French vocation

Melissa Penfold accents Gallic flair and says vive la différence.

THE FRENCH KNOW how to celebrate the art of easy entertaining, decorating and living – do as they do and appreciate the simple things. The secret is to focus on the feeling of your rooms or table setting. Keywords are personal, comfortable, simple and chic. Here’s how to add a certain je ne sais quoi to your living space. MAKE IT YOUR OWN Splurging on big-ticket items is no guarantee you’ll love the look. Style is mixing it up and making it individual, not just having deep pockets. START WITH A STAPLE French living rooms begin with a great sofa; choose one with a texture and colour you love. KEEP THE OLD Select a few pieces that bring patina to a space, or something with a tale to tell – a family heirloom or something found overseas, for example. ART YOU LOVE The French always follow their heart. So splurge on art that makes you unreasonably happy.

OPT FOR ‘FORMAL INFORMALITY’ Balance elements so you can host a formal affair when necessary but still enjoy your space every day without being too concerned about stains, scratches and marks.

PLAY BY YOUR RULES Traditional design may advise against curtains that pool on the floor but the best French interiors have their own rules. Aim to create a layered, dimensional look full of unique personality.

CONTRADICT YOURSELF The French are masters at pairing the unexpected and mixing up genres. Pull things from different eras into a harmonious whole. Contrast textures: put velvet with wool or linen. Mix incongruous elements: a Provençal table with mid-century chairs. STICK TO A PALETTE Integrating different textures in similar colours will add depth to your space.

BUY LESS, BUY BETTER Our French friends know it’s cheaper to buy the best you can afford, from Carrara marble tiles to plush Egyptian cotton towels.

BE A CURATOR Parisiennes think minimal. A well-placed artwork can make more of an impact than a gallery wall. EAT HOME-STYLE The French like everything homemade and simple, good food. It’s about a delicious mushroom omelette when you have house guests. Make it easy. VEGETATE A mix of seasonal produce such as pumpkins, zucchini and carrots makes a stunning table centrepiece. UNFUSSY SETTINGS Lay a table with an ecru linen or cotton cloth, add stoneware platters, bistro china and cutlery, and finish with bunches of foliage or fresh herbs for a look that’s beautiful, natural and original.

TAKE A LEAF To create a relaxed, festive atmosphere when entertaining, the French plan a menu that can be prepared ahead so you’re not stuck out in the kitchen.

1 Newfield bentwood $239, livingbydesign.net.au 2 Melissa’s kitchen features Cabbage Ware handmade Portuguese dinner $72 each, pigottsstore.com.au; small vintage marble $120, and Burmese oval rattan $90, orienthouse. com.au; Le Creuset Signature $659/28cm, davidjones.com 3 Le Creuset Classic $79/1.3L, kitchenwarehouse. com.au 4 Moët & Chandon’s Château de Saran moet.com 5 French from Lawsons Auctioneers at Melissa’s country house, lawsons.com.au 6 Melissa’s country garden features a from a local garden centre espaliered on the wall. 7 Chasseur copper roasting $199, livingbydesign.net.au 8 Rustic wooden $130, orienthouse.com.au