Guest Picks: Colorful French
The French blues, hot pinks and bright yellows of the grand salons of Versailles illustrate the power color holds. I like to think that any room in any house can be turned into a small-scale salon from the Grand Trianon with the addition of a few clever pieces. — Denise from The Swelle Life
This handsome cabinet is done in one of my favorite shades of blue. Muted but still nicely saturated, there isn't a shade on earth that won't work with it. Add the clean lines and bronze leather detail inserts on the locks, legs and top and it becomes that rare colorful piece that will appeal just as much to a man as to a woman.
The look of deep red velvet combined with carved mahogany is one of impossible richness. This reproduction with swan arms would sit beautifully in my dream library, softened up every so slightly with a crimson tasseled velvet pillow.
Finally, amongst the chunky 'Barbie' pink chandeliers, an elegant option emerges. I love the translucent rose in pale and deeper shades and the delicate detailing of the lamps and arms. This is a pink chandelier for a proper grown-up!
I love a bright pop of color from an otherwise traditional piece, and it's even better x 2.But how wonderful would an army of these fuchsia, hand-carved chairs look around a fantastically long, white dining table?
French furniture is typically subdued and neutral in color, so this chest is a wonderful surprise, especially as it comes standard in this cheerful electric blue.The natural wood top is an earthy contrast, tempering the intensity of its curvy body. Some fearless types might want to maximize its attention-grabbing qualities by surrounding it with equally vivid hues such as reds, yellows and bright greens. I'd like to see it amongst rich, deep purples with a pale lilac patterned wall and soft pink accents, setting the chest as the centerpiece of a harmonious ensemble.
I would do a lot more late-night reading and breakfasts in bed if I was sleeping in this utterly charming hand-carved and -painted model.You can choose from a variety of classic country shades such as this gorgeous and versatile sage.Available options are the fabric paneled headboard and footboard, and foot rail which is where I would set my duck egg blue tray for evening tea. Bliss!
Every room should have a shock of turquoise waiting to greet you upon entering. I would maximize the effect by placing it with pure white furniture in a mix of gloss and wood.If turquoise velvet doesn't excite you, have it upholstered in your own fabric, or choose another of theirs for an extra £250.00.
Pink isn't a color typically found in antique pieces, especially one as regal as this ormolu and pink porcelain mantel clock circa 1860, which makes it especially enchanting. I have a minimal fireplace with clean lines in place of ornamentation, and I think the absence of fuss would allow this remarkable piece to stand out and give it a fresh, modern look.
I love the fresh country look of these jade dinner plates, which are also said to be unbreakable! Place them atop a floral tablecloth of soft pink and spring green for a picnic experience in your own dining room.
There's only one thing I like better than clean, crisp white cotton, and that's clean, crisp pink cotton!This duvet and pillow case set offers just a hint of pale pink color with a ladder stitch around the borders for subtle prettiness.
On occasion I like to put out tinted stemware, with a preference toward blue. But it must have great design, which is why I'm envisioning this goblet on my dining room table. The curves of its bell-shaped bowl and hourglass faceted stem are lovely and asking to be held.
I love a lively contrast, though I'm more of a subtle kind of girl when it comes to playing hues off one another. However, this neon green on black nine-drawer chest is a great piece for someone with a mix-and-match approach to decor, and adds some playful personality to an otherwise stark chest of drawers.
This finely detailed French blue bedside cabinet is absolutely irresistible — it's like a giant Wedgwood keepsake box! I have a bed with a built-in, fold-out bedside table which is both a blessing for its convenience and a curse because it means I can't have something pretty that sits beside the bed.However, I think it just may work in a living room as a miniature cabinet to fill a small, empty space, like the one beside our wing chair. It would look right at home with my art deco decanter set and glass tray on top.
I love the timeless appeal of these classic red stripes; they conjure images of a 19-century French circus. This bow side chest would add some stylish fun to a mahogany ensemble. Or for a light, fresh look, place it against a cream wall with a navy glass vase filled with white tulips.
A bright, spring green can be a breath of fresh air, and this oval wall mirror is just the right amount of accent to use. I'd love to see it hanging on a pink and white striped wall in a room filled with fluffy peonies — perfect for a little girl or a grown-up with sweet sensibilities.
Washed-out turquoise is my favorite color alternative to the traditional natural wood or painted white bookcase. It's serene, fresh and mixes well with a variety of color schemes. This painted mahogany shelf and cabinet unit offers all kinds of presentation options due to its three-way view. I would have fun arranging and re-arranging a combination of books and curios, changing the focal point every so often to keep it interesting.
This is the loveliest rug I've ever seen — it is very similar to a silk tapestry I bought at Versailles based on a design originally made for Marie Antoinette. The possibilities for beautifying a room or hallway with it are dreamy and endless. As a lover of pastels, I would use this to enhance and contrast the pale pinks and faded turquoises in my living room. It would also be brilliant for adding softness to natural wood furniture.
This is a lampshade that would make me smile whenever I entered the room. The contrast of the chartreuse and fuchsia is fun and lively, yet the detailing, pleats and floral pattern are elegant and traditional. I like to let these kinds of pieces stand out rather than busy them up by trying to match their personality, so I would find a cream or clear glass hourglass base to complete it.
I love a piece with warm personality, and this Provincial-style console table has it. The olive stripes have a hand-painted look and the two frieze drawers with antiqued pulls and X-supports pack a lot of charm into this small table.It's a great piece for mixing with textures and patterns. I'd like to see it in front of a patterned wallpaper to create a space with a fun, lively energy.Next: More French-inspired pieces
I love a soft pastel, but I can also appreciate a pink with a more dramatic tone. The gold hand-carved detailing and mahogany top make this beautiful bombe chest more serious than sweet. It would smolder in a bedroom full of rich, natural woods.
Q