The art of Provence

I came across this darling French, Provencial house in the "French connection" book.  Today I wanted to show you that small spaces can not only be practical, but also perfectly dreamy!

Here is the kitchen!  The functionality of this kitchen for its size is awesome!!!  I would love to recreate this kitchen, I wish there was a larger picture showing the Lacanche oven and the stone sink.

The dining room is yummy yummy yummy...ha, I love everything about it!!!  Look at the 18th century buffet - every dining room needs one of these right?  Above the buffet stands an 18th century "cartoon."   "Cartoons" were used as models for tapestry's.

Usually in Provence all the mantels are limestone carved by local artisans.  Too bad they're pricy, but worth every penny!

Again, I wish there was a larger picture of this bathroom.  I love the color palette of neutrals, I always think it's smart to keep frills to a minimum.

Look at the nineteenth-century nursing chair next to the tub!  I love unexpected pieces of furniture in unexpected places.  Don't forget the thick, fresh scented towels on the chair!

Gers, France

Lets talk Gers, France!  It is said to be a region of Europe where people live the longest...sounds good to me!  It has always been said that this region "is where the good life comes easy."

Anne Gayet is a former Parisian antiques dealer who decided to work on the remains of an old home left to a century of rack and ruin.  I love the Gustavian style she incorporated with the southern climate.

I love the textures!!

Love the collection of silver-gilded mirrors!  It brings the perfect touch of opulence to the more rustic wood.  Below the 17th-century pier glass is a perfect balance next to the beautiful set of English terra-cotta terrines.

I love how she put the Directoire gaming table with the Louis XV chair behind the couch.  Everything is so soft and serene.

Look how darling this room is.  It is a summer living room that looks out onto the swimming pool through beautiful French windows.  I love the Gustavian table and bench seat.  Can I just say "DREAMY"

I can't help but notice how beautiful the floors are in this house, there is so much texture and dimension.  I love the 19th-century bronze-and-crystal chandelier coupled with the (Blanc d'Ivoire) quilted table cloth.  Where is (Blanc d'Ivoire) when you need them?  Please make your stuff more accessible for Americans?

Way to go Anne...you're amazing!!!!

Now who wouldn't want to move to Gers and live a long wonderful life?

I just need to learn French first.

Dream Beach Home

My family's favorite place to vacation is California!  I have always been torn between the mountains of Utah and the ocean; so I'm putting it out there...I'm dreaming of a beach home in Corona del mar, California and it would look like this:

The kitchen would reflect the soft earthiness and hues of the ocean and sand

There will be fun soft colorful pillows where family and friends can sit, talk and eat for hours and hours... this is my favorite thing to do!!!

I would play up the light fixtures by mixing vintage and industrial elements

I love these perfect elements for a beach home

I love these beautiful chairs!!

oops, won't forget the Mora Clock...sigh

Who wants to join me?

Random Thoughts at Christmas

I was sitting on my couch this morning flipping through some fun pictures of things that make me happy to suppress a long winter day; I want to share them with you:

BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUES WITH CHARACTER AND CHARM


CHARMING RANDOM SETTINGS IN HOMES


BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE CHANDELIERS AND MERCURY GLASS


CREATIVITY


COZY BEDROOMS ONE CAN GET AWAY TO FROM KIDS AND SNOW


CHARMING PROVINCIAL SITTING ROOMS


BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE LIMESTONE FIREPLACES IN WINTER...sigh


WHIMSY IN THE LIVING ROOM (I love the way the French think...true artisans!)


LAST BUT NOT LEAST...BELGUM DECOR!!!

Christmas at the Ashworth home

Here are some pictures of our newly built home. We moved in about a month ago and all of us were excited for the Christmas holiday finally being settled. As you can tell I am obsessed with the colors blue and green. I have stained all the poppler wood soft blue-grays and white washes. I left the walnut wood on the floor its natural color by only adding a water-base coating to protect the floor. I thought the natural color added the perfect earthiness next to the other color tones of the home. At first my husband was a little nervous about all the blues and greens. I had to remind that the sky is blue, the oceans are blue and the grass is green...do you ever get sick of them?....NO!!! I never knew colors had such an impact in people's lives. All I can say is blue and green make me happy!






Entry way to the home



The dining room






Stair case and my favorite piece in my whole home...my mora clock!












My kid's favorite place to hang out in the whole house, there is my son Sawyer peeking up over the couch









My blue/green kitchen












I love this vintage Christmas Angel



Happy Holidays!!