful words you have here. The dining area with the couch is what I have in mind. I love that setting and trying to do it at my place. Unfortunately I don't have room for a special corner like that yet. And all the elements in this post are so beautiful. It'd be nice if I can have them all in my place.

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  2. Thanks Suki. Appreciate your lovely comments and good luck with your dining room. Hope you'll post a blog and share with us xx

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  3. May I please move in with you? I love your choices Jo. To live in France would be such a marvelous dream, one I just hope you make happen. Growing up in London must of been such a marvelous experience? Such a polar experience from Texas. I'd love to know what brought you to Spring? Love perhaps? Jo, your blog is so beautiful, just like your heart.

    xx Deb

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  4. Such praise indeed... Thank you so much Deborah. It's always a thrill when someone takes the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate your very generous and kind words. If all goes according to plan, will be the proud owner of a number of derelict buildings in the Limousin. There's a ton of work to do but once the house in habitable and visitor worthy, you can come visit anytime...
    Bestest

    Jo xx

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  5. Just beautiful! I can't even imagine creating something like this. I tend to be a minimalist, but then again, my heart is so inspired when I see pictures like these. I can't wait to see what you do with the buildings in Limousin!

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  6. Thanks Pat. I don't like to clutter rooms with too much stuff but I do like layering and using fine antique and vintage pieces. I also use very modern art housed in gorgeous old frames. There will always be a few modern pieces in the mix too (don't want it feeling like a museum)...
    Appreciate your lovely comments and support as ever.
    Jo xx

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  7. Just beautiful. I hope your dreams come true. My French Folly has been giving me sleepless nights, but it looks as if it may be habitable (i.e. hot & cold water, shower, toilette and power - on the ground floor) by the time we arrive for our sojourn in 2012.

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