The lounge is the last part of the tiny French apartment that we needed to decorate. It had the kitchen to one side and a lovely restored stone wall on the other. A key focus was to take advantage of the natural light from the two windows overlooking a traditional French square. We needed to ensure that the colours connected while managing Feng Shui principles. There was a corner in the Relationship sector that needed ‘extending’ using the practice of a small mirror stating that this wall extended. I love the combination of French and Asian decor mixed with modern touches. It also brings in past memories of places that we have visited or lived in.

We had classic French beams which were a dark, heavy brown. Using Farrow & Ball wood paint, they were white washed and instantly looked old but new at the same time. The old nails and texture adds history. I hung a crystal from the main beam as it cuts across where people sit on the sofa and added two crystal hearts that were given to us many years ago. Add a small antique Art Deco lamp, two French framed fashion plates, touches of lime and lemon and voila!

 

 

Challenges

It was important to give a sense of space by ensuring furniture was of the right proportion. An IKEA sofa and a rectangle table added balance. We found a light wood coffee table and placed a plain wool rug to soften the floor.

There was an alcove that needed the water elements pulled in. It had been painted a lovely aqua that balances with the touches of lemon and apple green. Another IKEA ‘think out of the box’ idea, two kitchen cupboards built with a wave pattern and a marble top added. A simple mirror was hung over the cupboard to reflect the outside. It was a lovely place to put my cocktail shaker and tools – add a favourite liquor, St Germain, and we were ready!

 

Around the corner, we placed a newly painted Chinese A-frame and placed Chinese figurines given to me by my father. The black and aqua glazes matched the Feng Shui elements of water and metal. A small alcove was painted grey and a Chinese opium smoker figurine was placed there. The A-frame has been with us now on all of our travels and until recently, was a red wood colour. It has held crockery, shoes, clothes, glasses and now back to shoes. Fast forward a few years and it is now a soft pistachio green and is full of lovely vintage wine glasses.

 

Colours and Elements

Using the element mix of stone, white/metal/wood and earth, the 60% of white, 30% of green and 10% of lemon – produces a gentle and fun colour palette. For more information on Feng Shui colour, check out my Feng Shui posts. I found some fun Christmas decorations in the local markets and added fairy lights across the windows.