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French Home
Looks at how to leverage textures, colors, furniture, lighting, mirrors, paintings and more to provide a distinctively French look to a home's interior.
159 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2007
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About the author
Josephine Ryan
10 booksJosephine Ryan is a woman whose aesthetic is rooted in the past. Over the past 18 years she has had the pleasure of living out her passions and has developed a distinctive look that has been recognised and appreciated by loyal customers far and wide. She is compelled by the thrill of the find, discovering one-off pieces and combining the unexpected, unifying the past with the present.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 14, 2020
If you are interested in the elements of French style this book is a good place to start.
Josephine Ryan has made her living as an antiques dealer and stylist, but this book is not just about the ‘passementerie’ of French style (although there is some of that, too); it’s also very grounded in history of French interior decor, starting with the bones, those being the rooms of the French house. The reader will possibly learn new vocabulary, as Ryan explains the history of various pieces of furniture or decoration and the ways in which they have become part of the French decorating vernacular. She’s also attentive to the decorative elements other than furniture, and she devotes a chapter to each of the following: architectural details, colour, textiles, mirrors & pictures, lighting, ceramics & glass and collections & display.
It’s all very clear and well-organised and very, very pretty to look at. Unfortunately, without access to French Brocantes (or at least those dealers who buy from them), it will be difficult for the enamoured reader to emulate.
Josephine Ryan has made her living as an antiques dealer and stylist, but this book is not just about the ‘passementerie’ of French style (although there is some of that, too); it’s also very grounded in history of French interior decor, starting with the bones, those being the rooms of the French house. The reader will possibly learn new vocabulary, as Ryan explains the history of various pieces of furniture or decoration and the ways in which they have become part of the French decorating vernacular. She’s also attentive to the decorative elements other than furniture, and she devotes a chapter to each of the following: architectural details, colour, textiles, mirrors & pictures, lighting, ceramics & glass and collections & display.
It’s all very clear and well-organised and very, very pretty to look at. Unfortunately, without access to French Brocantes (or at least those dealers who buy from them), it will be difficult for the enamoured reader to emulate.
March 11, 2016
This book is quite beautiful; very good eye candy really. The problem is that it is so inaccessible. The style is a lovely combination of rustic and elegance - gorgeous. But, all the architecture is gorgeous in a way you can rarely find in America. So, as pretty as this was, I prefer a book that feels somewhat in reach, somewhat possible.
July 26, 2008
If only I had more tattered tables and ornamental chairs life would be more beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews