Every time I work on a new magazine (in this case FRENCH COUNTRY STYLE) I get the urge to make changes around my house. There is nothing like practicing what you preach, oui?
However, these changes did not happen overnight. Between working on 3 magazines and being away on shoots I have not had the luxury to indulge all my rooms makeover fantasies. Though I only recently announced the upcoming FRENCH COUNTRY STYLE, I began to work on it several months back. So, the changes in the house have been ever so slow!!!
Of course, ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE is still my first love but it actually mixes well with FRENCH COUNTRY because they are both simple and share the same elements of rustic refinements. The options are numerous and the results depends on how you marry them.
I finally took some quick snap shots this morning but keep in mind that this is still a work in progress. Take a peek.
Hope this might inspire you to to expand your decorating horizons without spending a fortune.
KITCHEN
You already saw the kitchen bench but my sister made the pillow with French fabric and "Take a Seat" crossed-stitched by hand (not machine made). I gave her the dimensions (she makes them to order). They can be shipped (from France) without the filling (I bought mine at JoAnne's). The pillow is fastened to the bench with velcro ties so it can easily be removed for washing.
I was very fortunate to find an old church pew but it too needed a pillow. So, again, I gave my sister the dimensions and: voila!(The bench is in the DR).
BEDROOM
I repainted my old bed black, moved it, and changed the bedding. I already had the blue shams and comforter cover (from Target), the sham with the little flowers, the blue and white throw (have had it for 20 years!) and the mustard color throw (from last year Pottery Barn--Daisy is quite fond of it too) but I bought the white and blue sheets (Home Goods) and the great bedskirt (online from One Kings Lane--don't try to find it. It was the only one. Sorry!)
You will recognize the embellished horseshoes I made as one of the DIY projects for the premiere issue of ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE. I am still looking for the proper way to "frame" them but for now they are OK as they are. The pillow with the boots is hand painted by a friend (and washable!) I moved and repainted the narrow armoire, which fits perfectly on that side of the bed. The basket is from Home Goods but lined with an old French tablecloth. The "plants" in it come from EKSTER ANTIQUES in Virginia.
The haunting woman portrait was painted by my friend Lou. I bought the little chandelier at a flea market about 15 years ago (it used to hang in the kitchen. The (fake but so real looking) mimosa comes from Pottery Barn (a recent acquisition during their sale).
I found the aqua pot (ceramic) at William-Sonoma and though it's meant for other uses (I think it's supposed to be an ice bucket...) I bought it because I love the mimosa and pot colors together. It's so happy and fresh looking.
The terra cotta rosary was another gift from LAURA. She sells them with many other wonderful items so go visit her (http://verbenanestedtreasures.blogspot.com)
I painted mine with acrylic paint but you can also keep them natural.
Still had to indulge my girly side as well............
As any self-respecting PRAIRIE GIRL knows BOOTS and BELTS are a must (as you can clearly see). I gave up trying to hang belts in the closet a long time ago because I always had to search for them. I hung a wooden drapery rod (with the brackets it came with and everything painted white) low enough on the wall so that I could locate them easily AND make them part of the PRAIRIE bedroom mood together with the boots.
LIVING ROOM
Except for the rustic pink table (which has been in every room over the past 12 years---even in the guest house) I pretty well sold every piece of the living room furniture. With the money I bought 2 new armchairs (the beige and red from Pottery Barn when they had their floor sample sale) and the red one from Ethan Allen (also a floor sample sale). I made the paper mache clock many years ago. The basket (under the table) is an ordinary basket from Marshalls (or Home Goods---by the way they have some fabulous baskets right now) but is "dressed" with another French table cloth and filled with, what else? Magazines! The "OUI" and "NON" pillows (hand crossed-stitched are also made by my sister Sylvie).
I got the cowhide from my friend LAURA a couple of months ago. Love it. Please remember that the cows are NOT slaughtered for their hide but for meat and the hides end up being a by-product. You know how I feel about animals (and I do not eat meat).
I know you are going to ask me about the cool French market basket so here it is: my sister made the lining for it (and the other as well---see below). They are part of my PRAIRIE PRETTY line of accessories that I am working on and hope to offer soon. I would so appreciate if you did not copy this. They will come with different lining colors and patterns. Thanks for respecting my work.
You have seen the white and gray one before. The ruffle is made from an antique French sheet.
The sofa is a used but cool piece I bought from my friends SUSIE & MARK lovely POSH ON PALM shop in Sarasota. It's upholstered in painter's cloth and perfect for my kitties.....
Got the cool candelabra several years ago from WISTERIA catalog. The coffee table came from an antique store in Sarasota and the mirror from a garage sale. The piece holding the candles on the table was another garage sale item. It's brass but I painted grayish.
The red and white pillow is from Home Goods. My sister stitched the "Place Reservee" and the one with the heart. The beige and white is a pillow case from a set I bought in France many years ago.
These are just dried and painted stems
You have already seen the kitchen table (this was taken before the new bench) but I also painted the dining room buffet and moved it in the kitchen (and that was not an easy move by myself!!)
Also bought this fabulous enamel pitcher from JANET SHABBYFUFU last September when Mark and I shot her Miami home. Took me a while to figure out where to use it as it is pretty tall but it finally came together when I got the kitchen table.
That's it for today. Next time I will post the guest bedroom and dining room redo but neither is quite ready yet.
See ya!!!
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!
Fifi it all looks so beautiful! I love your style! Thank you for sharing it with us :)
Posted by: Lori | July 01, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Ohh I love your home Fifi~ and you know I love the French country touches and the red- my favorite color! ;) So excited about your new magazine!! xoxo, Courtney
Posted by: Courtney | July 01, 2012 at 12:32 PM
I love the new look of your charming little cottage Fifi! You must walk away so inspired after visiting all those gorgeous homes you get to photograph! I hope you are enjoying your summer, I'm so happy for all the new publications you are in charge of. Have a wonderful 4th! Love to see you in California again...Marcia
Posted by: marcia | July 01, 2012 at 01:18 PM
Loving all of the French touches....your style is amazing Fifi!
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home & Flea Market Makeovers | July 01, 2012 at 01:35 PM
Oh, I love this glimpse into your home! Everything is gorgeous. The work of your sister is amazing... I love the pillows. I especially love the red you have incorporated into your living room - beautiful and yet so warm and welcoming. And I adore the baskets. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to your new magazine! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: Andrea @ Keeping it Cozy | July 01, 2012 at 02:35 PM
OMGoodness, Fifi! You truly ARE busy! I love your boots and belts display... clothing is decor, too, not just for the body- but for the home! I also loved your bed... the combination of the different bedding patterns with the unexpected mustard blankie really caught my eye...a true, collected look. Kitty sure looks cozy! Good luck on your new issues coming out! Regards, Andrea
Posted by: Andrea Baumhardt | July 01, 2012 at 03:13 PM
Oh my goodness Fifi, it all looks so beautiful!!
I adore the cushion's your sister made for your church pew and bench, and especially the basket liner she made.
Oh, and I LOVE the pink chippy table and the red striped chairs!!
I just moved things around in my home too, I can never keep it just one way for long. :)
Hope you have a beautiful week.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Posted by: Melinda | July 01, 2012 at 03:34 PM
Dearest Fifi,
Still amazing how much you still got done at home!
Your sister Sylvie does an incredible job with the toile rayée fabric.
How are your kitties being cared for when you're on the road? Hope they stay happy in Florida. Stay well girl and if you have time, please check my email about the French Country Style.
Love to you,
Mariette
Posted by: Mariette's Back to Basics | July 01, 2012 at 04:02 PM
Inspiration!!! Love it.
Can't wait for your new magazine..
It's good to be home.
Posted by: SueBee | July 01, 2012 at 05:45 PM
You are just the sweetest, most creative gal, Fifi! Love your new mixed style - and I'm so looking forward to your new magazine and shop!! :) Hope you have a fabulous 4th! ♥
xoxo laurie
Posted by: laurie@heavenswalk | July 01, 2012 at 07:58 PM
it was so fun to see your home and the changes you have made to it...thank you for sharing! i love the red pieces of furniture you have incorporated to your decor and that belt "rack" was a genius idea! the pillows your sister does are just perfection and i also love, love, love those basket liners. Happy 4th to you!!
Posted by: Stacey@ A Sort Of Fairytale | July 01, 2012 at 08:11 PM
I love it! You're so talented!
Me too...I can't wait for your magazine photos to come out....I'm over at www.cabinfever228.blogspot.com
Mel's Designs 'n Harmony
Hope over when you get the chance and leave a comment....love your place....
Posted by: Mel's Designs 'n Harmony | July 02, 2012 at 03:19 AM
Hi Fifi,
Oh goodness you have done it again - love your new touches of reds with a little blue - the touch of mustard is wonderful. You and your sister are so creative and talented and you make a great team. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
I am glad that you were able to find a little time for yourself in betweeen everything else and decorate. I feel repurposing, reusing and decorating is good for the soul and brings out the little girl in us - like playing house as children.
Blessings,
Erin and Bentley
Posted by: Erin | July 02, 2012 at 05:02 AM
Love your style- all of it! How can I get one of those cute bench covers?
Posted by: Diana Lucas | July 02, 2012 at 05:28 AM
Love the look in the living room especially. Very nice. Looking forward to your projects and have been enjoying Romantic Prairie Style. Well done, Fifi! Have a great Independence Day. ; )
~Michele
Posted by: Michele | July 02, 2012 at 05:44 AM
How lovely everything looks...your style is so fresh and appealing to me. So excited for your publications, the thought of purchasing a "Fifi" item for my home, and to see what you are doing next! You are such a busy and creative lady...oh, and your sister's work is just perfection. Love those bench pillows!
Thank you for this post, looking forward to the next one, and sending much love to you! xxoo
Posted by: Mar Bailey | July 02, 2012 at 05:53 AM
HOLY COW hide!!! I love what you did Fifi!!!It's taking everything we love & combining it in such a rustic & romantic way. As always you inspire & give us something to look foward to.
xoxoLaura
Posted by: laura | July 02, 2012 at 07:37 AM
AMAZING FIFI~!! GIRL how do you DO IT?? You said you only changed a little do to time..OMG...you've done a ton! I love~love your sisters pillows on the benches and love how you have incorporated the reds. I can hardly wait for your new French Country Magazine..
Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July~
xokathee
Posted by: kathee zurian | July 02, 2012 at 08:19 AM
BRAVA!Love it all.......especially those baskets.I will be a customer for certain!The bench pillow done by the SISTER in FRANCE!That too I need for my bench here in the kitchen!Will measure and send on to you!
The SON is home and today is the day off we go to find a kitty!Photo will be coming as soon as I can!
BACI...xoxoxo
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Regards,
Kelly
Posted by: Antique Furniture | July 02, 2012 at 10:19 AM
I love seeing all the changes you have made!
HUGS, Elaine
Posted by: Elaine L. | July 02, 2012 at 01:32 PM
Wow, such a pleasure to see all your wonderful design ideas and eye comforting photos and vignettes.....you are amazing..Every project you do has your special signature. Thank you so much for sharing with all of us, and bringing much happiness with every blog from you. Congratulations on all your endeavors. You deserve the best.
xoxo mari
Posted by: mari | July 02, 2012 at 01:41 PM
FiFi...You are amazing & have sooo much talent..sweet lady!!! I LOVE your room re-do's...we always have to evolve & change..but still stay true to our core:) Which you do...in such beautiful way!! Can't wait to buy your own style..& your sister's pillows are gorgeous:)
Hugs to you..
Deb:) xoxo
Posted by: DEBBIE BELL | July 02, 2012 at 03:59 PM
Fifi,
Love all of your cottage makeovers.It is so lovely,charming and inviting.Thank you for your continued inspiration!Your cats are so sweet <3
(((Hugs)))
Anne
Posted by: Anne | July 02, 2012 at 06:30 PM
well, that was fun!! I adore your style! Thank you for sharing your home with us
Posted by: danaleigh | July 02, 2012 at 07:58 PM
hello, my fifi!
what a TREAT to see so much of where and how you live. loving all of the new touches and backstory behind fave pieces!
your chipped pink pieces are the perfect shade. i have an old "country living" article about michelle joy's home in NJ and she describes that sort of tone as "dirty pink." it's fabulous.
i hope you are feeling well, busy one!
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | July 02, 2012 at 08:20 PM
I am forever wishing that there were more hours in a day to do all that I want to do. I completely understand. Beautiful photos! And your kitty is adorable. Glad you are busy and enjoying life. That's the way it should be.
Thanks for sharing it with all of us,
Have a very Happy 4th of July!
Hugs,
Janet Bernasconi
Janet's Creative Pillows
www.janetscreativepillows.blogspot.com
Posted by: Janet | July 02, 2012 at 09:44 PM
Fifi, You amaze me over, and over and over again! I can't stop taking in every detail of these photos. I love how you have reminders of family and friends everywhere; the painting from Lou, the gorgeous pillows from your sister, the Rosary Beads. Your creativity is apparent in every inch of space! Love, love love it!
Posted by: Janine | July 03, 2012 at 09:52 AM
Some great changes Fifi, Your style is amazing. The work your sister does on those cushions is adorable. Does she have a website or blog? Its a pleasure visiting your home with you through these great photos
Thanks for sharing.
Tania.xx
Posted by: Tania vanamstel | July 03, 2012 at 03:31 PM
Oh! Fifi, the beauty in all things French and you gave your home a perfect face lift with pieces to love.
Your kitty on the table looks like one we had, (my daughters ) she did a painting of her kitty when she was very young that I posted about in an older post :)
Love the baskets and the liners so up my ally. Love the rosary beads look wonderful, I adore Laura we talk often and inspire the best in each other she is a doll.
I am excited to see the guest room and dining area, keep inspiring your creative beauty we all love so.
H a p p y 4th of July !
Xx
Dore
Posted by: Dore @Burlap Luxe | July 04, 2012 at 06:54 AM
omg I want those star spangled boots. Where did you get them. Love the pictures with all your kitty assistants.
Posted by: Jane Murray | July 04, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Your house has never looked better!! I truly love the more simple and yet refined look. Looking forward to your online shop.
take care
Posted by: carol | July 04, 2012 at 01:16 PM
FiFi!! So beautiful... of course, but I must tell you that the horse shoes need to be turned up. As they are now all your luck is falling out!! Turned the other way all the luck stays in!! So glad you're back at Romantic Country and look forward to your new endever! Much Luck, Sass
Posted by: Sara De Costa Graffam | July 05, 2012 at 03:30 PM
beauty in every photo Fifi. I love how you changed things up!
Posted by: June | July 05, 2012 at 04:47 PM
Bon jour Fifi! Thank you for the update and pics of your new, evolving decor. I love all your work and run out and buy all your books/mags as soon as possible. Looking forward to your newest projects. Allegra
Posted by: Allegra Bridges | July 06, 2012 at 08:30 AM
Mon amie,
Gorgeous!! I know ...you could have a whole magazine JUST about you and chez vous. :)
I am anxiously awaiting the new magazine.
You must never sleep....love and hugs, Lidy
Posted by: Frenchgardenhouse | July 06, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Hello !
Ton blog est super !!
J'aime beaucoup le banc d'église transformé pour la cuisine.
Félicitations et bon week-end.
Marie Jo
Posted by: Marie Jo | July 07, 2012 at 12:29 PM
Fifi I always enjoy my visits to your sweet blog. I love the changes you've been making. You have a busy schedule so it's always nice to see new posts. Sending Hugs!
Posted by: Katherine | July 07, 2012 at 06:19 PM
fifi-looks like you did a lot with so little time! I so enjoyed seeing your very country french look in your sweet home....everything you do comes out fabulous! LOVE it & YOU....xoxo tutti
Posted by: chris | July 08, 2012 at 04:58 PM
Fifi ~ you constantly amaze me with your sooo beautiful style. I love the pillows that your sister made. Wonderful. Everything looks absolutely amazing
Thank you so much for sharing
Posted by: Marianne | July 11, 2012 at 06:20 PM
I love your photos and expecially the basket liners. I want to pass on one comment that was told to me when I did the same thing as you. The horseshoes are supposed to be up, like a U. I have one over my cottage door and told someone it was for good luck. She said that, because it was pointed down, like yours, that all the luck would spill out. It's supposed to HOLD all the good luck. No, I'm not nuts, but that's what I was told about lucky horseshoes. Needless to say, I turned mine around to hold my good luck the minute I could. I'm not taking any chances!!!
Posted by: Eileen | July 12, 2012 at 06:13 PM
Fifi... You are truly amazing! I love looking at all of your photos over and over again... XoXo
Posted by: Katie | July 13, 2012 at 07:35 AM
I am more the type to quietly creep your blog than to comment... but all of the photos are so beautiful! I am completely smitten with those bench pillows, and just had to tell you so! Thank you for all you do on the magazines (I love each of them) and the blog... they bring so much inspiration!
Posted by: Larissa | July 16, 2012 at 06:43 PM
GREAT POST:)
Your blog is so wonderful and Im following...I hope you follow me also:)
If you want some cute swedish decor inspiration...check out my blog:)
Have a great week.
LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
(sweden)
Posted by: Maria at inredningsvis.se | July 17, 2012 at 09:05 AM
Wow! Everything is gorgeous, as always. I am inspired to do a little updating around my house. It's been so hot outside I should have no excuse not to....
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | July 22, 2012 at 01:05 PM
Love your couch and everything else as usual. Your style is amazing!
Posted by: Donna | July 23, 2012 at 09:32 AM
I have those same sheets. Had them a long time. Where can I find a rosary like that?So pretty.
Posted by: Donna | July 23, 2012 at 09:34 AM
Oh....what trouble you have caused. I have spent the last hour being swept away by all of your beautiful photographs and details....I know I am truly blessed to be able to advertise in your Prairie magazine...it is the perfect fit for me and I can't wait to receive and share the next issue.....You are amazing and never run out of ideas. Good luck with your new French magazine...I know it will be a huge success.
Posted by: Karen Hoida | July 23, 2012 at 04:11 PM
Everything is beautiful, I love the way you put everything together. You are the best!!!
Hugs, Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | July 24, 2012 at 12:16 PM
As always your sense of style is untouchable. You have "it"... the whole look is natural, inviting, and charming. I sure do love all the pillows your sister did for you. And that sofa with the teeniest hint of red in the one pillow, and the "Place Reserve" pillow, is oh my gosh, just fabulousness... those colors together are irresistable. So fun to see what you're doing!
Cindy
Posted by: cindy | July 29, 2012 at 11:30 AM
You.
have.
been.
a.
busy.
lady!!!
To see glimpses of your home is such a treat. Loving the pops of red and that market basket with the red liner....**swoon!** I, too, love red!
Happy summer, Fifi!
Becky
California
Posted by: Sweet Cottage Dreams | August 01, 2012 at 11:01 PM
Well, I know where you got the idea for the embellished horseshoes!... as always, it all looks wonderful and warm and so very you.
Fifi, can you tell me if the photos of our home will ever be used in a publication? We just don't want to miss it if so. Thanks so much for any information you can provide -
Karen from Connecticut
Posted by: karen | August 02, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Wonderful home!
Posted by: colleen | August 21, 2012 at 07:02 PM
Hello dear Fifi... everything is just beautiful and I cannot wait for your new magazine to come out!... wanted to let you know, I received an email from you this morning, but I am sure you did not send it... I think someone has hacked into your email account and sent them out... it had a link I did not open that was in Spanish and not nice... maybe you will want to have someone check on that for you... I decided to let you know here in your comments rather than your email in case there is a problem with it... much love, xoxo Julie Marie
Posted by: Julie Marie | August 22, 2012 at 07:08 AM
I like the pink in your dining room. Also, love the bedskirt. My bedroom is blue but I'm thinking of changing it. I posted some handmade girl's dresses at http://ofheartgardenandhome.blogspot.com.
Posted by: Pat | August 22, 2012 at 06:20 PM
Great changes Fifi,the house looks good for relaxing while in a vacation or having retreats.
Posted by: new houses for sale philippines | August 29, 2012 at 08:14 PM
Thanks for sharing all of the beautiful and inspiring images from your home. Now I feel like I need to whip things into shape around my place....
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | September 10, 2012 at 02:54 AM
I really like your armoire ;o)
Looks like my doors.
Posted by: El' | October 02, 2012 at 04:08 AM
I love your all American boats. I want please tell me where I can buy them!
Posted by: Mike | October 04, 2012 at 03:59 PM
Your church pew looks nice. It seems to exude a raw kind of beauty. And it perfectly matches your kitchen table and the long bench. With all your projects, I can surmise that you are good in refurbishing furniture pieces and in making them beautiful once more. Great job!
Posted by: Earnestine Kettering | November 06, 2012 at 09:38 AM