Room Tour: Breakfast Nook

A few days ago, I blogged about my Italian breakfast nook table. You can read about it here.  I thought I would give you a little more information about this room’s décor.

It’s very simplistic and relaxed without a lot of fuss.

There is a decidedly Country French theme going on here.  The color palette is mostly paprika and soft yellow with warm fruitwood for the furniture.  The wall color is Sherwin Williams Blonde.  The faux silk drape panels were actually the inspiration for the color scheme.  I’m beginning to tire of the Williamsburg placemats, and will have to change it up in the spring.

This is a view looking toward the family room (kitchen is on the left).  There is a see-thru fireplace between the nook and the family room.  Both sides are COMPLETELY different.  The family room has a very traditional white mantle, but I wanted something very  unique on the nook side.  I can see this wall when I’m doing dishes, and I wanted something great to look at.

Below is the photo that was my inspiration.  It came from the Better Homes and Gardens book entitled, “Romantic Homes”.  This bathroom was in a Tuscan-style villa and had the most gorgeous antique natural stone tiles surrounding the fireplace.  I carried this picture around when I was shopping for tile and it’s still in my Style File that I created

 for my home when we were building six years ago!

The tile that I found was handmade artisan tile from Sonoma County in CA.  I couldn’t resist the fleur-de-lis.  The random colored diamonds are yellow glass.

I’ve never been able to make myself hang anything on the wall above it.  I want it to be the pièce de résistance. I feel like if anything were above it, your eye would travel up instead of focusing on the tile.  And there’s that great 1920s French basket that I blogged about awhile ago.  It came from my friend, Cat, over at Sunday Brocantes, who has a great blog and Etsy shop.

The rush seat chairs are French Provençal style and came from the now out- of- business Pierre Deux store.  I love the detailed carving.

The chair pads are also from Pierre Deux and was their Matin et Soir toile pattern.

When I had the drapes made, I requested a wide coordinating band at the bottom.  I really like this look although I wish the band had been bigger.  A communication faux pas I guess.

I have decorating books all over the house used for styling vignettes.

This is the most incredible wrought iron Art Nouveau table I found about 12 years ago.  It has the most amazing detail that I hate to cover up.  

Such a romantic lovely lady!

The original (now out of print) Pierre Deux French County book rests on my sideboard.   It is still a go-to source for me. Pierre Moulin and Pierre LeVec did a wonderful job of introducing Americans to the French Country style in 1989.  I think they are in part somewhat responsible for the “look” becoming so popular here.  I urge you , if you don’t already own this book , to go to Amazon or ebay and buy it. You can find good used copies and I believe this is one of the must-reads for anyone who loves Country French.  (And, of course, Betty Lou Phillips’ books were a staple for me when I was decorating this house, too.)

This pear painting with my color palette was a lucky find at a local antique store.  I just love the pop of color.  I already had the large wooden pear.

And, I had to include some of my French pottery, such as this pouring bowl.  Notice my current copy of Romantic Home magazine!

The sideboard is from Ethan Allen’s Belle Maison collection.  The lamp is by Lam Lee and is very tall!  A neutral rug defines the table and chairs and the wood floors are Brazilian cherry by Bella Wood.   They are not stained….this is their natural color and they darken with age.  I have this flooring through most of my house.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this room tour.  I’m actually in the middle of  painting a vintage desk right now using ASCP.  Got to go finish waxing it!!!

Blessings,

Kim

Linking up to:

French Obsession Party at Le Chateau Des Fleurs

Voilà! French Inspiration Thursday at French Cupboard

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Show and Tell Friday at Romantic Home

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Inspiration Friday @ At the Picket Fence