I’ll share a few peeks at our progress in the kitchen and the entry and chat about life lately. Then we’ll look at the wide range of possibilities for living with French Country Baskets. They are such unsung heroes since they work hard while looking great. I use them in the laundry room, kitchen, closets and more. Don’t you love pretty decor that is actually purposeful?

Peeks at Renovation Progress
Progress on Reno in the Entry
In my last update, I shared the dining room side of the entry where we built walls to sandwich columns that didn’t work for our lifestyle. On the living room side, we also built walls then added a collected 1920s vintage window from a Tudor cottage.

Interior windows are a favorite of ours, and we have added them to all of our homes.
In this case, we draw a bit more light into the entry and add whimsy in one fell swoop.

The antique marble-topped chest/dresser under the window may not stay. I don’t like the brown, and I may want a shallower piece there. (This is why I hate sharing progress photos – I like auditioning pieces, and shopping for the right piece takes time!).

After we installed the new LVP flooring, we sort of took a break as far as kitchen stuff.

Not because we’re exhausted, but because my husband is a busy litigator and has back to back trials lately!

I also have more finishing touches, decor, and details to address, and that part of the process takes time.

For now, I put my collection of vintage marmalade crocks in these cubbies we repurposed. They were mail slots in the desk area of the kitchen…remember how it used to look?

We removed the desk and cabinetry in this corner and added a huge vintage wardrobe I painted. We are repurposing it for storage and the TV. However, I still have to paint its interior.

We also have a few more things to do with the pantry where we installed a temporary laminate countertop. This makes it functional for our daily use but not quite ready for a closeup!

Not sure if all of the plants, dishwasher, old painted shutters on the counter, and vintage marble lamp will stay. I am not the blogger who rushes through the finishing process. Another headache is an open space above the frig. We may just drywall over it and call it a day. For now, I have one of my treasures: a HUGE handmade basket bought from an Illinois farm from the great granddaughter of the man who made it.

It holds seasonal items I don’t need to access more than once a year. I can’t seem to pass up a vintage basket in good shape!
Psst. Can pain become a cure?

I love that thought. Let’s face it. Healing takes time.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
French Country Baskets
Antique Baskets at My Home
A couple of years ago, I bought two antique handmade baskets from the great granddaughter of the craftsman who made them in the mid 19th century. I showed you the larger one above.

For more than 150 years, they were used on a beautiful farm 90 minutes from here. It was extra special to see the property and buy them directly from the family.

I found the Frenchy striped seagrass baskets (below) HERE.


If they are out of stock, I thought these stripey market baskets were also very Frenchy.

French Picnic Basket Set
Rustic French farmhouse style is a passion of mine that seems to grow as I joyfully train my eye and venture deeper into its charm.

Set of 2 Rustic Wicker Picnic Baskets, Wayfair…certainly lovely indeed.

Vintage French Boulangerie Baskets


Extra Long Vintage Baguette Basket, RusticFrenchTreasure on Etsy – French Country Basket Inspiration: Resources for Rustic, French Market, and Boulangerie as well as photos to Inspire!



Favorite Online Sources for French Market Baskets!
My favorite online shops for vintage French wares and French market baskets? Vivi et Margot and Dreamy Whites Atelier. If you are familiar with Dreamy Whites blog, you will love the French homewares in the shop!
You’ll find favorite picks and links to find them below.


Rattan Lidded Basket, Wayfair – French Country Basket Inspiration: Resources for Rustic, French Market, and Boulangerie as well as photos to Inspire!







French Baskets for Bicycles, Home Decor, Shopping and Organization







French Farmhouse Baskets to Inspire


More Ideas for French Inspired Storage


Rustic French Basket Inspiration
French Baskets for Storage in a Powder Room
Brooke Giannetti has inspired us for years with European country sensibilities that make living with wabi sabi style natural, beautiful, and also practical. Years ago before Patina Farm, Brooke designed this breathtaking powder room with rustic French baskets for storage. Sometimes built-in contemporary cabinetry is not the look we’re after!
Isn’t this a gorgeous example of how to live with collected antiques and vintage treasures from Europe? In Patina Farm’s laundry room, Brooke demonstrated the functionality of collected pieces.
Rustic European Baskets in an Inspiring Laundry Room at Patina Farm

In this lovely understated laundry room at Patina Farm, Brooke mixed a new purchase (drying rack from Ballard Designs) with old baskets to store essentials.

Even the location of the laundry room is genius. Mirrored doors separate it from the master dressing room, and notice how pretty baskets maintain order while harmonizing with white shelves.

I always find much to admire about Patina Farm and Brooke’s relaxed, unfussy, European inspired style. Why not place art you love on laundry shelves to enjoy their beauty every single day? This is just the sort of European country sensibility to which my spirit is drawn.

Baskets Bring Style & Function to Every Room in the Home
There isn’t any space in a country house or farmhouse style abode where the woven charm of a basket isn’t welcome! Baskets are truly an essential ingredient for keeping objects orderly or hidden while looking fabulous all on their own.

Baskets are Especially Indispensable in the Laundry Room
A Dreamy Example in Provence
We toured this beautifully country chic French home, and here’s a reminder of what simple rustic baskets can bring to a heavenly room.

Who can stop at the laundry room in the Varvels’s gorgeous South of France fantasy home? Let’s peek inside this unforgettable renovated French Country estate in Avignon!
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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Thanks for the glimpse… beautiful! Yes, I am a Basket Lady too.
Michele, I will definitely pray for you, for help and for your peace. I will also pray that you remind yourself, as often as you need to, that faith and fear cannot dwell in the same place and that you cannot carry a burden and surrender it at the same time. We all need reminders. Many Blessings.
Author
Thank you for the prayer.
This was my morning devotion today – I want to share it with you and know that I am lifting you up, going boldly to the throne on your behalf, speaking life over you, peace not pain and rest for the weary.
Isaiah 61: 1- The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
The house is beautiful and truly conveys your own beautiful spirit. It also reminds me that like your house , we are all a work in progress – He is the potter and we are the work of His hand. We may go through the fire like a clay pot but a clay pot also makes a ping or a ringing sound when it has been fired in the kiln correctly. I like to say praise him in the storm ,make a joyful noise in the midst of it all and come through it more beautiful than when you went in.
Author
Amen. Amen. Thank you, Marilyn. For the Word that is truly alive. For your caring spirit that reaches me. Beauty for ashes, yes. Freedom and comfort, yes. Trees to glorify, yes. My own morning devotion pointed me to sit in the sun of God’s mysterious, sustaining presence. This I can do, come what may. A joyful noise in the fire, maybe that can be singing praises at the piano. xox
You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I appreciate all your quotes about pain as my husband suffers with pain 24/7. It is a hopeless feeling indeed. We have now found a new Neurologist and my husband will be undergoing surgery in November. My prayers to all who suffer and have such difficulty surviving in their bodies. Your quotes are inspiring and bring hope and and endurance.
Author
Your spirit has touched mine. I am thinking of your husband, about his suffering. About how it is as sacred and somehow mysteriously as fruitful as Christ’s suffering. May his medical team nurture and heal him with a spirit of love and grace. May his strength grow. May your courage and acceptance blossom. “Difficulty surviving in their bodies” has soothed me like an answered prayer. Yes. Thank you. I’m praying.
Loved All your baskets! Praying for you today that you may
KNOW God’s peace and presence your heart today. I love how bold you are in sharing your faith.
Blessings to you!
Author
Thank you for your time and prayers. Am I bold? I feel so vulnerable.
I love the sneak peeks! Thank you for modeling how one can create beauty even though burdened.
Lifting you in prayer.
Author
Ohhhh, that is comforting to me – thank you.
God bless you Michelle. My husband and I will pray for you every day. May your health be perfect.
Author
so kind of you both, thank you.
You are in my prayers. Wishing you all the peace your heart, mind, and soul can hold.
Author
Thank you so much for the support. 🙂