Today we’re touring a French Country style cottage I enthusiastically shared years ago as it belongs to my blogger friend, interior designer Desiree Ashworth of the inspiring, Decor de Provence. Find Part 2 of this post right here.

This exquisite home Desiree and her family share in Utah, was lovingly built by her father and contains treasures scoured across Europe which reflect her love for timeless, vintage, country splendor. It’s not fussy or precious, and it has all the rustic character and romance which typically can take a century to earn.

Desiree loves sophisticated shades of blue-grey, aqua green, and turquoise, and you may remember her prior home, a Gustavian style masterpiece, photos of which are plentiful on Pinterest! This home departs from the lighter, airier and more feminine decor in that prior home with its rustic ceilings and richer colors.

What I love about this home…Desiree has such a keen eye for European country treasures and design, and with her husband and her father, they make an incredible team of design creatives. For a French Nordic look, she paints or stains the interior trims an aqua-blue-green-gray custom color which lends an authentically French or Swedish look and sets it apart from so many other homes designed in this style. The rustic wood applied to the ceilings adds so much character and age to the new build which would feel completely different with standard drywalled ceilings. So much of the furniture is quality built to last and seems as though it will only get better (as it develops patina and earns little scratches!) over the years with use. What a smart design style to choose when you have young children and you don’t want to worry about fancy finishes or implement a hands off policy. The pediments above doorways are another feature I don’t often see in new French Country or French Nordic style interiors, and they add so much importance without feeling overly ornamental or formal. If you look at their profile, they are actually not that thick, and perhaps this also contributes to a lighter, airier, less formal vibe. The barreled ceiling in the entry so gorgeously highlights the arched front door and makes it that much more special. I also appreciate the simplicity of the natural woven rugs Desiree has chosen for the living room – so casual, unfussy, and a touch beachy which feels appropriate with all the green and aqua glass. In the dining room, she has skipped a rug all together, allowing the beauty of herringbone hardwood to be a star. Her breakfast room has sort of taken over Pinterest over the years, and if there is one image for “French Country” I see over and over, it’s this one! Its lavender, rustic furniture, and vintage chairs appeal to so many of us seeking a country look that is more sophisticated than shabby.

Enjoy this home tour of Desiree’s French Country nest, find a few home decor suggestions, and take away timeless and tranquil ideas for your own decor plans.

Source: Country Home magazine  Styling: Bonnie Broten

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Home Tour: French Country Cottage Decor Inspiration {Part 1}

Home Tour: French Country Cottage in Utah

This bedroom has so much unfussy charm, and I love that it feels undone and natural.

 What do you think of this home’s beautiful architecture?

You may want to visit her prior home (a French chateau), and if you have never explored Desiree’s decor inspiration blog Decor de Provence, you are in for a treat. This charming family home is truly is one of my favorite homes on Hello Lovely, and I’m happy to say I have more of it to show you…Part two is right here!

French Cottage Lovely!

p.s.

Here are some ideas and guiding principles for capturing French Country and Cottage Style in your own home.

Tips for Adding an Old World Decor Vibe

What is Old World design?

This style of design derives from influences from Europe and often incorporates more rustic materials such as limestone, wood, plaster, marble, and antiques. The emphasis is on earthy, natural, timeless elements that get better with time and develop beautiful patina. This style eschews trends with its reverence for history. Old World design is sort of an umbrella under which a number of design styles fall including:

~French Country

~French Provincial

~Tuscan Style

~Mediterranean Style

Some of the most interesting Old World interior designed spaces blend these styles. A French Country kitchen can easily incorporate elements of Italian rustic style since the basic principles are complimentary.

What colors are associated with Old World decor?

Most often, Old World style interiors are associated with warm and rich earthy colors. Colors seen in the European countryside are smart choices for bringing inside. Deep reds, greens, and golds are popular choices for an Old World palette.

• Burgundy, Cognac, and Eggplant
• Creamy antique whites
• Dark-stained woods like cherry, walnut, and mahogany
• Antiqued gold or silver finishes
• Dark green and Navy blue
• Ocher
• Distressed, painted, glazed, and antiqued surfaces that mimic age

What textiles are associated with Old World decor?

Layering fabrics and textural elements is important in imparting Old world style. Consider the following elements:

• Velvet
• Brocades
• Tapestries
• Decorative beaded trim and tassels
• Leather
• Fringe
• Cotton prints
• Toiles and Stripes
• Scroll, floral, or Damasks
• Aubousson Rugs

What decorative accents work with Old World decor?

Decorative accents to tell an Old World design story might include handmade stoneware, hand forged iron accents, zinc buckets and vases, woven baskets, and pottery. Draperies and handwoven rugs are often important accents as well as collected family heirlooms, antiques, paintings, and collections.

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Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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