Vivi et Margot Farmhouse in France: Paint Colors, Sources is a treasury of helpful resources we’re revisiting to get the look. Discover paint colors, design elements, and shopping links while relishing one truly joyful house tour! Admirers of rustic lovely French country style homes in France are about to be swept off their Francophile tootsies…
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration: Authentic and Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
Photography and styling: Charlotte Reiss for Vivi et Margot and Evgenia.Prinsloo (courtesy of Vivi et Margot)
Vivi et Margot Farmhouse in France: Paint Colors & Sources
It was a delightful treat in 2018 to connect with Vivi et Margot’s founder, designer, stylist and timeless style guru, Charlotte Reiss. Today we’ll revisit her charming home.
In addition to exclusive photos just for us of her charmingly renovated French farmhouse in Deux-Sèvres (near Bordeaux), we learned her secret shopping resources!
ABOVE: An apron front farm sink certainly plays a starring role in this French farmhouse kitchen near Bordeaux.
“The home is such a passion project for me. We bought it years ago and have never looked back.”
Charlotte Reiss
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration: Authentic and Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux is Lovely Indeed.
Charming French Home by Vivi et Margot
Of course, it’s her charming shop Vivi et Margot (where the amazing array of French market baskets is only the beginning!) which remains the shining jewel among those sources for French homewares.
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot…certainly lovely indeed.
Farrow & Ball Paint
Charlotte even shared the Farrow & Ball paint colors* she chose in the renovation of her French farmhouse.
Extra glad we have these images since the house has been repainted in new F&B colors since these photos were taken!
ABOVE: Girls bathroom paint color: FARROW & BALL Middleton Pink No. 245. Photo Gallery, Decorating Ideas and Shopping Resources In Case You Love Old World, Rustic European Country Style.
Since 2015, Vivi et Margot blossomed from an online marketplace to brick and mortar pop ups across the USA to interior design services and even prop sourcing. I cannot wait to see what the future holds!
Fall in Love With French Farmhouse Lifestyle
Vivi et Margot is named for Charlotte’s daughters, and if you have had the pleasure of enjoying the brand’s instagram feed, then you know she graciously shares the most lifestyle inspiration, inviting us along on this lovely journey.
Enjoy this interview with this talented entrepreneur, and if Vivi et Margot is news to you, prepare to fall deeply in love.
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration With Authentic as well as Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
Interview With Charlotte Reiss
How did the farmhouse in France come into your possession?
“While watching HGTV’s House Hunters International, we looked at each other and said ‘We want to do that!’ and promptly started our search online.”
Beyond Provence for a Dreamy Holiday Home
Wow! And then you found your amazing vacation home in Deux-Sèvres. My imagination always goes to the South of France and Provence when I think of as dreamy French country locales…what led you to Western France?
“The South was out of the question for us financially. Rather than seek a particular region, we looked mainly at houses with ‘good bones.’ We explored possibilities all over France within our price range, which was under 100,000€. “
ABOVE: Photo Gallery, Decorating Ideas and Shopping Resources In Case You Love Old World, Rustic European Country Style.
How practical and inspiring! That will give a lot of folks some hope. But did you truly buy your dream house in France sight unseen?
“Yes, we did! We are two hours from Bordeaux and 80 minutes from Ile de Re, which is my favorite place to visit.”
ABOVE: Vert Olivier green painted shutters on a gloriously aged to perfection building exterior.
Rustic Exterior Inspiration from Western France
Ile de Re sounds like a magical place I would love to discover! Where would we stay if we want to explore this gem in Western France?
“Hotel Toiras is my number one recommendation…it is truly spectacular. We fly into Paris and either drive five hours south or take a two and a half hour train ride to Poitiers.”
ABOVE: Hotel Toiras – Photo: Vivi et Margot…certainly lovely indeed.
In Case You Need a Taste of Ile de Re (I do!)
Inspiration from ‘Summers in France’
You mentioned that epic designer Kathryn Ireland’s gorgeous book SUMMERS IN FRANCE also made an impression on you. Like Ireland, you are a Brit residing in Los Angeles!
“Her beautiful book inspired me greatly! I admired her down to earth approach to the renovation of an old farmhouse in rural France while living in America and raising her children.
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration with Authentic as well as Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
We’re on a similar journey, and I have come to realize it takes time and much patience to create a home we will love spending summers in for years to come.”
I’m crazy about her approach to design and the clear sensibility she has about creating LIVABLE places, not showrooms.
ABOVE: Climbing vines on a breathtakingly rustic French farmhouse exterior…certainly lovely indeed.
Unfussy & Rustic Yet Elegant French Style
It’s what I love about unfussy old farmhouses like yours…it’s not about impressing the neighbors as much as it is about a comfortable backdrop for family holidays and memory making.
Let’s talk about your kitchen which I am absolutely in love with! What was it like when you took possession of the home and are those terracotta floors original?
“We field so many questions about the tile! No, they are 200 year old reclaimed tiles we found in Angers So much work to make them happen, but we adore them!”
French Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation
Was the kitchen a gut job?
“The kitchen was a mess! Linoleum floors and cabinets! Also, the main stairs were initially located within the kitchen. My husband moved the stairs to the living room which opened up the kitchen.”
ABOVE: Wall paint color: FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001. Photo Gallery, Decorating Ideas and Shopping Resources In Case You Love Old World, Rustic European Country Style.
Holy cow! Moving stairs is for fearless renovators! Did you tackle the renovation work on the kitchen yourselves?
“We worked with Neptune kitchens (a UK company with branches in France) to create my dream kitchen.”
ABOVE: Stunning antique terracotta hex tiles were added during the renovation of this farmhouse kitchen near Bordeaux…certainly lovely. Wall paint color: FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001.
A Favorite Space in the Farmhouse
It’s my dream kitchen too, Charlotte! Is it your favorite room in the farmhouse?
“It’s one of my favorite rooms. My absolute favorite is our master bedroom. We converted the entire top floor attic to create an open concept bedroom, bathroom and dressing area.
ABOVE: Wall paint color: FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001. Photo Gallery, Decorating Ideas and Shopping Resources In Case You Love Old World, Rustic European Country Style.
Blissful Master Suite Design
There are no walls dividing up the space except for the loo.
ABOVE: Paint color on door: FARROW & BALL French Gray/Wall paint color: FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001…certainly a lovely combination.
The claw foot tub is at the end of the bed, in effect, with a window overlooking the fields.
Old World Style & Classic Construction Materials
It’s such a roomy open space with high ceilings and exposed beams. It’s my favorite spot for sure!”
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration with Authentic as well as Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
Did you furnish and decorate your home in France with local finds?
“Many items in the home were purchased from France or UK, but I actually incorporated a lot of items from Pottery Barn and Rejuvenation as well as paint from Farrow & Ball.”
ABOVE: Drapery: Pottery Barn Beligan Flax Linen drapes; Wall paint color: FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001/Paint color of wood beams: FARROW & BALL French Gray…certainly lovely indeed.
Merci Beaucoup!
Thank you so much, Charlotte!! I feel so encouraged and empowered by your approach to finding a fixer to renovate and the relaxed manner in which you designed the interiors!
Keep reading for a helpful Shopping & Resource Guide below (courtesy of Charlotte Reiss) for sources of the furniture, decor, paint colors, and more.
ABOVE: Photo Gallery, Decorating Ideas, House Tour and Shopping Resources In Case You Love Old World, Rustic European Country Style.
House Tour: Charming Farmhouse in France by Vivi et Margot
But first let’s continue our tour of Vivi et Margot’s French farmhouse!
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration: Authentic and Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
ABOVE: Shutters were painted a popular French green color called Vert Olivier.
Climbing Vines on a Country House Exterior
Romantic French Home & Lifestyle
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration: Authentic and Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
Vert Olivier green painted custom shutters look authentic and charming on this French farmhouse renovated by the Reiss family.
Timeless Home Tour & Tranquil French Countryside Setting
ABOVE: Find similar rattan dining chairs RIGHT HERE. Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration: Authentic and Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
Oyster basket filled with stunning blooms in the kitchen window!
Vivi et Margot French Farmhouse Kitchen
IMAGE ABOVE: Renovated French Mas in Western France with Farrow & Ball Paint Colors, Reclaimed Terracotta Tile Floors, and a Stunning French Kitchen by Neptune.
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration: Authentic and Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
Copper Accents in a Charming French Kitchen
IMAGE ABOVE: Copper pans add so much charm to this rustic French kitchen INDEED!
ABOVE: Renovated French Mas in Western France with Farrow & Ball Paint Colors and Reclaimed Terracotta Tile Floors as well as a Stunning French Kitchen by Neptune.
IMAGE ABOVE: Door and shutters feature a common French green called Vert Olivier.
Paint Colors Used in a Charming Farmhouse in France
Color on Shutters
TOLLENS Vert Olivier (satin): Castorama.
ABOVE: Charming Vert Olivier green door on an aged to perfection French building…HELLO LOVELY indeed.
Charlotte says this beautiful Vert Olivier green is a traditional French exterior paint color very popular in France.
ABOVE: French farmhouse shutters light medium green paint color: TOLLENS Vert Olivier.
Here’s a similar green (these have less yellow and more gray) which may be easier to locate outside of France:
Paint Color: Interior Walls
FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001.
Paint Color: Trim, Doors, and Beams
Paint Color for Ceilings
FARROW & BALL All White. No. 2005.
Paint Color: Kitchen Cabinets
NEPTUNE Limestone.
Paint Color in Girls’ Bathroom
FARROW & BALL Middleton Pink No. 245.
Easiest way to see if a paint color will work? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.
ABOVE: Photo: Evgenia.Prinsloo, courtesy of Vivi et Margot. Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration: Authentic and Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
French Farmhouse Design Resources
Shutters: Custom-made and new, made locally.
All Drapery: Pottery Barn (Beligan Flax Linen drapes).
Clawfoot bathtubs and faucets: Hudson Reed – find more LOVELY TUB OPTIONS RIGHT HERE.
Master Bedroom Rug: Rejuvenation
Bed in Master: Maisons du Monde
Chandelier in Master: Maisons du Monde
ABOVE: Renovated French Mas in Western France with Farrow & Ball Paint Colors, Reclaimed Terracotta Tile Floors, and a Stunning French Kitchen by Neptune.
Towels, Soaps, Accessories: Vivi et Margot.
Cremone Bolt on Door: Signature Hardware…FIND HERE
Skylight: Velux…Find Here.
Patio Furniture: Maisons du Monde (France). Find similar rattan dining chairs RIGHT HERE.
Artisan Pendant Lighting in Kitchen: Vivi et Margot
Tablecloth in Kitchen: Maison de Vacances Blush Check, Vivi et Margot
French Market Basket in Kitchen: Vivi et Margot
Terracotta Hex Tile Flooring: reclaimed tile from France
Dining Chairs: Maisons du Monde – find similar wood farmhouse dining chairs
Kitchen Table: find similar farmhouse dining tables here
Apron Front Farm Sink: find sink options here
Kitchen faucet: Cuissimo find similar…RIGHT HERE.
Find More Ideas for French Farmhouse Style
ABOVE: Vivi et Margot’s Charming Farmhouse in France: Photos and Paint Colors as well as Design Resources to Get the Look. French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration: Authentic and Charming Country French Design in a 150 Year Old Home Near Bordeaux.
If you find yourself suddenly inspired to collect more FRENCH FARMHOUSE INTERIOR DESIGN INSPIRATION…run don’t walk to my board HERE overflowing with gorgeous examples and decorating ideas!!!!
Do visit Vivi et Margot on instagram RIGHT 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
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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She did an amazing job of renovating the old farmhouse. When I watch House Hunters, these homes always appear dark and cold. This home is light, cozy and livable. She has updated the old home for today’s living, without sacrificing the history of an old stone house in France. I love the reclaimed brick floors in the kitchen! The master bedroom was brilliant with it’s exposed beams, wall to ceiling cupboards and open bath. It has so much charm.
I have the Farrow & Ball French Grey on my fireplace and island in my kitchen. It seems to change colour with the light. I would say it is perfection in a can.
I hope you are feeling better, Michele.
~Joanna
Author
Oooooh, that is really good point about the darkness that can go along with these older structures and the complications of changing something in a very old and even historical building. Those floors were a lot of work for the couple to make happen, but I think they were so smart for braving the challenge. The bedroom suite for me looks completely natural in its context! Imagine what other owners may have put there in a renovation! i am dying to use that French Gray and you should send pics!!! It’s going to take time for me to feel like myself again – I know this because I have lived with the flareups since I was 18. Crohn’s is sort of a familiar friend (and I am truly hoping it is Crohn’s and not something new – Lord knows I don’t need another condition). 🙂 Even when I am down like this, there is more of me available to receive the Grace of God, and what a beautiful truly joyful thing that peace is in my life. I can never wish my trials away since they usher in so much healing and growth. xox
My prayers for you too Michele….far away in person, but close in Spirit.
Author
I covet them and believe they matter so much. Thank you, thank you.
Salut! Loved this post. I think you might have forgotten an “n” in one of your quotes.
“Quand on n’a pas ce que l’on aime, il faut aimer ce que l’on a.”
When we have not what we love, we must love what we have.
Bon week-end!
Author
Oh, my heavens – thank you so much!!! That n makes all the difference, and I had cut and pasted the quote without triple checking – hahahha. I have fixed it all up. Please become my editor! Have a lovely Saturday, Karyn! 🙂
I’ve fallen in love with her gorgeous French cottage long ago! I never tire of seeing more and more of it! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
Author
Same! I am so inspired by all Charlotte does and believe her artist eye is a rare treasure indeed – she is very humble yet her talents are epic!
Loved this Michele! Great interview. I can’t even wrap my head around a project of this scale and in another country to boot! She did an amazing job. It must truly be a different life style when you’re there.
xo
Holly
Author
Thanks, Holly. I thought it was challenging to do our Arizona project across the country and agree that it must be quite a trip to do it across a continent! Bravo to that courageous couple. Happy weekend, lovely!
Hello! I was impressed with all the photos! The bike caught my eye, do you know where I can buy it from or what the brand is?
Author
It’s so beautiful – I’m drawing a blank on the maker of it – it’s a beach cruiser style like this: https://rstyle.me/+Lx7suWgRkx2Dc_ZoG7aktQ If you can find one, lucky you! They have been out of stock since the sheltering began. I’ll try to get the name of that exact bike in image and circle back here if I find it.
love every part of that house. Decorated with love and passion. Thank you Michele for sharing so many details.
Author
It has such a livable quality to it, and I so admire how Charlotte kept it authentic and humble. Happy almost weekend to you, friend.
Just love your house much! If i can i will design my house like this!
Author
Charlotte and Sky did an amazing job with the renovation!
I never tire of viewing this home! One of my fav things have always been the black pendants in the kitchen! I love them! Also the hooks by the door full of woven market baskets waiting to be used and the sun hats as well. Useful items also beautiful for decor! My everyday china I chose when I got married was French Countryside looks just like the white plates on her table! Ha! We’ve broken many pieces thru our 33 years but I’ve never tired of that classic white pattern and still enjoy using them!
Author
I’m so excited to see what Charlotte does next – they moved to France permanently and are shopping for a new home so this one will be on the market soon! You have reminded me I need to pull out my wedding china…I still love it! Have a great week, friend.
Oh wow…will be so fun to see their next project!!
Author
Yes! I’m following along on IG, and Charlotte is taking us along on the house hunt. 🙂
Could you please tell me what your kitchen are? They appear to be wood but they don’t look like the butcher block wood counters I’ve seen. Also the finish seems very matte. Could you tell me what was used and how it’s holding up
Author
I think the kitchen to which you’re referring belongs to Charlotte of Vivi et Margot. Her French farmhouse kitchen has wood counters, and she can tell you how they did them since she and her husband Sky renovated this kitchen. You could contact her through her site (vivietmargot.com) or message her on Instagram @vivietmargot.