One of my dear friends gave me a copy of Charles Faudree’s new book, “Home” for Christmas. (I love friends like these!) I couldn’t be happier with his latest installment of French Country inspired rooms and am thrilled to add it to my décor library. Of course I’m in love with the cover because of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Unfortunately, Charles lost his beloved Nicholas last year, but he still has two others. (I snapped the following pictures from the book with my camera, but ALL photos were taken by photographer Jenifer Jordan.) The chapters are divided by different rooms and their uses and another designer, family member, or friend of Charles’ writes the beginning of each chapter giving insight to his many design talents and what they’ve learned from him. You can see the evolution of his style if you have followed him for awhile or read any of his previous books, but he still maintains his casual, yet elegant focus utilizing his love of Country French. I love the use of the antique French wine-tasting table in this grand foyer. I have always lusted after these baker’s tables, but alas, they have always been way too pricey (when you can even find one!). More muted colors in a lot of his rooms now. I’ve seen him use this same coffee table multiple times with different finishes on the metal. It has nice lines and scale. I also love the large wide-spaced tacks on the bergeres. He’s adding more modern furnishings mixed with precious antiques. In the following two photos he uses lucite tables. He’s always said it’s the mix, not the match. Love this display and the Neoclassical feel. See the sheep in his Cavalier Toile fabric by Vervain? This is my favorite toile right now and I’ve got to get some and cover SOMETHING in it. I think the kitchen chapter is my favorite. I love his use of antique French architectural elements to warm up a room and give it character. Hummm…..looks like Swedish influence. Love the muted painted cabinets. Another French/Swedish combo. Love the custom cabinetry with header and painted finishes. He still uses lots of Staffordshire for wallscapes. A more traditional and colorful French Country roomscape. And still another dining room that is more minimalistic in nature. French mutton bone (lamb’s leg) chairs like I have in my dining room. Honestly, can you go wrong with chicken wire? Nope. There’s a chapter on gardens, too. Here’s another one of those elusive patisserie tables that I’m drooling over. I think this is a very welcoming and serene bedroom. The carpet is gorgeous. And as he so often does, he ends the book on collections. There are some lovely display ideas if you have an awesome collection of something. Below is a collection of Scottish souvenir boxes called Mauchline Ware. If you are a Francophile like me, or just like great design, I can highly recommend this book. It’s worth the reading, and it makes a great coffee table book as well. I had the pleasure of meeting Charles Faudree in the spring of 2010 and he is just as charming in person as his books portray. Thank you Charles, for continuing to bring us great design. Blessings, Kim