Country Living the Illustrated Cottage: A Decorative Fairy Tale Inspired by Provence

A few years back I bought a little farmhouse and quickly ran out of ideas to make it even more unique than it already was. Not wanting what the neighbor's had in decor and finish I picked up this little book to see if it sparked any new creativity... Hmmm...four years later this is still one of my favorite little dream guides. Although some of the ideas don't fit with our lifestyle, the concepts do (painting reminiscent and personal stories on our walls). This book is an inspiration to anyone wanting a home that is unqiuely theirs, that tells their story, and invites all visitors to become a part of their life, just by entering the front door.

As stated in the book's introduction, the decoration of thishouse does indeed capture the mood, spirit and colors ofProvence. Anyone looking for ideas or studies of trompe l'oeilwill totally enjoy the art on every page. I remember thefirst time I saw the art of Fisher and Chappell in an old issueof Country Living magazine. They artfully painted a gardenshed and it made the cover of the magazine. A story unfoldsas you go room to room in this house, the walls are the illustrations. French tiles, a mouse on garden tools, rabbitsin a hutch, windows to lavender fields, murals of gloriousProvencal landscapes, a broken plate on the floor, pearls on the stair steps, rose petals on a window sill: are theyreal or painted? An excellent addition to a collection ofinterior design books. You can't go wrong here. The resourceguide in the back features decorative sources, fabric and upholstery sources, garden catalogs and graphic designers.Lots of garden pictures too as Nina Williams was the foundingeditor of Country Living Gardener. From the kitchen to theatelier, the boudoir to the foyer you will find inspiration!Thumbs up!

I can't finish this book. It's so good,I want to leave some for other days.The decor is fasinating.

This is a lovely and gorgeous decorating book. The colors and the ideas are so inspirational. The author's ideas for her home are very unique - not the everyday fare you would find in decorating magazines. The murals she had painted are spectacular but I also liked the way fabrics and baskets and decorative items were put together. The text is also lovely and made me want to visit Provence. Highly recommend this enchanting book.