What makes a garden shed a
French style
garden shed?
Especially since it is not in France?
French design elements...
How do you achieve them?
Step back, look at the overall design.
The hip roofline is the strongest French design element.
The pitch and symmetry of the roof
are classical elements in a French roof.
Another strong element that creates a French look
is the symmetry in the building, not just the roof.
The building is a square.
The doors are centered.
The deck step is centered.
French doors are the next strongest
French design in the garden shed.
While the roof, doors, and overall shape
establish the French design,
details
create even more French flair.
Levered door handles,
instead of round doorknobs
so usual in American buildings,
add an authentic French touch.
The deck step is eyebrow shaped, not a half-round,
which adds to the French look.
Eyebrow shaped windows are used much
more often than half-round windows in
vintage buildings in France.
Variegated blue roof shingles, the pale blue walls, and
the French bleu door on the deck
are classical French colors.
French bleu... well known as a color...
is closer to red than to green on the color wheel.
French gardens are much more structured and symmetrical than English gardens.
The large pot with a French scroll design
contains a dwarf yaupon being trained into a
ball shape.
Two triple-ball topiaries in matching clay pots
standing on either side of the French doors
are strong French garden design elements,
both in shape and symmetrical position.
In the garden is an old wooden and scrolled-iron park bench,
truly reminiscent of Parisian parks.
One more look at the French garden shed
seen in the background of
an "obedient plant"
growing in a pot on the house deck.
See Botanic Bleu Beginnings to read about
how the French garden shed began.
❦
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It's gorgeous, Judith! I'm ooooing and ahhhhing over every image.
ReplyDeleteSlowly, I hope to have our cottage take on more French details like yours. So glad we found one another in blogland!
xo,
Lin
Just gorgeous shed! I would love a space like that in my back yard. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSigh..............that's all - just me sighing from across the miles.
ReplyDeletePerfection.
XOXO
What a beautiful shed, and french in design oh my even better...
ReplyDeleteSmiles~
Mari
Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home
ReplyDeleteDear Judith, Thank you so much for coming by!
I'm so in love with your French garden shed. It looks more like a French cottage! It's beautiful!
LOVE the topiaries, blue paint, roof line . . . all of it!
Looking forward to seeing more of your transformations.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Suzanne
Wow Judith, your garden shed is stunning - I love everything about it. The roof line, the French doors, the pretty blue door leaning against it, the topiaries. So glad I saw your link at the Fabulously Creative Friday party and now I'm a new follower!
ReplyDeleteMarie @ The Interior Frugalista
Love it, Judith! We haven't had a garden shed since we left Iowa. That one probably shouted more 70's than any other design. LOL I did use it as a back drop for quilt photos though as it was dark brown cedar siding matching the house. Other than that, it was pretty utilitarian rather than beautiful as yours is!
ReplyDeletelove!!! would love to have you share over here at Fishtail Cottage's garden party???? so inspiring for me! xoxo
ReplyDeletethank you for joining in the garden party! Love your garden house...i'm sure the rest of the party goers will enjoy seeing it too! xoxo
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS shed!!
ReplyDeleteElegant, but not intimidating - you've created something quite lovely.
ReplyDeleteLove your shed and the topiaries are amazing. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
ReplyDeleteI love your shed and all the French details! I want to see inside too! The blue door and topiaries just make it. Thanks for linking up to Centerpiece Wednesday and sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteIt is so pretty! More to enjoy in the back yard!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful garden shed, that is on my wish list! Di@Cottage-Wishes
ReplyDelete