French country style

Interior designer Sara Silm’s chateau is full of Gallic charm – she talks us through its renovation

1 WELCOMING ENTRANCE

The original encaustic chequered tiles, softened with a natural jute rug, set the chic rustic tone here. They were painstakingly revealed beneath a layer of stubborn glue and old carpet. French country is all about creating a layered aesthetic that’s elegant but understated and pattern is a great tool for adding these layers. This decorative wallpaper goes beautifully with the red and grey marble-topped antique table.

2 A SPACE TO GATHER

Used for family meals and formal dinners, this room is neither too casual nor too precious. The big old wooden table is key; it was bought at a brocante for €50, its legs painted in a chalk-based grey for an instant French country transformation. The grand carved fireplace is softened with a bric-abrac display of birds’ nests, ceramics and a marble bust that was found in the house.