Can't teach a dog new tricks.. or can you ?! July 20 2015

I am not naturally a details girl.  There, I have said it.. I like to keep things simple, straight forward.  Having said that.. perhaps it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks.  I am now learning that a little attention to detail goes such a very long way.

So please forgive this startling admission from the lady who conceived the idea of vintagefrench.com.  I am learning on the job.

In the beginning vintagefrench.com was about the mix of old furniture with new.  Of creating warmth and soul to a room, about not consigning beautifully hand crafted items made from stunning materials to the tip, about looking at a piece and seeing beyond its current condition and infusing a new look to it, to give it new life or a new chapter to its life.

Of course sound thinking in our current day and age… and perhaps reminiscent of the ‘make do and mend’ times gone by.

An inspired recent gift from a Lady I am learning such a great deal from in the interiors world, has lead me to examine interior details and the balance that can be achieved whilst still keeping things simple.

Hans Blomquist has written some stunning books regarding his view on interior decoration in a natural way.  Whilst not every leafy English home would be suitable to house concrete floors (which I love in the right place), I simply adore how he mixes so many different styles to create a layered look and one which celebrates design and craftsmanship of days gone by.

‘The neutral colour scheme makes the perfect backdrop for some things that are very old and some things that are brand new, some that are patterned and others that are plain.  The most creative spaces are fluid, whereas homes that are over styled, where too much thought has gone into the process and where everything is matching to perfection, can feel strangely sterile and boring.  Mixing styles, materials, furniture and other pieces from various eras makes a home much more personal and interesting.’  Hans Blomquist

 Vintagefrench.com has begun to introduce into its collections more of these smaller items that offer us the chance to ‘play’ with our schemes.  A beautifully curated branch in a vintage wine bottle, a selection of miss matched stools at a kitchen island, a vintage letter or toy on the shelf of a child’s bedroom.  I am learning that these touches, gives a soothing feeling to a room.. not so ordered, not so predictable.. much more interesting.

 Sophie Warren Vintagefrench.com