http://www.metalfromvalpo.com/shabby-french/
English Country Style, the French Way by Gen Wright
I may be French, but I’ve always enjoyed decorating in the English Country Style. While it allows for a variety of interpretations, from formal to more relaxed, and can include furnishings from a assortment of different eras, the overall emphasis is firmly on a traditional look, which is in keeping with my personal taste. English style transcends fashion, creating interiors that stand the test of time.
My first choice in English Country Style can combine furniture from Chippendale to Queen Anne, in woods as variable as mahogany walnut and pine. These dark woods dominate, but it is also possible to paint the wood or otherwise use distressed effects. Chairs and sofas can be overstuffed. Down feathers cushions and pillows should give a well-worn, shabby elegance. Decorative pillows are added in profusion, especially on those seating areas that are without pleasant upholstery, like window seats, banquettes or open-back chairs. Oriental edge can also be included in the mix, as the English went through a mania for Chinoiserie in the 19th Century.
Architectural features may include exposed beams and an oversize fireplace, in addition to chair rails and dados, and raised panels either wood finish or glazed strie English homes are notoriously drafty and window treatments are critical furnishings: panels lined and interlined give a grand look as well as providing significant insulation.
If the look is exacting, particularly in a dining room or living room, then damask fabrics or silk fabrics are the ones I would select. If the look is more informal, for a great room, sitting room or bedroom, then bountiful flowered linen prints are my favorite choices. The colors should mirror the rolling hills of the English countryside, from the greens of the fields to the yellows and reds of a proper English garden. When you add patterned wallpaper and well-worn oriental rugs the effect can be quite busy, but this only adds to the cozy, lived in look that results. Walls should be garnished with portrait paintings or bucolic landscapes, or perhaps antique prints with country themes such as hunting, fishing, birding or the coats of arms of the landed gentry. The English love dogs, gardens, and horses, so you can’t go wrong roaming antique centers in search of these objects with these themes.
To achieve the decorative clutter that is a hallmark of the English country style, it is necessary to furnish the bookshelves, display cabinets and counter surfaces with family heirlooms, perhaps tea sets in silver, pewter and china, framed photos of your loved ones, correspondence or other mementos with special significance. Dried or fresh flowers always have a place on an English mantel.
Wool or cashmere blankets on a sofa or chaise lounge in a corner further complete the comfortably lived in look. Having your friends over for high tea with crumpets and scones, using your Herend china, peering over your charmingly disarrayed parlor, you’ll enjoy the full effect of the English Country style.
About the Author
For over twenty years, Belle Maison New Jersey interior design founder Catherine Engelmeyer has created interiors with an aura of elegance in Short Hills, NJ.
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Vintage French Country Mid Century Modern Cottage Sofa Table Chic Shabby Cane $525.00 |
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Vintage French Provincial end table or night stand, Shabby, Paris Apt. Michigan $79.99 |
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vTg sHaBbY French Cottage White Painted Roses CHIC HIGHCHEST Dresser Vanity 2 pc $1,000.00 |
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VINTAGE FRENCH SHABBY CHIC NARROW SOFA TABLE / DINING TABLE CABRIOLET LEGS $99.00 |
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VINTAGE FRENCH SHABBY CHIC BOUDOIR LADIES SWIVEL VANITY CHAIR CABRIOLET LEGS $69.00 |
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SHABBY TABLE (ANTIQUE SEWING MACHINE CABINET SMITH & EGGE 1920′S?) RARE*French C $19.99 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH MAISON HEMP LINEN OAK CHAIR, TWO PILLOWS INCLUDED,35.5”TALL $1,295.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE 100% HEMP LINEN LIMED GREY OAK SOFA,85”W! $2,075.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE MEDALLION SETTEE,100%LINEN! $1,550.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE DISTRESSED WHITE ELM WOOD CHEST/DRESSER,45”WIDE. $995.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE AUBERGINE BROWN 100% LINEN SOFA,76”W! $2,100.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE 100% LINEN LIMED GREY OAK SOFA,87”W! $1,695.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE SCROLL DESIGN BLACK&GOLD CABINET,39”WIDE $849.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE OAK WOOD 100% IVORY LINEN HAMPTON CHAIR,44.5”TALL. $1,375.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE OAK 100% LINEN PROVENCE WINGBACK CHAIR,43”WIDE! $1,395.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE NATURAL 100% LINEN SOFA,85”W! $2,075.00 |
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VINTAGE FRENCH TOLEWARE DISPLAY PLANT STAND JARDINIERE PAINTED LOUIS SHABBY CHIC $150.17 |
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TD4 Gorgeous French ShAbBY Curvy Chic Antique Vintage Chippy Cottage Chair 1of2 $430.00 |
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TD4 Gorgeous French ShAbBY Curvy Chic Antique Vintage Chippy Cottage Chair 2of2 $429.00 |
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Shabby Cottage Chic White Long Coffee Table French Louis XV Style Roses $325.00 |
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Chic Shabby French Style Side CHAIR ~Vintage French Provincial Pink Velvet CHAIR $325.00 |
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VINTAGE FRENCH SHABBY ELEGANCE PAINTED WHITE CHEST OF DRAWERS WITH FLOWERS $430.00 |
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VINTAGE♥SOFA♥COUCH♥SETTEE♥LOVESEAT★FRENCH♥VICTORIAN♥CHIC★SHABBY★Photography Prop $1,500.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE DISTRESSED CARVED SHELL/ROSES CHEST/DRESSER,45”WIDE. $899.00 |
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Stunning Antique French Petite Shabby Settee With Roses Carvings $695.00 |
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HOLLYWOOD REGENCY FRENCH PROVINCIAL CHAIR SUPERB SHAPE. CHIC SHABBY $199.99 |
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Vintage Antique Wood Spindle Desk Chair Wide Seat Shabby French Country $35.99 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE PARIS NATURAL LINEN,GREY OAK SOFA,93”WIDE! $2,135.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE BIRCH WOOD LINEN CLUB CHAIR,27”WIDE. $1,795.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE LEATHER MEDALLION SETTEE,61.5”LONG. $1,875.00 |
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Antique French Painted Gesso Shabby Carved Roses Settee 1 Sofa & 2 Chairs Chic $800.00 |
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White Painted CHINA CABINET Shabby Chippy French Cottage Chic Glass Door&Handles $395.00 |
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Antique French Louis XVI gold Chic and Shabby Rose Burlap Settee Sofa $999.99 |
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Antique French Louis XVI gold Chic and Shabby Burlap Settee Sofa Tapestry $999.99 |
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2 fRENCH iTALIAN TABLES HOLLYWOOD REGENCY SHABBY BRANDT MARBLE $250.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE ADRIANA LINEN OLIVE OAK FRAME SOFA,SO CHIC! $2,100.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE ADRIANA LINEN OLIVE OAK FRAME SETTEE,SO CHIC! $1,599.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE LINEN/CANE SETTEE, 50”WIDE,SO CHIC! $1,295.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE OAK 100% LINEN SOFA,70”W! $1,900.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE BIRCH WOOD 100% LINEN CHAIR,32”WIDE. $1,550.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE DISTRESSED ELM WOOD SOPHIA CHEST/DRESSER,47”WIDE. $1,580.00 |
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CHIC SHABBY FRENCH STYLE OAK 100% LINEN CHAIR,28”WIDE. $955.00 |
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Antique French Louis XVI gold Chic and Shabby Burlap Settee Sofa Tapestry $999.99 |
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Black Toile Contact Paper $8.47 This tastefully designed Black White Toile Contact Paper would be great for decorating any horizontal or vertical surface. Tough, durable and repels stains. Wipes clean easily. It could be used for a variety of projects. Each roll features an easy-to-peel liner and an adhesive that allows it to be repositioned during installation without leaving a sticky residue. It’s easy to apply, easy to remove… |
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Shabby Country Chic Rooster Tin Canister Set Home Decor $60.00 This three piece tin canister set features vintage rooster prints. They will add a pop of color and style to your kitchen counter. Decorative use only. Measurements: Large: 8.5″ H, Medium: 7″ H, Small: 5.5″ H…. |
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Shabby Cottage Chic Wire Cutlery Silverware Caddy $20.00 This wire cutlery holder looks as if it’s an antique shop find. It’ll add a bit of charm to your kitchen or tabletop. 10 1/2 inches…. |
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Shabby Cottage Chic Cast Iron Wall Hooks (set of 3) $12.00 This set of 3 hooks has white chippy paint and has the cottage chic look that is so popular right now. Use them in a row or place them around your house for extra storage in every little nook. Screws not included…. |
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Shabby Elegance Scrollwork Candleholder $16.95 …….. |
