Elements of French Kitchen Design

Elements of French kitchen design speak fluent style to legions of Francophile-obsessed decoristas.

With the holiday season right around the corner, the kitchen will be the baking-cooking-gathering star of the show.

There’s no time like the present to entertain the thought of a kitchen revamp, refresh or remodel, n’est-ce pas?

Elements of French kitchen design marry formality with rustic refinement coupled with old-world charm personifying the characteristics of the country French kitchen.

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Werner Straube

Architectural elements juxtaposed against a weathered patina and items of old and new come together to lend warmth and character which in turn create a visually stunning space.

Architectural Digest – Photography by Simon Watson

Nature inspired tones and skirted sinks and islands of stone become the design elements cornerstone of rustic French kitchen design.

Ashley Montgomery Design

Do you prefer the term country French or French country?

Traditional Style of the Country French Kitchen

Perhaps a tomayto, tomahto point, but Country French is the term used most often in the antiques world so country French it is.

Inspiration is everywhere, and listening to French music is an excellent source of inspiration- a musical form of a French immersion master class.

Antiqued Dalle de Beaucaire French Limestone Flooring

It is said that kitchen design starts from the ground up.

French Terracotta Flooring – Vintage Elements

Auxerre French Reclaimed Terracotta Tile Hexagon

Rich earthy tones, pattern designs at play, and old-world charm is present in natural stone choices.

Hardwood floors, natural wood cabinets, exposed stone tile backsplash, an effortless mix of new and vintage architectural pieces, and marble countertops continue to top the list of the most preferred elements of French kitchen design.

Varenna Porcelain Floor Tile

Argos Natural Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile

Stella Loire Silver Smoke Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Balsa 24″ x 24″ Porcelain Wood Look Wall & Floor Tile

Artisan Damero Azul 13 in. x 13 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile

Canet Gris 17 in. x 17 in. Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Veranda Magazine – Photography by Xaviet Bejot

Oscar Wilde tells us imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Imitating the distinctive European elegance vis-à-vis design and decor pays a compliment to the classic French kitchen.

May I present in the style of accents and accessories for your design and decorating inspiration~

French Lantern Chandelier in Gilded Bronze with Cut Crystal Detail

Artichoke Art Print

Shachar 72 in. or 90 in. Extendable Rectangle Dark Brown Wood Dining Table

Regina Wood Upholstered Dining Chair by Christopher Knight Home
French Market Basket

Maison Créative

Betera Blanco 13-1/8 in. x 13-1/8 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile

Merola Tile Retro Hex Nero 14.13″ x 16.25″ Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Industry Tile 8×8 Art Wood Marble Design 5 Porcelain Tile

Merola Tile Kings Damero 17.63″ x 17.63″ Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile

From the rustic chic of hardwood, the earthy richness of natural stone, the formal informal of marble, and the iconic style of parquet flooring- flooring serves as a principal foundation piece in terms of the overall balance of kitchen design.

Hand Scraped Strand Woven Sahara Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Dixiewood Herringbone Brown 9.25 in. x 11.22 in. Marble Mosaic Tile

Balsa Decor Caramel 24 in. x 24 in. Matte Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

French Oak Santa Cruz Solid Hardwood Flooring

House Beautiful – Mindy Laven Design
Photography by Christopher Lee Foto

Commanding features of the very right of the white kitchen juxtaposed with the presence of accents and accessories rich in provincial color, texture and pattern fashion a visually interesting mélange of design and decorating distinction.

Palm Design Group

Antique French Pine Cabinet Doors

Subtle drama, a decorating oxymoron if there ever was one, engages my eye past the traditional idea of the country French kitchen to decor accents in the not trying so hard to exemplify the look category.

4 Light Empire Chandelier

Alisina 4 – Light Dimmable Lantern Geometric Chandelier

Balsa Decor Caramel 24 in. x 24 in. Matte Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Sahara Hand Scraped Strand Woven Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Salento Vintage Copper Chandelier

Same fixture design but in Persian white.

Salento 8-Light Persian White Chandelier

Chevron LakLuxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Bria Hammel Interiors

Chapman & Myers Modern Globe Lantern

Mitzi Fenimore 1 Light Pendant
Hudson Valley Painted No.1 by Mark D. Sikes 3-light Aged Brass Pendant

Allenglade 5-Light Unique Antique Gold Globe Chandelier

Antique Copper 7-Light Crystal Empire Four Tier Chandelier

Adding a ceiling medallion completes the desired result.

European Collection Acanthus Polyurethane Ceiling Medallion

Needham Urethane Ceiling Medallion

Saverne Ceiling Medallion, Primed White

Shell And French Twist Polyurethane Ceiling Medallion

Benson Classic Ceiling Medallion, Americana Crackle

Strasbourg Urethane Ceiling Medallion, Pot of Cream

Do you consider cabinet hardware as a focal point?

Oui mes amis.

Solid Brass Tassel Pull

Anne at Home Hare Head Knob in Pewter Matte

All Creatures 1.37″ Diameter Mushroom Knob

Never underestimate the small details and the ability they have to make a grand statement.

Accenting with as opposed to a total immersion in is the key to alleviating the risk of a dated look.

Lubbock WTBHA 2015 Parade of Homes

Sourcing home decor items is routine, but never mundane.

For any of you in the Greater Houston area or up for a treasure hunt adventure I suggest checking out the French and European items up for auction at Gallery Auction.

In the days of Hopefully Classic, this auction company was an absolute favorite source of antique pieces and accents. Goodies at the Gallery was code for hook up the trailer and let’s go.

Louis XV Style Buffet Sideboard

French Provincial Sideboard

If you can’t make it in person you can view the catalog, bid online, and arrange to have your winning purchase(s) shipped to you at an additional cost. (Check out the copper cookware and stunning Empire chandeliers- treasures galore!)

Zentique Provence Side Dining Chair

Provencal Counter Stool

Galliher 24.5” Counter Stool

House Beautiful – Photography by Simon Upton

East at Main Rattan Handwoven Wicker Armchair with Cushion

The Gray Barn Willow Way Dining Chair (Set of 2)

Antique Hand-Carved Hunt Dining Table

Dark Gray Fabric Dining Chairs with Black Checkerboard Back Design, Set of 2

Admiration for the well-appointed French kitchen began when I was in junior high.

Uttermost Torriana Antiqued Accent Wall Clock

Modular Glass Doors Display Cabinet Combo Bookcase Home Office Pantry

My best friend’s mother had impeccable taste in home furnishings and home décor accessories, and it carried throughout to create the notable interiors associated with one of the most premier homes of our area.

Kingsley Sandblasted White Round Dining Table

Gracefully designed and decorated, the traditional kitchen, appointed with classic French flair, was indeed the design pièce de résistance.

Remarkable in memory to this day is the French bleu colors mix paired with cream white accents designed to serve as both color palette and focal point.

Less is more echoed throughout the design and decor, and the style statement made more ethereal than overt.

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Werner Straube

Accents in ç’est vraiment magnifique detail translates to it’s really beautiful- the quintessential design element of the curated French kitchen.

French Country Double-Handle Deck Mount Gooseneck Bridge Kitchen Faucet with Brass Sprayer in Polished Brass

French Country style kitchen faucets by Kingston Brass represents the detail of vintage French country design, bringing elegance of old to the contemporary kitchen.

Kitchen Faucet with Side Sprayer in Antique Copper

Tuscan Farmhouse Arabescato Marble Sink

Kingston Brass Heritage Kitchen-Faucet in Antique Copper

Whitehaus 30″ Single Basin Kitchen Sink

Beige Marble Rough Apron Sink

Rounded Apron Front Farmhouse Kitchen Double Bowl Mexican Copper Sink

Utilitarian in function, unique in presence. Wonderful options for a butler/prep sink.

Rope Natural Stone Vessel Sink in Almond Brown

Cylindrical Natural Stone Vessel Sink in Grey

French White Marble Sink

One-Handle Widespread Kitchen Bar Faucet

Akicon Single-Handle Bar Faucet in Copper

bi·be·lot

ˈbib(ə)ˌlō
noun

a small, decorative ornament or trinket.

Antique French Blue Transferware Bowl 1878 Earthenware

Country French Cupboard

French Antique Empire Iron and Tole Chandelier, Late 19th Century

19th Century French Oak Cabinet

19th Century Iron and Tole Chandelier

Antique Oil Portrait Painting Woman, French Bonnet, French Brocante

Vintage French Louis XV Style Marble Top Paint Decorated Commode

Rosemary & Lavender Live Wreath

Circa Art Collection

Architectural salvage pediments.

Antique French Pediment / Ornament

Vintage French Wood Pediment

Architectural French Carved Wood PedimentCast Stone Parisian Entrance Urn in Aged Charcoal

Curated style is born out of looking at decor pieces in a whole new light such as using this Parisian Entrance Urn as a countertop trash receptacle.

Blue Willow Chinoiserie Printable Art

Large French Country Vaisselier Plate Shelf

Vintage Bread Boards

Antique French Provencal Salt Box

French Antique Flower Enamel BB Freres Kitchen Canisters Containers

3-Piece Ceramic Canister Set in White and Blue

Veranda – Photography by Alexandre Bailhache

Set of 5 French Kitchen Copper Pans Saucepans Wooden Handles

Architectural salvage pieces take beautifully to the aesthetic of the French kitchen.

Antique Architectural Salvage Cast Iron Fireplace Cover

This antique architectural salvage cast iron fireplace cover is stunningly suitable as a fireback backsplash accent piece.

Rustic Kitchen Island with Drawers

White and Gold 58-inch Wide Marble Top Kitchen Island

May I present a second option dripping in going for the gold style~

White and Gold 58-inch Wide Marble Top Kitchen Island

Large Marble Dough Bowl – Photography by Liz Clayman

Stuart I Brown Solid Wood Top Two-Tier Black Metal Rolling Kitchen Island

Elisgner Black Metal 29-inch Kitchen Island Table

Espresso Barley Twist Upholstered Counter Stool

19th century French allumette, Match Holder

Apilco Pig Casserole Dish

Apilco Porcelain Hare Casserole Dish

Pomegranate Fruit Oil Painting

Large Natural Willow Tote Basket by Ashland®

Classic Provencal blue cookware.

Tramontina Enameled Cast-Iron 7-qt. Oval Dutch Oven

Creil & Montereau Blue Transferware Small Serving Dish Vine Model

E. Dehillerin Paris Stamped Stock Stew Pot

Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper Roasting Pan with Artichoke Handle

French kitchen design provides the perfect opportunity to add a single focal point lamp or perhaps a duo to the countertop for accent lighting perfection.

Roma Table Lamps, Set of 2

Distinctive European elegance is the standard of style and signature component of French kitchen design.

Louisiana Gulf Coastal Style

Louisiana Gulf Coastal style is a superlative design style for all seasons, but it seems to shine brightest in the summer style spotlight.

Decor style displayed throughout your home is a 365 day a year love your style affair, but at certain times of the calendar year the appeal of a particular decor style is heightened.

The Brown Pelican – The Official State Bird of Louisiana

American White Pelican Artwork by John James Audubon

Scenes from home illustrate Louisiana is a mixed bag of decor styles, dishes, and dialects.

Our rich and diverse history replete with Spanish and French influences reflects in regional design and architectural features such as flat-tiled roofs, stucco façades, and coastal into tropical color palettes.

Louisiana Cookin’

Food is more form than function with fresh Gulf seafood being a house specialty for all seasons.

Baked Oysters with Gremolata

Matte White Round Stoneware Oyster Platter

Vintage Found Hotel Silver Appetizer Forks – Set of 4

J.P. Limoges France Rimmed Soup-Salad-Pasta Bowls

Louisiana Gulf coastal style is rooted in Victorian, Acadian, Creole, French, Spanish and European influences.

Gold Scalloped Rim Glass Plate

Antique German Fish Plates Set Of 8, Dinner Fish Plates

Chinoiserie Style Oyster Pineapple Wall /Door Hanging

Custom Oyster Shell NOAA Chart

Silver Aluminum Coastal Serving Bowl

Shrimp Salad Recipe

Design and decor treasure troves include John James Audubon prints, oyster and turtle shells, and eclectic objets d’art of beach and bayou.

Gold Metal Turtle Shell Box, 5″

Sharing a common foundation with its traditional coastal design style counterpart, Louisiana Gulf coastal style blurs the lines with a seasoned twist of laissez le bon temps interpretation.

Embellishing pieces in order to create a custom look is a Gulf Coast breeze.

Instant and affordable, simply replace existing cabinet hardware with decorative cabinet knobs rich with Gulf Coast style overtones.

Greg Natale

You’ll be amazed at how fast a piece goes from to plain to pizzazz with the addition of new cabinet hardware.

Coastal color schemes take a cue from the natural surroundings of sky, shore, shell, and sea.

Incorporate casually elegant pieces into the spaces and places of the home to best convey the quintessence of Louisiana Gulf coastal style.

Southern Home Magazine

Regina Andrew Design Driftwood Sconce

Table lamps and wall sconces, better known as the jewelry of the space, both complement and complete the desired look.

Shelly Wall Sconce

Coastal style does not have to fit the traditional sea and shell mold.

Capital Lighting Eden Tall Wall Sconce – Gold

Minka Lavery – Abbott Place – 2 Light Wall Sconce in Traditional Style

from Sherwin-Williams

We take just enough liberty with the traditional hallmarks of coastal design style to make it our own, enhancing the look with a dash of native to Louisiana flavor without walking too terribly far way from the core notes.

Sourcing in the style of furnishings and home decor accents isn’t always an absolute exercise in imitation.

Jarod A. Hebert Architect, LLC

Stepping back for a moment or two to absorb and access the living room in the above image, and as lovely as it is, I’m going to add to and take away from for the sake of personal preference.

Capital Lighting Jude 6 Light Chandelier – Mystic Luster

19th Century Italian Carved Giltwood and Polychrome Five-Light Chandelier

Cyan Design Driftwood Table Lamp

Uttermost Twisted Vines Table Lamp

Vintage Art Print Gold Framed, Beach

BenJara Medium Clam Shell Accent, White

Vintage Silvered Oyster Shell Lamp Finials – Set of 2

Silver Glass Task and Reading Table Lamp with Faux Mercury Glass Finish

White Polystone Coastal Shell Sculpture

Taking the Louisiana coastal environment into consideration results in upholstery choices of the cool, versatile, and easy care kind.

Leobarda Oatmeal Armchair with Nailhead Trim (Set of 2)

Beato Blue Armchair with Turned Legs

Pearl 17.5 in. Glass Crystal LED Table Lamp, White Brass Gold

Icott 29 in. Silver Mercury Glass Table Lamp with Off-White Shade

Italian Baroque Pedestal Table

Beige Polystone Turtle Sculpture (Set of 3)

Folklore tells the tale of beauty and aquatic goddess known as mermaids.

Fascinating as mythical sirens, this turtle sculpture set of 3 mermaids makes a graceful addition to the theme.

Safavieh Handmade Ikat Madyson Wool Rug

Blossom IvoryGray 8 ft. x 10 ft. Floral Area Rug

Small Round Gold Classic Mirror

Provence Sunburst Iron Framed Mirror

Table Lamp with Blue and White Heavy Textured Glaze

Haversham 56 in. Aged Blue Credenza with 4 Doors

Searching warehouse and storeroom for my Great blue Heron John James Audubon print got this Louisiana Gulf coastal style party started.

Hanging the Great blue Heron print in the dining room is under decorative consideration, and the best way to rule it in or rule it out is to actually hang it before the second and final coat of paint.

If I decide against the piece, I simply caulk the nail hole and we’re on to bigger and better items.

Audubon Oppenheimer Octavo Edition, Pl. 369 Great blue Heron

Roseate Spoonbill on the Louisiana Coast

Medium Rectangle Ivory Casual Mirror

Hexagonal Embellishments Sideboard with Solid Wood Legs

Delia 20.5 in. Cream Faux Alligator Table Lamp with Off-White Shade

Metallic Gold Alligator Sculpture Table Decor

HomArt – Match Box Set of 2 – Shells

Homestyles 20 in. Bronze Patina Pelican on Coastal Rock Nautical Beach Statue

Innova Heron Duo Garden Statue

Traditional additions grouped along with those awash in modern subtleties strike an expected meets the unexpected balance.

Resin Coral Shell Bowl

Gold-Tone Clam Bowl, Large

Nature provides the natural color palette so beautifully found along the sands and water’s edge of the Gulf Coast.

Summer is the season of coastal decor style, and the popularity of Louisiana Gulf coastal style is experiencing its day in the sun.

Coastal Home Decor

Coastal home decor comes to the mind of the decorista as warm breezes, cool tones, and hot tunes provide inspiration and ideas for updating house and home.

House & Home – Photo by Heather Ross

Is Coastal Style Still In Style?

When the calendar turns to a new season I generally take the time to reflect on and take stock of design styles. For instance, the popularity, pertinence, and staying power of the classics and the trendy.

Coastal home décor pieces rooted in traditional influences accented with new-traditional interpretations run the gamut from Palm Beach to Palm Springs style and coastal to tropical points in between.

Elle Decor – Photography by Eric Piasecki

Experimenting with different aspects of a design style is easy.

Introduce new takes on a classic to keep the decorating fun and fresh, and the decorative appeal of the space visually engaging to you and the eyes that will ooh and ahh over your decorating mastery.

The takeaway is this: the coastal home décor accents and accessories you find to be a stunning reflection of you and your impeccable personal taste is exactly what’s in style.

“We dream in colors borrowed from the sea.”

—Unknown

Dream and decorate in sea to sky colors of soft neutrals and crisp deep tones borrowed from the beauty of the sea.

If a total coastal home décor makeover is in your seasonal update decorating scheme plan, this post is here to give ideas.

If you find you’re leaning more towards refreshing your décor with subtle spot touches to achieve a relaxed day at the beach aesthetic, this post has got you covered like SPF 50 sunscreen.

House Beautiful- Benjamin Dhong- Photo by Lisa Romerein

Wall mirrors classify as art in this decorista’s portfolio.

A&B Home Wall Mounted Mirror with Round Gold Metal Frame

Medium Round Champagne Art Deco Mirror

In this in the style of feature, one is silver, and the other, gold.

Hunter Wall Mirror

Serene pastels fit in comfortably with the beachside color palette.

Suzanne Kasler

Molly 3.5 in. x 28.3 in. Modern Rectangle Framed White Decorative Mirror

French Louis XIV Style Carved and Custom Painted Console Table

Inspiration is everywhere, especially in the colors, textures, and patterns discovered under the sea.

SAFAVIEH Lighting Ivy Resin Table Lamp

White Coral Tabletop Décor

Finch Versailles Tufted Accent Chair

Here’s a couple of fun pretty in pink accent chair options to consider.

Designart ‘Quartz Texture’ Upholstered Accent Chair

Designart Influence Of Line and Color Upholstered Accent Chair

Mixing styles is key when the intent is contrast through traditional meets modern juxtaposition.

House & Garden – Photo by Paul Massey

The core concept of coastal decorating style places the emphasis on creating a comfortable and inviting space rich in layers, textures, and natural elements.

House & Garden- Photo by Cristian Barnett

Pierce Wicker Side Table

Wicker, rattan, seagrass, jute, and woven pieces are instantly associated with coastal chic.

Meena Modern Rattan Wall Sconce

Southern Living Ideal Home – Crane Island, Florida

Seaside chic is color rich, texture driven, and pattern at play perfect for merging the coastal vibe of the indoors to the outdoors.

Fossil in a Fossil Color

Metallic Gold Alligator Sculpture Table Décor

Universal Furniture

Coastal Living Zephyr Pendant, White

Coloring within the lines is a safe choice, but where’s the unique in that?

Fredrick Ramond Spyre 6-Light Chandelier in Champagne Gold

Modern Drum Gold Chandelier with Clear Textured Glass Panels

Carson 6 Light Polished Nickel Chandelier

Bo Massey

Uttermost Rahila Antiqued Mirror (Set of 2)

Carbon Loft Antique Silver Mirror

Arteriors Tilda Chandelier

Ruffled Marble Bowl

Madison Park Ashe Natural Dining Chair set of 2

Shoreline Colors

I’m adding a personal choice of sideboard here as the lines and curves remind me of the shape of sea waves as they approach the shore.

Wood Bead and Metal Semi-Flush Light – Black

Martha Stewart Elmcrest Natural Dining Table

Epworth Wooden Dining Chair with Wicker and Fabric Seating (Set of 2)

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Joyelle West

Annika Rattan Pendant Light

54 in. Lippa in White oval Artificial Marble Dining Table

Woven Wood Armchair with Open Back and Woven Black Seat

Bandelier Black Rural Woven Dining Arm Chair

Maine House Interiors

Quite the dynamic color combination tour de force, adding classic blue and white porcelain and ceramic accents to your coastal decorating theme frames a calm, cool, and collected picture.

Montoya Blue and White Porcelain Table Lamp

Vintage Ming Jar in Various Styles and Sizes

Maynard Antiqued Brass Round Wall Mirror with Decorative Ring

19th C French Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers

Veranda – Suzanne Kasler – Photo by Brian Woodcock

Custis Salmon -Benjamin Moore

3 – Light Lantern Geometric Pendant

Handmade Wood Wall Mirror

Designed with scalloped edges and tapered legs with a look reminiscent of a seashell, the Liliane Velvet Barrel Chair is a casual yet elegant choice of accent chair.

Modern Scalloped Back Accent Barrel Chair – Pink

Pink Paper Palms, Set of 3

Ryan A. Jones & Associates

Coastal Living Pebble Accent Chair

Decorators Best

Shifting the sands from soft delicate pastels to a touch of gold coast glam.

20 in. Golden Gold Tree Trunk Stool

Spot-On Spot Accents

Accent chests, spot chairs, and designer look area rugs qualify as spot-on spot accents for a foyer, entryway, living, family, or sun room.

Ridge Road Décor Round Antique Aluminum Framed Wall Mirror in Silver

Madison Park Hanley 2-Doors Accent Cabinet in Black

Roseanne Accent Chair – Gold/Grey

Gray-Washed Decorative Carved Wood Coffee Table

Carved details, natural pine wood, and a soft gray-washed finish highlights this super coastal chic style coffee table.

Jan Jones LLC

LS Dimond Home Natural Teak Slice Console

Sea Urchin Chandelier

Distinctive hardware, sleek lines, and an elegant design presence meets the criteria for the perfect accent chest.

Powerful style statement in soft shades of seaside green.

Aqua Horizon Giclee Canvas Art Print

Domino

Mix and mingle the cocktail hour with a distinctive piece such as the Avalon rattan bar.

Avalon Rattan Bar

Gorgeous lives in the details of the statement piece.

Leave no stone unturned in your search for special pieces to tie the coastal look altogether.

Atelier de Campagne LLC

Check out consignment shops, estate sales, antiques auctions, and online sites for classic pieces and curiosities destined to become the focal point of the space.

Pastel Seascape Print

French Dry Scrape Painted Pine 2 Door Server

Part of the fun is the hunt, and the grand prize is in the treasure found.

Leftover Antiques

Rugs in neutral shades and natural textures keep with the coastal casual feel and gorgeously work the room.

nuLOOM Maxwelle Flatweave Diamond Trellis Jute Area Rug

Veranda

Shape and form again catch my eye.

The curved details of this 20th Century Painted Bombe Chest With Verde Marble Top has an under the sea quality to it.

20th Century Painted Bombe Chest With Verde Marble Top

Architectural Digest

Uzbek Suzani Handmade Embroidered Bedspread Bedcover

Maharaja Sandblasted White Wood Hand-Carved Arm Chair

Twin Melanie Upholstered Daybed White Fabric

Blue and Cream Collection by Threshold

Bone Inlay Traditional Beveled Distressed Accent Mirror

Strick & Bolton Sylvie Handmade Braided Jute Reversible Runner

Accents and accessories in traditional coastal design color, texture, and pattern choices infuse the spaces and places in the home with a comfortable seaside chic aesthetic that emphasizes a there’s no place like home or the beach vibe.

Sydney 32″ Wide Down Cushion Armchair

Dallas-based designer Jan Showers words serve as design tip numero uno in my book.

Bone Inlay Wall Mirror

I realize black may not be the color that immediately springs to mind when considering the coastal style color wheel, but it’s the color that lends a touch of elegance to any décor style it graces.

See (or should I say sea) what I mean?

Giannetti Home

Coastal elegance is beautifully defined through black decor pieces and accessories.

Enzo Barrel Chair Tangled White-Black

Inspire Me! Home Decor Elegance FAR01 Indoor Area Rug

Papasan chairs capture the look of casual chic, and speaking from personal ownership experience, is one super comfortable seating option.

Papasan Chair with Round Pillow Cushion and Cream Wicker Weave

This super chic space speaks fluent seaside sophistication to me.

Lindsey Lane – Charish

Some may say this upholstery is more tropical than coastal.

I say it’s lovely and just the deviation from the too literal design style interpretation needed for the space.

Step away from the expected by throwing the eye a curveball with a chic choice of conservation piece.

Keem Bay 24” High 1-Light Table Lamp – White

Scallop Side Table

Hayes Planter

Ciao Bella 54″ Wide French Italian Coffee Table

I’m including this lovely video as it is befitting the end to a serene and relaxing day spent oceanside and the end of this coastal home décor extravaganza.

Take a moment, hit play, and take it in.

“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination
and brings eternal joy to the soul.”

—Robert Wyland

Decorating is an adventure in personal style that should always inspire our imagination and bring us immense joy.

Sink Oh D (as in Design) My Oh Kitchen Sink Styles

In interior design and decorating celebration of Cinco de Mayo on this 5th day of May, may I present a collection of stunning sink oh d (as in design) my oh so lovely kitchen sink styles.

Remodelista

Kitchen sink styles qualifying as house favorites include those made of marble or natural stone.

House Beautiful

If not of marble, then at the very least surrounded by.

Gorgeous!

Douglas Vanderhorn Architects

Marble and natural stone sinks impress the eye with a timeless and tasteful touch of luxury balanced with performance capability.

Lonny

Chiseled Rectangular Natural Stone Vessel Sink

deVOL Kitchens

Natural Stone Vessel Sink

French White Marble Sink

Porosity of natural stone makes this material easily susceptible to stain which gives pause to some when considering the use of these types of sinks.

Vintage Compass Stone Kitchen Sink ~ House Beautiful

Pretty is as pretty does applies to the design, finish, and performance of kitchen sink styles.

Domino – Photo by Tessa Neustadt- Design by Amber Lewis

Commitment to upkeep comes with natural stone sinks.

Domino- Photo by Kelly Nutt

When considering selecting a natural stone sink, factor in that acidic and oily substances will penetrate the surface of the natural stone, leaving a stain to deal with.

SHM Architects

Over time, the patina of these sinks rests and becomes a perfectly imperfect design feature, one that accentuates the natural beauty of the stone.

John Derian’s Collected East Village Apartment

Vintage chic carries through to kitchen sink styles, as unique has become a design and decorative requirement in the world of kitchen design.

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Werner Straube

Retrofitting an antique sideboard to accommodate a kitchen sink results in an impressive design and decor addition to the kitchen triangle format.

Design Sponge

Nikki To Photography

Salvaged porcelain kitchen sinks meet today’s your kitchen-your style requirements.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Eclectic sink options illustrate what one person considers to be functional obsolescence another considers a distinct design feature.

Salisbury Artisans

Vintage beauty merges with modern function in the home of Braxton Dixon, the master builder behind the iconic homes of country music legends Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette.

Garden & Gun Magazine

Implementing one-of-a-kind architectural elements into the design of his houses sets these works of building and designing art apart from other exterior and interior standard house designs.

This is most prevalent in Mr. Dixon’s choice of a kitchen sink in his Tennessee home.

Large Candy Kettle Chocolate Copper Pot

Stunning in presence, a vintage copper candy kettle becomes an architectural showpiece, kitchen sink and unique focal point all-in-one, while remaining true to the original integrity, storied provenance, and design style of the home.

Better Homes and Gardens

What do real estate and sink placement have in common?

Optimum placement for a prep sink is adjacent to or across from the stove and refrigerator and for good reason; it’s the area of the kitchen where the prep magic happens.

Rivera Kitchen Prep Sink

Coming in as the single most helpful kitchen design feature I have ever become dependent upon in the context of cooking, baking, and recipe creating, the prep sink is by far my all-time favorites in the all things house that make a home kitchen work design features.

Convenience and usefulness alone make it easy to understand why I am a huge fan of the prep sink and consider it a kitchen design necessity.

Home Bunch

Necessary to the convenience, purpose, and design style of a butler’s pantry aka the second kitchen and its cousin scullery is the features implemented into the design.

Extra deep sinks benefit both the purpose and the design.

Butler’s Pantry at The Madison – Jean Stoffer Design

House & Garden – Photo by Ngoc Minh Mgo

Focal point fabulousness is the visual point when going for the gold with a super chic gold sink.

Brass Tone Gold Stainless Steel Double Bowl Farmhouse Apron Kitchen Sink
Rivage Stainless Steel 36 in. Single Bowl Farmhouse Apron Kitchen Sink

Blakes London

Visually stunning in presence and performance, Paonazzo marble features a distinctive white to ivory to ash gray background with black, caramel, and gold veining.

Oletto Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in Gold

Il Granito

Blowing its beautiful horn, the big brass band makes the case for metallic kitchen sink styles, faucets, finishes, and accessories.

deVOL Basket Waste Strainer & Overflow Kit in Brass

Kathryn Scott Design Studio Ltd

Apron-front sinks combine utilitarian practicality with decorative adaptability.

DecorPad

Concord Deck Mount 1-Handle Kitchen Faucet in Brushed Brass

The look is yesteryear traditional, but the appeal is all modern day kitchen sink must have.

DecorPad

Although these sinks come in both single and double bowl models, the features of the single bowl model seems to make it the most preferred, especially when it comes to the ever popular farmhouse design style.

OXA Architecture

Apron Front Undermount Single Bowl Polished Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

Sink size does matter in the day-to-day KP duty routine we all endure, and the width of the farmhouse sink is a natural fit feature able to hold dishwashing court with pots, pans and bake ware of varied sizes.

Marble Apron-Front Sink

Let me also clue you in on another well known design advantage of the farmhouse sink.

When there’s too much dish at the end of the day, the depth of the apron-front sink works fabulously to your advantage as it conceals many a dirty dish.

That’s my kind of sink oh d (as in design) my oh kitchen sink styles celebration!

Celebrating the Nouns of Southern Living

Celebrating the nouns of Southern living comes quite easy to me. Remember back during the holidays when I shared with y’all about receiving a surprise gift from my nephew and niece-in-law, Southern Living 50 Years: A Celebration of People, Places, and Culture?

I finally found time over this past weekend to sit down with a glass of sweet tea rimmed in fresh mint and take in some southern exposure.

Getting down and Derby in all the excitement of the Kentucky Derby is a Southern socializing-first weekend in May tradition.

As horseshoe good luck would have it, the floral department at the local grocery store put a slew of red rose bouquets on clearance Friday afternoon just in time for Derby Saturday.

I love when the clearance sale stars align.

Our Louisville meets Marksville crawfish boil shakes a dash of south Louisiana into the c’est si bon.

Boiled crawfish with traditional fixin’s thrown into the pot makes for good eating.

Potatoes and corn have never met a crawfish boiling pot they don’t love to be a part of, but don’t stop there.

Back when Dave the Builder was in the corporate world, we would host the annual crawfish boil.

One of Dave’s coworkers introduced our taste buds to a new way of boiling crawfish.

At first I questioned the addition of cabbage, smoked sausage, onions, lemons, whole carrots, mushrooms, celery stalks, and eggs to the seasoned boil, but quickly became a flavor convert.

The vegetables, sausage, and eggs boil to perfection in the seasoned water, picking up the unmistakable taste of the South.

I’ll say this about celebrating the nouns of Southern living- you learn and taste something new at every event, festival, and boil.

Southern Living

Blue and white is the classic color palette of choice of many Southern decoristas.

It is seen in the hydrangeas we plant, the china patterns we place upon the Southern dinner table, and the porcelain pretties we decorate house and home with.

Going up to the mountains (my Tennessee family calls all of Sevier County including Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg “the mountains”) is part of the landscape when we go home to East Tennessee.

I fondly remember the days of family style meals served at Trotter’s restaurant, wild wild west afternoons spent at Goldrush Junction, and the stories of Dolly performing on the Cas Walker radio show.

A proud daughter of Sevier County who has never forgotten the region, the town, and the county she calls home, Dolly Parton was recently awarded the FBI 2018 Director’s Community Leadership Award for the work done to raise money for those affected by the Gatlinburg wildfires in 2016.

For this, the music, the voice, and the local love, we will always love you, Dolly.

Antoine’s is Louisiana restaurant royalty-a French Quarter icon.

How gorgeous is this facade?

Antoine’s Restaurant

From pan to page, southern chefs and southern writers craft a delicious, unique, and enduring story.

Summer suppers give a Southerner yet another reason to host a get together, not that we need one.

I’m seriously contemplating changing my rule of KISS- keep it summer simple to KISSED- keep it summer southern entertaining delightful.

Field Pea-Tomato Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette

We celebrate everything summer from a good crop of garden tomatoes to a barbecue on the bricks music festival.

Courtyards, patios, and porches replete in lush greens fashion and shade southern exposure.

Chicken coops are a thing in the South.

People go nuts for these chic henhouses.

Planning, constructing, and styling is serious business, and rival that of the south’s most phenomenal architectural wonders.

Distinctive, indelible, delicious, gracious, hospitable, and charming customs, styles, and traditions influence, define, exemplify, and celebrate the nouns of southern living.

Modern Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse style has transitioned somewhat to include an element of modernization, and this development piques my interest to give voice to personal interpretation.

Polsky Perlstein Architects ~ Michael Hospelt Photography

Modern farmhouse style builds upon the cornerstones of farmhouse style, finding a nuanced direction toward a curated reinterpretation of the traditional foundation through balance, harmony, layers, and visual engagement.

Domino

Inspiration is everywhere, especially in thoughts and memories of past shaping present personal interpretation of modern farmhouse style.

Architectural Digest

On a recent save and purge photo scroll and purge I came across a fall folder packed with pics from a staging session.

Flickr

Abandoned, inhabited, primitive, pristine, and historic- I’ve never met a farmhouse I haven’t loved or at the very least appreciated.

Condition proves irrelevant to the enamored.

Admiring eyes see past the past straight to the innate beauty found in intricate millwork, stately embellishments, and architectural details.

Design Sponge ~ Photo by Maxwell Tielman

Pecky Cypress

Treasure-troves of design and decorating leave a lasting and inspiring impression.

Texas Farm Bureau ~ Julie Vrazel Tomascik

Throughout my childhood my mother and grandmother would decide on a whim to load up the Lincoln and point the hood emblem west to Texas.

No trip to Texas was complete without an adventure on the way to my great-grandparents house.

Over the Louisiana bayous and down the Texas farm-to-market roads, to great-grandmother’s house we go with a Glen Campbell 8-track in the Philco ever gentle on our minds and nary a seat belt fastened or care in the world.

Now Bryan! Now Cameron! Now Heidenheimer and Temple!
On, Belton! On, Killeen! On, Hewitt and Waco, too!

Ever the curious adventurer, my grandmother could scope out a farmhouse among Texas Bluebonnets like nobody’s business.

She was farmhouse when farmhouse wasn’t cool.

Her antiques radar was fine-tuned to treasures ahead- a skill I’ve proudly inherited.

Protesting proved pointless, learning from an early age to never question the motives of a native Texan whose eyes have seen the glory of a Texas farmhouse, a hole-in-the-wall junk shop, or fields of blooming Bluebonnets.

Undeniable is the obvious correlation between my personal style interpretation of modern farmhouse design and the farmhouses, antiques shops, and the fields of Bluebonnet dreams waltzed across Texas all those years ago.

Dana Wolter Interiors

Putting show to tell, I’ve sourced a collection of images, accessories, and curiosities in the manner of modern farmhouse style.

Ornate Carving Wall Mirror in Champagne Gold

Antique French Louis XIII Barley Twist Oak Table

Sofa Hall Table with Acrylic Legs

Brushed Gold Ornate Contemporary Square Mirror

Antique pieces are well represented in many of the photos as it is what I consider the standard decorating accessory that beautifully complements and stunningly creates visual contrast to define modern farmhouse style.

Marinette 33 in. Clear Glass Table Lamp

Better Homes & Gardens Raw Sand Table Lamp with Shade

Declan Lamp

My Texas House White Distressed Stripe Round Stoneware Vase

Cement Wavy Grey Large Decorative Vase

“The home should be the
the treasure chest of living.”

— Le Corbusier

Blur the hard lines of a design style by stepping away from convention.

Elle Decor – Photography by William Jess Laird

Set of 2 Elbow Wooden Dining Chairs

This 1920s painted pine table is farmhouse kitchen ready to work, but I see a stunning foundation piece for the modern farmhouse foyer.

French Needlepoint Painted Prie Dieu

Elle Decor – Photography by Stephen Kent Johnson

Newburyport Harbor and Plum Island Map – 1978 – Nautical Chart Print

Liberty & Co. Oak Settle, England, circa 1900

Athena Ivory 6 ft. x 9 ft. Area Rug

Abel Round Mirror

Alfresco Home Delfina Urn Planter

EBTH

Now more than ever I am convinced the nouns of our lives, the people, places and things that leave a lasting impression play a significant role in our personal style choices.

Schoolhouse

Domino

Christmas arrived on Christmas Eve in the form of a cypress beam complete with a big red bow on it.

When our house was hit by a tornado in spring 2017 the roof over the kitchen took the brunt of the force from tree branches and debris.

Add to that the water leaks and you get a taped and floated seam that is slowly exposing itself for the eyesore to eventually come.

Necessity comes together with attention to detail to welcome home a touch of modern farmhouse style.

Gold Silver Ceramic Jar Distressed Table Bedside Lamp Lucas McKearn

Roma Table Lamps- Set of 2

Forester 26.5 in. Brown Branch Table Lamp with Brown Shade (Set of 2)

The White Sparrow Barn

My Texas House by Orian Indoor Outdoor Lady Bird Natural Gray Area Rug

Paladino 6-Light Chandelier

Rustic 8-Light Crystal Candle Style Chandelier

Farmhouse Family Room

Muestera Weathered Grey Dining Chair

Organically Shaped Stoneware Vase with Raised Dot Detail

Revival 47 in. Round Gray Concrete and Dark Gray Oak Dining Table

What do you get when you cross modern farmhouse style with European style?

19th Century Belgian Oak Vitrine

A marriage of clean lines, stunning character and classic sophistication.

Reclaimed Pine Whitewashed Display Cabinet

Benjamin Dhong Interiors

The tops and shelves of farmhouse and modern farmhouse style sideboards and accent cabinets are made for housing distinctive wares and decorative accessories.

Milk Decoration

Mix and mingle styles with unique finds that place the accent mark on gorgeous.

Tierra Wall Art

Left Corner Carved Cabinet Salvaged Architectural

Moody Trees Framed Wall Canvas Board

Female Portrait Framed Wall Art Canvas

Distressed Grey Wood Grandfather Style Wall Clock

Curtis & Windham Architects

Madison Park Davisina Silver Counter Stool

Throw the eye a curveball.

Oro Polished Silver Counter Stool

Let’s continue on with the classic farmhouse to modern farmhouse style accents and accessories that make the gotta have it list.

Stephens Design Group

DecorPad

Decorating outside the traditional norms of a design style is an excellent way to further emphasize your personal style and taste preferences.

Southern Hospitality: Please Join Us For A Bridal Shower

Happy midweek all! Today, because I am a proud mama and weddings are all around, I thought I would bring you into The Places In The Home fold by sharing with you this photo gallery from the please join us for a bridal shower we hosted for our son and his lovely fiancée when they were home for our nephew’s wedding in May. Seeing that the happy couple live in Canada, it is difficult to be live and in person for the showers and luncheons celebrating the couple. Skype and FaceTime amaze me, but pales in comparison to actually being in attendance in the moment. It didn’t take long for me to come up with the idea of throwing the couple a surprise bridal shower.

The future Mrs. is not only taken with our son, but with Fixer Upper, Waco, Chip and Joanna Gaines and Magnolia Market. What better way to surprise a Southern farmhouse chic girl at heart than with an afternoon Southern farmhouse chic-Southern charm-Southern hospitality eat, drink and we’re getting married bridal shower.

Clear glass jars brimming with fragrant magnolias captured the farmhouse feel and lent a simple yet elegant touch. When entertaining, I find it helpful to know your audience and to play to their taste. The thought is in the decorating and entertaining details, and it’s that attention to detail that brings about a rave review.

Faux flowers have their place, and in the bridal/wedding weekend celebration that place was inside an antique porcelain pitcher placed in the center of the dining room table. I’ve been known to pre plan the s*%! out of a soiree or celebration. Pre planning affords me the opportunity to find theme appropriate decor pieces and impressive dinner and drinkware at a price point that makes me very happy.

I always like that theme!

It also gives me time to shop sales and order items with plenty of shipping time to spare. A case in point is the tulip bundles found on eBay. You must allow at least three weeks for arrival when ordering from China, but the price savings makes it an appealing option. The quality is apple to apple when comparing the faux tulip bunches to the ones I see in my retail rounds.

The bride-to-be admired the tulips several times over the course of their visit which pleased me to no end. It was obvious the tulip bundles captured the essence of her preferred decorating style, and that signaled decorating success.

Crochet doilies and lace napkins dressed the table in vintage style.

Tulle is my gift wrap ribbon and bow material of choice.

Tying the knot in white wedding and something blue tones is simple in theory, beautiful in delivery.

Gifts for a newlywed kitchen filled with love.

Bride

Vintage handkerchiefs make lovely wedding and bridal gifts, and my almost daily Etsy search for just the right one for each recipient became second nature. I purchased vintage monogrammed handkerchiefs for the bride and groom-to-be, her mother, and each member of the bridal party- a to/from gift from me and Dave the Builder. I also purchased vintage monogrammed handkerchiefs for my nephew, his bride, his brother who was his best man, and for my brother- the father of the groom. Did I forget anyone?

Groom

We began the bridal shower nibble and nosh with a cheese board featuring several cheeses, fresh Louisiana strawberries, blueberries, fruit dip, mixed nuts, dried cranberries, dates and figs. The future groom loves my chicken salad so chicken salad it is. I served the chicken salad with a tropical fruit salad garnished with avocado slices, Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. We also dined on a true Southern favorite, buttermilk biscuits and honey ham sandwiches. I made a mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing to go with the sandwiches. The beverage station featured water with lemon slices, raspberry tea, almond peach tea, Riesling and Merlot wine.

For dessert, we decided to surprise the couple with a cake in true bridal shower fashion. The cake decorator and I got together and came up with an abbreviated version of the above wedding cake. The icing color was a soft shade of ivory and the cake decorator suggested a “bouquet” of roses to top it off. Dave the Builder thought the silver wedding bands added a nice touch, and the monogrammed cake topper was an on trend accent.

It’s become somewhat of a tradition to give each bride and groom in the Places In The Home family a heirloom silver sugar spoon as a wedding gift. To this we added a silver-plated wedding cake server set and the monogram wedding cake topper to complete the gift package.

The bridal shower was a big surprise and a big hit. Our son finally figured out why I kept insisting he bring an extra suitcase with him. The extra baggage fee charge is a bargain compared to what it cost to ship items from the US to Canada. I was informed the Kate Spade cutting boards were used the night they arrived back to Canada.

That’s all the thank you needed.

Practicing Design Instinct and Inspiration

Photography is a lot like interior decorating in regards to working or not working with color. Design instinct and inspiration guide the creative process. Light, forms, tone and balance optimize not only the shot but the space. Forgive my simplistic explanation, but plainly put, some photos only work in color and others only work in black and white.

Simon & Garfunkel

Since finding a renewed popularity complements of a current political campaign, the Simon & Garfunkel 1968 single “America” is once again on my playlist. The impact of a great hook paired with powerful lyrics mirrors the impact of classic design coupled with an impressive decorating style.

While discovering “America” I rediscovered another Simon & Garfunkel favorite, “My Little Town.” You may be wondering what possible connection there could be between a couple of Simon & Garfunkel songs and design and decorating. Design instinct and inspiration, my friends. One never knows where one will find it. I hit the streets of my little town photographing local landmarks. Although photographed in color, a monochromatic color scheme captured aspects of the images that color failed to.

Photo editing, enhancements and touch-ups generate a refined result. It’s the same with decorating. Editing, enhancements and touch-ups help to achieve a polished look. Making pretty is an exercise in trial and error, correction and confidence. Gorgeous isn’t always achieved right out of the gate.

Going with your first design instinct, or at the very least a tweaked variation of it, proves visually successful more times than not. I failed to practice what I preach with this chandelier. I was convinced a pop of designer color over my first choice of painting the fixture white would put to rest any doubt my decorating choices were in a rut or unimaginative. Fan deck after fan deck, I could not get a peace about any other color choice other than white. The lyrics from “My Little Town” kept running through my mind.

And after it rains
There’s a rainbow
And all of the colors are black
It’s not that the colors aren’t there
It’s just imagination they lack

The pieces of the color palette puzzle finally fit when I decided to go with my first instinct. I remembered one of my standard decorating solutions- the color white never fails to make a classic statement. The color is there, and imagination is not lacking. I showed decorating doubt the door and practiced my own brand of design instinct and inspiration.