Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Can a Brocante Fanatic Go Modern?

 

Contemporary cement tiles

Photo via Marie Claire Maison

 

Last night and the night before and the night before that I fell asleep thinking about the apartment in Cassis. Imagining the walls gutted, the space empty, the placement of the kitchen and the stairs, calculating what is needed and what is not.

What is needed in that small long narrow space?

 

Light.

 

For the first time in my life I might take a very practical step towards a modern design. Just writing it makes me shiver. Modern, light and open, few objects, practical leaning towards sparse. Sometimes I wonder what is happening. Then I reminded myself about the size and the need to keep it open and light because it is dark and tight. Thinking about a modern design is one thing, admiring it another, but actually living in it, could I? 

 

As the kitchen is narrow, there will be one long counter… 60 cm x 330 cm, no upper cabinets and a very small table at one end and a stairwell at the other end. 

 

 

Baignoire-ilot-oeuf-leroy merlan

Photo Via Deco.FR

 

I kinda have a crush on this tub.

I kinda like the idea of it in the bedroom.

 

Can a Brocante Fanatic go modern?

Brocante Bug where the hell are you?

 

 

Sink leroy merlan

 

When French Husband saw this bathroom sink, he said, "You like the basket, not the sink, right?" 

"The basket? No. Actually I thought the sink was pretty cool, but not very practical."

I think I might have shocked him with the word "practical" as he looked at me strangely, and whispered, "Are you okay?" 

 

 

 

Color and texture

Photo via Carla Aston

 

At dinner I opened my Pinterest and showed French Husband some of the images I have been collecting, "Like this one, you see, it is just about the colors, though I really like the oversized art piece, you know the apartment is small but the walls are large, so I was thinking…" as I talking I could see he wasn't listening, or more so not understanding, or actually French Husband was wondering silently out loud, "She has gone off the deep end."

And there I am swimming in Cassis wondering can I really go modern?

I have my doubts.

But something is stirring that I cannot deny.

 

Which way do you lean:

Modern or Classic

Practical or Arty

Do you dot your "I" and cross your "T" or Scribble?

 

 

Do you dream out loud?

 

 

Comments

99 responses to “Can a Brocante Fanatic Go Modern?”

  1. liz

    Bright Modern interiors with antique accessories is a beautiful mix…. Do it… you wont regret it. Your not going crazy, just expanding your horizons. Scarry at first, but exhilratimg once you finally jump in. Take the plunge!

    Reply
  2. liz

    Sorry for all the typos…using a little touch screen..not used to it.

    Reply
  3. pc brown

    ding! You’ve hit my biggest decorating dilemma… I like a lot of different things!!! I used to be all antiques, old, used, worn, remembrance of things gone by. But I love the idea of clean, sparse, modern, unfussy. What does my house look like? A mish mash of things handmade furniture by Grandpa, hand me down trunks from both sets of grandparents, my kids’ art and my own on the walls, comfortable and getting less cluttered every day, and with a strong lean towards anything that reminds me of the sea. But when it gets right on down to it, my home is uniquely me.
    I am positive that if all the sudden you made a shift towards all things and near the sea, well, it would still speak very highly that this place is yours. (and I can’t wait to see it!)

    Reply
  4. Jacklynn Lantry

    Oh yes, you can do this. I see a lot of brocante style in the Carla Aston pic. Mix it up.

    Reply
  5. Alena

    I am a huge fan of old, antiques, vintage
    But also I love love Japanese Wabi Sabi style
    It is so simple and modern, yet so cozy and charming
    I think you can definitely do this Corey

    Reply
  6. Diogenes

    I just read the title and not the post, but the answer is yes, empahtically!
    Or blend the two. 😉
    Now I am going back to read the post.

    Reply
  7. g

    I think you have the make the space work for life…a different vibe than in provence or paris-the sea air brings it’s own elements-the one window the narrow spaces – it will be glorious when it is done and it will be all you (and your family) does the blue palette from an earlier post still hold –

    Reply
  8. Roberta Manly

    You could do a mix, but keeping it simple and leaning more towards modern because of the size. There are a couple of furniture stores in Northern Virginia that merchandise brilliantly with modern simple upholstered furniture and and antique side tables, armoires, etc. go with your gut. I’m very traditional, but often think when we retire and downsize somewhere, I might go modern and less cluttered. It’s scary though. Loving seeing all these photos.

    Reply
  9. Diogenes

    Tiny beach house, modern white and rustic pieces too:
    http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444799904578052911952817512

    Reply
  10. Diogenes

    can you use the roof for a deck?

    Reply
  11. Diogenes

    With the proportions of the house, it’s kind of like you’re fitting out a sailboat. that might be a source for inspiration….

    Reply
  12. Janet Eiffel

    Antiques please, always antiques.
    You can do it all with light colors.
    Pale blues and greys,lots of white.
    But always antiques.
    After all, you are in France and……
    you are the Brocante Queen.

    Reply
  13. ChicagoSheila

    I have to agree with Janet. There is nothing cozy about modern. Too sterile. But I am sure you are going to find the perfect mix.

    Reply
  14. WR

    Modern with a few chosen very old pieces, a trunk, a painting, a table, an armoire upstairs.

    Reply
  15. Jacqueline

    Trust your instincts. This space is going to look gorgeous with the clean, modern aesthetic.

    Reply
  16. RebeccaNYC

    beautiful bright white modern architecture and modern clean furniture with antique accessories….my idea of porn.

    Reply
  17. RebeccaNYC

    of course, I mean modern clean furniture that is COMFORTABLE. I cannot tell you how many vacation rentals I have had with out one comfortable chair. never ceases to amaze me.

    Reply
  18. becky up a hill

    Dreamy modern. You can do it.

    Reply
  19. Marilyn

    I dream out loud to myself. My husband doesn’t get it when I mention things. He wants everything to stay the same. These days I am wanting more sparse and light, but with touches of vintage. I think there can be a cross of the two. Good luck! Thinking the sink might be too heavy for your little space, but that tub is wonderful for the bedroom.

    Reply
  20. Lil

    I like to live in an uncluttered space with antique accents. I also like color! Our living room walls are yellow, kitchen cabinets a muted green, blond wood floors, red tile kitchen floor. It works. Too much white is not for me.

    Reply
  21. Mardog

    Just do it.

    Reply
  22. Christine Harris

    Absolutely! You were inspired and the change will be invigorating. There is no doubt that you will create a beautiful, modern space. I look forward to seeing the results. I made the similar switch recently and the clean lines were exactly what I needed at this time in my life. Have fun!

    Reply
  23. Sher Sutherland

    I LOVE it! And how do I get on the “approved renter” list?

    Reply
  24. Tongue in Cheek

    Thanks Liz for the vote of confidence. I feel my feet at the edge of the diving board… “take the plunge” you say, I am nervous!

    Reply
  25. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh PC I so understand the desire and love for old things. A collection of old things… I cannot imagine a home that doesn’t speak of the owners, maybe deep down that it is, “will this new home speak of us, if I go modern?”
    Thank you for your thoughts!

    Reply
  26. Tongue in Cheek

    Scared! Really I am, just not sure I can pull it off. I think Carla Aston needs to come over and help me!

    Reply
  27. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh I do not know. It seems a la vogue in France, so many homes are this modern style… Thanks for believing in me.

    Reply
  28. Tongue in Cheek

    Come help me!

    Reply
  29. Tongue in Cheek

    It is a color we both tend to agree on, a very light blue… oh man I never felt this way so it is odd to actually feel myself leaning towards it. I do not want to have regrets, it is to big to regret it later.Thanks G for your thoughts, you are right the sea brings its own elements!

    Reply
  30. Tongue in Cheek

    Mixing it up, yes that is what I hope for, or should say that makes me feel less scared and more comfortable, but I do not know if I can do it. From the comments I think we all feel or see how it could work, but since it is so different from our palette… less clutter feels right at my age, but gee taking the plunge as Liz said is so new and old is safe for me.

    Reply
  31. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh that was a good article, Oh Mr. Zervudachi, want to come see Cassis?

    Reply
  32. Tongue in Cheek

    No nothing on the outside can be changed. Not even enlarging the skylight.

    Reply
  33. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh hey that is what Yann says. Sailboat style. All I see are life jackets when I think sail boats, and tanned bodies.

    Reply
  34. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh you know you are speaking my language! Safety zone! But the apartment is small, or I should say narrow, and not alot of furniture will fit.

    Reply
  35. Tongue in Cheek

    Yes that is how I feel Modern is too sterile, it will feel like a cool hip hotel. God I hope I can pull this off.

    Reply
  36. Tongue in Cheek

    Wink! Yes I think so, but I have never done it. A mix would be ideal.

    Reply
  37. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank you…. I wish I knew. I can see it. But I do not know if I would like after a month or so.

    Reply
  38. Tongue in Cheek

    lol, that is the funniest comment, interior porn.

    Reply
  39. Tongue in Cheek

    Not to self: “Interior porn, must have comfortable landing!”

    Reply
  40. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Becky, It feels uphill to me. thanks for believing in me!

    Reply
  41. Tongue in Cheek

    Our husbands come from the same mould? I agree I like the sink but I could imagine water everywhere!

    Reply
  42. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Lil, All white looks nice, but long term I know I would start to paint or wallpaper… your home sounds inviting! Photos?

    Reply
  43. Tongue in Cheek

    lol, Nike to the rescue!

    Reply
  44. Tongue in Cheek

    Photos? I hope I can do it. I feel the urge, and it is so new and odd that I doubt myself. So it gives me confidence to hear all of you say “do it” and that you all are thinking or have taking the plunge too. Thank you for your comment!!

    Reply
  45. Tongue in Cheek

    You are! Come on over!

    Reply
  46. lihabiboun

    The most important thing when renovating/decorating small spaces is the rule: keep the color calm. Do not overburden the rare space. I know what I am talking about since we bought a very very small house in Southern France: 60m2 on FOUR floors, actually it is more like a tower than a house. I predict: you will buy tons of things like “Marie Claire Maison” and “Côté Sud” and so on and feast on the pictures … I wish you reliable craftsmen and a spare account. You will love it – and in the end it will be most cozy. I bet!!!

    Reply
  47. Leslie in Oregon

    This space, as pictured in the photographs you posted yesterday, cries for light, openness and simplicity. The kitchen, bathtub and living room pictured in the photographs in this post resonate in those directions. Stretch beyond what you have done in your Paris apartment and Provence home…the results will be wonderful.

    Reply
  48. Natalie Thiele

    Great style is great style, and you’ve got it. Go modern! Have fun with it!

    Reply
  49. Kiki

    Corey, you’re retelling the story of my life. I LOVE old things, I have tons of them, heck, I LIVE in a ‘museum’ with thick stone walls, frescoes on the walls, impractical but utterly beautiful little square-windows (but miles and miles of them – fun to clean!)…. and for about 3yrs now I put stuff in boxes, put the boxes in the basement, CANNOT separate myself but see that yes, I can live without…. I had twice installed a totally modern and very beautiful kitchen in old Victorian houses and was FAR HAPPIER with them than I’m with my huge and totally impractical New Age kitchen…. It IS a leap of faith and if I had the money, I wouldn’t hesitate ONE SECOND in your place and would go ahead with the most gorgeous bath tub you chose (would be my choice too but it would involve a heavy additional mortgage!), however not the huge and truly impractical wash basin – I’ve seen it and it isn’t what you want to look at every day several times. You could go for cool wooden gear with a large either glass bowl or two / or a large stone sink – there are SO many wonderful modern appliances that go beautifully with an old house. Same for the kitchen – I do actually envy you for being able to do that.
    IT WILL BE WONDERFUL and you WILL marry your modern things GLORIOUSLY with the old stuff – I have every faith in you!!!! Go ahead, do it – life is too short for regrets!

    Reply
  50. Kiki

    btw…. I totally get FH’s reaction – you ‘normally’ would have kept the pix for the basket!!!! You ARE a basket case, in the very nicest possible way…. This made me laugh out loud!

    Reply
  51. labergerebasque

    Sometimes when there is less we “hear” it more clearly…like one person talking instead of a roomful we ca no longer hear clearly. I, myself, have become less cluttered and more in tune with clean lines. 🙂

    Reply
  52. labergerebasque

    Black makes white brighter and vice versa 😉

    Reply
  53. Dd

    Brocante, uncluttered, comfortable.

    Reply
  54. Marilyn Marcus

    Yes go eclectic. Modern and clean and bright architectural features with brocante treasures – a home reflecting all the ages.

    Reply
  55. JudyMac

    I’ll go with the “Dd” comment. Plus, it must be colorful! 😍

    Reply
  56. Teddee Grace

    Well, mix it up! I can see where you are going because of the space limitations and, although I also am not into modern, I love some of the things you are Pinning. That tub in the bedroom! So romantique! You’re on the right track! Can’t wait!

    Reply
  57. Debbie

    I think you are on to something here – Cassis and this space is calling you to something different. I can imagine it the perfect mix – clean modern lines and just enough beautiful brocante to be warm and comfortable at the same time. Either way I am sure you will make it truly your own and I can’t wait to see how it develops. And the sea……always the sea. It’s going to be wonderful!!!!

    Reply
  58. NancyO.

    You have a wonderful sense of style, and mixing brocante and modern will be easy for you. You will know when something fits, or doesn’t. I have a dear friend who is an artist. He has a wonderful sense of color and an eye for balance. His house is a mix of antiques, comfortable furniture, oriental rugs, and huge pieces of abstract art. It all works. Yours will, too.

    Reply
  59. Kristin

    Have you looked at light tubes to brighten dark spaces? They leave a tiny footprint on the roof and are amazing light providers. The apartment could really be edgy if the “bones” are spare, clean….and all accessories your signature brocante pieces. It is going to be so much fun to watch you develop the space….and use it!

    Reply
  60. Terri N Texas

    Love the modern. You are so good at designing it doesn’t matter which way you go…….whatever it is it has to be small, small, small. Love the large art on the walls with small furniture items.

    Reply
  61. Robin

    that’s funny, Corey. I always think of you as having a modern style. Granted, your style is not severe modern but certainly a soft, rounded and cushy type of modern. Isn’t modern a bit of the old glowing under a new light, anyway? You do that particularly well. I know you’ll make your seaside space modern, regardless of how much patina you dust it with!

    Reply
  62. Irene Thomas

    I am reminded of Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s “Gift from the Sea”. As I age, I think of simplicity, comfort and the ability to make life easier for myself. But I am so much older than you. Whatever you decide will be gorgeous and so interesting!

    Reply
  63. isabel

    Clean, simple lines; white or natural slipcovers, and a few well-chosen antiques for flair. Eclectic but paired-down is always best. That’s my vote.

    Reply
  64. Andrea

    I think the house is speaking to you ….. And you’re listening…. And it will intuitively
    Flow into being….. With your amazing eye and gift for creating beautiful welcoming
    Spaces…. Follow your heart and it will be beautiful
    I don’t think you need to define or label just instinctively create… And buy only what you love

    Reply
  65. Milena

    So much fun ahead of you! I love modern, but I also love old, and they work so well together. I love old historic houses with modern interior, sleek white kitchen and old wooden floorboards, beautiful antique oil paintings on perfect white walls. Go for it!
    P.S.
    Now you got me dreaming about designing new old spaces, and I feel the need to go on Pinterest.

    Reply
  66. Patti

    EXCITING! I can hardly wait to see what you will do with this challenge. Like you, when I have a new space, I lay awake at night with thoughts & ideas swirling around in my head. The perfect plan will surface from within you, I know! Thank you for including us as you go.

    Reply
  67. stadtgarten

    I think brocante and modern can very happily live together in one room or house. 😉

    Reply
  68. Tongue in Cheek

    60 m2 on four floors! Wow, that is cozy. I use pinterest, haven’t bought magazines in years, 13 years to be exact. Save a tree. I agree that the smaller space needs light! I would love to see photos of your tower.

    Reply
  69. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank you Leslie, stretch I will and must, otherwise it will be a cave one crawls through!

    Reply
  70. Tongue in Cheek

    Ah thanks, I hope I can live up to that generous compliment!

    Reply
  71. Tongue in Cheek

    As I read your comment my mind was imagining all the little square windows, miles of them. Regarding bathroom sinks, thanks for the tips.
    Also for your encouragement.

    Reply
  72. Tongue in Cheek

    Basket case that is a good one!

    Reply
  73. Tongue in Cheek

    I like that. But black shows the dust too, my kitchen counter is black and I am forever sponge in hand.

    Reply
  74. Tongue in Cheek

    Love the sound of those words.

    Reply
  75. Tongue in Cheek

    I wish, but I think it is too small for too many things. Maybe one of each? !

    Reply
  76. Tongue in Cheek

    We will see if I can do it… or stay comfortable, but one thing is certain if I do too much, nobody will fit inside. 🙂 lol.

    Reply
  77. Tongue in Cheek

    Thanks Tedee, I will measure the bedroom to see if there is room for a tub. If not maybe it could be used as a tub and a twin bed. lol.

    Reply
  78. Tongue in Cheek

    Your comment makes me feel confident and good. But then I look at the plans and start to panic.

    Reply
  79. Tongue in Cheek

    Fingers crossed, I hope so.

    Reply
  80. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Kristin, Yes I have seen them, and thought about using two of them. But we are not allowed to put anything on the roof,nor change the exterior. So no light tubes 🙁

    Reply
  81. Tongue in Cheek

    Small small small is true true true. Stay tuned, I hope I can live up to your compliment!

    Reply
  82. Tongue in Cheek

    Ah thanks! I will tell Chelsea and Sacha what you said just to see their eyes roll. But your words feel like a big hug to me! Thank you!!

    Reply
  83. Tongue in Cheek

    I have to re read Anne Morrow’s book. Simplicity!

    Reply
  84. Tongue in Cheek

    That vote is a good one!

    Reply
  85. Tongue in Cheek

    It sounds crazy, but it is true I do hear it speak. Maybe because it has been closed for years, and it is so dark and lifeless. I loved what you wrote:
    “…I don’t think you need to define or label just instinctively create…” We should all feel so free to be. Thank you xx

    Reply
  86. Tongue in Cheek

    Birds of a feather we are!

    Reply
  87. Tongue in Cheek

    We are dreaming together! I am counting on the perfect plan to surface from within me. That is how I roll. I love how you said that, thank you! It validates who I am.

    Reply
  88. Tongue in Cheek

    Good! I am counting on it. Happily ever after xx

    Reply
  89. Leigh NZ

    Great to try something completely different Corey. A calm cool space will look wonderful in the Cassis apartment and make it feel larger with room to move. Let the view from your window do the talking! You have already decorated in the gorgeous style you love; be a devil and try a different approach…I’m sure you won’t regret it!! X.

    Reply
  90. Kathie

    I love pale butter-yellow walls for a sunny effect.

    Reply
  91. ff

    Oh yeah – for sure you can!
    You will mix it all up and create an inspirational space.
    Creative talent transcends all styles!

    Reply
  92. Trisha

    Think French Art Deco oceanliner such as the Normandie. Antique but sleek. Fitted cabins for small spaces.
    IT will fill not only your desire for “brocante” but also be sleek and original. Why look like every other house in France today going ultra modern?

    Reply
  93. Debra

    Corey – this is the direction I have recently gone! We seen like cyber sisters!

    Reply
  94. Francesca

    Maybe it helps if you re-position your frame of mind. Think of the space as a sleek and modern white/light blue canvas to which you will be able to add brocante splashes of colour/texture here and there to give it life.

    Reply
  95. Deb Archer

    Jump in, the pictures you’ve collected are lovely, washed of color to reflect the blue of Cassis. Clean lines, lots of light. What a luxury to have different spaces to decorate with different styles. I know you will make the space beautiful.

    Reply
  96. Linda P.

    You wouldn’t want to wear the same clothing in all environments, in all seasons and all geographic locations. You’ll find what’s just right for this apartment, and it might not be what’s just right for other places you have lived.

    Reply
  97. isabel

    Thanks! Also I forgot to say, with the clean white or natural main pallete, you could use colorful pillows, made of wonderful textiles as I know you have so many. And, ty for answering, I know it takes a lot of time to read all of our comments and then respond. I really appreciate hearing directly from you, what a treat!

    Reply
  98. tammyCA

    I think with this small, narrow house you have no choice but to streamline, but I don’t think you have to go all hardcore austere modern. I love ’40s-’60s mid century modern design but can’t stand contemporary modern as it lacks warmth & colors & mostly quality. I’m also a firm believer in letting the house & location speak to design..there’s history there & you don’t want to erase it & have it look out of place or just like every other place around the world. What kind of furniture & items were in it originally when it was built? What was it built for..who was it built for? Fishermen? sailors? Artists? I’d want to research & then search for special pieces to make it feel like they found their way home..yes, see I do daydream.😄

    Reply
  99. tammyCA

    I just googled cassis & see that it’s famous for the limestone (among other things), which was used for the base of the Statue of Liberty..cool!

    Reply

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