{Painting ~ Jacques Louis David, 1812}

I realize I’m taking liberties here, Napoleon may have been inspired by the storming of the Bastille, but he wasn’t exactly involved, but this painting is so fabulous and it certainly says “French” like little else.  Besides I’m using this historic French holiday to share totally frivolous images of beautiful French rooms, gardens and anything else that strikes my fancy.

Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on 14 July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th’s Ancient Regime. By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the king’s power was no longer absolute: power should be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers.”
http://french.about.com/od/culture/a/bastille-day.htm

There are so many things about French culture that hold appeal.  But for me, none quite like the influence on home decor.  Since that is a favorite topic of mine, I’m here to share with you some images I’ve found that, for me, are symbolic of the ultimate French comfort and style.

One of my favorite French-inspired contributions is toile…

{Charles Faudree}

{Jane Moore}

{Home Bunch}

{Country Living}

Aiden Gray, below, incorporates a couple design styles but the room has the relaxed comfort of a French country home.

{Jane Moore}

{Jane Moore}

{Splendid Sass}

{Vintage by Nina Uslow}

{Susanne Kasler}

Sprinkle a little French goodness in your day.

For all of my non-Francophile friends, July 14th is Bastille Day.

I’m home from Austin.  I hope to have some pictures for you of the new house our son and family are tackling.  It was built in 1971 (Barton Hills) and they will have work ahead of them, but it holds promise and has a killer view of Austin.