How to French Country: Color and Design Inspiration from Southwest France

Designer and journalist Silm invites readers into her home in the French countryside to distill design and lifestyle inspiration in this charming book. She and her family relocated from Australia to Béarn, a province in the Pyrenees Mountains, and began the journey of renovating a chateau and embracing a slower, rural life. Silm details the renovation but engages readers by focusing on approachable ideas for drawing inspiration from the French countryside in design and daily life. Her interpretation of French country style embraces traditional elements of the home and region while incorporating personal touches from her family and travels. At the core of the book is a standout section on color, paint, and patterns. It includes palettes, color codes, and techniques, accompanied by vivid photos of the Béarn landscape and community. The book also features selected seasonal recipes and a curated sourcing guide, making this an entertaining introduction to the French countryside. Readers looking for more ideas from the French countryside may also enjoy Ros Byam Shaw’s Perfect French Country: Inspirational Interiors from Rural France.