La Vie Est Belle & Charming French Inspired Finds spotlights a book by Henrietta Heald (all photos from this lovely book © Ryland Peters & Small) I have been savoring. Let’s peek inside it together!
![French farmhouse design inspiration. La Vie Est Belle: The Elegant Art of Living in the French Style by Henrietta Heald, Ryland Peters & Small 2019.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Vie-est-Belle-p-96.jpg)
above: La Vie Est Belle: The Elegant Art of Living in the French Style by Henrietta Heald, Ryland Peters & Small 2019…Photo: © Ryland Peters & Small. Praise for the book La Vie Est Belle as well as Charming French Inspired Finds!
At this very moment, it is 9:30 a.m., and the light in our house is very dim as the rains pour and pleasingly create a drumbeat against metal gutters.
(Obviously, these photos were snapped the day before!)
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-10.jpg)
The percussion tickles my ears and complements clapping thunder.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-7.jpg)
What a gift that no visible lightning interrupts the visual feast the pages within this lovely title supply.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-13.jpg)
La Vie Est Belle is a Visual Feast!
Thank goodness there’s a feast since I am forever ravenous!
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-stuo-kitchen-tea-15.jpg)
Here’s the gorgeous book:
![La Vie Est Belle: The Elegant Art of Living in the French Style by Henrietta Heald, Ryland Peters & Small 2019.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Vie-est-Belle-cover-jpg.jpg)
On the table beside me, a pale blue-grey mug designed by Thomas O’Brien is filled with fresh mint and ginger tea, warming me to the core.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-12.jpg)
Enjoy this Beautiful Book With Tea
I sliced the ginger root and bruised the mint leaves myself, preparing a potion to nourish the wholeness of my spirit, body, and mind as only nature, love, and maybe books can.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-11.jpg)
At times the ground vibrates beneath my feet and only enhances this divinely sensual milieu.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-9.jpg)
To be swept away by the rich beauty of pages honoring the sophisticated simplicity and rustic elegant character of France is a gift. What a pleasure to share it with you lovely souls.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-8.jpg)
La Vie est Belle is for the Francophile, certainly. However, it’s also for lovers of country style and history.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio. Visit the story with praise for the book La Vie Est Belle as well as Charming French Inspired Finds!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-3.jpg)
La Vie Est Belle Shares the Art of French Living
Each chapter delights with interior design, recipes, culture, flea markets, architecture, and French culture.
My favorite aspect of the book…and I know you won’t be surprised…are the French farmhouse renovations and transformations.
![French farmhouse design inspiration. La Vie Est Belle: The Elegant Art of Living in the French Style by Henrietta Heald, Ryland Peters & Small 2019.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Vie-est-Belle-p-96.jpg)
In the third chapter of the book which highlights Poitou-Charentes and Aquitaine, we’re treated to an exploration of color palettes with a discussion of natural light and how it affects the fashion in which colors are used within different regions of France.
The courtyard with shutter above reflects an example of the use of quiet and misty blue-greys which are used masterfully by the French to calm and soothe.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-6.jpg)
French Farmhouse House Tours Inside
In a French farmhouse on a rocky ledge between Mougins and Grasse, is a 1950’s home which appears to be two hundred years older, thanks to the genius of its owners, the Schouten family.
The image below of a beautiful arched entrance is but one example of how they wildly succeeded in their efforts.
The book’s author writes, “The original exterior walls, dating from the 1950s, were made thicker and faced in local stone to give them a rugged appearance. Reclaimed shutters, painted soft sage green, open to reveal a gently arched doorway.”
![French Farmhouse design inspiration. La Vie Est Belle: The Elegant Art of Living in the French Style by Henrietta Heald, Ryland Peters & Small 2019.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Vie-est-Belle-195.jpg)
Chateau Gignac Featured in La Vie Est Belle
One of my favorite chateau tours in La Vie Est Belle allows us to enter the rustic elegance of Gignac, a home restored by the Jouberts and located in the Luberon.
In the double-height entrance hall of this restored home (below), we see a very sparely furnished space. With only a French settee and an antique console table, the focus may remain on the cobblestone floor, the sculptural staircase, and the richness of rustic stone.
![La Vie Est Belle: The Elegant Art of Living in the French Style by Henrietta Heald, Ryland Peters & Small 2019.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Vie-est-Belle-182-83.jpg)
The masterful mix of greys in an upper hall of the chateau are delightfully interesting and impossibly tranquil. Grey and white marble tile adorns the floor, various shades of grey on the walls, and creamy plaster mouldings work magic in their harmony. I can’t stop staring and studying the composition which could easily go wrong were it infused with sweetness rather than the blessing of natural, sensual, timeless warmth its restorers have bestowed here.
![La Vie Est Belle: The Elegant Art of Living in the French Style by Henrietta Heald, Ryland Peters & Small 2019.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Vie-est-Belle-187.jpg)
Lovely French Garden Inspiration
Of this charming sanctuary of a peaceful garden at a home in a hamlet south of the Seine valley, author Henrietta Heald writes:
“Secluded corners designed for relaxing are a feature of the garden. Here the decorative approach is simplicity itself; a small circular metal table, geraniums in a Versailles planter and wire birdcages adorning the walls.”
![French Farmhouse Design Inspiration. La Vie Est Belle: The Elegant Art of Living in the French Style by Henrietta Heald, Ryland Peters & Small 2019.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Vie-est-Belle-p-59.jpg)
Treat yourself to a copy of this glorious title from Henrietta Heald if it doesn’t already grace your bookshelf.
Carve out quiet time to savor it and immerse yourself in the beauty even as you become more enlightened and intrigued by all the mystique.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-1.jpg)
When the author turns her attention to the island Île de Ré, off the West Coast of France, I couldn’t help but think of Charlotte Reiss, whose IG feed introduced me to the magic of the place.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-4.jpg)
Remember Charlotte’s French farmhouse kitchen (below) near Bordeaux?
![French farmhouse kitchen by Vivi et Margot near Bordeaux. Photo: Charlotte Reiss. #frenchfarmhouse #kitchen #neptunekitchens #floatingshelves #terracottafloor #reclaimed stone](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/a-french-farmhouse-kitchen-10c-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
While a trip to France to score antiques and authentic finds would be ideal, fortunately we have sources like Vivi et Margot for French homewares and French inspired finds to discover online.
![Terracotta hexagon tiles in a kitchen in France. French farmhouse design inspiration, house tour, French homewares and market baskets from Vivi et Margot. Photos by Charlotte Reiss. Come be inspired on Hello Lovely and learn the paint colors used in these beautiful authentic French country interiors. #frenchfarmhouse #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #designinspiration #interiordesign #housetour #vivietmargot #rusticdecor #frenchhome #authentic #neptune #farrowandballfrenchgray #kitchendesign #frenchmarket #summerliving #bordeaux #westernfrance #europeanfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/a-french-farmhouse-kitchen-9-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio-1.jpg)
![Inspirational fashion quote on a chambray blue background by Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/chambray-blue-quote-fashion-chanel.jpg)
Don’t miss some surprisingly lovely French country finds in my very own Amazon storefront RIGHT HERE
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio. Visit the story with praise for the book La Vie Est Belle as well as Charming French Inspired Finds!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-2.jpg)
Charming French Inspired Finds
Ready-made Country French Country Cabinetry
![71" Weathered French Country 4-Door Cabinet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/000001d.jpg)
![French country cabinet or sidboard with weathered finish.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61PnCFb5VdL._SL1278_.jpg)
![Deville Russelle Sideboard](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/39440164/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3902/39026559/Deville+Russelle+Sideboard.jpg)
![Wimberley 2 Door Accent Cabinet](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/63546156/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3428/34289423/Wimberley+2+Door+Accent+Cabinet.jpg)
![French Blue Antiqued 4-Drawer Cabinet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/000001e-1440x1357.jpg)
Country French Inspired Dining Room Finds
![Saguenay Extendable Dining Table. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/70966289/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4573/45732465/Saguenay+Extendable+Dining+Table.jpg)
![Croix 30" Bar Stool](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/99837825/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5508/55081458/Croix+30%2522+Bar+Stool.jpg)
![Gertrude Dining Table. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/10213611/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5589/55892676/Gertrude+Dining+Table.jpg)
![Gertrude Dining Table. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/79458917/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4623/46232427/Gertrude+Dining+Table.jpg)
![Cheve Dining Table. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/17654732/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/6012/60128855/Cheve+Dining+Table.jpg)
![Cheve Dining Table](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/02004238/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/2442/24424599/Cheve+Dining+Table.jpg)
![Atchison Dining Table. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/12508693/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5200/52001471/Atchison+Dining+Table.jpg)
![Parfondeval Double Pedestal Dining Bench. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/38573051/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/2729/27293463/Parfondeval+Double+Pedestal+Dining+Bench.jpg)
![French country dining Side Chairs. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/33729043/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3583/35832777/Side+Chair.jpg)
Country French Chair Ideas
![Duffield Armchair](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/06917260/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3619/36198594/Duffield+Armchair.jpg)
Rustic Elegant Ottoman
![Round Tufted Linen & Burlap Ottoman. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/000001g.jpg)
Area Rug
![Safavieh grey/beige area rug.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1wG-TKWmjL._SL1500_.jpg)
French Country Inspired Bedroom Finds
![Parada Upholstered Panel Headboard.. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/39152610/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3930/39304729/Parada+Upholstered+Panel+Headboard.jpg)
![Parada Upholstered Panel Headboard. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/65048076/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4277/42774702/Parada+Upholstered+Panel+Headboard.jpg)
![Parada Upholstered Panel Headboard. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/03615879/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5012/50126440/Parada+Upholstered+Panel+Headboard.jpg)
![Frech Grey Side Table. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/000001f-1440x1440.jpg)
![Letellier Upholstered Bench](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/15891621/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5090/50905128/Letellier+Upholstered+Bench.jpg)
![Safavieh French Country Upholstered Bench](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81C1VXdCpXL._SL1500_.jpg)
![French country mirror](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Modern-Farmhouse-Wood-Accent-Mirror-400x400.jpg)
Country French Living Room Decor Ideas
![French Country Wing Chair. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/000001b.jpg)
![French Country Wing Chair. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71GFqB7IIhL._SL1500_.jpg)
![Toulouse Wagner Upholstered Bench. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/87641984/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4619/46196869/Toulouse+Wagner+Upholstered+Bench.jpg)
![French country upholstered arm chair. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81GB5%2BEO3uL._SL1500_.jpg)
![Safavieh Oak Settee - French country loveseat. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/000001h.jpg)
![Letellier Upholstered Bench. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/29086022/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/2744/27442974/Letellier+Upholstered+Bench.jpg)
![Francoise Coffee Table. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/63146226/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1436/14366056/Francoise+Coffee+Table.jpg)
![Christmas and holiday themed inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #christmasquotes #holidayquotes #whimsicalquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/christmas-quote-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-leave-a-little-sparkle.jpg)
Friendly Priced French Country Accent Chair
![French country arm chair](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/French-Country-Upholstered-Arm-Chair-400x490.jpg)
![Linen French Accent Chair. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/916Bdkh-7NL._SL1500_.jpg)
![Linen French Accent Chair. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/000001c.jpg)
French Inspired Dining Finds in My Own Home
![My dining room with French country Louis style dining chairs. Hello Lovely Studio. Visit the story for praise for the book La Vie Est Belle as well as Charming French Inspired Finds!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/00001-hello-lovely-studio-dining-room-5-july-2018.jpg)
![24" Counter Height Stool. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/60878650/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3670/36705493/Bedard+24%2522+Counter+Height+Stool.jpg)
![Lilian Oval Back Dining Side Chair. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/55298061/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3565/35657684/Lilian+Oval+Back+Dining+Side+Chair.jpg)
![Agda Classic Elegant Upholstered Dining Chair. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/47118809/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4404/44042226/Agda+Classic+Elegant+Upholstered+Dining+Chair.jpg)
![Love quote for pet lovers on Hello Lovely Studio. #doglovers #dogquotes #petlovers #petquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/christmas-quote-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-love-is-a-wagging-tail.jpg)
French Inspired Kitchen Finds
![Lisa Kitchen Island. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/97147842/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3829/38290764/Lisa+Kitchen+Island.jpg)
![Castille Prep Table with Marble Top. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/20457265/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5999/59998576/Castille+Prep+Table+with+Marble+Top.jpg)
Rustic Country French Dining Tables
![Montreal Butterfly Leaf Dining Table. French Country Furniture Finds. Because European country and French farmhouse style is easy to love. Rustic elegant charm is lovely indeed.](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/76656538/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3628/36284312/Montreal+Butterfly+Leaf+Dining+Table.jpg)
![Bree Dining Table](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/83102424/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1594/15944309/Bree+Dining+Table.jpg)
![Valerie Solid Wood Dining Table](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/58710273/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/2737/27372964/Valerie+Solid+Wood+Dining+Table.jpg)
![Uplifting and inspirational quote by Lord Byron - If joy you win, you must share it - Hello Lovely Studio. #lordbyron #inspirationalquotes #joyquotes #christmasquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/christmas-quote-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-lord-byron-if-joy-you-win.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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All so lovely! I have her book (an earlier edition) and it is a treasured item that I purchased for myself while on a vacation. Found it in a store that featured French and French-inspired items. I love how it is a sort of “all in one” French book–recipes, color schemes, rooms to inspire and so much more. 🙂
Author
Exactly! There’s so much delicousness inside! 🙂
Great finds! All these french inspired finds are really amazing. I found it very helpful for me. Thanks and keep sharing.
Author
Thanks so much for taking time to leave footprints.
Awesome post! This is my first-time visit here and I am actually pleased to read this post. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Hope you’ll visit often – thanks for reading.
Nice blog! I really like the article and very helpful for me. Thanks for sharing.
Author
🙂
Love these beautiful pieces of french finds. They will make home more beautiful. Thanks for the great post.
Author
🙂