Wednesday, October 17, 2007
French Home
The Japanese art of Wabi Sabi, or finding beauty in imperfection, is given a French twist in this lavishly illustrated book. Author Josephine Ryan is a London antiques dealer and stylist who shares her knack for decorating with the often less-than-perfect items found in French antiques and brocante shops.
She reminds us of the other tenet of wabi sabi, the impermanence of things. Here a tattered chair brings the texture of age to a smooth new wall, a foxed mirror fragment creates an air of smoky mystery, and a rust-spattered bench matches the autumn leaves swirling around a courtyard. And it’s not just objects, but homes themselves that are celebrated: the graceful imperfection of a rough stone wall, the irregular lines of handmade tiles, and the comforting traces of years, sometimes centuries, of use on floors or counters.
The French make it look easy, the seemingly effortless blending of old and new. Ryan shows us how we can begin to develop the self-assurance that informs this more relaxed attitude toward decorating. The book contains sections on elements such as textiles, ceramics, color, lighting and furniture, and on rooms, including work spaces. She includes a chapter on sourcing antiques with tips on attending auctions and how to find the right dealers. And there’s lots of solid information on the history of French furnishings.
You’ll see the local flea market with a whole new eye once you’ve read this book.
Posted by editor at 10:53 AM under book reviews
