An Exclusive Tour of Auckland Interior Designer Irene Crean's French Provencal Home - Part Three

Continuing with part three of Auckland interior designer, Irene Crean's French Provencal home. This post features the fabulous French style kitchen, dining and stunning outdoor patio complete with fireplace.

An Exclusive Tour of Auckland Interior Designer, Irene Crean's French Provencal Style Home - Part Two of Four

The second part of a four part tour of interior designer, Irene Crean's stunning, French Provencal style home.

French Bedroom Company - Traditional and quirky mix of French style

I believe there is a growing trend to incorporate French style furniture in modern interiors and designers are opting to mix traditional French pieces with their contemporary counterparts. I am not talking shabby chic or French Provencal, I'm referring to traditional styles in lolly coloured fabrics or specialised paint finishes. When I discover a traditional interior with a pop of colour it makes me want to throw away my 'neutral' living room and start all over again, however it takes a brave person to vamp up a traditionally styled piece of furniture with bold colours. Look at the impact these colourful chairs below have on the neutral decor in this dining area. Personally I would have preferred a set of coloured chairs rather than just two, but these days there are no rules, breaking the rules when it comes to interior design will often give the wow factor the designer is seeking.

Image source

Most of us are familiar with the Kartell Louis ghost chair, inspired by the original Louis XV chairs, a perfect example of a modern twist on French design. Today's designers are taking traditional French style and adding a twist. The French Bedroom Company, a British company who have recently been awarded the cool brands award 2013/2014 have a fantastic range of both these styles, traditional French pieces combined with contemporary versions. The company have a wide range of furniture and accessories, from seating, beds, armoires, drawers, cabinets and tables and those essential extras, cushions, rugs, mirrors and lighting to complete the look. The French Bedroom Company's quirky take on French style is fabulous, their Deer looking glass is definitely a statement piece. A stags head mounted at the top of the mirror is flocked in white, the mirror can be flocked in any colour, giving you a tactile, personalised piece that will definitely become a talking point in your home.

 'My Deer Looking glass' - I can visualise this mirror flocked in bright blue...stunning!

Love the pink mirror - how fabulous in a  little girls room, a big girl's too for that matter!

This little cushion chap is absolutely adorable and a must for any doggy owner don't you think?

The Sylvia silver bed - OTT and why not!

The French Bedroom Company certainly  have a fabulous selection of products. Unfortunately I can't share them all so instead I have created a board of some of the ones that stood out for me...

1. Fashion Forward Seat

2. Fight Me Grand Antler Wall Light

3. Sistine Chapel Ceiling Pendant Light - I think this is absolutely awesome!

4. Cafe de Paris Dressing Screen

5. Rollo Red Cowhide

6. Petite Bouledogue Lamp

7. Darling Buds Cushion

The French Bedroom Company not only have cool brands, they also have a cool Blog where you can check out their latest products and mood boards.

Images above via The French Bed Company

Have a wonderful weekend, it's a fabulous sunny, spring day in Auckland, I hear the sun is shining in Sydney and I believe you are still having a great summer in London.

French Style Living - Mood Board for a Cosy corner

Simply divine!...

Images via: Une Maison

Wouldn't you love a dreamy corner of your living area to have that French feel, I have created a mood board of ideas for you.  My own house is based on neutral colours and white walls, however I have used my mood board to explore some colour. Robins Egg Blue from the Karen Walker range at Resene is gorgeous against neutral furnishing. I would use half strength Robins Egg Blue as I think this would look amazing on the walls and the same shade could be introduced as an accent colour in cushions and accessories.

It is important when changing paint colour that you do try test pots and see how the colour changes relating to different times of the day.  Colour can take on a completely different look under artificial light too and by simply changing your type of light bulb can affect the way your colour looks at night.  I test my colour by painting a large swatch in a corner where the two walls meet (12" x 12" on both walls).  Live with the colour a few days and try different strengths of the same colour if you feel it's a little on the dark or light side. Don't forget that colour can also look different against a different coloured background so if your old walls are dark, I recommend you paint a larger area in white first and then your test pot colour over the top.

French Style Mood Board - This furniture would look wonderful placed in a corner of a living room next to your French Doors, where you can laze, view the garden and read a book.

The faux fur throws add texture and softness to the chaise lounge. All the products are from Layla Grayce except the faux throws from West Elm. The lamp will look great on the small side table between the chaise and the chair.   I absolutely love Layla Grayce and sad that we do not have a branch in New Zealand.  I am hoping that some of our Interior shops here may see their products and be able to source similar for our market as they have a great range of French style furniture and accessories.

I hope I have added a little inspiration to your day

If the weather stays good I will be photographing 2 gardens this week to share, one being a gorgeous cottage garden in Auckland that has been established over the past 30 years, I am hoping I can get a sneak peak inside for you too.

Lee x