FRENCH COUNTRY DESIGN: MIXING THE OLD WITH THE NEW

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend!  Today’s post is inspired by a recent trip to an antique shop.  It is no secret that I love antiques and French Country design. My fondness for French Country design comes from the fact that it has a collected look along with an aged over time feel. A great way to achieve this look is by mixing antique furniture and accessories with new furniture and accessories. I love old things and imagining the history behind them. Along with collecting antiques, incorporating items into my home decor that belonged to my loved ones is important to me.

I have been searching high and low for the perfect antique tables to use beside my settee.  A lot of times, I would find something that I loved, and it would not be in my budget.  However, during a recent trip to my favorite antique store, I found my perfect antique tables.  Today, I would like to show you my new “old” tables, and demonstrate how I mixed the old with the new in my living room.

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This table was love at first sight.

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It is from France and has wonderful carving on it. I adore the stretcher on the bottom.

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The table has beautiful cabriole legs.

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An added bonus is the beautiful inlay on the tabletop. It is so intricate. I sit and imagine all of the craftsmanship that when into this beautiful piece.

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The table below sits on the opposite side of the settee. I know that painting furniture is really popular right now, but I could not imagine painting these tables. I love their rich wood tones.

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I love the scalloped edges of the tabletop. Also, it is important to note that your end tables do not have to match, especially in French Country design. Being mismatched, helps to create a more interesting and collected look.

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Having a shelf below was an added bonus for displaying accessories.

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SeparatorThank you so much for joining me today! I’m so happy that you stopped by, and I hope that you have a wonderful day! Happy Halloween!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28 Comments

  1. I like both tables, but the first is my favourite ♥

  2. Shannon, I love you new “old” French table…it is perfect next to your settee and you accessorized it beautifully! Both tables are gorgeous! Have a lovely Monday!

  3. Great finds! Both tables are gorgeous. And that inlay is stunning!

  4. I would not paint those tables! I think the painted furniture trend is reaching is peak and soon warm woods will come back. But I also think a room full all of the same wood color is a no-no too! There has to be a balance! I just recently purchased an antique armoire and while the color is “out” there is *no way* I would ever paint it!

    • Hi Angelina! Thank you so much for your comment. I could never paint those tables. I love the warm wood tones. I bet your antique armoire is beautiful! Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope that you are having a great week and that you are feeling better!

  5. Your tables are gorgeous and look perfect in your room. I only paint furniture if it is very damaged or a really ugly color.

  6. What lovely pieces. I love the detail of the wreath on the front of the smaller table. You have incorporated these beautifully in your room, and the vignettes you have added to them are so pretty. Thank you so much for sharing at Celebrate Your Story!

  7. Hi Shannon! Pretty decor as always. I really love that little settee. Am looking for a smaller couch. Do you find the smaller size an issue if you want to lie down? Enjoy your weekend. Pat at Bringing French Country Home.

    • Hi Pat! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! The size of the settee doesn’t bother me because I have a regular sized sofa in the room too. If you need a something to lie down on, I would not recommend having a settee only. It is rather short in length. I’m so happy that you stopped by, and I hope that you are having a great weekend!!!

  8. Gorgeous tables!! I am really enjoying painting furniture these days, but I could never paint anything so beautiful.

  9. Shannon, I am swooning over your end tables, especially the French one. They look great together.

    • Thank you, Mary, for the sweet comment! The French one is my favorite too. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it! I’m so happy that you stopped by, and I hope that you are having a great week!!!

  10. Shannon, both of your end tables are gorgeous! I agree about not painting these. The patina of the wood on old pieces is warm and beautiful to me. Glad you found these for your home. You have a great eye.

    • Thank you, Sarah, for the sweet comment! I love the wood color too. It makes a room more warm and inviting. I’m so happy that you stopped by, and I hope that you are having a wonderful week!!!

  11. These are wonderful. I couldn’t image them painted either. Thanks for linking up to Monday Social.

  12. Lovely tabkes they are, but I prefer the first it is beautiful. Happy Wednesday with love Janice

  13. I’m in love with both of your tables, what a find~ also love your styling of them.

    • Thank you so much, Debbie, for the sweet comment! I fell in love with them when I saw them especially the first one. I’m so happy that you stopped by, and I hope you have a great rest of your week!!!

  14. This is a gorgeous piece and I love those legs. LOL, thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party. It’s great having you.

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