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

Stylist Silm delivers winning design tips in this lovely tribute to “the simplicity of a rural existence.” After purchasing a grand but rundown home in France’s Béarn area, Silm and her family restored the home to stunning effect, the results of which are showcased here. The original kitchen was converted into a butler’s pantry, the library and scullery were used to create a long main kitchen with an imported duck-egg blue stove, and a juniper-hued toile adorns an inviting bathroom. In the book’s second part, Silm explains how readers can bring a bit of the French country style into their own homes, outlining color choices (mostly muted shades of gray, pale green, blue, brown, and tan) and offering expert advice on how to choose paints for walls and furniture. The author’s suggestions—most notably to decorate with existing pieces, as well as things to do when preparing to remodel—are refreshing, and the down-to-earth feel will encourage readers to get started. Delicious recipes for such dishes as braised quail and grapes, poule au pot, and Roussanne peach soup are a nice touch, as are the rich full-color, full-page photos. Francophiles and design aficionados alike will devour this. (May)