My tendency is restraint when it comes to color and decorating, indoors or out. But just look at nature! Thank goodness she doesn’t hold back. So much budding and greening happens in spring, drawing us outdoors. (Well, except it’s snowing as I type these words!). While I no longer have a pea-graveled French inspired courtyard, I still own these European-crafted Parisian Café Chairs in Black which are perfect for creating a sweet Frenchy moment outside.
Parisian Café Chairs & How to Create Country French Calm
I’m not sure if I’ll place them on the front porch or the deck of our new house so stay tuned!
Today we’ll revisit how three simple pieces can easily bloom into a simply Chic Outdoor Oasis, and they certainly don’t need to live in a courtyard or garden.
Small patios and balconies can get refreshed too!
You can find these high quality, heavy, metal bistro chairs by FERMOB in an array of colors HERE and HERE.
I suppose “country French calm” is a subjective matter…for me a calm oasis often involves books and magazines!
1. Metal Bistro Chairs in the Garden
These black Fermob Outdoor Bistro Side Chairs are truly special–designed and hand-forged by Old World artisans in Europe.
We’re talking heavy metal pieces designed for hotels, restaurants, and high end, discerning establishments.
Their steel frames and tops are treated for rust-resistance before a scratch resistant exterior furniture powder coating is applied.
Their price tag reflects the European craftsmanship ensuring they will: sit comfortably, stand up to the weather, and endure the test of time.
I have a bit of a ‘chair hoarder disorder’ which appears not to be healing with time. Ha! I mean, I blogged just the other day about jarcuterie and styled a decidedly affordable bistro set.
I could spend hours online considering French bistro chair possibilities! Psst. See that mirror in the gravel (above) – a gardener broke it when he was leaf blowing so it now lives in French country heaven.
2. French Stripe Seagrass Baskets
To keep the modern French vibe going in our courtyard, more black accents made sense.
After browsing for baskets, I fell for this 2-piece wicker/rattan basket set.
I hoped they would look as good in person as they did online, and SHAZAM.
Oui…they are even better so I’m a happy French farmgirl.
For me, seagrass recalls balmy weather, beachy relaxation, and simple pleasures. Plus…they are JUST so dang practical!
You will find woven baskets in the trunk of my SUV, bedside holding books, working hard in the laundry room, stowing towels in a bath…every space needs ’em.
The third sweet black-themed find to show you…
3. Turkish Stripe Throw
One of the things I appreciate about Turkish towels for the bath, beach, and table is how versatile they are for outdoor decor.
How can my Stripey Turkish Cotton Beach Towel be used?
As a beach towel,
picnic blanket,
shawl,
sarong,
throw,
tablecloth,
or table runner.
Um. What can it NOT morph into?
In fact, even if you are attached to thick luxurious terry cloth towels in the bath, you might like this stripey number draped over the tub or providing decor on a towel bar.
A word about the color of this towel.
While I ordered the black, ‘dark grey’ or ‘faded black’ is a more accurate description. They are certainly not a jet black like the cafe chairs. (With the sunlight in the photo below, the color appears blue, which is not the case in person.)
Yogurt Jars for Parfaits
My little yogurt jars were brought back with me from Paris, but you can find them HERE and everywhere these days…so many ways to use them:
I am sooooooo thrilled with how these pieces have perked up a little spot where I typically place a bench.
They aren’t simply lovely to look at; they truly invite rest, calm, stillness, and comfort.
And I’ll take a little more of that as spring unfolds and summer inches closer.
French Farmhouse Accents: Napkins
I have eaten breakfast and lunch out here and even worked on the laptop.
BTW, the round black table is vintage Ikea shopped from my basement. Not gonna lie…saving my pennies for the coordinating table RIGHT HERE:
Is that bistro table perfection, or what? But in the mean time, as you can see, it’s okay to pair bistro chairs with any number of side tables for a unique custom look.
How to Create an Outdoor Oasis Without Stress
Frequently, we simply need to get started and not overthink our designs for outside.
When you start with intention (serene sanctuary spot for dining/reading?), then gather a few new purchases with favorites from around the house, you’re on your way to oasis.
I placed pretty French things in my baskets to score eye candy for you, and I foresee styling them in all sorts of fresh ways through the seasons.
Oh yes you do indeed need your MILIEU in print subscription…Veranda too, mes amis!
For someone who seems to live and breathe white on white decor, what say you about the night sky finds?
Score more black and white inspiration HERE.
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
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Love your new little oasis!! You tickle me with your humor…”Um. What can it NOT morph into?” 😂Your posts always brighten my day no matter the content! ❤️Happy Friday…woohoo!!
Author
You’re so good to me – thank you, Amy. How are things in your beautiful home these days? Is there a sense of normalcy yet?
You are sweet to ask! My husband just installed our last custom bamboo shade! Yay! We used blindster.com and could not be more pleased! They are sooo nice and we got a discount using code from Rush Limbaugh’s radio show. Now the squirrels can’t peep in anymore the hubs says…ha! We have neighbors, but woods between us so it’s private either way, but feels good to have shades up. Had to get all new memory foam mattresses (Casper & Novaform) and bed frames since all our old beds except for our master were twin and bunk. Got one up today; will finish others tmrw. Rugs are on their way. I went with Ruggable.com for bedrooms. Had to get LR rug from McGee & Co since ruggable’s largest is 8×10. It was their cheapest rug on sale but I really liked it…a light grey with darker grey ticking stripes. I’m excited to get the rugs this week and hoping they work without seeing them in person! All the reviews on Ruggable were very encouraging so I’m feeling pretty good about it. We shall see! So yes, feeling more & more settled. Mostly, thankful we were able to move in before shutdown since all our boys had to come home from school/college. Has been nice to have more room as we were in a trailer while building. If you make it down South again, near Huntsville, AL, would love to have you for a cup of coffee on our back covered porch…it’s my fav spot of all! 😊
Author
That coffee time sounds so good, Amy. I would love it. We haven’t decided where we will settle for retirement and it’s fun exploring new to us places we could potentially call home. Thank you for sharing those resources – I will tuck them away. Never heard of Ruggable – that’s a darling name for a site! I am definitely pondering how much square footage we’ll need in our next move. I thought we would truly be emptynesters in this fixer upper, but NOPE. Our attorney son moved in last week while he house hunts (he put a bid on a home, and our fingers are crossed). The other son is in Colorado, but who knows? Have a wonderful weekend, friend.
Will be fun to see where y’all end up! Whenever and wherever, I knownit will be lovely!
Author
We would love to follow your lead and build without being a hurry – always keeping eyes peeled for an airstream to make over for temporary digs! 🙂
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Michele,
Staying indoors is a smart move, especially since you have not been feeling up to pair lately. It is best to take care of yourself. Your bistro chairs are beautiful and can go anywhere. You have made a beautiful and cozy outdoor space.
Hope you feel better.
Hugs,
Bev
Author
Thank you, Bev. Chronic illness is a rollercoaster and turning to nature always helps. Hugs right back to you, lovely.
This is so absolutely stunning! I love this bistro set and how you styled it in your pretty space!!! Thanks for sharing for Charming Homes and Gardens!
Author
Thanks so much, Kristin – I love finding inspiration at Charming Homes & Gardens!
There is something wonderful about French Bistro chairs. I’ve always loved the blue woven French cafe chairs that Anthropologie has, and would have bought two, but my house has so many other priorities, and I don’t know where I would put them! Thank you for the fun post, Michelle.
Author
Thanks so much for checking out the post. I hear you about putting the brakes on buying more chairs. I have a serious chair hoarding problem – I find them irresistible!
What about the cute mirror?
Author
I found it at an outlet store decades ago and have painted it a million times! I would say check the antique mall. 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous. You know I love your taste and this is such a welcoming scene. Hugs!
Author
Thanks so much, Katherine. Peace to you, lovely one.