Synopsis

"Too much is never enough," says Charles Faudree, who has achieved an international reputation for creating settings that have all the elegant accoutrements of a Country French estate. It is a union of the rustic with the refined that creates Charles' distinctive style of casual, understated elegance. With creations that are always artful, eclectic and inspiring, Charles is a master at one of the main tenets of Country French-combining traditional prints, patterns, colors and textures with just the right furnishings.

The style has its origins in the French countryside, straddling both the southern and northern regions of western Europe and drawing from many influences. With a look at old and new collections, blue and white Chinese export porcelain, painted furniture, Napoleonic figures, antique furnishings, unusual fabrics, accessories and architectural adornments, Country French is an inviting and exhilarating look into Charles' innate sense of balance in the way he juxtaposes fabrics, furnishings, color and accessories to create a cohesive interior portrait. Within some designs, experience the beautiful craftsmanship of the 17th and 18th centuries when ebenistes, the skilled cabinetmakers near Paris, created exquisite pieces, often for royalty and wealthy clients.

Many of the antiques Charles uses from this period reflect the hierarchy among furniture makers of that era: the menuisier, or joiner, who made plain carved wood chairs and tables; the sculpteur, who did the carving; the fondeur-chiseleur, who made the metal mounts; the doreur, the gilder of both mounts and wood; and finally, the tapissier, who completed the project with upholstery. From XXX illustrations, you'll be able to see the simplicity of magically transferring your home into a fabulous French farmhouse with a pleasing, timeless appeal.

Veranda magazine

beautifully photographed...Faudree's ruminations offer sage advice on the elements of this design vernacular

Biography

.

Jenifer Jordan's work has been featured in Traditional Home, Renovation Style, House Beautiful, Southern Accents and Veranda, as well as in all of Faudree's previous books.

Charles Faudree graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with a degree in art. His client list is international, and he is regarded as a master of Country French Style. This is his fifth book. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.