French Themed Home Decor

French themed home decor considerations mirror one of the main considerations in life and in interior design, and that, mes amis, is balance.

French-exteriors-1 (1)

Rhythm of the Home

French immersion translates to the love of the look applied to interior and exterior design features.

entry-rustic-french-country-home-with-stucco-and-stone-traditional-entry

Donald Lococo Architects

Influenced by old-world elegance and provenance, copper fixtures and home decor accents continue to be a highly favored finish in both interior and exterior design features.

market-street-19-inch-high-antique-copper-2-light-outdoor-wall-light

Contempo 18½” High Antique Copper 2-Light Outdoor Wall Light

Donnay+Gas+Powered+Outdoor+Lantern

Donnay Gas Powered Outdoor Lantern

French-his-and-hers-garageMiller Dahlstrand DeJean Architects

joachim-gas-or-electric-copper-lantern-on-wall-mount-with-top-and-bottom-scrolls

Joachim Gas or Electric Copper Lantern on Wall Mount with Top & Bottom Scrolls

New Orleans Collection 3-Light Burled Walnut Outdoor Wall Lantern Sconce

New Orleans Collection 3-Light Burled Walnut Outdoor Wall Lantern Sconce

good to know graphic

Key to the ever popular olive wreath is the olive branch which stands symbolic for peace and friendship.

Indoor-Artificial-Olive-Wreath

Better Homes & Gardens 18″ Artificial Olive Stems Wreath

Thoughtful curb appeal accents style your maison in ooh la la style.

Bonjour-door-mat-outdoors

Desert Fields Coir Doormat

Square Charcoal Cast Stone Fiberglass Column Planter

Square Charcoal Cast Stone Fiberglass Column Planter

Château de Jozerand

Architectural Digest – Photography by Oberto Gili

old-stone-mpg-plant-pots

17.75 in. Square Old Stone Cast Stone Lattice Planter

Regardless if the look skews French country or more towards sophisticated traditional Parisian, French themed home decor pieces embody distinction.

French-kitchen-lanterns

House & Garden  – Photography by Richard Powers

Haydar-Silver-3-light-Pendant-with-Crystals

Haydar Silver 3-light Mesh Pendant 

Picking up on a industrial vibe, the ultimate overall design and decor reveal of these pendants is destined for a chic result.

Calgary-Mini-Pendant-in-Pebbled-Rust

Golden Lighting Calgary Steel Mini Pendant in Pebbled Rust

Antique pieces are synonymous with the popularity and appeal of French themed home decor.

woven-wicker-basket-bressan

Woven Wicker Basket – “Bressan”

There’s times when in the style of or the look of yesteryear pieces fit fabulously into the scheme of treasured things.

French-dark-basket

Gray Polyethylene Basket

Charm is ever-present in the marriage between the casual and elegant aspects of French home decor.

blue-white-cream-tile

Costa Mara Amalfi 4 in. x 4 in. Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile

antique-vintage-french-brass-opaline-milk-glass-ceiling-pendant-light-lamp

Antique Vintage French Brass Opaline Milk Glass Ceiling Pendant Light Lamp

antique-french-plaster-ceiling-rose

Antique French Plaster Ceiling Rose Light Surround Ceiling Decoration

wonderful-crystal-beaded-vintage-large-hot-air-balloon-chandelier-bague-fixture

Crystal Beaded Vintage Large Hot Air Balloon Chandelier Bague Fixture

French-bathroom

Robert Couturier, Inc. – Photography by Sylvie Becquet

vintage-louis-xiv-style-gold-leaf-bell-mirror

Vintage Louis XIV Style Gold Leaf Ornate Decorative Slim Mirror

antique-french-1800s-gilded-polychrome (1) (1)

Antique French 1800s Gilded Polychrome Wooden Mirror

antique-ornate-baroque-mirror

Antique Ornate Baroque Mirror

Fine Antique French Louis XV Walnut Marble Top Parquetry Inlaid Commode Wash Stand

French Louis XV Walnut Marble Top Parquetry Inlaid Commode Wash Stand

French-blue-paint-colors

In terms of color, the top of mind color combination closely associated with French home decor accents is the white and French blue palette.

french-sideboard-and-cabinet

Wyatt Designs

1800-french-antique-soup-tureen-choisy

1800’s French Antique Soup Tureen CHOISY le ROI FLOREAL

Offer it up as a home decor accent at a great price and my interested is piqued.

Malibu-Wide-Plank-Pacific-Grove-French-Oak-3-4-in-T-x-5-in-W-Wire-Brushed-Solid-Hardwood-Flooring

Pacific Grove French Oak 3/4 in. T x 5 in. Brushed Solid Hardwood Flooring

Elements of French Kitchen Design flooring

Hardwood floors, natural wood cabinets, exposed stone tile backsplash, an effortless mix of new and vintage architectural pieces, and marble countertops contribute classic form and timeless beauty to the design elements found in the French kitchen.

antique-french-confit-or-olive-pot

Antique French Confit Or Olive Pot

French Manor House

Veranda Magazine – Photography by Xaviet Bejot

Scalloped-Basket-Lid-Set-3-Stackable-Baskets-Organizing-Wicker-Basket

Scalloped Basket for Storage with Lid Set of 3

white-and-gray-French-dining-settee

Ariella Duker Interiors

zentique-isabel-bench

Elegant Off-White Upholstered Seating with Distressed Frame

A Woman and Her Faithful Dog, French Sepia Etching,

A Woman and Her Faithful Dog French Sepia Etching

neutral-paris-cityscape-architecture-oil

Neutral Paris Cityscape Architecture Oil Painting Print

copper-molds-wall-display-HB

House Beautiful – Photography by Luke White

pair-of-painted-louis-xvi-style-armchairs

Pair of Painted Louis XVI Style Armchairs

 

bi·be·lot

ˈbib(ə)ˌlō
noun

a small, decorative ornament or trinket.

antique-victorian-primitive-copper-tin (1)

Antique Primitive Copper Tin

vintage-large-copper-rooster-mold

Vintage Large Copper Rooster Mold

French White Marble Sink

French White Marble Sink

French-entryway-foyer-center-table

House & Garden Magazine – Photography by Richard Powers

beige-efesco-tile-porcelain

efeso-gray-ivy-hill-tile-porcelain-tile

Granada Efeso Natural Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

marron-ivy-hill-tile-porcelain-tile

Hayes Marron Matte Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

blanc-rose-de-paris-french-reclaimed-terra-cotta-tile-hexagon

Sparkling Blanc Rose de Paris French Reclaimed Terra Cotta Tile Hexagon

elegant-french-empire-basket-chandelier-with-brass-crystal-green-accents

French Empire Basket Chandelier with Brass, Crystal, & Green Accents

19th-century Renaissance-style desk

Architectural Digest – Photography by Oberto Gili

french-empire-style-crystal-chandelier

French Empire Style Crystal & Brass Chandelier

round-light-extension-dining-table

Gustavian Extension Table

Rustic-Gray-and-White-Terracotta-10-Inch-Round-Vase-with-Handles

Rustic Gray and White Terracotta 10-Inch Round Vase with Handles

Creative-Co-Op-Whitewashed-Terra-cotta-Urn

Creative Co-Op Large Round Terra-cotta Urn, Orange and Whitewashed

Acadia Petrol Blue Ceramic Outdoor Planter, Extra Large

Acadia Petrol Blue Ceramic Outdoor Planter, Extra Large

Alfresco-Home-1-Pack-17-75-x-23-5-White-Stone-Planter

Large White Stone Contemporary/Modern Indoor/Outdoor Planter

light-blue-cabinets-black-and-white-tile-flooring

Peccole House

lagniappe-graphic-slant

Cajun- French speaks fluent scenes from home to me. Rooted in the French and Spanish history native to New Orleans vernacular, the word lagniappe (pronounced LAN-yap) describes “a little something extra”.

Golden-Lighting-Matilda-Metal-3-Light-Pendant-in-Antique-Black-Iron

Golden Lighting Matilda Metal 3-Light Pendant in Antique Black Iron

French country decor is represented by rustic finishes, dynamic patterns, and refined textures replete with the casual overtones.

dark-gray-nuloom-area-rug-diamond-harlequin

Loretta Dark Grey 5 ft. x 8 ft. Geometric Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

Tôle is the term originating from the French tôle peinte describing painted sheet metal or tinplate.

painted-toile-black-and-gold-table-lamp_3

Painted Toile Black and Gold Table Lamp

If one is good, two is très bien!

Uttermost-Rennick-Reclaimed-Wood-Wall-Art

Uttermost Rennick Reclaimed Wood Wall Art

Tamara-Bohemian-Light-Honey-Rattan-2-Piece-Dining-Nook-Bench-Set

Tamara Light Honey Rattan 2-Piece Dining Nook Banquette Set

Banquette is French for bench, and this nook banquette set hits all the high notes for creating a curated seating option inline with the concept of a small, intimate dining area- a common theme in French country design.

vintage-thomasville-french-provincial-dining-table

Vintage Thomasville French Provincial Dining Table

French themed home decor pieces introduce a distinctive style concept into interior and exterior spaces, which, in turn creates an ambiance of collected curation.

Darleen-signature-love

Elements of French Kitchen Design

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

French-kitchen-green-cabinets

Velvet Art

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

exposed-beams-French-kitchen

Architectural Digest – Photography by Sara Silm

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

vintage-door-kitchen-herringbone-flooring-exposed-beams

Our Food Stories – deVOL Kitchens

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

unfinished-lumber-kitchen-cabinetry-carved-sink

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.

check-fabric-skirted-kitchen-island

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.

red-marble-top-kitchen-island

 Ashley Montgomery Design

Do you prefer the term country French or French country?

country-french-kitchen-copper 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.

French-antique-solid-wood-Oak-herringbone-pattern-flooring

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

Antiqued Dalle de Beaucaire French Limestone Flooring

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

French-terracotta-flooring-Vintage-Elements

French Terracotta Flooring – Vintage Elements

weathered-stone-floors

Architectural Digest – Photography by Charlotte Reiss

Auxerre French Reclaimed Terra Cotta Tile Hexagon

Auxerre French Reclaimed Terracotta Tile Hexagon

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

flooring-French-Kitchen-style

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.

Elements of French Kitchen Design flooring

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

French Manor House

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.

Antique Crown Outdoor Hanging Lantern Waterproof Vintage Pendant Light

Antique Crown Hanging Lantern Pendant Light

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

french hall lantern 19th chandelier ceiling gilded bronze cut crystal

French Lantern Chandelier in Gilded Bronze with Cut Crystal Detail

Artichoke Art Print

Artichoke Art Print

Regina Wood Upholstered Dining Chair by Christopher Knight Home

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

black-white-diamond-pattern-backsplash

Maison Créative

black-white-French-style-floor-wall-tile

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

wall-floor-tile-French-style

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.

French-style-flooring

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

french-kitchen-floors

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.

vintage-folding-pantry-doors

 Palm Design Group

French-cabinet-doors1

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.

options-graphic

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

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

Sahara Hand Scraped Strand Woven Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Sahara Hand Scraped Strand Woven Engineered Bamboo Flooring

herringbone-wood-floor

Chevron LakLuxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

french-island-with-rattan-counter-stools

Bria Hammel Interiors

Chapman & Myers Modern Globe Lantern 

Chapman & Myers Modern Globe Lantern

French-blue-pendant-lights

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 with Crystal Accents

Allenglade 5-Light Unique Antique Gold Globe Chandelier

Antique-Copper-7-Light-Crystal-Empire-Four-Tier-Chandelier

Antique Copper 7-Light Crystal Empire Four Tier Chandelier

Adding a ceiling medallion completes the desired result.

French-theme-ceiling-medallions

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

French-inspired-kitchen-cabinet-doors

Do you consider cabinet hardware as a focal point?

 

Oui mes amis.

Solid Brass Tassel Drawer Pull

Solid Brass Tassel Pull

rabbit-cabinet-knobs

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.

French-style-kitchen-tile-ideas

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

country French traditional kitchen

Lubbock WTBHA 2015 Parade of Homes

lagniappe-graphic-slant

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.

12 French High Ladder Back Rush Seat Chairs

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

Louis XV Style Buffet Sideboard

French Provincial 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

Zentique Provence Side Dining Chair

Provencal Counter Stool

Provencal Counter Stool

Galliher 24.5'' Counter Stool

Galliher 24.5” Counter Stool

french-country-kitchen-lanterns-iron-table-wicker-chairs

House Beautiful – Photography by Simon Upton

East at Main Rattan Handwoven Wicker Armchair with Cushion - Brown-White-Wash

East at Main Rattan Handwoven Wicker Armchair with Cushion

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

Uttermost Torriana Antiqued Accent Wall Clock

Uttermost Torriana Antiqued Accent Wall Clock

Modular-Glass-Doors-Display-Cabinet-Combo-Bookcase-Home-Office-Pantry (1)

blue-French-kitchen-copper-accents

blue-French-kitchen-fireplace

Sherry Hayslip Interiors

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.

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

French-blue-paint-colors

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.

stone-crowned-kitchen-island-iron-bronze-accents (1)

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

Kitchen Faucet with Side Sprayer in Antique Copper

Tuscan-farmhouse-Arabescato-marble-sink

Tuscan Farmhouse Arabescato Marble Sink

Arabescato Marble Sink

Marble-Sink-Devol-Kitchens

Kingston-Brass-Heritage-2-Handle-Kitchen-Faucet-with-Side-Sprayer-in-Antique-Copper

Kingston Brass Heritage Kitchen-Faucet in Antique Copper

Marble Apron SInks

Whitehaus 30″ Single Basin Kitchen Sink

Beige Marble Rough Apron Sink

farmhouse-sinks-French-style

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

Rope Natural Stone Vessel Sink in Almond Brown

Cylindrical Natural Stone Vessel Sink in Grey

Cylindrical Natural Stone Vessel Sink in Grey

French White Marble SinkFrench White Marble Sink

Savon-bar-soap

One-Handle Widespread Kitchen Bar Faucet

One-Handle Widespread Kitchen Bar Faucet

Single-Handle Bar Faucet in Copper

Akicon Single-Handle Bar Faucet in Copper

bi·be·lot

ˈbib(ə)ˌlō
noun

a small, decorative ornament or trinket.

French-blue-vintage-soup-tureen

 Antique French Blue Transferware Bowl 1878 Earthenware

country-French-cupboard

 Country French Cupboard

19th Century French Oak Cabinet

19th Century French Oak Cabinet

19th Century Iron and Tole Chandelier

19th Century Iron and Tole Chandelier

Antique Oil Portrait Painting Woman, French Bonnet, French Brocante

Antique Oil Portrait Painting Woman, French Bonnet, French Brocante

French-home-art-print

rosemary-lavender-live-wreath

Rosemary & Lavender Live Wreath

French-countryside-print

Circa Art Collection

Architectural salvage pediments.

architectural-antique-salvage-pediments

Antique French Pediment / Ornament

Vintage French Wood Pediment

Architectural French Carved Wood PedimentCast Stone Parisian Entrance Urn in Aged CharcoalCast 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 wall art, vintage landscape painting, Chinoiserie printable art

Blue Willow Chinoiserie Printable Art

19th-century-french-renaissance-hunt-buffet-vaisselier

19th Century French Renaissance Hunt Buffet ~ Vaisselier

Juliska-coffee-tea-cups

Large French Country Vaisselier Plate Shelf

hanging-plate-cup-rack

French-blue-white-dinner-plates

Vintage Bread Boards - Extra Large

Vintage Bread Boards

Vintage Bread Boards

Antique French Provencal Salt Box

Antique French Provencal Salt Box

6 Full set French antique Flower enamel BB freres Kitchen Canisters Containers - Red stripes and Flowers

French Antique Flower Enamel BB Freres Kitchen Canisters Containers

Chinoiserie-3-Piece-Ceramic-Canister-Set-White-Blue

3-Piece Ceramic Canister Set in White and Blue

white-kitchen-French-Provence

Veranda – Photography by Alexandre Bailhache

Set of 5 French Kitchen Copper Pans Saucepans Wooden Handles

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

Antique Architectural Salvage Cast Iron Fireplace Cover

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

Avya Contemporary White and Gold 58-inch Wide Marble Top Kitchen Island by Furniture of America - Black/White

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

White and Gold 58-inch Wide Marble Top Kitchen Island

Large Marble Dough Bowl

Large Marble Dough Bowl – Photography by Liz Clayman

Espresso Barley Twist Upholstered Counter Stool

Espresso Barley Twist Upholstered Counter Stool

19th century French allumette, match holder

19th century French allumette, Match Holder

Rooster Cutting Board

apilco-pig-casserole-dish

Apilco Pig Casserole Dish

Apilco Porcelain Hare Casserole Dish

Apilco Porcelain Hare Casserole Dish

French kitchen Pillivuyt & Cie porcelain rabbit pate tureen

Martha Stewart 6" Cream Ceramic Rooster Baker

pomegranate-wall-art-fruit-oil-painting

Pomegranate Fruit Oil Painting

Whitewash Rattan Wall Basket1 (1)

Large Natural Willow Tote Basket by Ashland®

Classic Provencal blue cookware.

round-Dutch-oven

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

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

Creil & Montereau Blue Transferware Small Serving Dish Vine Model

Creil & Montereau Blue Transferware Small Serving Dish Vine Model

blue-casserole-dishes

E. Dehillerin Paris Stamped Stock Stew Pot stamp

E. Dehillerin Paris Stamped Stock Stew Pot

E. Dehillerin Paris Stamped Stock Stew Pot

Steel Cookware Stand w/ 6 Shelves

hammered copper roasting pan

Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper Roasting Pan with Artichoke Handle

Antique Linen Napkins Set of 4, Mismatched Monogrammed French Damask White Dinner Napkins

French Antique Ironstone Canister Set

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.

Artichoke Finial Stoneware Table Lamp, Set of 2

Artichoke Finial Stoneware Table Lamp, Set of 2

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

Darleen-signature-love

Paris Cajun Canada French Onion Soup Recipe

When it comes to selecting a French onion soup recipe, I find I’m beginning to feel like the character Albert in The Birdcage.

birdcage-movie

Albert, brilliantly played by Nathan Lane, convincingly explains his mispronunciation of Armand’s surname in a context I find myself relating to.

nathan-lane-albert-the-birdcage

“Oh yes… Coldeman.

The “d” is silent in America. It’s Cole D’Isle au Man, or Cole of the Isle of Man, in France, where Armand’s chateau is, Cold-e-man in Greece where Armand’s work is, and finally the vulgar Coleman in Florida where Armand’s home is, so actually, we don’t know where we are until we hear our last name pronounced!

Ahahahahahahaaaaa!”

blue-frame-French-menu

Living in Louisiana we are heavily influenced by Creole and Cajun French.

Blue-White-Crockery-Image-GraphicsFairy

The Graphics Fairy

When visiting our son when he lived in Canada we were introduced to Quebecois French.

Banner Weathervane - Pure Copper

Banner Weathervane – Pure Copper

Actually, we don’t know where we are until we taste the food,  the “who cares where we are as long as it is French” food!

Ahahahahahahaaaaa!

Julia Child instructs us how to prepare her version of French Onion Soup.

mastering the art of French cooking

Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume Box Set)
by Julia Child & Louisette Bertholle & Simone Beck

At home I have my own recipe met and mastered to c’est si bon perfection.

You’re  definitely speaking my language when you’re talking French Onion Soup. I know where to go for the best French onion soup from coast to coast.

Mon-Ami-Gabi-French-Onion-Soup

Mon Ami Gabi French Onion Soup Au Gratin

Mon Ami Gabi in Las Vegas both serves a fantastic French onion soup.

Mon-Ami-Gabi-recipe-French-Onion-Soup

How I would love to be on the Las Vegas strip right now watching the Fountains of Bellagio while enjoying French onion soup goodness!

Bellagio Fountain view Mon Ami Gabi

Since I’m not, I’ll bring a pinch of Paris, a dash of Creole, and a smidgen of Canada to the Places In The Home family table.

French Onion Soup

Ingredients

2  Tablespoon butter

2  teaspoons olive oil

6  medium onions thinly sliced

1  teaspoon Creole seasoning

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

2 bay leaves

½ cup white white or sherry

2 quarts (8 cups) low sodium beef broth

French bread baguette

Gruyère cheese slices (2 slices per soup serving)

Creole-seasoning

For Creole Seasoning

Ingredients

1/3  cup paprika

3 tablespoons dried oregano

3 tablespoons ground black pepper

2 tablespoons dried basil

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoons cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon granulated onion

4 teaspoons dried thyme

4 teaspoons granulated garlic

Directions

Heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over a medium- high heat.  Add sliced onions and bay leaves to the pan, saute for 5 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle sugar and Creole seasoning over onions, stir to incorporate.

sliced-onion-rings

Cook onions and company for 30 minutes or until softened and reaching a caramelized stage.  Add sherry and bay leaves to onions.  Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.   Turn heat back up to medium-high and add beef broth.

Allowing broth to heat through, reduce to simmer, and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes in order for ingredients to marry and live happily ever after.

Remove bay leaves.

beef-broth-onions

Slice French bread baguette and place on a baking sheet.

french-baguette

 Markus Spiske

French Kitchen Island

French Kitchen Island

English ceramic tureen Audley

English ceramic tureen “Audley”

Small Lion Headed Tureen, Set of 4, White

Small Lion Headed Tureen, Set of 4, White

Place under broiler until slices reach a light golden brown.

Place crocks or oven proof bowls on a large cookie sheet. Ladle soup into crocks or bowls.

french-onion-soup (1)

soup-crocks

Place one slice French bread in each bowl and top with 2 slices of Gruyère cheese.  Broil on high until cheese is melted and browned.

Directions for Creole Seasoning

In a medium bowl combine paprika, dried oregano, ground black pepper, dried basil, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, granulated onion, dried thyme and granulated garlic.  Stir to combine.

Can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months.

Bienvenue, Bon Appétit and C’est si bon!

Darleen-signature-love