From the classic elegance of Haussmann's Parisian boulevards and the glorious excesses of Versailles to the bohemian charms of Montmartre and the artist's garret, French style has acquired a legendary status. This beautifully illustrated book explores the elements that combine to create spaces with an identifiably French feel: the archituectural details that enhance the framework of a room; the textures and colours that flatter various styles of furniture; options for lighting, mirrors, and paintings. Looking at real homes, antiques dealer and stylist Josephine Ryan demonstrates a keen eye for objects both ordinary and extraordinary, and examines the alchemy of a style that can be either lush and complex or pared-down and rigorous. With words by Hilary Robertson, "French Home" will help you reinvent your surroundings and gain a touch of French style. *Lavish photographs by Claire Richardson *Celebrates a style that mixes antique and modern with easy flair.
| ||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Claire Richardson is a former design editor of Country Homes & Interiors and homes editor of Wedding and Home. She now works as a freelance stylist and photographers for numerous magazines and large companies.
JOSEPHINE RYAN was born in England to an Irish family. She spent her childhood summers at her grandmother’s house in County Limerick
Hilary Robertson is an interiors stylist and journalist who writes about design and architecture and directs photo shoots for clients such as Harrods and Zoffany. She lives in Brooklyn.
JOSEPHINE RYAN was born in England to an Irish family. She spent her childhood summers at her grandmother’s house in County Limerick
and when she was 12 her family moved there permanently. Josephine now combines a career as an antique dealer with one as a stylist and over the past 18 years has developed her own distinctive look. She divides her time between
homes in London and Uzès in the south of France and visiting Ireland to see friends and family. Josephine is also the author of the best-selling French Home and Essentially French (both published by Ryland Peters & Small).
Hilary Robertson is an interiors stylist and journalist who writes about design and architecture and directs photo shoots for clients such as Harrods and Zoffany. She lives in Brooklyn.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
66 of 71 people found the following review helpful
By lapellegrina
Format:Hardcover
Happily, for those of us who truly love French style, viewpoint and decor, there are some very fine books available. This is one of them.
I was dismayed at some earlier reviews because this book truly captures the french respect for time and process, connection with Nature and the eye for placement based on function,soulfulness and items well loved. It is entirely appropriate that one reviewer who missed the point praised the Betty Lou Phillips books which are always only a sterile surface amalgamation of what rich Texans GUESS french style is about.
Like all the important things in life, you either get it or you don't. HOCKEY FAN needs to stick to hockey.
I was dismayed at some earlier reviews because this book truly captures the french respect for time and process, connection with Nature and the eye for placement based on function,soulfulness and items well loved. It is entirely appropriate that one reviewer who missed the point praised the Betty Lou Phillips books which are always only a sterile surface amalgamation of what rich Texans GUESS french style is about.
Like all the important things in life, you either get it or you don't. HOCKEY FAN needs to stick to hockey.
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By Aina Haina
Format:Hardcover
What is a French Home anyway? Is there such a thing as an American Home?
I was smitten by this book -- it was love at first sight. I'm not necessarily a big fan of French decorating per se. I do like the European country look, however. I also happen to like Japanese home-decorating style, which has a lot more in common with the look presented in this book than you might think, and I actually mix the two in my own home.
The reviewers who were disappointed in this book probably associated "French" with rich, opulent, fluffy, and even ornate. This book isn't about ornate. It's about rustic. It's about valuing history and character in the homes you live in and things you live with.
It of course is not the way ALL French people live.
And as a response to the reviewer who were disappointed because the book showed photos of objects, not of rooms, I'd like to say: In decorating you need to see the big picture as well as the small pictures. Often, it's the small things that really tell the story. If you are looking for ways to add that special touch to your rooms, this is a great book because the photos give you lots of ideas and inspiration. If not, you may not get much out of the book.
All in all, I am very satisfied with the book, and I've been looking at it every day.
I was smitten by this book -- it was love at first sight. I'm not necessarily a big fan of French decorating per se. I do like the European country look, however. I also happen to like Japanese home-decorating style, which has a lot more in common with the look presented in this book than you might think, and I actually mix the two in my own home.
The reviewers who were disappointed in this book probably associated "French" with rich, opulent, fluffy, and even ornate. This book isn't about ornate. It's about rustic. It's about valuing history and character in the homes you live in and things you live with.
It of course is not the way ALL French people live.
And as a response to the reviewer who were disappointed because the book showed photos of objects, not of rooms, I'd like to say: In decorating you need to see the big picture as well as the small pictures. Often, it's the small things that really tell the story. If you are looking for ways to add that special touch to your rooms, this is a great book because the photos give you lots of ideas and inspiration. If not, you may not get much out of the book.
All in all, I am very satisfied with the book, and I've been looking at it every day.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By Eleny
Format:Hardcover
I decided to borrow this book from my library before purchasing it and am glad that I did.
Although I like to view spartan decorating that's so different from my own style, I didn't find inspiration here. Too many of the rooms felt depressing. For instance, one bedroom photo shows a bed all in white and that's nice. But on the wall behind the bed is a row of four tiny, bleached animal skulls with antlers mounted on plaques. Many of the living areas lacked warmth and appeared uninhabitable. The title of this book doesn't seem accurate.
It seems to me that the rooms in this book are not for living in but rather looked like abandoned places. I think they would be perfect for an avant garde film about alienation. They definitely say something but with a cold voice.
I really wanted to like this book. But when I couldn't imagine people in the spaces I knew something was off notch.
Although I like to view spartan decorating that's so different from my own style, I didn't find inspiration here. Too many of the rooms felt depressing. For instance, one bedroom photo shows a bed all in white and that's nice. But on the wall behind the bed is a row of four tiny, bleached animal skulls with antlers mounted on plaques. Many of the living areas lacked warmth and appeared uninhabitable. The title of this book doesn't seem accurate.
It seems to me that the rooms in this book are not for living in but rather looked like abandoned places. I think they would be perfect for an avant garde film about alienation. They definitely say something but with a cold voice.
I really wanted to like this book. But when I couldn't imagine people in the spaces I knew something was off notch.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!
This owner of the house selects all the interior items with the so-good-taste eyes and the house is like a art work.
Fascinating house!
Fascinating house!
Published 5 months ago by Etsuko Ushiyama
4.0 out of 5 stars
No need to purchase - I can sum up this book in one review
After careful study of this book for ideas on French country interior design, I have learned how to achieve this look in 6 easy steps! Simply do the following:
1. Read more
1. Read more
Published on January 23, 2011 by Lisa Chu
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice book on real French homes
I liked this book as it features rooms of ordinary French homes and not the elaborately decorated chateaus and country houses that are often shown for French style and design. Read more
Published on November 16, 2010 by PennyWise
1.0 out of 5 stars
Another one who says borrow it first
Based on the first "borrow it from your library review," I did just that and I'm glad I did. Though the interiors are stylish, they seem devoid of life. Read more
Published on October 30, 2010 by DruidClark
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not what I expected
Although this book is nice, it isn't what I expected. Nice Pictures and dialog but was looking more for the French Country look.
Published on May 14, 2010 by Glenn E. Keller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful book for a GREAT price!
saw this book in Restoration Hardware but knew I could get it for much less and I was right! quick delivery, perfect condition! Very happy with the service!
Published on March 23, 2010 by Leslie Patson
4.0 out of 5 stars
French for your home
In a movie called "Forget Paris" one of the main characters retells how in her childhood she was so obsessed with everything French she tried to imitate French accent and French... Read more
Published on December 3, 2008 by I. Kadagidze
4.0 out of 5 stars
Peeling Paint, Patina, & Perfectly French
Full of beautifully photographed vignettes that capture the essence of French style. The photographed interiors featured are not lavish or ostentations, but instead, pleasingly... Read more
Published on August 1, 2008 by Ursula Blanks
4.0 out of 5 stars
Understated Chic!
Happy to report that I found this book had lots of useful and chic ideas that can be easily translated to "Kiwi" New Zealand interiors. I happily recommend this book. Read more
Published on March 11, 2008 by Jennifer Phillipps
5.0 out of 5 stars
French Home - review
Absolutely fantastic book! Great ideas, great style! Highly recommended to any with a keen interest in interior decor - french style!
Published on February 19, 2008 by Mr. A. Eades
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Listmania!
So You'd Like to...
Look for Similar Items by Category
- Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Home Improvement & Design > Home Decorating & Design > Furniture
- Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Home Improvement & Design > Home Decorating & Design > Interior Design > Style
- Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Home Improvement & Design > How-to & Home Improvements
- Books > Education & Reference
- Books > Professional & Technical > Architecture > Buildings
- Books > Professional & Technical > Architecture > Interior Design
