July 23, 2015

All Things Old And French

 Burlap Luxe French Home

A French farmhouse bedroom rural, rustic, or elegant
should always be characterized by simplicity;
whether the room is large or small.
Naturally the most important piece in the room
is the bed.

This is my room and the iron bed is re-built from
antique castings custom made in queen size from its
normal full size antique.
 Side table I built from an old saw horse, I only added a plank top and some salvaged wood from an old ladder for the apron 
trim. I have yet to tire of its look and rustic function.
 The tone on tone of aged whites allow each piece to
stand out, yet not take over in competing with
each other.

Noting in this room is polished, just pickled and
painted-pale and most interesting is nothing
is new.

 This iron bed has been several colours before its
white finish I gave it. Most important was to
scratch it up and scuff it to show off the crackle 
to it that makes it feel as old as the bed itself.

 Castings on an iron bed speak to me.
Salvage lighting fits right in.

 Frayed bed-skirt added all the rightness as soon as
I ripped off the hem.
 A perfect French chest of drawers, a thrift shop find I allowed to intrude in my cozy space after removing the
dark and washing it down in white with
a hint of grey.
 Peacefully dusted in whites and greys.

 My daughters room a preferred choice for her bedroom,
colours follow the rest of the house: greiges,
beiges, creams to whites, but also salvaged pieces
dusted with weathered distressing of age.

Rural romance of rustic French.
 Detailing in the distressed age.

 A mix of textiles adds all it needs to its
French language it speaks.
Vintage canvas, linens, and matelasse.
 Cotton lace crochet and leather prairie boots.

 A bed side marble top chest sits against the wall 
at the foot of her bed.

What goes on a French iron bed is as important as the
bed itself.
 The bed linens are a mix of new and old: keeping them
neutral helps to make this long narrow room feel
open and airy, with space and lightness to its
heavier touches.
 
 A weathered side table holds sweet notes in a wood box
piled with a journal and a book of poetry.
The empty mirror frame adds a touch of salvage to
its back drop space.

 A salvaged garden table with empty frames and
a chandelier: again everything French that
she loves.

Informal does not mean it can't be beautifully French.
Carefully chosen integral part of the plan that
draws on its relationship to all things old.

52 comments:

Lisa said...

Dore, I just love your bedroom! It is so simple and so very French Prairie Farmhouse! I love all the different shades of white and greys and greiges. And the textures really balance out all the whites in the room. I love the frayed bedskirt and you inspired me to do that with some curtains I made. Now I want to do that more in my décor. I have the hardest time living in really sparse spaces but you have inspired me to live more simple. Very French Prairie to live that way. I love that everything in the space is vintage too. I try to do mostly old and vintage now too. You have inspired me to choose vintage when ever I can. Your daughters room is beautiful as well. I love that she has followed in your footsteps and loves this look as well. Just lovely like you are! Blessings! Lisa

Junkchiccottage said...

Dore,
You are a girl after my own heart. Love your bedroom and your daughters so beautiful. I think a bedroom should be your sanctuary at the end of the day and you have that with both of these rooms. Simply beautiful. Happy Friday.
Kris

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Doré,
No one does tranquil Whiteness like you. No clutter nor obstacles to impede mental clarity and restfulness. As an artist ones realizes that there are more shades of whites than any other color. You compose your rooms with restraint and peacefulness, needing no embellishments to create your tranquil space, just the beauty found in all the beautiful shades of White. It's not an easy to achieve style but you have mastered it to perfection.
Sending love,
Vera

Karena said...

Dear Dore, both your bedroom and your daughters are so lovely and teaquil. I Iove soft colors that are relaxing, etheral, and even spiritual for the boudoir!

Xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Ceramic Artist Leah Bowring

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Have always adored your style - your home is so serene!

Méa Strauß said...

Oh, these beds are so unique - treasures truly. Both are increadible beautyful, and so different! I would LOVE to have one of them. Ours is just a Repro from Britain, not a real antique one.
It is a subsitute, because here we could not find "the real thing".
Seing these treasures, ohhh, my eyes are happy. And that they have wonderful compagnions ;))
Your home is full of matching pieces, noble and light.
Have a wonderful weekend Doré, thank´s for posting this, hugs to you, your friend Méa

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Just perfect Dore …….. we have iron beds in all of our bedrooms. They are my favourite but yours are extra special. I absolutely LOVE your home. Distressed and shabby is my favourite look.
Happy weekend Dore. XXXX

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Your bed's "clothing" is exactly like mine! From the bedskirt to the the simple white sheets and quilted spread, we are on the same wavelength. I still enjoy the feather bed under the sheets that we got years ago; funny thing about that is in the winter, it keeps you very warm. In the summer, it keeps you very cool. I think it's the AIR pockets created in the feather interior....that is so comforting.

White white white for summer, AND winter!

Unknown said...

You had me at "old and French"! Your bedrooms are both so beautiful and peaceful, the perfect places to rest. I really love the white weathered finish you create on your wood pieces. It's so soft and pretty.
Have a great weekend!

xo Sally

Lin from A {tiny} Cottage In The Woods said...

The color palette is what pulls me in, and the details invite me to linger. All absolutely exquisite, Doré.

We are making a few changes in our cottage this summer, with a nod towards simplicity and French farmhouse. Is there anything more beautiful? :)

Hugs,
Lin

the gardener's cottage said...

your bed linens are so beautiful. they all look so soft and comfortable. what is your favorite color of gray to paint with? it's all so gorgeous!

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Fabulous as always ! Your decor style is soothing and gorgeous one of my favs :) I wish I could have less but I just can't part with all my junk lol Hope all is well ! xoxo

Splendid Market said...

So tranquil and inviting. I love that you ripped the hem off the bed skirt, what an improvement!

helen tilston said...


Hello Dore,

Both rooms are fabulous and yet different. I have one wrought iron bed left and we still love it.

Hope you are having a delightful summer

Helen xx

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

All of this simply takes my breath away! "Carefully chosen" is indeed my takeaway from all this. Wonderful accessories and perfect placement. So personal and beautiful!

It's me said...

I am speechless doré ...love love love it all...you have a great decorating style...love enjoy summer have fun!...x Ria

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Oh my gosh Dore, I love that bed frame...I wonder if mine would look good painted white!?!? Hope you are well, ox

Rié Moratto said...

Whisper soft and peaceful... A sweet box with notes tucked inside is lovely and very meaningful. Those are the resumption of calling a house a home. xx Rié | Portobello Design

Rhonda said...

I visit a lot of "decor" themed blogs, yet yours is my style completely. I prefer smaller spaces and love how much the beige and white decor calls my name, as it brightens and enlarges small rooms.

Always such a complete joy to visit you, sweet lady!!

chateau chic said...

Dore, you have such exquisite style and taste!! Both of the iron beds are gorgeous and have the most fabulous patina! If we were neighbors I'd be begging you for one of your French chandeliers...maybe you'd let us do a trade. :-)
It's always a delight to be invited into your charming and peaceful French cottage!!
Mary Alice

Blogoratti said...

What a wonderful place, and the design and style is just brilliant to view. Greetings!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

So peaceful and pretty and such a wonderful place to rest. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos!

sage said...

Beautiful decorating... I love your style.

Little Farmstead said...

Such pretty beds Dore! I also love your long French chest of drawers... what a great find and finish you gave this piece. These rooms continue with the peaceful, rural French feel I love about your home. Thank you for sharing! Xo, ~julie

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest Dore,
I see you everywhere in the room. Your quite beauty always shines through.
You are one talented woman.
Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
blessings,
Penny

Gail Peterson said...

Hi Dore,
Something about iron that is so delicate yet strong. I love iron pieces with soft textiles in white like you have there. Your rooms look pretty and restful, so lovely!
I hope your able to lounge around on the weekend, it looks like you have the perfect spaces to do so.

Have a lovey Sunday!
xo,
Gail

"Create Beauty" said...

Beautiful!!!!

I love those iron beds and the white linens, the finishes on the tables and dressers...... so tranquil and lovely!!!!

I also pauinted an iron bed white and love the change!!!!
~ Violet

handmade by amalia said...

You can have nothing but peaceful dreams in bedrooms like these.
Amalia
xo

Tarnished Royalty said...

Both beds are absolutely stunning. And your styling ~ dreamy! I could look at your images all day but then I wouldn't get anything done! I wish I could receive your posts by email but I don't see anywhere on your blog to subscribe...
~Ann
Tarnished Royalty

Lynne said...

"Peacefully dusted."
I love the patina of your woods, paper, pottery and metals, Dore.
Your art and your home evoke peace and order. Gentle to the eyes, and soft to the touch. So pretty!
~Lynne
w/L





Sherry said...

love the beds!
and the beautifully worn appearance of the other pieces in the rooms. everything is well thought out and placed.. very nice.
i have an antique iron bed in our little backyard guest cottage. it's chippy wonderful and meets my preference for design. love how we can make things our own by changing them up or creating/upcycling from sawhorses or thrifted treasures.

cindy hattersley design said...

Love that bedside table you built! You are a master of still life...my I could learn from you!!

Bente said...

Your french bed is soooo beautiful, Dore. Your daughters bed too. Simply love your decoration. It looks so calm and inviting.
Hugs from here

Pura Vida said...

every thing is so soft and serene...such a romantic feel..yet just the place I'd like to be alone

michele said...

the effect is so elegant, dore--i so honor how you curate so beautifully and stay true to yourself in the treatment of each piece. the sculptural beds are such works of art, yes? ethereal and a little otherworldly after being touched by your brush--just what one would want to achieve for a bedroom: tranquil transcendence. bravo to you and your artist's eye. and thank you for all of your encouragement about the cottage. you have consistently urged me to listen to the house, and it finally has begun to speak. it wants a measure of natural wood which is tricky for souls like us. brown can be so oppressive to me. but still i listen, and i am sure it will guide and teach me how to weave what is unfamiliar to me into what i know so well. love to you, friend.

Debra@CommonGround said...

oh Dore, both those beds are amazing! they look like a cloud you could crawl into!

john said...

So gorgeous ! it all looks so peacefully inviting...!
Gail x

A Joyful Cottage said...

Stunning. I'm so taken with your talent for creating beautiful rooms in white. Those beds are amazing. Both the bed itself and the way you have dressed them. Enjoy your day, Dore. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving the kind words behind. xo ~ Nancy

Lana Manis said...

So lovely and serene! I have an antique iron bed that belonged to my Grandmother, I hope to have it set up in the guest room in a few months.

June said...

Serenity---in it's purest form! You have such an amazing eye for beauty my dear Dore. The elements you have allowed in your bedroom spaces are showcased perfectly. Oh how I adore your style my friend!!!
You last post is truly beautiful as well and I will be going back over every photo to take it all in again.
sending love your way...

Kelly said...

You have done such a great job making those bedrooms feel authentically French and old. I love the iron beds with the soft white bedding.

Cindy said...

Those are the most gorgeous beds ever. I love love old iron beds. It would never occur to me that you could make one larger to fit queen size like you did! That bedside lantern is to completely die for too. Really, everything here is just so perfect ... every single item has a little spirit to it.

Cindy

Burlap Luxe said...

Cindy, I love and adore you.... There are companies like Cat House in Los Angeles Ca. That will cut the iron and add iron to stretch a bed size, anything 25% and under on an antique iron bed still keeps its integraty I'm being antique.
New rail modify it's use so much better then an antique rail.

Thank you my artist friend.....you home is coming along wonderfully.
I need to make a Texas trip to your town :))

Xx
Dore

Jade said...

How I love it, dear Dore...........it looks so poetic, peaceful and romantic! It is castle and farmhouse, quiet and elegant..........your style is breathtaking! Have a wonderful weekend and thank you so much for all your lovely words........that makes my heart sing!

With love and hugs, Jade & Sheila

Suz said...

I haven't been to visit in awhile and I am now in love with your side table that you put together from nothing. AND the iron bed. I absolutely love it.

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Dore, Stunning and warmly beautiful...

I am looking forward to catching up, when we return next week.

xoxo Su

Ivy and Elephants said...

Dore, your home is a treasure trove. I want to sit and study each room, each vignette, each piece, ... is a work of art. Your fine eye and commitment to your vision makes every detail a perfect choice. You are amazing!
Hugs,
Patti

Rue said...

Hello Dore :)

Gorgeous bedrooms. The antique beds are incredibly beautiful. I especially love what you did with the side table in your bedroom. The two landscape paintings stole my heart.

Thank you so much for your incredibly sweet comment. I've actually been to your blog several times, but didn't comment lol So I should also thank you for making me speak up ;)

xo,
rue

Shabby Dollhouse said...

Thank you Dore!!!!!!

I love your bed.....and the bed from your daugther is soooooo amazing!!!!

*g*

Sigrid

by meisje said...

Thank you Dore so much for your visit, my heart goes bang bang ; ) I Love your bedroom, it`s is so romanticel and loveley and a absolutly inspiration for me ... so verry nice! The room from your daughter is just a dream to! Sorry please, about my english ... Thank you so much for your wunderfull blog, xox Meisje

Donna said...

I am totally drooling over your gorgeous bedroom, and your daughters room, too, Dore!
The iron headboards are amazing! I also love the linens and how you frayed the hem of your bedskirt! Love! What a great side table you created out of salvaged wood, too. It's all so creamy-dreamy-perfectly French chic! Thanks so much for your visit to my tray post, and your kind comments:)

Debbie said...

Those iron beds are gorgeous, Dore! Your style is amazing! I just LOVE the way you decorate!
Debbie