Les Puces are back, and we are back at Les Puces! There was much joy when our local "flea" re-opened after confinement mid May. A lot of joy, and also lot of uncertainty. Who would have ever thought we could be in constant danger of getting a virus? We are living in historic times, my friends... So there was a lot of cheering, but no hugging, nor the habitual "les bises". All the means of safety were observed - the "gestes barrières", keeping distance from one another, masks, plenty of alcoholic gel. The management of the market has done a wonderful job making sure the place is safe and ready for business under current guidelines of the state. But in spite of all this, the atmosphere was there - our friendly vendors, beautiful objects to be discovered, the smiles (behind the masks, but the eyes were smiling!). And some tears, because we were happy we're all together after two months... Personally, even if we don't find anything at the flea market (which is a rare occurrence), we go for the sheer excitement of the possibility. But we did find a lot of new lovely things! My French Maison shop was almost empty of linen torchons, and now that we have two online shops (our Etsy shop is still open, check it out HERE), we work like busy bees to find appropriate items for both. We feature our latest finds on Instagram regularly, and you can also visit our WELCOME page for a quick look at our NEW IN STORE gallery. Thank you for being here! Things are not back to normal yet, and we still see longer deliveries than before, so big Merci to the clients who have purchased from us during these challenging times. We hope you are all well and safe - Joanna and Dorota #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #womeninbusiness #frenchfleamarket #wheretofindme #notrevieauxpuces

Spring - a symbol of renewal, a time of hope and rebirth. Every year we come out of a dark and cold period of winter to a bomb of colors and fragrance, the song of birds. Gradually the days get longer, the rays of sun seem to shine brighter. This year spring really is different - we found ourselves in a new reality. This terrible epidemic harmed many in many ways. At its best it has depressed us, saddened us, clipped our wings. Here in France the rules were outlined early, and very clearly, what is and what is not allowed. We all have to stay at home going out only when we have to. As for our little family in Lyon, we are lucky to work at home - we stay in, do our part by following the rules and being mindful of others around us. Dorota's family in Strasbourg tries to do the same, although she and her loved ones are also essential workers, so they have to stay in the frontlines. But this year spring is also really the same. And because it is spring, we needed to find something we can mark this beautiful season even when we are confined. Right before the lockdown we found some primroses at the market, took out our planters and placed the graceful flowers in them. They lasted for a few weeks, perched in pretty flower pots, giving us a bit of spring "chez nous". We would like to share with you this poem we found on the My Little Paris Facebook site: C'était en mars 2020 ... Les rues étaient vides, les magasins fermés, les gens ne pouvaient plus sortir. Mais le printemps ne savait pas, et les fleurs ont commencé à fleurir, le soleil brillait, les oiseaux chantaient, les hirondelles allaient bientôt arriver, le ciel était bleu, le matin arrivait pus tôt. C'était en mars 2020 ... Les jeunes devaient étudier en ligne, et trouver des occupations à la maison, les gens ne pouvaient plus faire de shopping, ni aller chez le coiffeur. Bientôt il n'y aurait plus de place dans les hôpitaux, et les gens continuaient de tomber malades. Mais le printemps ne savait pas, le temps d'aller au jardin arrivait, l'herbe verdissait. C'était en mars 2020 ... Les gens ont été mis en confinement. pour protéger les grands-parents, familles et enfants. Plus de réunion ni repas, de fête en famille. La peur est devenue réelle et les jours se ressemblaient. Mais le printemps ne savait pas, les pommiers, cerisiers et autres ont fleuri, les feuilles ont poussé. Les gens ont commencé à lire, jouer en famille, apprendre une langue, chantaient sur le balcon en invitant les voisins à faire de même, ils ont appris une nouvelle langue, être solidaires et se sont concentrés sur d'autres valeurs. Les gens ont réalisé l’importance de la santé, la souffrance, de ce monde qui s'était arrêté, de l’économie qui a dégringolé. Mais le printemps ne savait pas. les fleurs ont laissé leur place aux fruits, les oiseaux ont fait leur nid, les hirondelles étaient arrivées. Puis le jour de la libération est arrivé, les gens l'ont appris à la télé, le virus avait perdu, les gens sont descendus dans la rue, chantaient, pleuraient, embrassaient leurs voisins, sans masques ni gants. Et c'est là que l'été est arrivé, parce que le printemps ne savait pas. Il a continué à être là malgré tout, malgré le virus, la peur et la mort. Parce que le printemps ne savait pas, il a appris aux gens le pouvoir de la vie. (Source anonyme) We are hoping all of you are staying safe and healthy! Be well chers amis! #restezchezvous #lifeintimesofpandemic #confinement #lavieestbelle #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome

We have scheduled this post relating to the idea of "slow living" before the pandemic, before we became confined to our spaces, before many of us started re-evaluating our daily routines. This post was written by Dorota (originally in French), and is published in two versions, English and French. You see, "slow living", enjoying everyday life, taking your time, have always been enjoyed in her family. Read on! One day a friend whom I invited to my house said to me: "In France people take their time". I asked her what she meant - she made me realize that the French enjoy almost every moment of their daily lives. That day I was preparing a zucchini gratin using the ingredients that I had previously bought at the farmers market. She watched me peel the vegetables, cook them in a frying pan and finally put them in the oven with other ingredients. While they were cooking I made a flan for dessert. Thanks to her remark, I realized that our life has a different structure from hers, a fact that I never gave any thought before. Every day we sit at the table, together, to eat. We light candles, we serve the meals on pretty plates. We relax, we savour our food, we talk, we share the experiences of our day. We are having a good time (with some exceptions :)) Besides, do you know what the French are talking about at noon? The answer: "What are we going to eat in the evening ... :)" In any case, you too can try to take your time. It's not very hard. Just find a new recipe (or use your favorite one), make note of the ingredients (do you have a farmers market, or a shop with fresh produce, not far away?). Set the table and enjoy cooking and serving something good to your family or friends. The discussion will follow on its own. (by Dorota) Un jour, une amie que j'ai invité chez moi m'a dit: "En France les gens prennent leur temps". Je lui ai demandé ce qu'elle voulait dire: Elle m'a fait réaliser que les Français savourent presque chaque instant de leur quotidien . Ce jour-là j'étais en train de préparer un gratin de courgettes que j"avais auparavant acheté au marché. Elle me regardé les éplucher, les faire cuir dans une poêle et finalement les mettre au four avec d'autres ingrédients. Pendent qu'elles cuisaient j'ai préparé un flan pour le dessert Grâce à sa remarque je me suis rendue compte que notre vie était très structurée. Chaque jour on s’assoie à table pour manger. On allume des bougies, on présente les plats dans des jolies assiettes. On se détend, on savoure le repas, on discute, on échange. On passe un bon moment (sauf exception :) ) D'ailleurs, savez-vous de quoi parlent les Français à midi?, La réponse:" De ce qu'ils vont manger le soir...:)" En tout cas vous aussi , vous  pouvez essayer de prendre votre temps. Ce n'est pas très difficile. Il suffit de trouver une nouvelle recette, choisir soigneusement les ingrédients avez-vous un marché pas très loin?). Mettez la table et prenez du plaisir à cuisiner et servir quelque chose de bon à votre famille ou vos amis . La discussion va suivre toute seule. (par Dorota) We are using this post to let you know that we are fine here in France, staying put to the best our abilities, in our homes. And we would like to know how you are, and how you are coping with the new reality. We hope you are all safe and healthy! XX Love from all of us at My French Maison #slowliving #prenezvotretemps #lavieestbelle #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome #frenchlifestyle

We wanted to visit this little Parisian museum of Yves Saint Laurent's life and work since it opened in 2017, and finally in the fall last year, during one of our trips to Paris, on a very wet morning, we managed to make it happen. Because for us no other fashion designer personifies the idea of timeless elegance better than YSL. The museum is housed in the legendary original hôtel particulier where YSL lived, and where his studio was located for over 30 years. It is small but very well curated and cleverly arranged to experience the creative, public, and private lives of YSL, with numerous rooms devoted to his iconic creations and collections. Just entering the building we were transported into the stylish and elegant world of Haute Couture. Being lifelong design lovers we found ourselves in fashion paradise. As we perused the beautiful displays, it occurred to us that we're looking at designs that are 30-50 years old. And yet they looked fresh and beautiful, and we wouldn't mind having a thing or two from these collections in our own wardrobes... YSL's genius of garment construction, the art of presenting a woman's body in the best possible way, the ingenuity of making the fabric float around a silhouette, his gift of comfortable elegance is timeless. One could just throw on any dress, a gown, a pantsuit, from his collections (if we were so lucky!), and feel confident, modern, and fabulous. After we managed to leave the fashion displays (it was hard!), we proceeded to the exposition of jewelry, which was a delight. Every piece was displayed in an ingenious way, like a piece of candy. Each necklace, earring, brooch - exquisite, unique, original, created to adorn various looks of each collection. Apart from fashion there was much to learn about the great man's life, with a documentary, short movies from his atelier, and footage from the catwalks. There was one room, which resonated with us most. A special room that offered a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of the genius, and where we felt the presence of the designer - his atelier. The space looked as if YSL had just left the room - with the surfaces in creative disarray, with his desk full of the personal objects, the boards with ideas for future collections, half opened boxes of lace and buttons... And his white smock casually resting on the back of his chair... The shelves were full of books and art albums, used by the designer for inspiration and reference. Other than the colorful medley of fabric samples, ribbons, beads, and garments, all furniture, walls and floor were soothing white, the perfect canvas for the rest of the creative disarray. What can one say after such an experience? We left with our heads full of fashion dreams. We leave you with famous words of wisdom from Yves Saint Lauren himself: "Fashions fade, style is eternal". This small and beautiful museum is located at 5 avenue Marceau, 75116 Paris, France Website: www.museeyslparis.com #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome #travelsinfrance #paris #YSL #parismuseums

I cannot survive without art - I need objects that were created by a person, who was inspired by a place, or an idea, a feeling, around me. The objects with a soul. The objects that move me and make me think, and bring a smile to my face. One of a kind finds. To me a home without art is just a house. I love art, vintage and modern, I have too much of it (if there's such a thing), and there are not enough walls I can fill with it. Especially now, when I live in a rental (I avoid making more holes in our walls than necessary), I try coming up with many ways to see my treasures. If you're like me, and you love to be surrounded by your vintage art finds, read on: 1 - consider various ways of displaying art - it doesn't have to be on a wall! Art can be propped against walls or furniture, shown among collectibles, on bookshelves, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, entryway... 2 - it does not need to be framed; if you love it, you can buy it and take it to a frame shop (or buy a vintage frame for it); however you don't really need a frame. Sometimes an older painting looks fresher and more modern without it 3 - opposites attract - as well as various mediums, styles; photography next to oil painting, next to watercolor, there are no rules. Mix vintage art with modern, it will make for a great layered, eclectic look 4 - if you're new at it, remember that "Rome was not built in a day". Don't get discouraged, it's an adventure! (by Joanna) Would you like to share your ideas on how to decorate with art? Please comment - merci! The Vintage Art section in our shop can be found by clicking HERE To read our post on how to start a vintage art collection please go HERE. #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome #vintageart #collectingart #decoratingwithart

Dogs at the French flea markets... Lying in the sun, strolling around, visiting, belonging to the vendors, or to the market itself. Big, small, puppies, and silver around the muzzle. They guard the shops, snuggle on the chairs, walk bravely along their masters in the early morning. Dogs are everywhere at French les puces! They are guarding the property, even if you think their only obligation in the world is to bask in the warm sunshine and ignore the world. They could be posing on the vintage merchandise making you ask "how much is that doggie in the fauteuil?" There is one big beautiful dog we see at the Lyon market nearly every time we visit. Last summer we saw it was not doing that great - it had a big wound, scabbed over its long nose. It looked tired and was mainly lounging in the sun rather than wondering around the stalls as it was its usual way. But the wound was dressed, and there were stitches, so it seemed the dog was cared for. Still concerned we asked what happened to the beautiful creature? It turns out, the dog belongs to the market - it was hit by a car, and found by one of the vendors, who took it to the vet. All the vendors who have shops there helped with its care, and made sure it was doing well. So the creature recovered nicely, and again is guarding its market. He knows us now, so when he sees us he immediately finds a stick to play! We have to be clever to throw it for him far, and quickly hide, otherwise we would spend the entire morning playing with him versus shopping! And then there are the visiting dogs. All sizes and temperament, sometimes waiting patiently for their mistress to finish her coffee - And sometimes being quite impatient - "what is the big deal about this place?" they seem to be asking. The dogs, cats, and all creatures great and small - they all add the special flavor to the already special place - the marché aux puces. #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #frenchlife #dogs #mansbestfriend #dogphotography #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome

It's autumn again, our favorite season, when the evenings draw closer, and the mornings rise later, cool and misty.  The last of the flowers are blooming, the bounty of fruit and vegetables beckons from tables and farmers markets.  The days grow shorter, colder.  There is the change in the weather. The colors of the leaves are bright and beautiful, yet the melancholic mood hangs in the air like a foggy mist on a cold day. The nature draws inwards, and so do we. Cocooning, this is what we do.  We prepare our home for cold days, make it comfortable and cozy.  What does it mean for My French Maison “ladies of the house”?  Being in the metier of brocante, we have a compulsion to change things up almost all the time.  This time of year, this compulsion gets spun into high gear. For us creating more ambiance in our homes is it - for Dorota in Strasbourg it meant putting brand new art on the walls of her home (brand new for us means freshly found at the flea!), which made her see the colors and decor in her salon in the new light, so she is on a reupholstery kick right now. Joanna in Lyon brought out plenty of candles in all kinds of candlesticks she has been collecting - because on gloomy days we need to create our own sunshine!  She is also sourcing some (vintage, bien sur!) fabric for the sprucing up of two antique fauteuils she was lucky to find recently (we will write later how to persuade your family to live among your vintage finds…)  And because we live in two different cities, we don’t get to see the results first hand right away, so we talk all the time and text pictures. Our home decor gets some overhaul - we experiment with changing things up on the walls, adding some vintage finds, taking up projects, and yes - cooking more, spending more time with family and friends, in the soft glow of candlelight, serving delicious French food on ironstone found at Les Puces. And it makes us proud when our creativity makes our friends go WOW! We know we are not the only ones who are getting the “sprucing up for fall” bug.  Do share with us - Is fall your favorite season?  Does it inspire you to make your home more especial this season?  How do you bring the coziness and the spirit of closeness in your home?  Is it the candles, piles of pillows and blankets?  Or is it trying new recipes to savor with family and friends?  Or stacking up new books to read on dark evenings?   Or filling up your social calendar inviting friends over to show off your new decorating projects? #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor

I ended my last post at the moment of my arrival at what turned out to be now our house. Yes, it felt like home. But even when it "feels like home" one needs to separate feelings from common sense, right? There was a myriad of thoughts going through my brain - is this the right choice for us? What if we are making a mistake? What if decamping to the countryside is not the lifestyle we can adapt to? On the train ride back to Lyon I made a long list of pros and cons. Back in Lyon the same evening I told my husband - "you have to see this house". We called the agent the next day and arranged for the second visit. How does one make big decisions like buying a house? One shouldn't be guided by emotions, it takes discipline. And it is so easy to get caught up in a fantasy. On vacation you see beautiful stone houses, with roses climbing a fence, and everybody around speaking lovely French. It is like a fairy tale, and if we fall in love with something we can talk ourselves into almost anything... When we started looking to buy we made a list of important - realistic - considerations that our future place will need to meet. After all, it is not going to be a vacation property, but somewhere where we will live full time. It is going to be our last property that we buy and live in (barring such circumstances as living in an old folks home later, possibly...) Jim and I approached the task rationally, "armored" with a list of criteria we talked over many times. We decided to search in Burgundy after I abandoned the dream of living in Provence. We spent a few days there in July and after I almost passed out of heat exhaustion, it became apparent that the climate is not for me. The crowds of tourists, the insane traffic, and skyrocketing real estate prices helped the decision to not to settle there. Provence will always have a special place in my heart, but for everyday living we wanted somewhere quieter. Settling somewhere off the tourist track where summers are still temperate appealed to us. This part of Burgundy, in central, rural France, is stunning, but mostly undiscovered by too many tourists. This suits us. I mentioned that we made a list. It was revised a few times over the course of the search, but the main points remained: being able to get a daily baguette by walking to a boulangerie It's so important to have the basic "commerces" (shops) accessible on foot. When you look at the real estate listings in France, there are plenty of charming country properties, many of them far from the nearest bakery. We were realistic - I would detest to have to drive every day to get my daily baguette! In our little village we enjoy having a boulangerie, an epicerie, La Poste, a pharmacie, la biblioteque, a tabac/brasserie, and two salons de couiffure... as well an a doctor's office and a team of nurses that will come to your home to draw blood or give you an injection. All necessities are right here. an ample piece of land where one could have a garden - to our delight our garden is a private, walled, area with plenty of room for a flower garden and a "potager", still a "tabula rasa" for me, will be a wonderful project to plan it and grow flowers and vegetables. A small stream flows at the bottom of it... with an unobstructed view of nearby forests, hills, and farms off-street parking, and "elements d'ancien". Check, check and check. The house dates to 1795, is built from the Loire valley stone, and has numerous original details that miraculously stayed. The front "cour" is gated, offers privacy and space, and with two garages the parking is not a problem. And there are plenty original details for the vintage and antique obsessive me. The oak floors, the original "tomettes" (terracotta tiles), the beams, the fireplaces, the cornices... some renovations were acceptable to us - there will be a big reno coming our way shortly.... with some other modifications that we knew were coming in a few years, but didn't expect to deal with them so soon... but that's another story. we were looking to have an accessible public transportation - this is the big compromise we decided to make, to accept the lack of it. We are 30 km away from a train station. The bus line is nonexistent. For every minus there are bonus points - being in a beautiful region, living close to nature, in a small village surrounded by forests, in an area rich in history. Being able to breath fresher air, go for walk or on bike rides on country lanes straight from our front gate. Pouilly fume vineries are nearby, and charming small towns are easily accessible by car. All waiting for us to be discovered! Our house search in Burgundy was nearing a year. After over five years in living in rental apartments in a busy city we yearned for a place to call our own. So the decision to purchase this house was reached with a heart and a head at the same time. My husband and I saw the house together almost two weeks after my visit there. I was on pins and needles, afraid that someone else will swoop in and buy it! Or that Jim will not see the charm and possibilities of this place the same way I do. We spent a few intense days in the area, weighing many details... We decided to make an offer. It was accepted immediately. That was April 2023. Yes, it does take a looong time to close on real estate property in France. We signed the final sales contract at the end of September. The madness of the big move to the countryside was upon us... To be continued.... Thank you for following along! xoxo Joanna

We see these pretty vintage toast racks when we visit the flea markets, and most people pass them by. Because, really, they are things of the past. We have electric toasters to conveniently pop in and pop out our slices or bread, all warm and deliciously crusty. No one makes breakfast a big affair. But what about the object itself? It is not a novel idea, mind you, but it begs to be mentioned again. Organizing our desk has never been so rewarding before with this pretty toast rack. It holds envelopes, pretty cards, just waiting to scribble a quick note to a friend. Which is a more personal form of communication in the age of texting and email anyway! We found this handsome piece - where else? - at the flea market. And now we can keep our paper bits and pieces all neat in one place, AND have a stylish addition to our desk. Our pretty toast rack/letter holder (made by renowned luxury manufacturer ERCUIS) is now in our shop, you can se it by clicking HERE. #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome #organizedhome

If I had to summarize year 2020 in one sentence, I'd choose one of my favorite quotes - "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans"- by John Lennon. How is life treating you, our dear readers? It has been many months since our lives started changing, for virtually everyone in every corner of this world. Our lives have changed, and we have changed, often by forces out of our control. What has not changed is our will to be together with our loved ones. And now with only a few days away from Christmas, it is the hardest part - it will be a very different holiday this year. I have started writing this blog post (the last one this year!) many times. I didn't want to sound sad, and I didn't want to seem too breezy. How does one strike the right balance, when we know so many things are wrong? You may have noticed there wasn't a new post since October. I have thought to write about things we found at the flea markets, things we are passionate about in our "brocante" world, and then thought - who wants to hear about antique napkins these days? There are more important things on people's minds, in this "annus horribilis" of 2020, in the year that turned everything on its head. So it's been quiet on the blog front for a few weeks. But then we have heard from some Instagram followers how they all appreciate distraction from grim news, and they like seeing crystal chandeliers, and embroidered pretty things, and stacks of old silverware... So as Christmas and the end of the year are approaching, we are reaching out with big thanks for being with us, ordering from us, following us, sharing the joys of antique beauty. We hope, and we are keeping out fingers crossed! that next year will bring favorable changes for the better, and the world will be able to start recovering. And although this Christmas will be different, the sobriety of this year does not mean that we must forget the joys that this time of year usually brings. This year's celebrations will be special but not complicated in our household. We will celebrate with just each other (and our dog at our feet waiting for a morsel or two). And we will do it with style, pulling out all the loveliest china, and linen, and silverware. I love the ritual of getting ready for this special time of year. Selecting china, silverware, linen... Arranging greenery, boughs of holy with its cheerful red berries, adding new ideas to our table each year as our personal collection of vintage and antique treasures grows... Giving these special, beautiful finds their spotlight again brings me joy - I can imagine how they were cherished by their previous owners, when they were part of family celebrations, adored year after year, and passed to younger generations. This year the ritual is the same, and gives me a chance to take my mind off the very serious state of the world as well... The end of the year is a time of reflection, and no doubt we will have a lot to think about this year. And as I am writing these words, I am thinking of all the lessons that this complicated time has given us. What the last few months have taught me that no matter how much effort you put into trying to change what cannot be changed, no matter how frustrated you get, there are forces that are out of your control, and one cannot change the tide; one must accept what one cannot change. And in these times when our patience, and believes, and values are being challenged, there are a few constants that I will always have faith in - human connection, friendships and kindness, and - to keep it light - the restorative power of chocolate and champagne! And I believe that better times are coming! - by Joanna As the year 2020 is winding down, we at My French Maison want to wish you all the best. Be healthy, stay well, stay safe! Merci! xoxo Joanna and Dorota #christmasdecor #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarketdecor #vintagehome

We are in a part of year when the holidays are long gone, and waiting for spring seems to be unbearable. There is little greenery, and cold days do not encourage spending too much time outdoors. The hardest part for me it is the lack of color - especially the fresh green that signals the coming of spring. And especially this year... Fortunately there is plenty we can do indoors - the forcing of spring bulbs (which are available in many garden centers, and other shops as well) is so easy - just add water! And in no time they reward you with fresh leaves, colorful flowers, and heavenly scent. In the country side there are already signs of spring I am told - such as the tiny daffodils that we found at our farmers market in our "quartier" - that can be foraged in the woods, and fields. In a city such as Lyon we need to resort to purchasing the flowers (and support our local businesses by doing that), and - forcing bulbs! I always find it uplifting getting my hands a little dirty, touching soil, soft moss when I decorate the edges of my flower pots, and then waking up to smell the hyacinths... Good for the soul! Happy gardening! - Joanna #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #collecting #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket#passionforvintage#fleamarketdecor #vintagehome #wintergarden #indoorgardening

What defines the style that has been around for ages? When asked what is exactly French Country style, I picture natural wood, stone walls, tiled floors worn by generations, everything in a muted color palette, touches of brass, shine of old silver, a sparkle of crystal chandeliers, buttery yellow of old stoneware, gleam of mirrors, texture of linen... There is an easy going personality about this style, never forced. It is casual, almost no maintenance, and soothing on the eyes. The style one can live with forever. Its is also a workhorse - no matter what you do, mess it up, work it hard, use it relentlessly, it only looks better and better. Nothing needs to be too perfect, polished, ironed and starched to perfection. Although there are many interpretations of this enduring style, the elements that are always there are natural materials of wood, linen, wicker, and thick ceramic can take abuse of every day life, and age beautifully. The more I collect the items that make my heart sing, the more I fall in love with this easy going and yet so beautiful way of decorating. And yet, this simple and elegant style can be achieved almost effortlessly. It has been around for centuries, and yet remains uncomplicated, balancing elegant and rustic, simple and sophisticated. I think of it as a white button down and jeans of interior design. Luxurious, but down to earth. Perfect in every room in the home, it works particularly well in the kitchen, where one can invest in a great set of copper pans (it will reward you with hard work, and improving looks, for years), stack up linen torchons in a wicker basket, and ironstone dishes high. Never buttoned up, ironed out, too polished, it encourages long conversations, candle lit dinners, slower pace of living... We are obviously huge fans of French country style at My French Maison. Many books were written about it, with excellent photography, so I am not even going to try to do a one better here! I have been a fan for over thirty years, and having lived in many types of homes - from a cottage to a mid-century modern home, I always managed to bring in some of the French country into my space. We now live in a hundred year old Haussmannian apartment, and te French country spirit lives well within its walls (next to a bit of Art Nouveau!). When I look for French country elements at French flea markets, here are the objects that are always on my radar: I simply cannot pass up on linen kitchen towels, white ironstone, blue on white transferware dishes, aged silver flatware, wood cutting boards, brass and silver candlesticks, copper pots and pans, wicker baskets... Naturally I prefer vintage and antique pieces that give the instant lived-in look to the space. And let's not forget the little things that although are not functional, add the texture and visual interest. Little wooden stools (chippy paint won't hurt!), wicker baskets, wooden petanque balls, big spools of natural colored yarn... It's the balance of rustic and refined of weathered finishes, natural materials, that give the casual elegant look of French country. The style has fluidity - after all decorating should be fun! - it ventures into rustic, dips its toes in "cottage" and "shabby chic". I have some personal favorites that I happily mix into the neutral, greige decor I prefer: the silver plated trays, antique white porcelain (preferably with the charming heads in the sides), antique books with faded illustrations and ivory white pages, and antique fabrics with romantic, garden elements, that I am becoming quite passionate about. Where to get it? For me the constant source of what for us is "French country", are (you guessed it!) the flea markets in France. Many garage sales by you will often have a thing or two... Same goes for charity and thrift shops, and don't forget listings for estate sales (the pandemic might have put a damper on some of these though...). And of course there is us :) and may other independent collectors and sellers on-line, passionate about what the do and offer. I am a bit too much obsessed with Pinterest , and of course Instagram (you can follow us there by clicking on the links). If you've read this post to the end, I know that you are already a fan of the French country style, or you're just falling in love... But if you're a sceptic, all I can say that even when you have only a small nook to play with, a bunch of fresh flowers in a white pitcher will take it into the "right" direction. - by Joanna