To create a proper French, English, or European Farmhouse feeling, one must let go of the American obsession with perfection and embrace imperfection. The French and their British counterparts are not typically interested in ‘bigger, better, faster,’ which is evident in their surroundings. Homes are old and LIVED in. I call the style ‘Old World’, and it can be enjoyed in various ways, from an east coast colonial to an attic apartment in the city’s heart.
A home designed with this Old World mindset will hold worn surfaces, well-read books, and tattered furniture that appears to have been enjoyed for generations. Its kitchen will smell of herbs and the next savory meal. Its bedrooms are adorned with textiles that have been handed down from generation to generation. This home is lived in, art is cultured there, food is created there, and a mystery should unfold in every room. Family is celebrated in this space with heirlooms displayed for enjoyment and big harvest tables or cozy breakfast nooks where meals are celebrated multiple times a day.
We stateside Francophiles and Anglophiles CAN recreate this look, but it will not happen in the aisles of Homegoods. It will happen when we “trouvé“… our style will be gathered, treasured, and perfectly… imperfect. These posts will reflect how my own Old World style has evolved over the years and how I am creating this signature look here at our home; ”Sur le Rocher‘ Rocher’ here in Door County.
It's not so much the treasures as it is finding them!(Well, sort of. You can't take 'em with you, but I do love my treasures!) But finding them - THAT's the thrilling part. Scanning tables, booths, lawns, and boxes for that perfect piece - then finding it! Oh, the...
Hello, hello! HOW IN THE WORLD is it the second week of August already? Goodness, I can't even bear to think about the F word. Here in Door County, F --- is a gorgeous season, but SHORT-LIVED, and then it just turns drizzly and horrible, and I start surfing Corfu real...
So often, Nautical style is expressed solely through the aisles of Homegoods or an end cap at Hobby Lobby. Made in China knot art. Achors stamped onto stretched canvas (how many did I just offend??)
Goodness, I need a marketer. I never know WHAT to call my blog posts, but apparently, "Hour Tour Inside" worked 'cause you're here:) How are you today? It's Monday, so that means Friday must have been a doozy because I didn't get my Friday newsletter out. It was a...
Keeping poppies fresh is easier than you think. Watch or read how to make use of this beautiful crepe paper-like flower.
The list is long, friends - tile floors, new paint, a larger island with marble countertop, new faucets... we've got a LONG WAY TO GO in this kitchen, and at the same time, it's as charming as all get out, and it's an amazing space. 'That whole two things can be true...
Writer's block. I've got it. Right here. Right now. Starting at this screen wondering what to say. Do I confess how keeping up with social media is literally impossible? I mean, I can answer a few comments and direct messages here and there, but I could spend all day...
Bon Vendredi to you! That's fancy for "Happy Friday." Remember the Fancy Nancy children's books series? I always thought it was adorable how she would speak French and then say, "That's fancy for..." Let me tell you; sometimes French doesn't feel that fancy. I'm...
As part of our Old World Design Society studies, we are taking a basic look at the principles of interior design and how to use them in our homes every day. A basic understanding of these principles can help the design enthusiast hone in on giving her home a "designer...