Three of my favorite things are interior design (or course), anything French (bien sur) and antiques. When I find all three in one decorating book, I’m in heaven.
Josephine Ryan wrote a gorgeous book called French Home. She explains French style and offers suggestions and ideas on how to recreate it in your own home. Ryan describes the French attitude toward redecorating as “benign neglect”. I love that phrase and wish more Americans could appreciate the beauty of imperfection.
It would never occur to the French homeowner to refinish these chairs. The beauty is in the rust and the story behind them. I want to eat dinner here every night!
Of course old French homes have architectural features we can only wish for.
Add a bit of French flair to your home, but resist the urge to make everything perfect. Relax in your home, open a couple bottles of wine and linger over dinner.
The book is filled with beautiful interior photographs by Claire Richardson. Josephine Ryan is an antique dealer and stylist living in London with a home in the south of France.
Hi Merri.
What a great review – makes me want to buy the book! I just love the outdoor table & chairs makes me want to be there chatting with some friends over a few glasses of wine
Áine from BYW 2.0
Thanks Aine, I’m a total Francophile! The photos in the book are amazing.