Book Review: French Chic

The lovely folks at Rizzoli sent me an advance copy of Florence de Dampierre‘s new book “French Chic – The Art of Decorating Houses”. And I must say it – ooh la la!

Florence de Dampierre is an interior designer and decorative arts historian. Her book gives us a room by room tour of her spectacular Federal era antique home in Connecticut. More than just a room tour, the book includes lessons in decorative arts history in America and France, references to Edith Wharton and her seminal “Decoration of Houses”, Elements of Decoration (floors, walls and colors, doors, windows, curtains, etc), and menues for easy French inspired entertaining. Sprinkled throughout are sidebars entitled “Chic Advice” which include tips and suggestions and the book ends with Chic Resources.

Florence de Dampierre

One of the points that this books makes is that the essence of the French lifestyle can be achieved on many budget levels. It takes an understanding of history and style, some imagination and creativity! And, it doesn’t happen over night. The goal is easy elegance. I’ll say it again – ooh la la!

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