Since beginning my beloved FrenchGardenHouse, I have been blessed. Blessed beyond my wildest imagination with the people I've had the privilege to meet.

Clients who have become good friends, dealers who've become good friends, and all of you, blog readers, some of you whom have become good friends and the others probably could should we ever be able to meet in person! {there is a pattern developing here, I Know!}

I've also been blessed by being published, because I've been able to share my love and enthusiasm of antiques in several national magazines over the years, our home has been featured too. A few weeks ago, the day was filled with excitement when the Victoria Classics issue of HOMES & ANTIQUES arrived in my mailbox! Not only is my article about antique Toleware inside, our home was featured on the front page. Which was a total surprise - and pretty exciting!

This is such a beautiful issue, and it's filled with antique inspiration. The article I wrote for Victoria about antique tole is just one of the many gorgeous, antique filled articles.

You might recognize several of these toleware pieces, or perhaps even own them, as most of these beauties have sold since I styled the photos and my friend, the wonderful photographer Cynthia Schaffer, took these shots.

Toleware is one of the antiques I'm always on the hunt for, exceptional toleware, it's getting quite rare to find a well painted, old, old piece. I'll be honest, there are plenty of tole pieces out there, but it really has to capture my heart and practically my soul for me to love a piece of antique toleware enough to buy it and offer it for sale. 

The one thing all the pieces of antique toleware or tole peinte I love and sell have in common is that they are carefully and beautifully hand painted. The chinoiserie jardinieres are a particular favorite with FrenchGardenHouse clients, this one below has the most lovely creamy background, with the gilt detailed painting. 

This huge hand painted tray shown below is one of the most unusual antique trays I've ever had the honor to take care of for awhile. It sold recently to a private toleware museum, where I'm sure everyone who sees it will be inspired by the skilled painting and craftsmanship!

It was also quite a thrill to see this in our mailbox, the special French edition of the Cottage Journal. It's so beautiful! Filled with all sorts of French inspiration, it is another magazine that will no doubt be a keeper for years to come.

I had such a fun time being interviewed for this article, and although our home has changed somewhat since these photos were taken, it's exciting to see it in print. This little rack graces the back cover. It was in our kitchen for quite a few years, and was then replaced by a huge French gilded frame with a chalkboard inside. Now? It's almost going to be replaced by a new plate rack which Mr. FrenchGardenHouse promised to make me for my birthday {so far, no go!! - but he promises to build it this month. so fingers crossed!}

Now that I see it again, I do think it was charming, especially since it had a spoon holder for all my special sterling spoons. But once in a while, I get in the mood to re-arrange and change out a few things, so this rack has been gone for a while. I know you all do that too, in your homes, right?

Our living room is the beginning of the story, and we do still have the slipcovered white couch. The ottoman has been replaced by a round coffee table, and the chairs? I bought a pair of leopard upholstered French chairs that I need to work into the room somehow. I adore them! Mr. FGH? Not so much, but I think he will once I get them settled into some kind of new arrangement.

Since this photo was taken, we've had the kitchen remodeled. The footprint is the same, the floor and all the rest is the same, but we've upgraded the cabinets, added a farm sink, and a Wolff range. It's still the center of our family's gatherings, as the French doors open to the back patio and garden. 

And since this shot was taken of our front entrance, the arch has been removed. We totally re-envisoned the front garden, so that it is all low-moisture needing and much more of a Provence looking area. Gravel instead of grass, less flowers that need to be watered. This photo almost makes me sorry we did, almost though, because the garden is much more lovely and usable than it was before. 

If you love magazines, please be sure to get a copy of both of these! They are available at bookstores and markets, but you can also order direct from Hoffman Media HOMES & ANTIQUES HERE > & FRENCH COTTAGE HERE >.

Wishing you a gorgeous day, and thank you so much, always, for taking time out of your busy day to spend a little bit of it with me and FrenchGardenHouse!

à bientôt

Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com