French Vocation

Melissa Penfold accents Gallic flair and says vive la différence.

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The french know how to celebrate the art of easy entertaining, decorating and living – do as they do and appreciate the simple things. The secret is to focus on the feeling of your rooms or table setting. Keywords are personal, comfortable, simple and chic. Here’s how to add a certain je ne sais quoi to your living space.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN Splurging on big-ticket items is no guarantee you’ll love the look. Style is mixing it up and making it individual, not just having deep pockets.

START WITH A STAPLE French living rooms begin with a great sofa; choose one with a texture and colour you love.

KEEP THE OLD Select a few pieces that bring patina to a space, or something with a tale to tell – a family heirloom or something found overseas, for example.

ART YOU LOVE The French always follow their heart. So splurge on art that makes you unreasonably happy.