The French-Inspired Home, with French General

by Kaari Meng

Kaari Meng's first-hand knowledge of what makes a beautiful, French-inspired home comes from years of combing French flea markets for unique treasures. Her popular shop, French General, offers handpicked linens and collectibles from her yearly visits to the south of France, plus an array of products to awaken the senses, from bath and laundry potions to ribbons, beads, and baubles. Here, she distills her much sought-after sensibility into 40 charming projects that capture the sights, scents, and textures of the French countryside. They include lavender sachets, lovely etched glasses, pillows, covered hangers, French potting boxes, and herbal lotions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2006

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

As obsessed as I am with all things French General, I'm not as enamored with this book though I love the South of France rustic style, especially flax and linen textiles. I guess I'm only an armchair decorator for the Francophile home only in my imagination because I have neither the access nor the time to scavenge flea markets and estate sales. Really I'm endeavoring to be a minimalist, and too much ephemera and gewgaws impel me to pare down. I also live in a tiny condo, and so I just don't have the space for beaded light covers, button boxes, large apothecary jars of beads and millinery, vintage postcards, gift wrapping stations, nor a well-appointed laundry room. However, there a a few takeaways from all the sumptuous photography. I definitely will do a few of the projects like the lavender sachets and linen water, inspiration boards, and laundry bag.

[Libraryassistant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book! Ms. Meng's aesthetic is perfectly honed and displayed as a visual feast. If only I could go to France every year to gather...but at least she shares her lovely finds with doable wisdom.
Finally got myself a copy of this and read it again. Many looks to love and craft to play with. Still love it.

[Bronwyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now that I'm done with graduate school, I have time reading about such crafty endeavors! There are some really cute projects included throughout the book, many of which have a vintage charm and appeal, such as the French country laundry room and garden.

[Bgordonsgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures! and some how-to as well.

[Gayla Pappenfoht]

Pretty pictures. Inspiring artwork.

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Kari Meng's sensibility. This book is a real visual treat with great text, too. Sometimes eye candy books have terrible writing. Not so with this one.

[Cathi Isza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book~! Have made many, many successful patterns from it and have enjoyed having it in my book collection.

[Dianne Lipe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There were some neat decorating ideas. The pictures within were fun to see.

[Bobi Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my decorating style, which keeps me from a 5 but a really beautiful (and well written) book.