With its bright sunshine, fields of gently waving lavender and exquisite country homes, it’s no wonder Provence continues to inspire everyone who visits the south of France. Lovers of country style have been infusing their homes with a little piece of the region for years, introducing classic Provençal elements like wooden armoires, wrought-iron light fixtures, mix-and-match cotton prints, and deep Mediterranean shades of rose, ochre, azure and yellow.
But over time, the look can become stale—from its all-time high during the early 1980s, the simple elegance of Provençal style easily gives way, 25 years later, to an over-the-top expression that’s more kitsch, less country. In this cozy room, however, we were immediately transported back to the look’s true, uncomplicated beauty—and we fell in love all over again.
The basic tenet for today’s version of Provençal: Streamline the look. Here, casual, easy-care wicker furniture with simple cotton cushions acts as the canvas, while just a few key pieces put the emphasis firmly on the room’s sea- and sky-blue focal points. The patina of the time-worn painted chest takes centre stage with its pop of colour, an indoor/outdoor mosaic side table adds warmth and a pretty tablecloth in a classic Provençal pattern draws the eye to complete the look. The topiary plants on the chest inject another note of love of the outdoors, and bring symmetry to the room, both hallmarks of the decorating ethos.
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