French Country Living

by Caroline Clifton-Mogg

A useful resource for anyone who has ever longed to bring home a piece of France, this title captures the distinctive decorative style inspired over many centuries by the French countryside.

Genres: Design, France, Interior Design

Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tasneem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book and the detail with which it narrates the essentials of the French country home and the reasons for these decorative choices. I adored the photographs and the book really made me understand what I liked and what I wanted to incorporate into my own home. I especially enjoyed the way the author explains about the use of colour and material and the ethos behind the way things are placed and selected.

[Beth Bonini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward and accessible, this interior decor book is an excellent 'primer' for anyone interested in the elements of French 'country' style. Clifton-Mogg describes the furniture, colours, textiles and decorations associated with French country house decor. Her clear descriptions are accompanied by photos that emphasise her point with beauty and simplicity. This book has a narrower range than some French decor books I've read, but I think that proves to be a strength. It presents a very clear and consistent look, which it makes it all the easier to learn from and, presumably, ultimately recreate.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Visually, it's lush and inspiring.

Want to learn more about the French country look? This is a must-read and must-see. Published in 2004, it's 20 years old and holds up well.

While I wouldn't want to live in a home that looks entirely like those in this book, I can discern what elements I like best and use that to guide my home decor and look. Some French-style furniture is too fussy for my taste.

The book is made of two sections, elements and spaces.
-Elements covers color, materials, furniture, fabrics, and accessories.
-Spaces covers kitchens and eating areas, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways and other spaces, and outdoor rooms.

The book is both beautiful and practical, and I'm definitely interested in reading more books by the author, Caroline Clifton-Mogg.

I find older decorating books better than more modern ones because more modern ones are often from bloggers or social media "influencers" who usually don't have the education or credentials needed to talk about design and decor in an informed and accurate manner.

Thanks to my local public library, and a family foundation that generously gives to it, I have access to a trove of older but high-quality decorating such as this.

Again, I love this book.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book on French Country style.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gorgeous book makes me want to chuck it all in and move to a big old house in the French countryside. Not that it would've taken much coaxing to begin with...