French Country Cottage Style

How to achieve french country cottage style from antique finds to simple layered looks. Read on to learn Courtney’s journey in style.

Teeny twinkly fairy lights, votives, piles of flowers strewn across a beautiful and rustic tablescape. Not to mention the beautiful naked cake with icing, berries, rosemary and figs.

My friend Courtney over at French Country Cottage just wrote and photographed her first book (affiliate link) and I’m so excited to share it with all of you. I’ve been friends with Courtney for four years. You may remember that we went on the World’s Longest Yard Sale with Habitat and GMC, here. We had so much fun looking for vintage treasures on that trip and also got completely lost and took a detour to Indiana. Ha! Ha! I also got to visit the HGTV Dream Home in Florida with her here. We didn’t get lost on that trip, though.

Courtney has been such a great friend and also has been supportive of my blog and my style. She is the editor of Romantic Homes and was a big part of our home getting featured in the magazine last month. Anyway, a beautiful package from Courtney arrived on my doorstep the other day:

A brown paper package wrapped up with twine.

I found out whilst reading Courtney’s book that she loves to dry flowers and these beautiful flowers were dried by her. Aren’t they gorgeous? I have them sitting on my desk where I paint.

I couldn’t wait to tear open this parcel and read Courtney’s beautiful book.

Oh, my word is her book STUNNING!!!!!

The cover has lovely gold lettering and gold spine, which highlights her ornate French bench and other antiques in her home – mirrors, shimmering chandeliers. etc.

She writes in the first chapter:

“Style is something that changes over time. It starts in one place and meanders on down the path of inspiration and vision while being sprinkled with passions – and it becomes more refined and more reflective of you. Finding your own style and what truly speaks to you isn’t a simple snap of your fingers that says this is who you are. It is layers of many things. It is experiences, treasures, trinkets from travels, bits you are inspired by, memories and  favorite pieces you enjoy…”

Before becoming friends with Courtney, I was, and still am, an avid reader of her blog, but her book gives you a deeper insight into her story, her journey and how her home came to be. I love seeing more images and hearing about the long journey to turn this old abandoned house on acreage into a home with stunning out-buildings. I adore the guest cottage and the attic, not to mention the green house and all her outdoor spaces.

She reveals tips for antiquing and DIY-ing. That chalkboard is plywood with old framing and her sons built the dining table. What a special piece!

Reading this book is like stepping into a magical place, almost like the Secret Garden, where beautiful blooms are piled high and stuffed into zinc pots and ironstone pitchers. Courtney’s photography is as beautiful as her prose. One feels like they’ve entered into her beautiful home, a beautiful retreat where you might just spot a fairy under the foxgloves or amongst the wild flower meadow.

I loved reading more about her childhood and seeing the doll house her father built for her when she was little, which is spectacular. I love how she’s decorated it. Some of the furniture looks like it’s painted with Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint. It’s so precious.

The book is sectioned first by finding French Country Cottage Style and then there are several chapters dedicated to each room in her home.  There’s a whole section on outdoor living, which the above is from. Then a section on celebrations. There’s beautiful and neutral autumn decor and festive and sparkly Christmas. Courtney’s photography of Christmas trees are my favorite ever!

I’m certain this book will make you want to hop in the car and go out antiquing. In fact, I know it will. Luke, the boys and I piled into the truck and went to a barn sale on Saturday where I found a willow platter and 5 brass candlesticks. The following day we went to an antique market but only found a few replacement crystals for the chandelier. Part of this book is sharing the magic of the hunt and the joy when you found a treasure you didn’t even know you were looking for.

This beautiful book is now displayed on my coffee table with pride. I love it so much. It has gone to the top of my all time favorite home decor books. Courtney’s words and photography will touch your heart as she tells her story. Truly a must have for all home lovers. I’ve just finished it and want to reread it again and again and again.

To order Courtney’s book click here (affiliate link). This would make a lovely gift for friends, family or yourself 😉