Anyone who knows me knows I am all about accessories! French country accessories like gold vintage mirrors, cloches, cherubs, jardinieres, chippy corbels, etc. I love them all! When you have your neutral walls and furniture pieces accented with a little color from window treatments, pillows, and lamps, your accessories can really shine.
We carried this gorgeous boy home from France in a backpack, and that was a labor of love considering her weighs at least 10 pounds. He came from a thrift store in Provence and will always be a wonderful memoir of our trip.
Here you can see 4 of my 11 vintage mirrors. Sigh. My husband says I have a mirror problem. I say my problem is I don’t have enough mirrors. All of these came from FB Marketplace and were $20 or less. Yep, French decor on a budget is very possible. The white planter in the center of the mantle is a French jardiniere I scooped up at a second hand store. Jardiniere is French for Gardener. They are typically cast iron if they are vintage/antique and cast aluminum if they are newer reproduction pieces. Both can be used inside or outside. The rusty patina and green staining that comes from putting them outside only makes them more attractive. The French are all about bringing the outside in in the form of concrete pots and statutes, metal jardinieres, and metal furniture and accessories. These patinaed pieces add so much character and texture to your space.
And don’t forget to mix in the glitzy, gold pieces with the chippy, rusty pieces to keep the look elegant but cozy. French country accessories really allow your individual taste to shine because you can really glam it up or stay more comfy and worn. Additionally, this decor style works great for elegant neutrals and warm color rich palettes. So many possibilities!
How on earth do you know what will work together? I don’t have the forethought to know that chippy would look good with gold for example. I have a variety of odds and ends that may could work. I wish you were closer and could come by and create vignettes in our home. Love your work! (And love your new website!)
Hi, Amy! I love putting unexpected things together. A lot of it is trial and error. Play around with what you already have and add in pieces you like to create a balance of elegant and rustic–some people like all rustic, some like all elegance, and I am somewhere in between. I will be at Vintage Market Days at The Finley Center February 27-29. Come see me if you get a chance, and I’ll be happy to tell you more. Try to come later in the afternoons, so there will be less customers.
Melanie you know I love your style and all your treasures! I’m gonna move down the road from you and spend all my money buying your amazing finds! 😄. I live in entirely the wrong spot to find any of these gorgeous French style pieces. Love your tips!
Oh, Tara! You know I would love to live near you and go on pickin’ trips together. I thought I wouldn’t be able to find any French pieces here in Alabama, but I have. You just have to know where to look. Estate sales will likely be your best bet. Check out Estatesales.net.
Looking at the diamond shape iron gate?, bed springs?, I don’t know what it is. It is hanging on a white exterior door and has a Christmas wreath/metal bell hanging in the center. I did not see it when I was there at your last barn sale, so it may be gone. If still available, how much are you asking?
I also saw a 12 or (maybe 16) pane white frame window (old), it was in the big open part of the barn (door on the end) not inside your overhang section. I don’t know if that is your area or another vendor. It had a price of $45 on it, and I failed to go back and get it, argh!!
Anyway, my number is 256-278-0995 if you’d like to call for me to explain. Thank you, Carmen