The French Touch: Decoration and Design in the Most Beautiful Homes of France

by Daphne de Saint-Sauveur

Book Overview

Filled with exquisite color photographs, The French Touch explores the inimitable grace and style of France's finest homes. From lovingly renovated historic chateaux to Paris flats and even an old... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0821224646
• ISBN13: 9780821224649
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: Bulfinch Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 9.8" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Illustrates hundreds of small details that can bring added charm to your own home

This is a lovely little book. Many decorating books present rooms that are too perfect and sterile. They may be beautiful, but it's hard to envision living in them. The French Touch: Decoration and Design in the Most Beautiful Homes of France differs because it is illustrated with examples of homes that are both elegant and charming. This book doesn't confine itself to one style of home, or one school of decorating. It shows us apartments in Paris, a townhouse in Brittany, a country home in Normandy, a renovated farm house in Provence, and many other dwellings. Some are dressed in a modern fashion; some are traditional; others are eclectic. If any of that sounds like your own home then you may be able to pick up some nice ideas from this book. By that I don't mean copy the rooms but perhaps you'll find an interesting way to display your collections, or dress your bed, or a way to freshen a tired space in your home. The French Touch is comprised of hundreds of small details that make a home a charming, comfortable haven. Borrow some ideas! Recommended!

SUMPTUOUS INTERIORS

Sumptuous interiors lavishly decorated! The interiors are beautifully decorated with lots of color and fabrics. Very rich and inviting. I highly recommend it to any French design lover!

Takes your breath away...

This book was published many years (well over fifteen) ago, and it is still one of the most gorgeous interior decorating books I have ever seen - something about the simplicity, balance and order of French style, while accompanied by the beautiful lines of the furniture and the colors of fabrics, wall coverings, etc. appealed to me then and became unforgettable. This was the book that showed me that French style was right for me, although I don't speak French, have never been to France and thought it held no appeal to me. Suddenly I realized that that English style (as seen today) was too crowded, too mismatched, too shabby and depressing; Italian? either too minimalist or too ornate; Spanish? too heavy and clunky; Oriental? nice in small doses, but not really comfortable looking. I lusted after this book since I checked it out of the library at least 13 years ago - The houses of Ile de France were the most unforgettable - golden sunlight (great photography, obviously), green grass, gravel walkways. Never mind that my little mud hut will never resemble them. The images from this book are indelibly printed in my memory, even though I cannot remember one single word of text. If that makes it "only a coffee table book" then so be it. I am delighted to finally be able to buy it used. Unforgettable.

Comme il faut!

"Houses like this make you want to read Balzac..." written by the editor of Maison & Jardin, this book is a treat. It may be just a coffee-table book, but it is also an assemblage of unique home interiors which are unlike those in the USA. Despite having been to France several times, I am unlikely to have the chance to see this type of decor unless I vastly improve my social contacts! Overall, I found it charming.

Brilliant and imaginative French masterpiece

Daphne de Saint Sauveur has been an inspiration to those people,who like myself,enjoy the qualities and classic poise of French decorating.The elegance and colour shown in this book has assisted me greatly in decorating my recently purchased french provincial styled home on Sydney's north shore.Many of the homes displayed are furnished with typical gallic flair and the country homes and gardens detail the personalities of their owners