Guest Post~French Nordic Design

Hi Bloggie Friends,

Today's feature is a guest post from Mari at Design Shuffle.  She is going to discuss one of my favorite looks, the French Nordic style.  Thanks to Jeanne d'Arc Living and other similar publications, this style is hot, hot, hot.  I can't seem to get enough of it, and I know many of you feel the same.  So, enjoy this little bit of eye candy today.  Take it away Mari...

Hello, everyone! It's Mari here from Design Shuffle, a fabulous online portal for interior designers and all things interior design. One of the things I love best about writing guest posts for Design Shuffle is getting to visit amazing design and decorating blogs like French Laundry to share some of my favorite decorating ideas.

Today's post is about the beautiful French Nordic look—part French style, part Nordic appeal and all white and gray loveliness. When it comes to this charming style, there is no such thing as just a touch is enough—once one is smitten, there is no turning back. Each and every space in the home must be decorated in the desirable French Nordic style—an exciting never ending adventure. Here's a glimpse into the world of the French Nordic look. We hope you will enjoy these eight inspiring images.

This lovely vignette is brought to us Jeanne d'Arc Living, the magazine that showcases all things French Nordic. On every issue are the words, "Lifestyle in a Class of its Own."

An appealing corner is filled with furnishings and decorative pieces that might be chosen for a French Nordic space.

With clawfoot tub and vintage fixtures along with lovely words of French, this bath is perfect for the French Nordic home.

When going for a bedroom design in the French Nordic style, consider a lovely combination of pure white linens mixed with grays, taupes and greiges.

Here's another space from Jeanne d'Arc Living—an appealing mix of white slipcovers and rustic textiles. You probably have noticed that angels' wings are often seen in French Nordic rooms.

This photo is full of dining room design ideas. It is a slightly Americanized version of Nordic French style with the quintessential black and white sign in English not French. I love the soft cotton slipcovers on the dining chairs.

Live plants, such as vines and topiaries are often seen in French Nordic rooms. Antique mirrors and distressed shutters add an appealing aged feel to this corner vignette.

This light and airy dining space is all about the French Nordic look in interior design, from the white painted floor to the restrained size of the crystal and iron chandelier. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Love French Nordic design? You'll find more inspiration at Design Shuffle! Connect with some of the top Los Angeles interior designers, San Diego interior designers and many others!

Thanks Mari!  As I have said before on my blog, my style is a little fussier and far more cluttered than the traditional JDL look, but I still enjoy incorporating elements of that style into my decor.  Zinc (or faux zinc) is a must have in this look and there are many ways to pull it into your interior.  The beautiful French zinc plant pots are great, but a bit pricey.  If they aren't affordable, try a new metal container and give it a faux zinc finish (yes, I do still need to do that tutorial-note to self).  I found this cutie pie at Goodwill for $1 or so, gave it the finish I wanted, then added a faux enamel tag tied on with twine.  You can find the tutorial for the tags here.

Simplicity really is the key with this look...a pretty paper doily, a page from an antique book, one of my faux zinc crosses with torn muslin bow, stuck on the wall with a push pin; what could be easier?

Of course,  part of the serene beauty of this look is the incorporation of some religious elements, if that is your desire. 

 

Even if your decor is less rustic, you can still blend this look in.  Beautiful French mirrors look great when paired with some more primitive elements like this one from Atelier de Campagne.

I have the ubiquitous antique grain sack pillow and the white slipcovered couch in my living room as well as some pretty French tables, but as you can see in the rest of the photo, I also have other elements that aren't typically associated with the French Nordic look like the sort of fussy hand painted lamp and tole tray. Still, it works.  In other parts of my home, I have Victorian furniture that I inherited from my great aunt, an early American salt glazed crock collection from my days in New England, my slightly goofy Victorian hoof pincushion collection, and my husband's Native American drums.  Eclectic, oui?

Then there's the collection of 1940-60's rhinestone clocks (just a few represented here...).

Basically, if you are all about one particular style and you are able to achieve that, then I say go for it.  If, like most of us, you are forced by economics and sentiment to live with what you already have and make little modifications here and there as your tastes change or you add new "loves" , then always follow your heart.  I believe, as others have said as well, that if you live with what you love, no matter how disparate it may seem, it will somehow all come together to make a style that is truly your own.  I think if you are true to yourself, there will be some element, whether it is color or shape, texture or feeling, that will tie everything together and make it work.  So don't be afraid to mix it up! 

Don't forget to enter my Ram Sign giveaway ending March 31st.  Can't beat a great product for FREE, right?  Enter by leaving a comment on this previous post.

Until next time my friends,

Linking up with:
White Wednesday
Pearls and Lace Thursday
What's It Wednesday
French Inspiration Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday