Today, let’s talk about French decor in the study. I’ve been moving things around at my house. It started when I bought this wall hanging for the farm CLICK HERE.
That meant the botanical prints that were at the farm went to my bedroom.CLICK HERE, and the plaque that was in my bedroom, went to the hallway, CLICK HERE. The mirror that was in the hallway went to the Study. (You’re in the right place to see that.)
Remember, I just bought one piece of art, and already 4 rooms have benefitted from a new look. So here are some before photos. I had this piece of artwork in the study at one time. It’s now in the dining room. 
Then I found these pieces that I love and added them to the room. I love the black and white architectural prints.
And here it is with the mirror I moved from the upstairs hallway. I am enjoying the mirror in here also because this side of the study was dark, but now it reflects the light from the window across the room. I like the scale of the mirror with the cabinet and I think the styles work well together. I love gray with gold. I bought that mirror from a French couple that was in my neighborhood before they moved back to Paris. It had been in his family for about 150 years, but they couldn’t take everything back with them. I was thrilled they were willing to part with it.
There’s plenty of light coming in from the large windows.
Little details make such a difference in a room, and this lamp is full of scrumptious details. The lamp was a vintage one I found at the thrift store. It looks like it was made for a study.
I added my preserved roses to the scales so there was some color in the room. If you are wondering, I don’t know where I’ll use the black and white prints, but they are my kind of thing, so I’m keeping them. I often give something away when I get something new, but it won’t be those.
Here’s a view of the study as you look in from the hallway. You can see how the light pours in from the left, but not from the right. The mirror will help balance the light. I also wanted to mention that there is talk that gray is out as a home decor color. I think it is not going to be seen everywhere like it once was, but it’s not out. I’ve seen a lot of wall where the gray is very blue, and that seems to be the shade of gray that’s going ‘out’ more than the softer putty gray and greige. What’s in and out, changes year to year, and I think it can be nerve-wracking trying to predict where the pendulum will fall. If you are on a budget (and most of us are) then it’s best to be conservative and not go too crazy with trends. And if you can create a look you love, then you’ll love it no matter what’s going on out there in the design world. I love my house, and I hope you love yours. That really is the important thing.
Anita, I agree with your attitude about trends. The majority of my interior walls are painted SW Repose Gray. It looks beautiful with the house and is calming, and I’ll be keeping it for several years most likely. Your study is lovely!
Thanks Michele. You sound very wise.
I love the mirror and its placement in your study. Seems perfect there to me. I also would love the fact that its history goes back so far. Even though it’s some other family’s history – it doesn’t matter – its still beautiful and valuable for its longevity.
My gray wall paint is in the greige-y taupe family, no blue undertones. I was so happy to get away from the yellowish and pinkish beige-y colors that were popular at the time and have never been sorry. I think gray will remain as a usable neutral even though its use may diminish somewhat as what’s “in” and what’s “out” cycles once again.
You have once again inspired me to shop my own home when needing a bit of a refresh.
Pat, so glad you went in the greige direction for your paint. I think that should look amazing for a long time.
i would love to purchase the black lamp and shade or just shade.
the whole room is perfect
Zelda, the lamp is vintage and I found the lamp shade at a store locally. So I’m not sure where you would find the lampshade.
Anita,
I love your home. . .and I love my home, too!
I adore how you blend antiques with Traditional and French furnishings!
The wall art is amazing!
Love your mirror!
I agree that mirrors are great reflectors of light and bring needed brightness to any space.
The view of your office from the hall is so~o~o elegant!
I appreciate how you continually inspire me to make subtle changes within my own home.
Pat
Pat, I am so happy you love your home. And I’m glad that you enjoy those subtle changes. They are fun, and usually not so expensive.
Anita, I love your study! I am going to take your advice and shop my home. We are in the process of moving right now and as I pack up my things I am amazed at all the decorative items I have throughout my house. I used them in a certain spot in my home for years but now that I will have a new house to decorate I can use these pieces in new ways! Thank you for the inspiration! And my pocketbook thanks you as well 🙂
That’s so exciting Barbara, congrats on the new home!!!
I liked it better with the picture with the girl. i want that myself. Lovely home Anita.
You are always an inspiration. Thank you.
Jenny, I love that painting! It’s not that I love the mirror better, I just try to find the best spot for everything, and the painting went in the dining room.
Simply gorgeous!!!!!
Beautiful! Everything is wonderful. I absolutely love the blue & white rug.
Thanks for sharing!
I love it thanks for sharing .
A lovely room all the way around. What a gift to be the recipient of that gorgeous mirror! I’m reminded of how you talk about giving things away yourself, even if you paid something for the mirror (I would have!) it could have gone to another, but your kindnesses have returned to you with your neighbors willingness to part with it- to YOU!
On the gray topic, I’ve been slowly (believe me, slowly) repainting the central color of my home to BM Classic Grey and I LOVE it. Depending on the light it has a subtle shift from pale gray to white to a pale oak.It’s very calming and I’m very happy to have the change!
Do you know the “style” of this cabinet?
I am not sure Leslie. Thanks for asking, and I wish I knew the answer.