Finding Interior Design Inspiration in My Summer Sanctuary
Every summer since 1990, I’ve made the same cherished journey to the Périgord Vert region of the Dordogne, where our family home has become my sanctuary of rest, reflection and endless inspiration. This magical corner of western France captivates me year after year. Known for its rolling valleys carved by the Dronne and Bandiat rivers, this region offers more than just world-renowned Charolais beef, foie gras and truffles. It’s a place where my passion for interior design finds its most authentic voice, influenced by centuries of French craftsmanship and the gentle beauty of rural France, all of which I bring back to my projects across Kent and Sussex.
The poetry of French colour
There’s something utterly mesmerising about the colour palette that emerges naturally from this landscape. The stonework here tells a story painted in sand and beige tones, weathered to perfection by decades of sun and rain. Against this warm backdrop, the famous French blue appears everywhere – from weathered shutters to painted doorways – creating that effortlessly elegant contrast that defines provincial French style.
The blue you see all around isn’t just a colour; it’s a piece of history. Used in French heraldry since the 12th century, this distinctive shade has graced everything from royal fleurs-de-lis to modern sporting uniforms. But here in the countryside, it takes on a more relaxed personality. Sun-bleached and softened, it whispers rather than shouts, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and utterly liveable.
What also fascinates me is the French grey, which, despite its name, reveals itself as a subtle green hue in this light. Brands like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene have captured this beautifully, understanding that French grey isn’t cold or stark, but warm and sage-like. The pale limestone of these French houses blends perfectly with every shade of blue and grey, so much so that even modern houses are designed this way.
Benjamin Moore French blues
Images left to right : Little Greene French Gray and Farrow & Ball French Grey
Images left to right : Farrow & Ball French Grey interiors and Little Greene Normandy Grey interiors
Timeless details that define French architecture
The practical beauty of French architecture never fails to inspire my work back home. Those iconic shutters aren’t just charming – they’re genius climate solutions, protecting interiors from scorching summer heat while adding layers of texture and colour to facades. The intricate ironwork gracing windows and balconies demonstrates how functional elements can become the most beautiful features of a home.
Door canopies here serve a dual purpose, sheltering visitors while creating those delightful shadows that make photographing these villages such a joy. Each detail speaks to a design philosophy that values both beauty and purpose, which is something I always try to weave into my own projects.
Bringing holiday inspiration back home
In my interior design work, I’ve found that French grey serves as the perfect anchor for modern European-inspired palettes. This soft green-grey shifts beautifully in different lights, making it incredibly versatile and timeless. Its subtle warmth pairs magnificently with natural wood tones, block-printed fabrics and earthy browns, creating interiors that feel rich and grounded without being overwhelming. With this year’s interior design trends leaning towards more natural tones, French grey combined with oak floors, creamy neutrals and striking black accents creates that understated sophistication which never goes out of style.
Kitchen with three shades of Little Green French Grey
Why not have your own French-inspired transformation?
As I write this surrounded by the colours and textures that fuel my creativity, I’m already imagining how these timeless French design principles could transform your Kent or Sussex home. Perhaps you’re drawn to the gentle sophistication of French grey, the cheerful optimism of weathered blue shutters or the practical beauty of traditional ironwork details – there are plenty of ways to capture that effortless French elegance in your own space.
Ready to bring a touch of French countryside charm to your home? Contact me today to discuss how we can create your perfect interior sanctuary.
Nicky