This is the third in a series on country French design. Today we are talking about vintage French items. I love vintage and I love French, so vintage French is like Doublemint gum for me. It’s a two-fer.
Now the thing about my vintage French things is that they aren’t all actually French. Some of them are French, and some of them just feel ‘French’. I have noticed the item doesn’t have to be French to add a French feel to the room.
For example, the ironstone dishes, the Spode dishes above, and the vintage table cloth all feel French to me, but they aren’t. This is the big secret to French design. It only has to ‘feel’ French, it doesn’t have to actually be French to make the room feel French.
The table above is Florentine, as in from Italy (not French at all.) However, it makes gives the room a French feel.
The same goes for my antique bottles. Well I think they are actually from France, but can you tell from looking at them exactly what country they came from? I thought not, unless you are an expert on such things.
And all of my goodies behind the chicken wire, just look French, they aren’t really French. Some are, but most are not.
If it is curvy, detailed, or just pretty, I like to throw it in. It FEELS French.
One of the few items in my house that I know for a fact are French are these French chairs below.
There all came with very old ‘made in France’ labels on them.
The bottles above? They came from Europe, either Belgium or France, so close enough. The chandelier below is French in design even if it was made here.
So there are two points I want to make today.
1. Items that aren’t technically French can still give a room a French feel.
and
2. Vintage items give a room character. New items just don’t have the same presence. I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy anything new. I’m just suggesting that you incorporate vintage items in your decor. And if you are reading this, you probably already do that.
But if you don’t… how about giving it a try?
Vintage items used to be cheaper than new items, but they are getting more pricey, as people discover their value.
How do you add a French feel to a room?
Please join the other blogs on our country French event today.
Beautiful items with a French look and feel, Anita. Happy Memorial Day!
I love all of your vintage frenchiness, Anita! Your settee always makes me drool! I’m enjoying our monthly Country French group! Have a great weekend!…hugs…Debbie
These are lovely items Anita. I’ve always been drawn to older items the more signs of age the better. Have a wonderful, safe Memorial Day weekend.
Your home feels very French. I have toile, checks ticking, roosters antique tables, demi johns, old leather books and confit pots in my home creating a French feel.
I am so happy you did this post. Some people don’t have access to the original vintage French items and it’s good to know that you can achieve the look with things that gives a ‘feel’ . Your home does that for me… shows a wonderful French feel with things that you have acquired over time.
Beautiful home, beautiful pieces, beautiful post!!
A client had such a question for me… she wanted a European look but had no way of getting the authentic things. So I shared you very idea… gather what you can afford and get the ‘feel’.
HUGS, Gee
Anita, All of your French touches are beautiful! Happy Memorial Day.
xx,
Sherry
Anita — This is a wonderful post! Your lovely rooms have a clean, uncluttered feel to them, yet are still interesting because you combine vintage with newer items. A great lesson and a comfortable, pretty, look! Happy Memorial Day.
Anita, you make excellent points. Your home has an exquisite Country French feel. I always look forward to the monthly Country French group posts. Quintuple the fun!
Love the old world feel to your home; your plates remind me of my Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz set that my mother-in-law (now passed) gave me when my husband and I got married almost 27 years ago. We enjoyed many a Memorial Day at my in-laws summer lake cottage in Laport, PA, and my husband and I were just remembering the days spent at the lake just earlier today as we barbequed in our home’s backyard. You really have to take a moment to appreciate those times when they are occurring. Good health and a good summer to all! Happy memorial and thanks to all that served in our armed forces.
Firstly, you have some stunning pieces in your home, I love the console in the image near the end and also the chicken wire cabinet, not to mention your collection of decorative pieces.
I agree, things don’t have to be French to ‘feel’ French. I am almost ready to show off my home office which I have given a French theme, however the only actual ‘French’ pieces, are my desk chair which is a 1950’s Louis repro but is from France and an antique French shutter. Other items I have added, I hope all pull together to create a French feel. French style is very much about the way we can make a room or space feel and I agree with everything you have stated above and we certainly don’t have to use all antique or vintage pieces.
Lee
Lovely! What is the name of the Spode pattern?
I think it is Rosebud Chintz.
I quite like that lamp with the upside down heart carved in it. Where did you find it? I am enjoying this French series, keep it up!
I got it at Round Top, and it is a one of a kind piece.
Anita I love this post so many gorgeous items. I am loving this series, PINNED!!!
Cynthia
I so love this post Anita….you have proved that an item does not have to be an expensive French antique or a “made in France” label to give it that “French look”….great inspiring post Anita!
What a beautiful post…love the table in the bathroom…with lavender products!
I live in Houston too…do you have a shop?
Blessings… and thank you for the beauty you add to the world.
Victoria
Could you point me in the right direction to price a 1970s Belgium chandelier?
Lisa, I would suggest you search on eBay or Etsy. I hope that helps.