Carefree Country

LEARN HOW TO CAPTURE THE FRENCH COUNTRY FEEL IN YOUR OWN HOME BY MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY SEASON.

- Olivia Velazquez

THE RUSTIC CHARM OF FRENCH COUNTRY DÉCOR is a coveted look most romantic homeowners strive to create. For Sharon Santoni, living in Normandy makes it all the simpler. Her house lies in a valley just an hour away from Paris, nestled between farmland and a forest. Her flowers, food and even the décor are all determined by the seasons. If you’ve ever wondered how you can have the French country look in your own home throughout every season, follow Sharon’s example.

POPS OF GARDEN COLORS

Flowers bring a liveliness to every room. Throughout Sharon’s home, fresh blooms pop with color against white walls and porcelain pitchers, and all of the flowers come from Sharon’s own garden.

“I see my garden as a palace of colors,” Sharon says. “The only time I buy flowers is in the winter, when I can use fresh greenery from my garden, but not flowers. From early spring through the end of September, I use my own flowers in all my decorating.

Seasonal blooms stand out against her neutral backdrop of white and gray. On her dining room table, soft white linens and napkins emphasize her colorful blossoms all the more. “All of my linens are vintage or antique,” Sharon says. “I have cupboards and cupboards of linens. I love linens.” The vintage quality and embroidered hems make them simple, elegant tablecloths or napkins for any dinner party.