F R E N C H D E S I G N
on Friday
~ Architecture ~
Vintage Village Roof
How do we know what IS French design? When selecting furnishings, lighting, accessories, and architectural elements for our homes how do we decide what to use to replicate French style?
If you wish to have an authentic touch of French style, then you are in the right place. Each Friday Botanic Bleu goes to the source for French design through snapshots of French architecture, houses, textiles, metal work, food, woodwork, landscapes... and discovers inspiration for creating
a French-inspired garden and home.
What does a French country roof look like? There is more than one answer depending upon the time period, the location, and the affluence of the French builder. One roofing material used for centuries is
S L A T E
When designing our DIY garden shed for our back yard, I wanted a French-inspired style. Slate tiles for the roof were not in the budget. Not to mention that a blue slate garden shed roof would be more elegant than our house roof.
The garden shed has been built over several years, going on ten years now. This photo shows the budget-friendly asphalt shingle roof in 2014 when the white cut stones were being added to the exterior walls.
We bought the shingles from a local roofing company. I wanted a blue shingle roof that resembled blue slate roofs in France. We decided to use two colors of shingles, blue and pale green-gray, for three reasons.
- Multiple shades give the roof some depth.
- The roofing company did not have enough bundles of the blue shingles for the entire roof. We either had to use another color for the entire roof or mix colors on the roof.
- The green-gray shingles give an illusion of moss which sometimes grows on older roofs. I like the mix of the two colors more as time passes, partly because the colors of the shingles have faded making them blend together more.
Creating a French-inspired design does not require strict interpretation or replication. Study photos from magazines, blogs, catalogs, travel brochures, and Pinterest for ideas about what appeals to you about French design, like a blue slate roof.
Then use materials readily available to interpret that look for your home.
Use the exact materials if your budget allows, but with a little creativity and planning, alternative materials may also give you the French design you like.
Good design does not require expensive materials.
Good design does require quality materials.
* * * * *
F R E N C H D E S I G N
on Friday
Come back each Friday in 2017 for another post in a design series that shows 1] a photo taken in France that illustrates French design and 2] how that design translates into our homes, even on a budget.
* * * * *
What tips can you give for using budget-friendly alternative materials to create French style?
Read more about the garden shed.
* * * * *
A New Podcast for Decorating
Want to learn more Decorating Tips and Tricks? Three of my good blogging friends, Yvonne of Stone Gable, Anita of Cedarhill Farmhouse, and Kelly of My Soulful Home, are superstars of decorating, and they have launched a new podcast beginning February 1, 2017.
They discuss everything you want to know about good design of all styles, not just decorating, and they are giving away all their trade secret tips and tricks. I've listened to all three of the podcasts and love their friendly style of talking together... not always agreeing, but always having a good time anyway. LOL
Here's where to find the new podcast Decorating Tips and Tricks.
Tell them Botanic Bleu sent you. :)
Maybe they will ask me to be a guest on their podcast one day to discuss French design.
Please join me at these inspiring places for more joy of living.
SUNDAY
Dishing It and Digging It @ Rustic and Refined
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
I'm glad you've traveled and have beautiful photos to share with us. You have classic good style too that inspires us. Enjoy your weekend! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteLove your petit French garden shed, Judith! A French influence whether it be a touch here and there, or a dedicated lifestyle by design is so romantic. You are one of my favorite "designing woman" because of your passion and attention to detail.
ReplyDeleteI am easing myself back into the groove of blogging once again! It took me way too long to get my "reader" going!
Happy FboF and FaoF!
w/L
What a winning combination of shingles to mimic the French style on your garden shed, Judith!
ReplyDeleteYou can imagine how stunned I was to see a neighbor on our street replacing a beautiful slate tile roof on an established brick home with......get this......a metal roof. There's a place and architecture intended for a metal roof, and it's totally out of sync with this particular home and neighborhood.
I love your garden shed and I think your combination of shingles is genius!
ReplyDeleteI always envision overflowing window boxes as part of the architecture of France. Also huge pots of red geraniums. Both of which would look outstanding on your shed. :-)
As you know, the Texas summers are brutal and keeping potted flowers fresh is nearly impossible with the deadly combination of high temperatures and drought. I picked up a trick from a floral designer - augment your flowering pots with high quality silks. Sometimes as little as 3 silk flowers tucked into the pot( 2 on the sides, 1 in back) can perk up the appearance of the entire pot.
I grow geraniums in large pots outside that bloom year round. You can be sure that in August I've got a couple of silks peaking out the sides!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Judith, what a wonderful and informative post! I love your garden shed, I could live there it's so beautiful. What a great idea to use three colors on the roof for your desired slate look, genius. Now if I can just get the hubs on board to build the garden shed............
ReplyDeleteJudith, I love this new Friday feature. Thanks for all the french design tips. I have slate floors on my porches and now recognize their lovely patina. When we first bought our home I looked into replacing them because they were not perfect. Glad it was too costly and that I have learned to appreciate the charm of weathering.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have a garden shed. I must look up your archives and see the inside.
What a beautiful post!! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Debbie
I love your French garden shed! Your garden shed looks very French even though it does not have the costly slate roof. Agreed, good design can be done without spending a $$$, and expensive designs do not always mean they are good!
ReplyDeleteI love your style and your thinking! The thought you put into every detail is the reason your home is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI cam from Eilis and I think I ám going to enjoy this series (and others) very much -- I love your style and the shed is terrific. I never really thought about the French roofing but it's a great topic. Can't wait for more! (Jeanie from Marmelade Gypsy.)
ReplyDeleteI love this post. So informative! I love your decision of using the three colors on the roof. I love your garden shed!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved your beautiful garden shed. It looks just amazing! Maybe someday!
ReplyDelete