The French-Inspired Home, with French General (Hardcover)

by Kaari Meng (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Kaari Meng's first-hand knowledge of what makes a beautiful, French-inspired home comes from years of combing French flea markets for unique treasures. Her popular shop, French General, offers handpicked linens and collectibles from her yearly visits to the south of France, plus an array of products to awaken the senses, from bath and laundry potions to ribbons, beads, and baubles. Here, she distills her much sought-after sensibility into 40 charming projects that capture the sights, scents, and textures of the French countryside. They include lavender sachets, lovely etched glasses, pillows, covered hangers, French potting boxes, and herbal lotions.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark/Chapelle (October 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579909965
• ISBN-13: 978-1579909963
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #112,055 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully inspiring book!, December 23, 2006

By	C. Albers (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was so excited when I flipped through this book after receiving it in the mail! I had ordered it sight unseen simply because I know I like the articles I've seen featured for the shop "French General" (as well as their website). As soon as I flipped through it, I knew that it was exactly what I'd been waiting for in terms of creative inspiration. I couldn't wait to sit down and really take the time to pour over the pictures as well as read the text. The book is beautifully put together - with collage type drawings as well as real photos of the author's store and home. The projects listed at the back of the book are taken from various photos within the context of the book - so it was a nice surprise to see that I could actually make items that would give my home more of the "French General" inspired look. Plus, there are vintage labels and typeography as well as other miscelaneous illustrations and drawings that not only add to the charm of the book, but can also be coppied to create whatever you want with them (i.e. french style apothecary bottles, menus for a dinner party, vintage inspired gift tags . . ). I only wish that more rooms of the home were covered (the bedroom, laundry room, work space, dining room and garden were included). I'd like to see more - more pictures of the included rooms as well as additional rooms. Overall, this book completely suits my style (I've found none other like it) and is beautifully inspiring for those who like informal french cottage decorating.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars French General Has Done It Again!, November 20, 2006

By	Kim "Kim" (Aspen, Colorado) - See all my reviews

If you know the shop French General - of New York and Hollywood - you will love this book! There are all sorts of vintage-inspired projects using elements from their wonderful collection of beads, buttons and...NOTIONS! I have already used the archive section at the back of the book to create my holiday cards....and I will be ordering notions from French General to embellish. This is a creative book with tons of inspiration that will appeal to new and old fans.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Defining What Is French Decorating or a French Home, June 12, 2007

By	L. A. Enke "Anne of Carversville" (New York City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I would have given this book 3-stars, if I hadn't read the 5-star view of C Albers. I realize that perhaps I didn't read the fine print regarding the book's description. Based on the title "French-Inspired Home" with French General -- who I don't know, I expected a book with a greater focus on rooms (a suggestion also made by Albers). In fact it is essentially a vintage crafts book with a French flavor.

I've visited Paris and the south of France well over 250 times on business and pleasure, and this particular style of French decorating is not prevalent. In fact, the most inspiring to me aspect of French decorating is the mix of old and new, ornate and clean modern. I spent two nights at the Louvre in Jan. 07 and marveled that only the French would be flashing modern blue lights on a heap (truly) of ancient Greek and Roman columns, with modern dancers and acid jazz playing to create a "new" mood for ancient art. THIS is French imagination at its best.

The photos in this book, while lovely, are stylized in a very old-fashioned attitude . . . great-grandmother's attic. Most of us don't live this way and what we appreciate are touches of these special memories, not an entire house full of them. Who has time to dust. Just kidding. Some of the bath projects look like easy pampering to make for yourself or special gifts to create.

In summary, if you know French General, then I would follow the Alber's review and 5-star recommendation. If you are expecting a sophisticated book of French home and country decorating, this is not it. Like me, you will be disappointed. A more descriptive and informative title would have saved me the money.