An Interview With Designer Charles Faudree & A Book Drawing

When people think of French Country design, they think of Charles Faudree. His work has graced the pages of countless magazines, such as Veranda and Traditional Home. He is also a marvelous writer. His first three books were well received by the design community, serving as inspiration for both professionals and amateurs. The first, Charles Faudree's French Country Signature, shows his precious "decorating dog," Nicholas, resting on a red toile chair--this is a book that I keep on my coffee table because it never fails to provide a jolt of eye candy.

His second and third books--Clarles Faudree's Country French Living and Country French Florals--are also beloved. Mr. Faudree's latest, Charles Faudree Interiors, was recently published by Gibbs-Smith:

I was granted an interview with Mr. Faudree (using questions from my blogger friends).
Gollum: In your opinion, is there one piece of furniture (armoire, screen, etc.) that’s a “must have”?

Charles Faudree: The must have piece of furniture in my design work would be
a commode (chest). It works in most any room.


Gollum: Your interiors reflect balance, using similar accessories, and yet they always seem fresh and beautiful. In my own rooms, many of my tablescapes and mantlescapes seem to fall prey to what I call “Noah’s Ark Syndrome”—pairs and pairs of lamps, accessories. How much is too much of pairs and like objects?

Charles Faudree: Tablescapes need a varience in heights as well as a space for the
eye to rest.




Gollum: Do you design a room around an inspiration piece, or do you begin with a fabric or a rug?

Charles Faudree: When designing a room you can begin with a specific piece of
furniture, a rug or fabric. You usually determine this through
conversing with the client to determine the importance of one
over the other.



Gollum: Is it possible for the French Country look to be achieved on a budget?

Charles Faudree: Yes you can achieve the French Country look on a budget by painting
a piece of furniture that you already own and selecting fabrics
wisely.







Gollum: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose

Charles Faudree: St. Paul - de - Vence, France







Gollum: What are your favorite collections?

Charles Faudree: My favorite collections include my small antique dog figures and my
collection of dog art.





Gollum: Are you working on another book?

Charles Faudree: There are plans for another book. It would be "about the Mix".



If you would like a chance to win a copy of Mr. Faudree's new book, please leave a message. The drawing will be held later this month. Or, if you are like me (and can't wait), you can hop over to his website. You can also order the book there, too, at Charles Faudree.com


Don't forget to check out "Contentment Therapy" at Mary's Meanderings