Designer Spotlight

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God
is an everlasting rock.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3-4‬ ‭

With the relentless heat here in the Deep South, chances are, we could melt really soon. Ok, not really…but I feel like we could all use a day indoors in the comforts of our home…and air conditioner! I’m thinking it’s time to put our feet up, sip a tall glass of sweet iced tea, and have something similar to thumbing through a decorating magazine! As I have often said, I love and collect books! I have a huge collection of decorating books of favorite designers! One of my favorites is Betty Lou Phillips who has a passion for French and Italian design. Not only are the photos breathtaking, but she explains the styling in the context of history. She has authored thirteen design books!

Got your tea and ottoman nearby? Let’s take a look…

(You can click on each picture for the original source)

A beautiful entrance with antique gilt-edged mirrors and a silk covered settee! Fine craftsmanship and artfully layered color transformed an ordinary space into an 18th century chateau!A welcoming foyer with a diverse grouping of altar sticks and an antique tapestry! A barrel vault ceiling with pendants cast warm light on a gallery with 19th century Italian settees! What is not to love about this living space – warm wood walls, beamed ceiling, stone fireplace, and that red leather chair!!! An elegant living space (salon)! As a pianist, the heirloom piano grabs my attention! Attention to detail…pearl trim on a lamp shade, collection of sterling frames filled with family photos, a table skirt caught with rosettes combine to create a memorable setting! A comfortable sitting area in a master bedroom! The accessories really make a room sing! A great mix of pattern! Hand-woven tapestries play an important role in French interiors! Gray Venetian plaster walls, an assortment of hurricanes and candlesticks, and twin chandeliers provide ambiance for this dining room! Formal space with spider back chairs and sparkling chandelier! The stone archway in this Italian villa sets the stage for a unique dining room. The early 19th century dining table set with individual pizzas invites you to have a seat!The perfectly appointed kitchen with the piece de resistance-La Cornue range!
White marble…black granite…stainless steel create timeless design! A classic Italian kitchen with beautiful alder cabinets! I love the handcrafted Italian words adorning the backsplash! A lovely setting to start your day!A breakfast room awash with French influences. The chandelier and most of the accessories are very old!
Lots of light streaming in this country French breakfast space! A guest room dressed in blue and white toile! An iron bed dominates this spacious master suite! Neutral shades with pattern and texture dress this calming and dreamy bedroom! What lady would not love this perfect dressing area? An elegant master bath dressed in white marble, matching pedestals, and crystal chandelier! Wouldn’t you enjoy a soak in this feminine space? A hand painted canvas adorns the ceiling of this study with its walnut paneled walls and his and her chairs! Love the animal rug! Ok, magazine time is over…guess we can all go brave the sweltering heat now!

Linking with Pieced Pastimes , Silver Pennies , Life on Lakeshore Drive , Thoughts From Alice , Mod Vintage Life , Coastal Charm , My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia , The Dedicated House , Dwellings-Heart of Your Home , Savvy Southern Style , Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage , From My Front Porch To Yours , Stone Gable , Confessions of a Plate Addict , Worthing Court , Between Naps on the Porch , Cedar Hill Farmhouse , A Stroll Thru Life , The Charm of Home , Cornerstone Confessions , A Delightsome Life , Imparting Grace , Posed Perfection , Katherines Corner , My Romantic Home , Rooted In Thyme , Share Your Cup, The Enchanting Rose, Alabama Women Bloggers, 21 Rosemary Lane, Northern Nesting, Cozy Little House, Rattlebridge Farm, The Turquoise Hom e, My Flagstaff Home, In The New House, Natasha in Oz, Vintage Refined, Karens Up On The Hill, Grammie Time

“And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever”
Isaiah‬ ‭32‬:‭17‬

If you know French Country design, the name Charles Faudree probably rings a bell. I remember being captivated by Faudree’s unmatched talent the first time I saw his work in an edition of Traditional Home in the late 80’s! Since then, I have followed all of the national publications of his work and have all six of his books in my collection! As an interior decorator, I pored over every picture and paid attention to the tiniest details of every room that he designed, in hopes to learn from the master of Country French design! It was only a few months after his first design book, “Charles Faudree’s French Country Signature”, was released that he was invited to my city to speak to a group at the country club. He was so gracious to answer questions and autograph his book! He could not have been kinder as he took time to chat with me. In his own words he said, “I would like to think I have elevated French Country to a fine art,” …and that he did! Faudree passed away last November and many fellow bloggers have featured his work since. I have been so inspired by his distinctive ability to mix: past and present, old and new, rustic and refined…all of which create his coveted style of casual, understated elegance! Today, I want to share some of his amazing talent with you, my readers! When asked to define his style, he responded, “Oh, it’s all in the mix, not the match!” I seemed to have adopted that design philosophy!

The following photos were taken from my Pinterest board, Charles Faudree. Each photo is linked to the original source.

Many things catch my eye…bookcases, tole chandelier, the antique gate leg table with stacks of books!
“Part of the charm of a living room is a skillful blend of rustic and refined antiques and furnishings, with fabrics, colors, collections, and accessories that create a beautiful, cohesive room.”
C. Faudree A house in the Caribbean with its living room beautifully dressed in classic blue and white with a mix of fabrics!A pair of Louis XIV-style gilt wood tables in a traditional styled room with a splendid chandelier and luxurious fabrics!
A lighter touch in this room!
“Furnishings used in pairs add elegance to a room.”
C. Faudree
Faudree was a master of layering his rooms! They unfold before your eyes!
“Comfortable seating should never be a victim of great style.”
C. Faudree
A beautifully appointed rustic room with stone fireplace, antler chandelier, and warm wood walls and ceiling! French chairs, florals, plaids,needlepoint pillows, and books make an inviting sitting area in a bay window!
“Personal items add flavor to decorating.”
C. Faudree
A perfect example of the mix and not the match – French antiques with a lucite table! A lovely light-filled breakfast room with the piece de resistance-a Swedish secretary!
A French daybed in front of the fireplace with bergeres on either side with a collection of exquisite tortoise shell boxes atop the tea table! Faudree often used Country French commodes and trumeau mirrors! I would love dining in this room with the whimsical book shelves and the coral accents! “Details are like frosting on the cake, and who doesn’t like frosting best?”
C. Faudree
Coral inspired bedroom! Cozy and country with warm furnishing!“Too much is never enough”
C. Faudree
Bold buffalo checks, ticking stripes, florals, and toile fabrics mix together for a lovely guest room! Lush window treatments and bedding with soft colors in a spacious master bedroom! Faudree often used red toile…the perfect small bedroom
“Accessories are as important as the furniture itself.”
C. Faudree
Once again…it is about the mix! A powder room with a Provençal chest used as a vanity and French toile wallpaper An inviting living room in the French Country style of which Charles Faudree was the master!