Lucinda Chambers: Joyfully Eclectic Country French Cottage

WARNING: Fantasy joy ride with energizing pops of color ahead. This joyfully eclectic country French cottage is in Toulouse and the home of former British Vogue fashion director, Lucinda Chambers. What a work of love, magic, curation, and artful seeing it is. Flea market finds and treasures collected across the globe decorate the cozy spaces in this 19th century charmer. Let’s peek inside and out.

Pale stone on exterior of a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #stonecottages

Photography: Paul Massey; Source: House and Garden UK

Eclectic Interiors in Lucinda Chambers’ Country French Cottage

I love the backstory about this French cottage in South-West France which Lucinda bought more than 25 years ago from a friend of a friend. When she looked at it with her husband, they loved it, and she said she wouldn’t have to do a thing to it. Flash forward, EVERYTHING has changed in the place. Hahaha. As it should be in the hands of such a passionate and creative talent!

Beautiful eclectic interior in a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesignl
She made the ottoman herself by dip dyeing linen, and covering a block with vintage legs found on eBay.

Above: This is a sitting room where Indian kantha textiles cover a sofa from Ikea! The beautiful striped rug hails from a Swedish garage sale (and I learned from Lucinda, these sales are called a “loppis.”

Silly quote about having a hard day on Hello Lovely Studio. #lifequotes #sillyquotes #strugglequote

Country French Interiors With Eclectic Decor

Lucinda has a fashion label (Colville) and a curated fashion and lifestyle site called Collagerie in case you’re ready to get this look!

Handmade multicolored tile in an eclectic bath with clawfoot tub in a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesignl
The colorful bathroom tiles were handpainted by Lucinda.
Silly quote about life and chess on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyquotes #sillyquotes #chessquotes

Are you ready to see this cottage’s kitchen?

Beautiful eclectic interior in a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesignl

Wow! The chairs are vintage, and the bench and dining table came with the home. All sorts of wonderful flea market finds came from local vide-greniers. (I loved shopping vide-greniers in Paris – such a unique opportunity to connect with locals and buy objects from their homes!).

Feminist quote about what not to wear over age 40 on Hello Lovely Studio. #over40quotes

Rustic, Textural, and Bohemian Design Elements

Eclectic living room with baskets on walls and rustic wood beams in a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign

The texture-rich room above is the TV room, and it’s probably my favorite. (Is that a surprise since it is the most neutral!?!) The pillows are made from djellabas from Marrakech. The rugs are an eclectic mix of vintage and Ikea, and the collection of hats grew from travel to Morocco.

Encouraging quote about the soul from John O'Donohue on Hello Lovely Studio. #soulquotes #encouragementquote
Colorful red stripe curtains and hat collection on wall of eclectic interior in a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign

Aren’t the red stripes playful and Frenchy? I love how so many European homes have drapes like this near the front door for drafts, softness, and drama.

Healing quote from Jung Pueblo on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes #perfectionism #healingquotes
Colorful red eclectic interior in a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign

Those French cottage windows! And that cool French grey! I love the combination of red and blue-grey in the bedroom, and the bedspread is handmade from Indian kantha.

Gratitude quote: when you love what you have, you have everything you need - Hello Lovely Studio. #gratitudequotes #thanksgivingquotes
Outdoor dining at a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesignl

More bold red stripes on the tablecloth enlivening this patio area off the kitchen.

Dog quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #dogquotes #petquotes
Pool and covered patio at a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesignl

Can you imagine relaxing in the shade here in a hammock under this covered structure? Me too!

Funny tweet quote about road rage by AbbyNormanSays on Hello Lovely Studio. #lifequotes #funnytweets
Pale stone on exterior of a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #stonecottages

How to Get a Uniquely Fashionable Look for Interiors

Some of my favorite takeaways after touring these interiors by a seasoned fashionista?

If the upholstery on your sofa bores you or has seen better days, you don’t always have to go to the expense and commitment of re-upholstery. Have you collected beautiful fabrics, throws, or bedspreads that may give that furniture new life? Why not simply try it?

Blue grey and rosy red can combine for a charming guest bedroom. Ever painted trim a color other than white?

Living with handmade and handsewn items from your mother’s hands is magic.

Is there a pattern you never seem to tire of…maybe black and white stripes or light blue toile? What if you repeated it in several areas of the home even when it sort of clashes or feels like a departure? There is something so homey, eclectic, and fashionable when such repetition works magic.

Frenchy sunburst mirrors need not be the fancy gilded variety to be beautiful. Maybe you could even make one!

You simply cannot have too much texture in a vacation home where you are after a relaxed, away-from-home vibe.

So what does the London house look like where Lucinda Chambers has lived with family for many years?

Resources for a French Cottage Look

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!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

6 Comments

  1. Karla Ritchey
    July 31, 2023 / 8:22 am

    I am leaving your wonderful blog because of the excessive advertising. I could hardly post this comment around all the popups.

    • Michele
      Author
      July 31, 2023 / 11:54 am

      Sorry about the excess – I encounter this with all of the sites I visit now that aren’t subscription based and know it is annoying. Totally understand the frustration.

  2. Bliss
    July 31, 2023 / 8:23 am

    I adore your page but the ads cause loss of information I need, the ads are way to much. I lose my source and can never find it again. How can I stop 100’s of ads popping up constant it’s so very annoying

    • Michele
      Author
      July 31, 2023 / 11:52 am

      thanks for letting me know – it’s an ongoing balancing act with my ad company placing the ads so i may earn an income. I apologize for the disruption.

  3. July 31, 2023 / 6:46 pm

    Michele,
    Love this post, as I do with all of them.

    Friend, blogging is HARD WORK…WORK! You and I started at the same time and I resisted ads until 2 years ago. For over 12 years I created totally free content and still do. Not only is it hard work it is expensive to maintain a blog. I get emails like the two above all the time, believe me it is frustrating to see all of the pop-ups but the alternative is to join substack or to charge for the blog.

    I will always follow you because I know how much time and work you put into this blog.

    Love you friend!

    • Michele
      Author
      August 1, 2023 / 9:35 am

      Thank you, friend. You’re so loving, and I appreciate your support and loyal following. I try not to become defensive because most folks simply don’t realize the content and work is a job. They don’t see what they’re truly asking small business owners to sacrifice. It’s not 2010. Blogs, even small blogs, are competing with huge corporations. Asking for ad-free content is akin to asking the dentist to correct your smile without compensation. Or going to the cinema without paying. Some folks consuming content online would rather pay ad blocking companies than pay the creator (who has worked to gain trust and is requesting tolerance for the streaming ads as payment and not cash).

      I suppose if there wasn’t stress, it wouldn’t be a real job, right? It took years for even family members to grasp that I was building a small online business as a real job and not happily hobby blogging 40-50 hours a week for free.

      Love you back.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing