FRENCH COUNTRY KITCHEN ELEMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                               
     Someday I would like to completely redo my kitchen.  I would create a French kitchen with a very old world, French look.  One that is as authentic as possible, but with all the modern conveniences.  On that note, I have assembled my dream features in this blog.  Whether you are planning an entire new kitchen, or whether you just want to add a few accents to your existing kitchen, a few touches will give it that French feel.  Below are  my favorite elements.

PAINTED CABINETS

     French country kitchens often have cabinets painted in colors of the French landscape.  Soft shades of green, blue, yellow and white tones are often seen.

Painted and Distressed Green Cabinetry from House Beautiful

             

     Painted cabinets also can be "distressed" to give that old look, as in the cabinets above.

     French kitchens frequently have "furniture style" features.  Designs incorporate arches, glass-paned doors, and moldings that reflect French furniture design.

Via Pinterest

                                               


      I love the open-paned doors and two different colors of paint used in this kitchen!
                                                                                            
TERRA COTTA TILE, STONE, OR WOOD FLOORING

     Depending on how rustic you want your French kitchen to look, terra cotta , stone or wood floors will help to give it that old world French feel.   

     Many French homes have a terra cotta hexagonal tile.  Old reclaimed tiles from Europe can still be purchased.

                                                    

     Above, these tiles are old European reclaimed ones and can be purchased at www.ancientfloors.com .  I love their old patina.

                                                     
                                                                                                               


     More tiles from ancient floors--not quite as aged but a very pretty look!

     Stone flooring, especially limestone, adds a classic old French look.  As with tile, stone flooring can be found in both new or old reclaimed pieces that have an antique patina.

                                                                           

Limestone floor from atticmag.com

Antique Stone Flooring from mstoneandtile.com

Reclaimed stone from francoisandco.com

          I especially love the old reclaimed limestone pieces.  The above examples would look great with white cabinets.  If you do not have too big an area, the price may not be too prohibitive!

     Wood floors are also a classic option and great look.  There are so many options today in wood flooring, and new flooring with a distressed look is not too hard to find.

Antique Oak Planks

     Or, you can also find reclaimed pieces.  Love the dark color and distressed look of these floors!                                                          
                                                                            
     Add copper pots:

Copper pots from theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

   ...and an apron sink in white porcelain.

Classic Rohl Apron Sink

      The faucet is perfect, too!

     My dream French kitchen would have distressed wood beams (as long as we are creating a wish list)...

From Period Architecture LTD

      my favorite La Cornue stove..they are not cheap...                                                                                                                                   
                                     
this one is Grand Palais 180...

but a smaller one might do, and so many colors to choose from!

And to finish the whole thing off, the perfect farmhouse table.

Via Pinterest

                                                                 

Via Pinterest

                                                                                                  
     You get the idea!                                                       







     










        

HAVILAND & CO., LIMOGES CHINA

     In my antique hunts, I sometimes can find a piece or two of good French porcelain marked "Haviland & Co. Limoges".  Many of these pieces are a valued collectible and quite beautiful.  In this blog I will give some background on this remarkable china.

HISTORY

     The term "Limoges" actually refers to a region in the west-central Haute-Vienne region of France.  Many French porcelain factories are located here.  In the nineteenth century,  American businessman David Haviland visited Limoges, France in search of new business opportunities.  In the late 1830's, he began importing Limoges porcelain to his fine china store in New York City.

     By 1852, David and his family had relocated to Limoges.  He began designing, purchasing, and decorating china for export from various Limoges potteries.  Around 1865 he established his own factory in Limoges in order to manufacture the porcelain himself.  He hired and trained local artisans to produce the beautiful floral designs his company became known for.

                                                     
                                Hot Chocolate Service, Theodore Haviland, Limoges
                                                   circa 1895-1905, via Wikipedia




MARKS
 
      Other family members quickly joined David to learn the business.  In 1852, David's father sent his nephew Charles Field Haviland to Limoges.  Charles Field soon married into the Allaud family, owners of Casseaux pottery.  Charles used the mark "CFH" when he took over the business.

     In 1864, David's sons Charles Edward and Theodore joined the firm, and it  grew to be the largest factory in the Limosin District.  They took full control of the factory upon David's death in 1879, but  had a parting of ways and sold the old firm in 1891.

     The mark "Haviland et Cie" was produced by Charles Edward.  However,  he died in 1922 and by 1931, the business was closed.  Theodore then started his own factory, which produced pieces until 1952.

     Haviland  & Co. is still in business under the name Haviland Company.  It is run by Theodore Haviland II.  In addition to fine porcelain, they now also sell crystal and silverware.  There are estimated to be as many as 60,000 Haviland patterns.

                                                                         

                                                                      
                                                                         

                                              The French Farmhouse Photos

     Above, a very beautiful cream soup set with a pink floral design and French blue trim.  This piece was produced by Haviland & Co. for Charles Mayer & Co., a high-end home specialty store in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Theses old cream soup sets are particularly hard to find!
    
                                                                           

                                                                                 

                                              The French Farmhouse Photos

                                                                                                                          
     Above, another cream soup set from the same estate, this one with a dark green trim.

     The best of  luck finding your own Haviland treasures!

SUMMER IN PARIS

     Although Paris summers are known for being quite warm, there are various unique events held in the city which make it worth the visit.

Bastille Day--La Fete Nationale

July 14, 2013
     Bastille Day (known as La Fete Nationale in France) marks the day in 1789 in which the French people stormed the Bastille prison, thus beginning the French Revolution.  This is a well-celebrated French national holiday.

     During the day, there is a military parade down the Champs-Elysees.  This is a rather elaborate affair, starting at the Arc de Triomphe and is complete with marching and mounted military units, bands, military and civil choirs, and singers singing classic French patriot songs.

     La Marseillaise, the National Anthem of France, is played with great reverence. The parade often ends with a popular parachute display from the French Armed Forces.

    At night, the French set off an impressive fireworks display around the Eiffel tower.  The Paris Visitor's Bureau  states that the fireworks will begin around 11:00 p.m. this year.  The public can view the display from the Champs de Mars and Trocadero.


                                                     
                                             Eiffel Tower Fireworks, Wikipedia  

Paris Plages

July 20 to August 20, 2013
     The "Paris Beach" is a rather unique event run by the mayor's office to provide relief to Parisians during the hot summer.  It has proved to be quite popular for Parisians who cannot escape to the seaside!

     During this event, roads along the river Seine are transformed into artificial beaches, complete with sand, palm trees, umbrellas, and beach side cafes.  They recently added a floating swimming pool and a ferry to serve as a shuttle between the two river banks.

     This is a regular summer event in Paris , and a great opportunity to cool off and mingle with the locals!

                                                     
                                                       Paris Plages, Wikipedia

La Villette Open-Air Cinema

Parc de la Villette, 19th arrondissment
July 24 through August 28, 2013

     This is a another summer favorite held  at the Parc de la Villette in northern Paris.  At least one film is shown each evening, and many are in English.  Parisians bring their picnic baskets, blankets, and folding chairs to view both classic and recent hit movies.

     Showings begin at sundown, and are mostly free.  For those without folding chairs or blankets, they are available there to rent.

                                                           
                                                     Cinema en Plein Air Poster  

Summer Fashion Sales

June 29, 2013 through July 30, 2013

     Paris is famous for its fabulous summer sales which can reach discounts as high as 75%.  Superb discounts can be found on clothes, shoes, bags, watches, jewelry, and luggage at boutiques and department stores.

     Look for the "Soldes" signs!

                                           
                                                              Sales Signs in Paris     
   

PROVENCE STYLE

      In Provence, the typical family home has a style quite unique to this special region.  This is because for two thousand years, local craftsmen have largely produced their own materials for furnishing and decorating local homes.  In this blog, I will highlight design elements that help create this distinctive look.

FURNITURE

     A very distinctive Provencal style emerged in the eighteenth century, largely as a result of the French naval base in Toulon.  The ships' carpenters made rather meager wages, but were well skilled at making wooden furniture, prow figureheads, paneling and balustrades.  To supplement their income, they began making furniture for the local aristocracy.   They were commissioned by firms to make furniture to resemble that made by Parisian cabinetmakers.

   Artisans from Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Nimes and Marseilles also began to produce elegant pieces.  Typically, Provencal pieces were beautifully carved with favorite motifs, including baskets of flowers, laurel branches, musical instruments, and curved lines. 

     The woods used were primarily fine walnut, which is a darker red in Provence, as well as fruitwoods including cherry and pear.  The pieces were of solid wood; veneering was rare.  Wood furniture was polished to a high sheen.

Cherry Provencal Chest via Pinterest

                                                         


PAINTED FURNITURE

     Painted pieces were also prevalent in the Provencal home.  Armoires and chairs were often painted to match the painted wood paneling.  Often, sets for entire rooms were made in the eighteenth
century.

     Painted furniture was made of pale fruitwoods.  It was often used in country homes where the family could not afford walnut. However, today, painted pieces are sought after, and make a nice addition to any room.

                                                 
                                            Painted Armoire ( via Pinterest)

          The painted rush-bottomed settee was introduced in the eighteenth century.  The settee is now the most typical furnishing in Provencal homes.

                                          
                                               
                                           Painted French Settee, circa 1880
                                                  aubergineantiques.com

TILE FLOORING

     Traditionally the flooring in Provencal homes was terracotta tile, in various hues of oranges, reds, and browns.  The oldest tiles were square.  However, the most widely used tile in the last several centuries were the hexagonal tomettes.

                                                       
                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                   Tomettes
                                          lascombesmateriauxanciens.com                                             

       Antique reclaimed tomettes can still be found through companies specializing in reclaimed materials.  New ones also are available.

ANDUZE POTTERY                                                                                                  

     Colorful pottery from Anduze in the Gard region of Southern France is found in many homes and gardens in Provence.  The first Anduze vases were produced in the sixteenth century.  Originally created for the gardens of  the French gentry, by the nineteenth century they were purchased and used by the families of wealthy local silk merchants.  Orange trees were planted in the colorful vases, which were brought inside during the winter to protect them from frost.

     Traditional Anduze vases are set on a short, strong base.  The vase typically has emblem and wreath designs, and are glazed in vibrant yellow, green, red, terracotta, and blue colors. These vases are still being made, and are being imported to the United States.

Green Anduze Vases--via Pinterest

 

 SOLEIADO FABRICS                              

     'Soleiado' is Provencal for 'sun shining through the clouds after rain'.  These are the tiny-patterned, brightly colored fabrics that are found in homes and shops throughout the region.

     In the late seventeenth century, fabrics used in Provence came from the Near East.  Known as indiennes, these fabrics were mostly cotton, with patterns from India and Persia.  The fabrics were made into drapes, pillows, bed-hangings, and to upholster chairs in local homes.

     Although popular, the fabrics were also costly, and protectionists were successful in banning their importation.  In response, the resourceful craftsmen of Provence sought to create the prints themselves.  Through the use of industrial espionage, the workers discovered how to make the dyes that created the vibrant colors.  The Indian patterns evolved into a new, distinct style by the addition of flowers, herbs, tiny fruits, bees, and olive and grape branches.

     Soleiado fabrics use similar patterns and colors that developed from the Indiennes.  The prints remain small and are made in shades of ocher, red, yellow, olive green, and blue.

     These fabrics can be purchased in stores throughout Provence as well as in the United States.  There is even a Souleiado museum in Tarascon, France that have on display the old charts and woodcut pattern blocks that were originally used.

                                          
                                              Soleiado Fabrics via Pinterest

     Whether it is walnut or painted furniture, tile flooring, colorful pottery, or the distinctly patterned fabrics, one or more of these elements will help to give your home the Provencal style.
                           

PROVENCE SPRING HAPPENINGS

     In this blog I have headed south to Provence in search of notable decorative arts events.  You can  choose to go or alternatively just daydream about an exciting vacation in this most magical area.  Fortunately, Provence is choc full of unique and artistic events this spring.

     In Aix:  "Le Grand Atelier du Midi:  Cezanne to Matisse"

     Musee Granet, Aix-en-Provence.  June 13 through October 13.
     Part of the 2013 Marseille Provence 2013 Capital of Culture is this art exhibit filled with priceless works
from the great masters.  Opening in late spring, it has pieces by Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Dali, Braque, Signac, Soutine, Vallotton, Dufy, Camoin, Derain, Gaugin, Man Ray, and Modigliani.  Over 200 original works inspired by the Mediterranean region will be shown.

     To get tickets online: www.mp2013.fr
     The works on display date from 1880 to the 1960's.

     In Marseille:  "From Van Gogh to Bonnard"

     Musee des Beaux Arts-Palais Longchamps, Rue de la Charite 13002, Marseille.  From June 3 through October13.

     This exhibition, also called "The Reign of Colour", is being held simultaneously with the show in Aix. The art focuses on imaginary realms, the hedonistic pursuit of a dream, the arbitrariness of color, and the quest for a golden age.  On display will be 120 works from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries painted by the well-known artists of that period, including the Fauves, Van Gogh, and Bonnard.

From the "Reign of Colour" Exhibit

   

      In Arles:  "Rodin--The Shadow of Antiquity"

     Musee Departemental Arles Antiques, Avenue  1re-Division-France-Libre 13200, Arles.  From April 6 through September 1st.

     This most recently opened exhibition will have on display eight major sculptures by the French artist Auguste Rodin (1840-1917).  These works will be mixed with over 250 antique pieces from both Rodin's own extensive personal collection as well those by other Greek sculptors on loan from major European museums.  

      The world of antiquity and classical Greco-Roman art was a major artistic inspiration for Rodin.    Rodin is perhaps most well known for his sculpture entitled "The Thinker", as well as "The Burghers of Calais".  

"The Thinker"-Wikipedia Commons

                                                                                    

     In Avignon:  Alterosa, Festival of Roses

     Palais des Papes, Avignon
     Alterosa is an annual springtime event in Avignon.  Rose growers from France and abroad bring their best and most exciting new breeds for the enjoyment of rose fans and gardeners.  Over 30 new species are unveiled each year.

     The location of the event itself is breathtaking.  The Palais des Papes served as the papal residence in the 14th century.  Architecturally, it is one of the most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe.

     Various workshops and conferences are available for attendees.  Hydrangeas are also highlighted this year.  Those attending the Alterosa are invited to vote for their favorite rose to win the honored "Prix de Publique Alterosa" prize.

                                                                

                                                                                

Entrance to the Palais des Papes  Wikipedia Commons
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                   
     For more information, visit their website at www.alterosa.com.

     Flea Markets

     Spring is a great time to hunt for antiques and one-of-a-kind objects in Provence.  You might want to check these out:

     In  Aix:  Vide Grenier/Flea Market
     Pont de L'Arc, Aix-en-Provence.  every Sunday starting at 6:00 a.m.

     In Arles:  Place des Lices
     A large brocante (flea market) is held here on the first Wednesday of every month.

     In Avignon:  Halles d'Avignon
     There is a flea market every Tuesday and Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Phone 06-08-94-71-70 for more information.

     Enjoy your trip!
    




                                                                               


                                                                              

 

APRIL IN PARIS

        "April in Paris" is a song composed in the 1930's, later recorded and made famous by Louis Armstrong and Count Basie.  This song is about love and the charm of spring in Paris.  If you are lucky enough to visit Paris this April, or simply want to daydream about visiting there, today's blog may serve as inspiration for your French design ideas.

     April is generally a cool, rainy month, but in between rain showers, there are decorative art events and gardens to visit.

     Trompe-l'oeil--Imitations, pastiches, et autres illusions.

 

     At the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, 107 Rue de Rivoli, 1st Arrondissment.  This exhibition features items from the museum's storerooms which have never or rarely before been shown.  The trompe-l'oeil technique is meant to trick the eye, and dates back to ancient Greece.

     This decorative technique took many forms, illustrating materials through painting including wood, lacquer, tiles, velvet, and framed pictures.  Many of these works were done primarily for economic reasons, and later included artisans marbling ceramics to imitate jasper, painting to simulate linoleum floorboards, and paste to simulate diamonds.                                                         

  

    From Musee des Arts Decoratifs

                                           Plaque mural of birdcage, 1780

     If you can't make it to Paris this month, it will be open through January, 2014.

Chateau de Malmaison

     Avenue du Chateau de Malmaison, 92500 Rueil-Malmaison.

     Located in a northern suburb of Paris, this spectacular Chateau  is filled with beautifully decorated rooms and gardens.  This country home was purchased in 1797 by Josephine de Beauharnais, wife of Napoleon
Bonaparte and the future king of France.  Then a run-down estate, Josephine spent lavishly on the property with the goal of transforming it into "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe...".

     She bought the rarest of plants, and had exotic animals roaming the property, including black swans, kangaroos, emus, zebras, ostriches, antelopes and llamas.  The garden is well known for its rose garden with 250 varieties.  The famous Belgian artist Redoute drew and recorded her roses; his prints are still popular today.

     Josephine received sole ownership of Malmaison after her divorce from Napoleon.  She lived there until her death in 1814.

     The interior of the house also are a fabulous source of French design inspiration.  It is filled with beautiful period antiques, decorative painting techniques, and of course Josephine's luxurious canopy bed.

Salle a Manger (Dining Room), Wikipedia

                                                                        

Empress Josephine's Bed, Pinterest

      You can buy a momento of Malmaison here in the United States.  Josephine's namesake rose, 'Souvenir de la Malmaison', can be purchased by mail order.  I bought mine at www.antiqueroseemporium.com.  It is a light pink rose, with a lovely strong tea fragrance.                                                       
                                 
                                                                           

                                                             

                              

The French Farmhouse photo--Souvenir de la Malmaison

  

     Autour du Chat Noir:  Arts and Pleasures in Montmartre, 1880-1910

     At the Musee de Montmartre, 12/14 Rue Cortot, 18th Arrondissement.  This exhibition evokes the atmosphere of the Black Cat, a Montmartre cabaret founded in 1881 by Rodolphe Salis.  This was the first literary, artistic and musical avant-garde in Paris.  Guests enjoyed improvisation of songs and music, with shadow theater as the main attraction.

     Over 200 works of artists d'Henri de Toulouse- Lautrec, Edouard Vuillard, Theophile-Alexandre Steinlen, Adolphe Willete, and the Nabis and the Symbolists are on display.  The art works are accompanied by a reconstruction of the theater shadows and music.

     The exhibition strives to invoke irony, satire, and humor, and sounds like a very unique artistic experience.  It runs through June 2, 2013.

                                                                    

Chat Noir Exposition Poster

                                             

     Other places of note

      If you are going to Paris and time permits,  the following are favorites of mine.

     The Jardin du Luxembourg, 6th Arrondissment. This is considered one of the finest gardens in Paris, and spring flowers should be in bloom.  Look for the tulips!

    Musee du Louvre, 4 Place du Louvre.  This most famous museum is always magnificent and inspirational for its vast collections of art and decorative objects.  But visitors beware!  The museum was shut down April 10th after guards went on strike to protest the pickpockets (apparently growing with frequency and sometimes violent) that are preying upon both visitors and the guards!  They have since re-opened, but mind your purses and wallets!

     Giverny , Musee Monet,Haute-Normandie 27620.   Monet's classic French farmhouse just re-opened for the season --see my 'Monet Inspirations' blog for more details.

     You can also order "April in Paris' sweet peas from www.reneesgarden.com.  There is still time to plant them this month for bloom this year, unless you are in a mild climate.  I planted mine this fall and they are blooming now.  This sweet pea has a soft cream center with dark lilac edges.  It has the most intense fragrance of sweet pea I have ever grown.


                                                                       

Renee's Garden Sweet Peas

       Happy traveling or planting!                             

    
  
                                                        

FRENCH FAIENCE

     Most French farmhouses have a piece or even a collection of faience.  Faience is the name for a tin-glazed pottery on a pale buff earthenware body.

     Faience originated  in the Middle East, and  may date back as far as 4000 BC.  The process was brought to Spain by the Moors, was exported to Italy, and later, northern Europe.  Faience gained popularity in Europe as an affordable alternative to the much more costly Chinese porcelain.

     France started manfacturing faience  in the early eighteen century.  This movement was led by Quimper in Brittany in 1690.  The village of Quimper today has a museum devoted to faience.

     Most Quimper pottery has scenes of Breton men and women in traditional dress.  The colors used are predominantly blue, white, and yellow.

Photo Wikipedia

"Petit Breton" Plate, Henriot, circa 1925

    

A newer Quimper Pitcher

     Other notable factories later opened in Rouens, Strasbourg, and Luneville.  The Rouens factory actually opened  prior to the one at Quimper.  The Rouen factory produced the first soft-paste porcelain in France as early as 1673.  The process was invented by the potter Louis Poterat, who used blue designs to mimic that of Chinese hard-paste porcelain.  His invention was in response to the popularity of the influx of Chinese wares generated by the 1664 creation of the French East India Company. 

Rouen Soft-paste Mustard Cup, late 1600's

        Rouen porcelain can be distinguished by its intense blue glaze, as well as the lightness of  the porcelain. This paste was lighter than any other French type except for Sevres. However, it failed to become commercially viable, and the factory subsequently closed in 1696.                                                     

                                              

     But Rouen ceramics were widely copied, and the Rouen potters moved to Sinceny and opened their own business.  They produced the pitcher below.

Rouen Ewer, circa 1720 Wikipedia

     Strasbourg faience (located near the German border) was the first factory to develop the "petit feu" method, which uses crimson, gold, and pink decorations.  The factory was run by the Hannong family until its closure at end of the eighteenth century.

     Below is an example of the work produced by this factory.

Strasbourg Faience, circa 1760 Joseph Hannong

     The faience factory in Luneville was established by Jacques Chambrette in 1730.  Early pieces were unmarked, but the factory is well known for its faience dogs and lions as well as for its fine biscuit figurines.  It was later bought by Keller and Guerin.  It is still in existence.

Luneville Faience Photo Wikipedia

         More recent faience pieces sometimes can be found.  They can be as beautiful as some of the older pieces.

     Here is a nineteenth century French faience piece that I was lucky enough to find.  It has the most vibrant blues and yellows imaginable.

                                                                            

19th Century, France
The French Farmhouse photo

     Happy hunting!