Winter has arrived in France! And while we might be freezing cold in our little house, I can not help but admire how beautiful and peaceful everything looks under a light dusting of white snow! I posted photos of the chateau in Fontainebleau with the lovely fall foliage and here are a few more now that winter has officially set in! 

Rester au chaud! Stay Warm! 

 

Chateau Living

After living down the street from the stunning Chateau de Fontainebleau for almost a month now, I feel pretty spoiled. Even from the outside, the proportions and the architectural details are so beautiful and classic. Since sadly, I will have to leave, I found myself searching for chateau inspired interiors which might let me take some of this style home! I think these rooms are wonderful - all traditional and certainly a bit French but with modern bent which makes them livable for today! 

A bath by Steven Shubel in House Beautiful. Amazing golden orange color he found for the walls!

A cozy yet stately family room by Cathy Kinkaid. The sisal carpeting and floral sofa help lighten up the space. 

The dining room in designer Amanda Nisbet's own New York home -  I think the table setting is fantastic (especially like the touch of the pale blue taper candles!).

A dining area from Living Ect. (designer not noted unfortunately) The contemporary table and chair, along with the whitewashed floors, really give the space a modern and breezy feel.

A luxurious master bedroom by Michael Smith, featured in Architectural Digest. The wall covering is by Brunschwig & Fils and the bed is a 19th century Italian antique.

Here's to chateau living! 

Oh . . . Fall (Sigh)!

 I have always adored the fall - I love the leaves turning color in New York, the smell of fireplaces, the pumpkins, the chilly weather! But this year after almost a year spent in the continual August which is Singapore's climate, I am especially smitten!  It does not hurt that I am living in a charming French town and down the street from the stunning chateau of Fontainebleau. The gardens were begun in 1528 for Francois I, added to in 1661, and finally the Jardin Anglais was added in 1811-1812. I run here most mornings and its so beautiful I had to share a few of my quick snapshots with you. I hope you enjoy! 

Jusqu'à demain! Au Revoir!  

The Autumn Hounds

On my morning run around the gardens of the chateau at Fontainebleau I was so happy to encounter a large pack of beautiful hunting dogs! I adore dogs in general but these particular hounds were especially handsome and stately. Set in the heart of the forests of Fontainebleau, the chateau has long been an autumn hunting destination for the royal court and imperial hunts have been taking place here at least since 1137, when King Louis VII established an official charter. Stag and deer hunting is still practiced today in the traditional style, and these hounds were from the Ralley Tempete. While I am not one for hunting, a long walk in the forest with my dog for company, followed by a nap in front of the fire, sounds like the perfect autumn day to me!

A portrait of Louis XV’s beloved dog Polydore, painted by Jean-Baptiste Oudry in 1726.

Eric Cohler printed linen fabric designed for Lee Jofa – certainly not right for all interiors but could be a great pillow in a cozy library. The fabric features the design's own standard poodle, Tyler.

A very handsome dog bed by John Robshaw, in walnut Vintage Stripe – why should they not be stylish too?

 Lastly, designer Janet Simon’s beautiful library in New Vernon, New Jersey, complete with her three adorable beagles, as featured in Traditional Home. I think they match perfectly! 

Now if only I had a dog of my own to walk here in France! 

La Belle France!

Yes . . . this is the key to our new home in France for the next two months! I know a key is usually not super exciting but everything here in Fontainebleau and France in general is so beautiful, I am a bit overwhelmed! Our little cottage might be freezing cold but its so French, I don't even care! Much more to come . . .