I think everybody who is into interior design has had one special style that they have loved throughout their lives. For me, it’s been French design – probably I should say Country French design. Ever since I was first exposed to it when I was a young teenager, I feel most connected to this style of design. I don’t know if I can even say why - but I think it’s the shape of the furniture, the feminine curves of the chair backs and legs and arms, the warm fruitwoods of the buffets and armories, the comfy chaise longues and the linen toiles, the gilts and boiseries, the parquet floors and stone walls, the common shutters and tiled roofs, the landscapes of lavender and olive trees, the fountains and reflecting pools – together, it moves me more than any other design style. Country French or the design found in Provence and other southern regions of France is so beautiful it’s hard to imagine anyone not being moved by the landscape of the area, the stone farmhouses and the charming old towns. Here are some examples of country French: There is beauty in the fields of lavender and olive trees. And there are the beautiful houses in the country, made of stone and tile roofs. There is the lit a la polonaise with silk fabrics next to simple painted furniture. There is the lure of hidden courtyards behind wooden doors and iron transoms. There are urns from tiny to large. And a clock on the side of a Provençal mas. There are stone walls and light blue shutters along with a charming pergola at the end of the gravel terrace. Here’s an entry hall in a mas with double front doors and old stone floors. And antique plates hang on boiserie instead of fine oil paintings. What’s there not to love about a mas with light aqua shutters and a tiled roof? Or a town center in Provence with hanging lanterns? Just go inside a mas with original beamed ceilings and stucco walls to see its appeal. Could you resist lavender fields with a tiny Provencal town in the background? Or try to resist a parterre planted with box. Visit a bedroom in a restored French chateau. Or enjoy the sight of an incredible collection of copper pots at Chateau Ansouis. This mas has a typical French gravel terrace along with a pergola. Find the beauty in a kitchen with a tiled floor and a beamed ceiling. Enjoy the dappled sunlight on a covered terrace. Is there a prettier combination of colors – terracotta and gray? Enjoy a brunch on a front terrace. Or rent a suite at a Provencal hotel. Find the beauty in a kitchen of an French antique dealer. Younger Frenchman are turning to grays and monochromatic interiors. But, there is still beauty in the old ways. The charm of a bakers rack and a crystal chandelier. Could there be anything more beautiful than this…. Or this, a dining room both rough and luxe. Mirror inset cabinets and tables along with a fabulous sink. Three toiles, though most French use only one. The grass goes right up to the swimming pool edge. The quiet beauty found in all gray. And a pantry filled with baskets and linens. Box and gravel and wisteria and shutters – hard to resist… As is this dining room in a Provençal mas. Even the churches are beautiful in their simplicity – 12th century Abbaye du Thoronet. Wire covered pantry doors filled with cream & white dishes and glasses. Small and beautiful! Just perfect. A French farmhouse kitchen couldn’t be prettier. The beauty of Provence – it’s like a painting… that so many artists have found irresistible. Paul Cezanne. Now that you are all feeling the French vibe, are you ready for giveaway? Our sponsor, the French Garden House is hosting the giveaway. There is so much available to buy here – from jewelry, to antiques, to furniture, old and new! They carry Tara Shaw and Eloquence – two of my favorite companies. There are things for the garden, for the kitchen, for the bedroom and the library. There is something for everyone!! Here are my favorite things in store: This antique French sterling silver cuff bracelet from the 19th century. That kind of looks like a J! To die for! This antique English food cover with a family crest is another favorite. And finally, I just love this set of antique mother of pearl knives!!! They are gorgeous!!! NOW – what is your favorite item at the French Garden House???? THE CONTEST: In order to enter the contest, you must first go to the French Garden House at http://www.frenchgardenhouse.com/ look around and pick out your favorite item on their web site. Then come back HERE, to the comment section and tell me your favorite thing. That’s it! The winner will receive a gift certificate for $250.00!!! Use it for anything you want! When you enter, BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! Contest ends this Wednesday night at 11:59 pm. Good luck! And a huge thank to you French Garden House for this generous giveaway.