Guest Picks: Frugal French Finds
I've seen this chest in person and love its muted, powdery blush shade of pink which makes it a very versatile piece. It works just as well for playful-minded adults as it does children - it's beautiful without being 'Barbie'. Stylish, yet simple and understated, you can mix it with other styles to create a unique yet harmonious room. And who wouldn't love to wake up to this happiest of colours?
Painted French furniture is so pretty and offers an alternative to the usual white or natural wood. The light greenish-gray shade of this cabinet gives just a hint of soft color, and its slim shape allows for a good dose of French flair in small spaces, such as condos.
The value of this gorgeous, silver-finished, ornate mirror is immense. It's large and would be the perfect replacement to the Venetian glass mirror over my fireplace if I decide to up the French factor in my living room.
Gasp! If this rattan French sofa looks this beautiful bare, imagine how stunning it would be with embroidered silk cushions? And it's hand-carved, making it an even greater steal.
A true Francophile uses real butter and needs a lovely place to keep it. I would have this out and visible at all times, regardless of whether it actually contained any butter!
Whatever style fireplace you have, this black mesh surround can make it French in an instant. My living room is a mix of French repro and modern, with my fireplace being minimal with clean lines. By simply placing this marvelous accessory in front of it, I could dramatically alter the look and tone of the entire room.
What an inexpensive way to bring a touch of Marie Antoinette's chambre into your own bedroom! While it's meant to go with an ornate dressing table, it would also be beautiful alone as a luxuriously textured accent by the bed or bay window.
The soft, feminine curves of this bedside table are so elegant, and its small size will fit into the tiniest of rooms. I would add a bouquet of white peonies and sleep very well!
One of the things I miss most about Paris is spending lazy afternoons on the terrasse of the cafes. You may have to use your imagination to recreate the street scenery of St. Germain, but you can get a bit of the look and feel in your own home with these utterly charming French dining chairs in slightly distressed, painted oak.
I love the stylish simplicity of this ceramic suspension lamp, and the soft jade shade is just gorgeous. However, I could possibly be tempted away by another of the 26 color options available.
Put this on my kitchen table and I'll smile every time I walk into the room. Its country charm would make a great addition to my rustic blue tall sideboard.
I find my crème brûlée to be far more delicious when I'm cracking its caramelized top with gorgeous flatware. These four French country dragonfly dessert spoons are too pretty to be hidden away in a drawer. I'd keep them in an old glass jar on the window sill.
I'm spying a space beside the chair in my living room where this petite French two-door cupboard would fit perfectly and hide all of those cluttery bits and pieces. Add a pretty vase of pale pink roses and that dead area transforms into a thing of beauty!
Toile du jouy is pure romance, and I would probably use this loveliest of waste bins for bits and bobs as I couldn't bear to put rubbish in it!
Sometimes I fantasize about adding something dramatic and moody to my light and colorful rooms, and I would start with this noir bookcase with three drawers. While it's not the most frugal option of the lot, it's a substantial piece of furniture for less than £400 that offers big impact.
Now, the French would laugh and walk away at the site of such an oversized coffee cup — that much cafe noir would cause a heart attack! But I like a nice big latte and it's rare to see huge cups in the French style. The pistachio shade is gorgeous, and wouldn't it be lovely as a bowl for your fruit salad or custard?
I like having a few pieces around that predate my own existence; I imagine they had a fascinating life before they found their way into mine. This teapot from the 1950s tells a story with its lovely hand-painted flowers and unusual shape, with gilt that appears to be very well preserved.
I like to keep sweets around the house — if not for eating, for just looking sweet and colorful. These are original French jam jars so they have true vintage appeal. Lidless, they would look lovely with a short bouquet of full flowers.
This vintage find straight from France is the perfect depth to add French flair to a narrow hallway. I love the gently scalloped edges and subtle curve to the legs. Next: More guest blogger product picks
I have this wonderful clock in cream. It adds a touch of French charm and is versatile enough to complement any style of room. The black could be used to draw attention to and anchor a particular area, while the pale blue is great for those who are afraid of color but want to dip their toes in.
Q