"french flavor"

Better Homes aand Gardens, special interest issue, Beautiful Interiors 2004, had an article called "french flavor", yes that is right no capitalization that epitimized the essence of France. Artist and Interior designer Lucinda Lester turned her home into a French home with antiques collected over a number of years. The photographer was Michael Garland.

In a corner of the dining room you will see a reproduction chair next to a salvaged porch column with a 1920's garden sculpture on it.

A concrete garden sculpture holds a olive jar with a floral arrangement in it next to 18th century French shutters.

Ten foot high iron gates fitted with glass panels create a front door. Lucinda designed her sofa and the pillows came from antique fabrics. The coffee table has a tole tray on top.

Note the two slipper chairs with sassy little skirts on them.The corner table was originally used in a garden.

The curving shapes of the coffee table and the terra cotta floor tiles are French in design.

  

Two triangular tables were placed on each side of a French walnut table. The lamps and the figurine on top of the table are Italian. Underneath the table is a French field basket that contains architectural pieces.
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Over the mantle is an 18th century gold leaf mirror and lead half planters. The 18th century chair is upholstered and the other chair is covered in leather.The small table can be re-placed with a larger one for intimate meals in front of the fire.

The chairs are covered in silk cushions. The two layered cloths give the table a dressy look. Antique shutters are leaned against one wall in the dining room. The free standing art work of three standing topiaries from Paris was re-created by an artist.

A seating area in the bedroom is furnished with a metal garden bench along with two 18th century chairs covered in a floral fabric. The floor is painted a creamy white. A sisal rug gives the area texture.

The headboard is 18th century French with carved ribbon detailing and caning on the footboard. The bed linens are antique. The side tables are oversized with a basket to help organize small items.

Another seating area in the bedroom has an armoire purchased in France. Lucinda put toile behind the glass doors to hide the TV. The antique French chairs are covered in gold floral suede.