a 17th century Italian farmhouse

  

A time-worn farmhouse owned by artist Sam Miller and his wife Helen in the Le Marche region of Italy. It hasn't even been fully renovated- they've just left everything as is and moved in their furniture.  The sunlight really seems to stream in the windows and give the stone floors and walls a quiet, ancient glow. By the way, take a look at the artist's portfolio here, to see the interesting mirrored glass sculptures and pieces you see on their walls. You can also read the entire article on his site here. (Photos from World of Interiors, June, 2010)

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Bruxelles Antiques: a home/ boutique in France

You must see this gorgeous farmhouse/ live-in boutique in the North of France! One family turned this large sprawling home in Ennevelin into a place to showcase and sell  some of the things they love. Filled with furniture, industrial objects and old pieces, they combined their passion for living in the country with selling antiques.  To me, this is the Belgian look done really well- not a touch of over-the-top or fake about the look.  I really love the stonework inside, especially the limestone mantel...and that kitchen! That brick vaulted ceiling is so unique. (This article with photos is from Cote Ouest some years ago, and the lower 7 photos are from the Bruxelles Antiques website.)

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Rustic, elegant kitchens

 

Living in Argentina, from Taschen

   

 from House & Garden, 2004 

 

The kitchen of set designer, Eugénie Collet. Photo by S. Anton in Brussels Style from Taschen

via Topsy Turvy

photo: Seaside Style, from Taschen

Though completely varied in their location and space, these kitchens all seem warm and charming- and despite some being quite elegant, I can imagine actually cooking in them. I'm always falling under the spell of rustic or old-world kitchens! (photos, from top: Taschen, Elle Decor, Living Etc; last photo from Marie Claire)

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Vintage textiles at home

I enjoyed a peek inside this Suffolk farmhouse home (Country Living, Aug. 2010). The owners are Sara and Hugh Petre, who have a vintage textile upholstery company. I like the way they've incorporated their collection of textiles into their home. Below are a couple of examples from their company's website, which shows examples of their style in reupholstering antique furniture. (photos: Claire Richardson in UK Country Living)

It's great how old textiles on old furniture seem to give it new life! These are from the Covelli Tennant website. They also make decorative cushions out of silk scarves, vintage trim, antique flags and embroidered bits of fabric. I've seen the silk scarf cushions in person and they're really beautiful.

 

 love this vintage Paris map scarf cushion!

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French farmhouse obsession continues: a home in Gard, Provence

  

   

all photos by Bob Smith

I'll stop posting converted farmhouse homes at some point, I'm sure. But for now, I keep finding such gorgeous country homes that I just can't help it.  Plus the people who attempt this kind of thing tend to be interesting, adventurous types. The owners of this one are New Zealanders  living in London who one day decided they wanted to work for themselves. So they picked up and moved to France, opened  a restaurant and bravely renovated this dwelling. Perhaps this is my own dream too. So cool! You'll be able to see more detail if you click the photos. (photography by Bob Smith, in Living Etc. August, 2008)

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Converted farmhouse in South Africa

 

  

 

Doesn't this look so light and springy?  Feasting my eyes on all the sunshine and white in this converted farmhouse in rural South Africa.  Love the chipped white furniture, the white frames, and that kitchen work table, which the family made. Would love to see more photographs of this home. (photos from Living Etc. July 2009)

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