Monthly Archives: December 2015

Papier peint, fond d’écran, wallpaper

Posted on December 31, 2015 by coteetcampagne

Wallpaper- not something I thought I would ever use in any house of mine. France is even changing my decorative sensibilities. This genuinely vintage French paper is a typically recognisable piece from the 19thc. I even have shred or two … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France, What we did, how we did it and what we used | Tagged antique, chinoiserie, french, indiennes, life, of, painted, tree, village, vintage, wallpaper | 20 Comments

Cafe culture in lovely Limoux

Posted on December 27, 2015 by coteetcampagne

Now, regular readers know that we like our cafe culture and the opportunities for people and place watching that it affords. You have to love a place with a climate that allows you to indulge in this hobby outside for … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, design and inspiration blog, Food and wine | Tagged art, belle, blanquette, cafe, cremante, culture, de, epoque, fin, french, house, limoux, siecle, village | 2 Comments

The Thursday One – Happy Christmas to me

Posted on December 24, 2015 by coteetcampagne

This is one of my Christmas presents to myself. It is not one of my 99p bargains or from a charity shop or troc. But, when something is perfect for a space I have to have it. I even know … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged antique, bedroom, embroidery, french, house, petit, point, renovation, restoration, silk, vintage, wool, woolwork, work | 10 Comments

Signs and portents

Posted on December 21, 2015 by coteetcampagne

So, there’s nothing like a highly pertinent quote to stop you in your tracks. I photographed this painted sundial on the side of a house whilst waiting for the bus to Carcassonne. There are some good photos of French sundials, … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged france, house, occitan, painted, renovation, restoration, sundials, village | 11 Comments

Christmas ?

Posted on December 20, 2015 by coteetcampagne

So it’s almost Christmas “France says” asks how we all celebrate this – see http://francesays.com/ I have only just got the tree up (don’t ask) and the gifts wrapped (nearly) so am less organised than ever this year. One likely … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and wine | Tagged Christmas, day, feast, france, kitchen | 7 Comments

The Thursday Three- and why do I put myself through this?

Posted on December 16, 2015 by coteetcampagne

So, this week a series of incidents have reminded me that I skate close to the border of being a nutcase. Not least, the Renovation Stress-Witch control freakery. Trev has time on his hands, he suggests going over to France … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Art, design and inspiration blog, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged drawings, france, french, house, line, mirror, project, renovation, restoration, vintage | 3 Comments

The Thursday Three – Chinese Demi-lune lacquered table

Posted on December 10, 2015 by coteetcampagne

Today, in deference to repeated hints by Ms Poshbirdy I am finally posting this lovely table. From my favourite internet auction site, this was a “collect only” job, but everytime I win a special piece like this , my day … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Renovation and restoration diary- France | Tagged antique, chinoiserie, decoration, Demi-lune, lacquered, painted, renovation, restoration, table, velvet, vintage | 3 Comments

Episode 129- “Les murs” to be sung to the same tune as “La mer”

Posted on December 8, 2015 by coteetcampagne

This is what medieval stone walls look like. Before the restoration purists start screaming at me they should note that we had no option but to widen the doorway from the cave to the courtyard as the existing one was … Continue reading →

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France, What we did, how we did it and what we used | Tagged french, house, lime, medieval, original, painted, plaster, renovation, restoration, stone, walls | 7 Comments

The Thursday Three- French copper pans

Posted on December 3, 2015 by coteetcampagne

Three very petite copper saucepans with brass handles. The tin inside is grubby but intact and unpitted which is rare. I can actually use these. Hurray!

Posted in Antique and Vintage finds, Food and wine | Tagged antique, brass, copper, french, saucepans, vintage | 13 Comments

Episode 128- So what’s happening downstairs?

Posted on December 1, 2015 by coteetcampagne

So you have spotted the deliberate oversight. I haven’t mentioned what’s happening on the ground floor for a while. That’s because NOTHING is. There are a number of reasons for this, firstly I have instructed Trevor to make a quick … Continue reading →