Our love affair with French interiors has flourished over the years and, now, more companies than ever are selling French artefacts. Some French companies have their own showrooms in this country; others sell through independent shops or distributors; while other companies design and manufacture French-style furniture here in Britain.
French style ranges from baroque opulence and chic traditional to simple country and design-led modern forms. Some people are attracted by the glamour of fine crystal, silk and porcelain; others favour rustic painted furniture, traditional printed textiles and artisan quilts. There are no rules as to what you can mix with what, and many shops sell a range of styles that sit comfortably alongside one another – for example, a classic painted armoire with a rustic wire bread basket and gleaming copper pans.
The key to capturing a French look begins with the furniture: the Louis armchair, the carved armoire and the mirrored bureau are all typical examples. The three main styles are:Ornate Exquisitely carved antiques or good reproductions that would not look out of place in a fine chateau.
Painted Suitable for rustic and elegant interiors alike; some companies paint to your specified colour, or you can choose from their own range.
Country Antique farmhouse style to more modern design, like metal bistro-style garden furniture.
To recreate the true charm of French style, use accessories in abundance. Layer sheets and quilts, and stack china on open shelving to create the look of a well-used, well-loved home that has been pieced together gently over the years.
Our comprehensive, nationwide French shopping directory starts on the next page with a listing of one-off boutiques or antiques shops presented by region, including a small selection from across the Channel. Don't rule out shops just because they are not located in your region, however, because most of them can take orders over the phone or online.
As many companies now specialise in mail order for French-style products, we have also compiled a list of companies that sell only in this way. In this section, we have included companies that concentrate on more contemporary furniture, fabrics and glassware.
For those who might be trying to track down a particular item, whether it happens to be a mirror, bedlinen or fabric, we have also provided additional specialist companies, listing them according to the products they sell, in order to create an even more comprehensive sourcebook.
Finally, the French have an unerring talent for mixing different colours, textures and patterns. With this as your guide, don't be afraid to pick and mix from companies and styles.

“France's deep roots, combined with its strong identity, creates great confidence in its design, its sense of place and pure chic”
Tony Ransome, managing director, Yves Delorme UK

BOUTIQUES
Find something unique, from a Louis XV bed to vintage kitchenalia, at these one-off shops, some of which offer a mail-order service

EAST
An Angel At My Table, 14 High Street, Saffron
Walden, Essex CB10 1AY, (01799) 528777;
www.anangelatmytable.com. Vintage/classic mirrored furniture, Louis chairs, picture frames. Mail order.

Deja Vu Antiques, 876 London Road, Leigh On Sea, Essex SS9 3NQ, (01702) 470829; www.deja-vu-antiques.co.uk. Painted armoires, beds, chandeliers, mirrors.

LONDON
An Angel At My Table, 116a Fortess Road, London NW5 2HL, (020) 7424 9777; www.anangelatmytable.com. See also East, above.

Ann May, 80 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London
Sw6 2TF, (020) 7731 0862. French utility products plus mirrors and armchairs.

Appley Hoare Antiques, 30 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8LJ, (020) 7730 7070; www.appleyhoare.com. Chaises, sconces, mirrors, lamps, napkins, linen.

Atelier, 26/28 Webbs Road, London SW11 5PS,
(020) 7978 7733; www.atelierliving.com. Classic ceramics, furniture, lighting and tableware.
B & T Antiques, 47 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AG, (020) 7229 7001; www.bntantiques.co.uk. Antique mirrored furniture and mirrors.

Bazar, 82 Golborne Road, London W12 0DQ, (020) 8969 6262. Painted armoires, upholstered armchairs, mirrors and tables.

The Blue Door, 74 Church Road, London
SW13 0DQ, (020) 8748 9785; www.bluedoorbarnes.co.uk. Painted furniture.

Chic Shack, 77 Lower Richmond Road, London SW15 3ET, (020) 8785 7777;
www.chicshack.net. Painted furniture. Mail order.

Classic Bedsteads, 53/57 Norwood Road, London
SE24 9AA, 0800 970 2060; www.classicbedsteads.co.uk. A selection of Louis beds. Order by phone.

Cox Interiors, 5 Formosa Street, London W9 1EE, (020) 7266 2620; www.coxinteriors.com. Antique and modern pieces. Order by phone.

Decorative Living, 55 New Kings Road, London SW6 4SE, (020) 7736 5623; www.decorativeliving.co.uk. Ornate pieces, wire furniture, distressed painted.

Dudgeon, Brompton Place, London SW3 1QE, (020) 7589 0322; www.dudgeonsofas.com. Sofas and chairs.

Estilo Home, 19 High Street, London SW19 5DX, (020) 8946 0533; www.estiloliving.co.uk. Beds and accessories.

Flamant at Harrods, (020) 7730 1234; www.flamant.com. Furniture, lighting, tableware, fabric and accessories.

Grange, 74/75 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 5GW, (020) 7935 7000;
www.grange-london.co.uk. Classic furniture.

Guinevere Antiques, 574/580 Kings Road, London SW6 3DY, (020) 7736 2917; www.guinevere.co.uk. Antique furniture, lighting and accessories. Order online.

Homes in Heaven, 72 New Kings Road, London SW6 4LT, (020) 7736 2227; www.homesinheaven.com. Painted furniture, armoires, chairs, mirrors. Mail order.

Judy Greenwood Antiques, 657/659 Fulham Road, London SW6 5PY, (020) 7736 6037; www.judygreenwood antiques.co.uk. Decorative French furniture.

La Maison, 107/108 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JN, (020) 7729 9646; www.lamaisonlondon.com. Antique and ornate furniture, mirrors, lighting.

Lauriance Rogier, 20a Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8LJ, (020) 7823 4780; www.lauriancerogier.com. Furniture.

Ma Maison, 243 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HY, (020) 7352 1181;www.mamaison.uk.com. Decorative country furniture, china, candles.

Mark Maynard, 651 Fulham Road, London SW6 5PU, (020) 7731 3533;
www.markmaynard.co.uk. Painted furniture, armoires, mirrors, vases.

Melbourne Antiques, 8 Melbourne Grove, London SE22 8QZ, (020) 8299 6565; www.melbourne-antiques.co.uk. Antique furniture, mirrors, chandeliers, accessories. Order by phone.

Nicole Fabre Designs, 79/81 Lots Road, London SW10 0RN, (020) 7349 0300; www.nicolefabredesigns.com. Reproduction and antique textiles and accessories.

Nobilis, (020) 8767 0774; www.nobilis.fr. Modern and traditional furniture, fabrics and wallpaper.

Philip Thomas, 4a Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BG, (020) 7229 4044; www.pjthomas.com. Furniture, lighting.

Pimpernel & Partners, 596 Kings Road, London SW6 2DX, (020) 7731 2448. Furniture and accessories.

Roche Bobois, 419/425 Finchley Road, London NW3 6HJ, (020) 7431 1411;
www.roche-bobois.com. Les Provinciales collection. Mail order.

Rosemary Conquest, 27 Camden Passage, London N1 8EA, (020) 7359 0616; www.rosemaryconquest.com.Antique finds and furniture.

Tobias And The Angel, 68 White Hart Lane, London SW13 0PZ, (020) 878 8902; www.tobiasandtheangel.com.Painted furniture.

Universal Providers, 86 Golborne Road, London W10 5PS, (020) 8960 3736. Antiques.

MIDLANDS
David Litt Antiques, The Old Telephone Exchange, Claridges Lane, Ampthill, Bedfordshire MK45 2HU, (01525) 404825; www.davidlittantiques.co.uk. Country-style furniture, mirrors and chandeliers.

French Finds, French Antiques Trade Warehouse, Strangman Street, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 5DU, (01538) 370052; www.frenchfinds.co.uk. Antique furniture, lighting and mirrors. Order by phone.

La Maison Bleue, Heart of the Country Village, Swinfen, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 9QR, (01827) 373737; www.lamaisonbleue.co.uk. Country furniture, bedlinen and accessories. Order online.

Swans, 17 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA, (01572) 724364; www.antiquefrenchbeds.co.uk. Beds.

Synergy Styles, 0800 7812152; www.synergystyles.co.uk. Reproduction antiques and accessories. Order online.

NORTH
French and Country Interiors, 20 Kirk Lane, Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS19 7ET; (0113) 250 3888; www.frenchandcountry.com. Classic furniture, mirrors, linen and lighting. Order by phone.

French and Country Living, Low Street Farm, Low Street, Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire LS25 6BB, (01977) 682977; www.frenchandcountryliving.co.uk. Country furniture and textiles.

The French House, 74 Micklegate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 6LF, (01904) 624465; www.thefrenchhouse.co.uk. Decorative and antique furniture, lighting and accessories. Order by phone.

Kitty Fisher's Finds, 75 School Lane, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6WN, (0161) 445 1666; www.kittyfishersfinds.co.uk. Decorative furniture, lighting, kitchenware and mirrors. Order online.

SOUTH EAST
Brownrigg@home, 1 Pound Street, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0DX, (01798) 344321;
www.brownrigg-interiors.co.uk. Traditional furniture.

Casa Bella, 245 Epsom Road, Merrow, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2RE, (01483) 300233; www.casabellahome.biz. Painted furniture. Order online.

Espadrille, 2 West Alley, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1EG, (01462) 452005; www.espadrille.co.uk. Stripy textiles, tablewares and accessories.

Fabulous & French, The Granary, Water Lane, Albury, Guildford, Surrey GU5 9BD, (01483) 202717; www.fabulousandfrench.co.uk. Original and reproduction furniture and accessories. Order by phone.

The French Trading Company, 19 East Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7SD, (01252) 723019; www.frenchtrading.com. Furniture and accessories. Order by phone.

French Treasures, Hilders Cliff, The Landgate Arch, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7LD, (01797) 229447; www.frenchtreasures.co.uk. Antique and repro furniture, wire chairs, mirrors, linen, accessories. Order online.

Furniture Today, Willow House, Green Hills Business Park, Tilford Road, Tilford, Surrey GU10 2D2, (01252) 793670; www.furnituretoday.co.uk. Specific section on bedroom furniture. Order online.

Gabrielle de Giles, The Barn, Swanton Lane, Bilsington, Ashford, Kent TN25 7JR, (01233) 720917; www.gabrielledegiles.com. Antiques. Order by phone.

Peggotty's Beds, The Old Chapel, 133 London Road, Teynham, Kent ME9 9QH, (01795) 522027; www.peggottysbeds.co.uk. Upholstered, painted and antique.

Pomme & Em, life@nettlebed, 1 High Street, Nettlebed, Oxfordshire RG9 5DA, (01491) 642062; www.pommeandem.co.uk. Furniture, lighting, accessories.

Spratts, Waters Farm, Hammonds Road, Hatfield Broad Oak, Hertfordshire CM22 7JS, (01279) 718664; www.spratts.co.uk. Furniture, mirrors, clocks. Order online.
Tudor Rose Antiques, East Street, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0AB, (01798) 343621; www.tudor-rose-antiques.co.uk. Furniture, lighting and mirrors.

SOUTH WEST
French Farmhouse Furniture, The Old Pickle Factory, Braunton Road, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 3AA, (0117) 963 6659; www.frenchfarmhousefurniture.co.uk. Original restored furniture and mirrors.
Grand Illusions, (01747) 858300; www.grandillusions.co.uk. Painted furniture. Mail order.

Nest Interiors, 60 Fore Street, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HL, (01392) 204305;
www.nestinteriors.com. Furniture and accessories. Mail order.

The Painted Furniture Company, The Stables, West Farm, Popham, Micheldever, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 3BH, (01256) 397850; www.thepaintedfurniture company.co.uk. By appointment only.

NORTHERN IRELAND
An Angel At My Table, 537 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GQ, (028) 9068 1199; www.anangelatmytable.com.

French Warehouse, 72 Dunmore Road, Ballynahinch, County Down BT24 8PR,
(028) 4483 9360; www.frenchwarehouse.com. Antique beds.

SCOTLAND
French Dressing, Burnside, Oxton, Lauder, Borders TD2 6PP, (01578) 750295; www.french-dressing.com. Bedspreads, cushions and linen. Order online.

Miam Miam, 125 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4EQ, (0131) 221 0037; www.miam-miam.co.uk. Painted iron furniture, quilts, cushions and clocks. Order online.

WALES
Seventh Heaven, Chirk Mill, Chirk, Wrexham, Clwyd LL14 5BU, (01691) 777622; www.seventh-heaven.co.uk. Antique beds.

FRANCE AND BELGIUM
Decaying Elegance, (00 33) 2 33 07 66 97; www.decaying-elegance.co.uk.
Exquisite traditional furniture, beds, mirrors, sconces and china.

Latour Camoufle, (00 33) 1 42 60 22 32; www.latourcamoufle.com.
Ornate antique furniture.

Le Grand Orme, (00 33) 2 96 68 46 46; www.legrandorme.com.
Classic furniture and accessories.

Taillardat, (00 33) 2 38 51 24 03; www.taillardat.fr. Traditional furniture.

“The French have always had a passion for well-made things and there's often a certain joie de vivre in classical pieces”
Martin Gleize, managing director, Roche Bobois UK

“French mirrored furniture has instant impact. Pieces from the 1930s and 50s are fashionable at the moment”
Bernadette Lewis, owner, B & T Antiques

MAIL ORDER
These companies specialise in mail order for French-style products

Aimé, (020) 7221 7070; www.aimelondon.com.
Contemporary ceramics, glassware and candles.

Belle Maison, 0870 850 6207; www.bellemaison.com.Painted furniture.

Bodie and Fou, 0870 609 2648; www.bodieandfou.com. Modern linens, lighting, furniture and accessories.

Christofle at Harrods, (020) 7730 1234, ext 3792; www.christofle.com. Contemporary fine china and glass.

Comptoir de Famille, (01454) 416208; www.comptoir-de-famille.com. Country furniture,
linen, accessories and china.

Dibor, 0870 013 3666; www.dibor.co.uk. Country-style furniture, tableware and kitchenware.
The Dormy House, (01264) 365808; www.thedormyhouse.com. Country-style painted furniture.

Euro Antics, furniture-french-reproductions.com. Painted French reproduction antique furniture.

Fermob, (01454) 416208; www.fermob.com.Outdoor furniture.

The French Bedroom Company, (020) 7328 9414; www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk. Classic bedroom furniture, beds, mirrors and lighting.

The French House, 0870 901 4547; www.thefrenchhouse.net. Classic country furniture and accessories.

Grand Illusions, 41 Crown Road, St Margarets, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 3EJ, (020) 8607 9446; www.grandillusions.co.uk. Painted furniture. Mail order.

Hermès, (020) 7499 8856; www.hermes.com.
Decorative tableware, linen, throws and furniture.

Imogen Jamieson, (020) 8942 2108; www.imogenjamieson.co.uk. Decorative country style, antique furniture, mirrors, tableware and china.

Lalique, (020) 7499 8228; www.lalique.com. Fine glassware.

La Maison Blanc, (01462) 625265; www.lamaisonblanc.co.uk. Smart country-style
white-painted furniture.

La Redoute AM.PM, 0500 777 777; www.redoute.co.uk. Chairs, tables and chests of drawers.

Lelièvre, (020) 7352 4798; www.lelievre.co.uk.Modern furniture, fabrics and accessories.

Leporello, (01483) 284109; www.leporello.co.uk. Painted furniture.

Ligne Roset, 0870 777 7202; www.ligne-roset.co.uk.
Contemporary furniture and accessories.

Maison Du Monde, (020) 8680 0049; www.maisondumonde.com. Armoires, cabinets
and dining chairs.

Marston & Langinger, 0845 270 6688; www.marston-and-langinger.com. Outdoor iron
furniture, basketware and table linen.

Rayment Wirework, (01843) 821628; www.raymentwire.co.uk. Wirework furniture and accessories.

Scumble Goosie, (01453) 731305; www.scumblegoosie.com. Painted furniture. Mail order.

Synergy Styles, 0800 781 2152; www.synergystyles.co.uk. Reproduction antique and modern furniture.

Tasha Beds, (01892) 890769; www.tashabeds.co.uk. Sleigh, antique and children's beds. Order by phone.

Vintage Lifestyle, (01722) 502645; www.vintagelifestyle.co.uk. Country-style painted furniture and accessories.

“French style gives a mix of tradition with playfulness. The trick is to make it look effortless”
Mark and Elke Housden, owners, The French House

SPECIALISTS
Whether you are looking for a particular style of ornate mirror or authentic French linens, fabrics and accessories, this page is an ideal sourcebook

ACCESSORIES
Cabane, 0870 242 7619; www.cabane.co.uk.Order online.

Combrichon, (00 33) 4 7400 1738; www.combrichon.com.

Country Elements, (01795) 841266; www.countryelements.co.uk. Order online or by phone.
Bedlinen, towels and bath products

Cacharel, www.cacharel.com.

Cologne & Cotton, (01926) 332573; www.cologneandcotton.net.

Descamps, (020) 7235 7165; www.descamps.com. Order by phone.

French Dressing, (01578) 750295; www.french-dressing.com. Order online.

The French Linen Company, (01296) 394980; www.yvesdelorme.com. Mail order.

Gianna Rose Atelier at Coco Ribbon, (020) 7229 4904; www.cocoribbon.com.
Soaps and bathroom products. Order online.

Le Jacquard Francais, www.le-jacquard-francais.fr.

L'Occitane, (020) 7907 0301; www.loccitane.com.
Fragrances and toiletries. Mail order.

Olivier Desforges, (01296) 610212; www.olivierdesforges.com.

Sibona, 67 Webbs Road, London SW11 6SD, (020) 7924 5912; www.sibona.com.

Yves Delorme, (01296) 610212; www.yvesdelorme.com.

DOORS
Franco-file, (01884) 253556; www.franco-file.co.uk. Door numbers. Mail order.

The French Door Company, (020) 7736 1517; www.frenchdoorcompany.com.

FABRICS, WALLPAPERS AND RIBBONS
Baer & Ingram, Dragon Works, Leigh on Mendip, Radstock, Somerset BA3 5QZ, (01373) 813800;www.baer-ingram.com. Mail order. Fabrics and accessories; a lot of toile de Jouy.

Barbara Coupe, 31 Old Chesterton, 110 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 46Z,
(020) 7720 1415; www.barbaracoupe.co.uk.Order online.

Brocante Fabrics, (01884) 254781; www.brocantefabrics.co.uk.

Casamance, 221/227 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ, (01689) 877717; www.casamance.com.

Charlotte Casadejus, (020) 7378 9755; www.charlottecasadejus.com. Order by phone.

De Gournay, 112 Old Church Street, London SW3 6EP, (020) 7823 7316;
www.degournay.com.

Elizabeth Baer Textiles, (01225) 866136. By appointment only.

Jane Sacchi, 132 Lots Road, London SW10 oRJ, (020) 7349 7020; www.janesacchi.com.
Mail order.

Manuel Canovas, (020) 8877 6400; www.manuelcanovas.com.

Nicholas Herbert, 118 Lots Road, London SW10 0RJ, (020) 7376 5596;
www.nicholasherbert.com.

Pierre Frey, (020) 7376 5599; www.pierrefrey.com.

Scalamandré, (020) 7795 0988; www.scalamandre.com.

V V Rouleaux, (020) 7730 3125; www.vvrouleaux.com.

KITCHENWARE

Cucina Direct, 0870 420 4300; www.cucinadirect.com.

Divertimenti, 0870 129 5026; www.divertimenti.co.uk. Mail order.

La Cuisiniere, 81/83 and 91 Northcote Road, London SW11 6PL, (020) 7223 4409;
www.la-cuisiniere.co.uk. Mail order.

Le Creuset, 0800 373792; www.lecreuset.co.uk.

Summerill & Bishop, 100 Portland Road, London W11 4LN, (020) 7221 4566;
www.summerillandbishop.com.

LIGHTING
Bella Figura, (020) 7376 4564; mail order, 07000 235523; www.bella-figura.co.uk.

Wilkinson, 1 Grafton Street, London W1 4EA, (020) 7495 2477; www.wilkinson-plc.com.

MIRRORS
The Old French Mirror Company, Bellevue House, Althorp Road, London SW17, (01189) 482444; www.oldfrenchmirrors.com. Order by phone.

Overmantels, 66 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11 3AG, (020) 7223 8151; www.overmantels.co.uk.

“French style reflects different cultures and varies from region to region. I like mixing antiques with a few minimalist pieces
Aurélie Brache, manager, Summerill & Bishop

If you are a company selling French-style
furniture or accessories and we haven't
mentioned you, please let us know where
you are for future reference by emailing
us at homesandgardens@ipcmedia.com.
We look forward to hearing from you.

FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS

AUGUST 2006