Country French Florals & Interiors

Charles Faudree

• Publisher: Gibbs Smith
• Year: 2008
• ISBN:
  9781423613558
• Topic: Design
• Subtopic: Dekorative Kunst

In this third book, Charles Faudree shares some of his most recent signature Country French interiors and introduces floral artist Toni Garner, his personal florist, to create what he deems the ultimate accessory for every room in a home-fresh flower arrangements. Offering a rich visual text of interior design ideas he shows that using flowers in creative combinations and unique containers will set your rooms apart from and above all others. From table toppers to show stoppers, these ebullient artists offer a cornucopia of fresh floral and interior design tips and suggestions.

Everyday Joys

“The test of a home is whether it makes the visitor feel at ease.”

—Philippa Tristam

My collecting urges are very important to the way I live. The rooms where I spend time every day have chairs for sitting, tables for putting things on and lamps for reading. These are all functional items.

But my rooms are also filled with constant reminders of special people, times and trips. I have wonderful heirlooms from relatives, cherished gifts from friends and objects that bring back happy memories of good times and good friends. My belongings are my everyday joys.

I’m a sentimental slob. I just have to have my memories and my memory-jogging things. I don’t think this is the same as materialism. Some of the things I love the most I paid nothing at all for. Some were flea market finds. Of course, I have to admit that some were also wildly expensive and had to be purchased over time.

In the process of collecting and accumulating, I’ve tried to temper my enthusiasm with a little restraint. I’ve been quoted many times as saying, “Too much is never enough.” I used to have that design philosophy, but I’ve been proven wrong over the years by a few who keep adding things to their homes without subtracting.

Too much can be too much. I’m still all for abundance in decorating, but I’ve come to realize it should be abundance under control.

My personal efforts to keep my love of abundance under control have had a happy side effect. My house is filled with gifts in the making. Things that have given me years of pleasure are good candidates for sharing with friends as new memories for their homes.

—Charles

The French commode’s finishing touches are a bouquet of Weber tulips, coral peonies and blue hydrangeas in an antique silver basket, lit by a custom Staffordshire lamp.

Pairs dominate in the Tucker living room. Contemporary crystal lamps and a pair of sconces illuminate a sofa covered in Scalamandré and a pair of antique French Louis XIV fauteuil chairs that still retain their original Aubusson covering. A pair of candlesticks sits on a coffee table that consists of a modern iron base topped with an antique Italian mosaic and a marble top. A pair of pink-and-white bouquets adds living color.

Slick Willy, in the Tucker Home, prefers the Scalamandré silk for his afternoon nap.

Bouvardia, yarrow and peonies.

The knotty pine–paneled library in Jennifer and Mark Radcliffe’s home is a book-lined sanctuary, but one that is, on closer inspection, equal parts fact and fantasy. The sorcery at work here comes from Mark, a movie producer whose credits include the legendary Harry Potter films. His portrait above the mantel is labeled Vric the Oddball, Supreme Mugwump. It was a gift from the art department on the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and was used in the movie. Accessories on the mantel are awards for that film and for Mrs. Doubtfire.

It is a tranquil retreat that includes paisleys and plaids, a Federal period bull’s-eye mirror and an antique English chest.

Using purple dendrobium orchids, elm branches and monster leaf, Toni created an architectural arrangement with the weight and boldness to complement a large contemporary vase. In the background, a painting, Saigon Gates, was a gift to Francie Faudree and Dale Gillman from the artist, Joe Niermann.

Duralee fabrics are used for draperies and a pair of “Sophie” Country French chairs from Charles Faudree Collections.

A colorful nosegay of roses, phlox and caspedia (dilly flower) benefits from its bronze box.

A wall grouping in Earlene Foster’s library showcases an antique Victorian barometer flanked by tole bouquets. Bergère chair covered in “Zambezi” print by Bru...