Guest Picks: Live a French Romance in the Bedroom

I'll never forget my first visit to the Luberon Valley in the South of France years ago. I arrived at a home on the side of the hill, where the owner led me to what would be my room for the week. I descended several steps, then ducked my head to avoid a low beam as the passageway narrowed. After a sharp turn, I entered the oldest part of the home, built in the 17th century. The host gently opened the doors, revealing a stone-walled room filled with charming French antiques and a luscious bed.

I was in heaven, and yet, the best was yet to come. With a dramatic flourish, the owner leaned out the window as he opened the exterior shutters, revealing the most breathtaking view I have ever seen. I gasped as I stood there amazed by the stunning vistas of the verdant valley below, with the postcard town of Bonnieux nestled in the distance hills. That room became the standard by which I have measured every French room since. Here are some items that remind of that romantic French retreat. — Anita from Cedar Hill Ranch

Legacy Home 'Essex' Bed Linens - $280.00 » This bedding echoes the set I made for my own bed using Italian linen in an oatmeal color. The gathered sides add a soft and airy feel to the room. This is definitely a splurge item, but it's so beautiful and elegant.


Found Olive Bucket - $69.00 » I love these vintage olive buckets and use them for so many things in my home. To add an authentic French country feel to your room, use them to hold extra pillows or towels. One of my olive buckets holds several bolts of linen fabric waiting for my next project.


Dried Lavender Bunch - $9.95 » Dried lavender adds a heavenly scent to any room. I've got several bundles in my house. One large bundle sits in an antique French enamel pitcher, while the others are delicately held together with white satin ribbon and stacked on a chair.


Valletta Candle Sconce - $179.00 » I have been in love with this candle sconce for a long time, and I finally bought one for my new home. I have an old French door that I plan to mount on the wall, and this will be mounted on that door.


Jeanne d'Arc Living Pillow Slips, Flour Sacks - $64.00 » French grain sacks are all the rage, and I simply cannot get enough of them. I use lots of authentic European grain sacks in my home, but these new grain sack–inspired pillows are just as charming. They add understated French elegance.


Windsor Side Table - $543.29 » This little table is delightful, and the rustic finish makes it look like it belongs in an old house in France. I'm thinking it would make a wonderful bedside table.


Aidan Gray Decor Painted Cream Mini Candlestick Set - $90.00 » Candlelight adds the perfect amount of romance to a bedroom, and these are some of the most beautiful candlesticks I have ever seen. The mix of white paint, soft gold details and iron on top makes this pair special and très French.


Vintage French Round Arm Chair - $329.00 » Is it wrong to be in love with a chair? I hope not, because I'm in love with this one. Besides, what's a French room without a beautiful French chair? I love all of the details, from the white painted wood to the oatmeal-colored fabric.


Traveler's Wicker Chest - $299.00 » I collect antique wicker baskets because they add a certain elegance and faded charm to a room. Plus, they just are great for storing things. These baskets, although new, have gorgeous iron detailing that gives them an old appearance. They could be used at the foot of the bed or as side tables between chairs.


Vintage-style Nesting Herb Crates - $39.95 » When I think of French accents, I think of natural elements such as wood, wicker, iron and linen. These boxes could be used on the wall or on a table. I love the idea of filling them with fresh flowers or even bundles of lavender.


Trophy Cup - $159.00 » I have several vintage silver trophies in my home, but the reality is that they are hard to come by — and can be very expensive. So I was very excited to find these reproduction silver trophies. They add a a subtle French touch to any decor.


Hughes Industrial Accent Table - $199.99 » Industrial touches are so hot now, and this table adds the look without breaking the bank. With its rustic appeal, it blends perfectly with more refined elements to give a room a mix of textures and a feeling that the room has been around forever.


Wire Shelf with Coat Hooks - $42.95 » This rusty iron shelf is so charming and simple. I think it would add wonderful texture, as well as extra storage space, to a French country bedroom.


Aidan Gray Lighting Table Lamp Balustrade - $248.00 » Isn't this lamp divine? The gray, the gold and the gorgeous linen shade are wonderful. If only I had a place for a set of these.


Grande Bouquet Plaque - $229.00 » This relief was created from a Parisian architectural find. That's enough to get me interested! I adore this piece so much that I have it hanging on the wall above my bed. It really is sized perfectly and adds some French goodness to the room.


Delcampe Petite Alarm Clock - $65.00 » This is another item I already own. It's an elegant way to keep time, so much prettier than a digital alarm clock.


Santos with Wings - $199.00 » I love Santos! They add an old-world feel to a space and give it character. I think this lady with wings is even more unique and beautiful than the typical Santos.


Monogrammed Linen Accessories, Ribbon Trim - $49.00 » Yes, I love monogrammed anything. It's not my fault either — it's in my Southern DNA. I can't explain it; we just love to see our initials on things.


Pinot Noir Ottoman - $124.99 » I have the expensive Adian Gray version of this ottoman, so I recognize what a steal this one is. Grab it while you can for less than $200. It would make a great seat for a little French vanity.


Quorum International Salento 6-light 1-tier Candle-style Up Light Chandelier - $298.00 » Oh my, this is one of my all-time favorite items. This chandelier feels so old and yet so elegant. If I didn't live in Texas, I would hang one of these in my bedroom. (Because of the oppressive summer heat in the Lone Star State, it is practically state law that you have a ceiling fan in the bedroom.) I did buy this beauty, but she's going in the dining room.

Next: My Houzz: French Country Meets Southern Farmhouse Style in Georgia

URL: Guest Picks: Live a French Romance in the Bedroom http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-18314.html