You’ve probably seen the “French Laundry” look that’s been popular with Interior Design Hounds the past several years.
Cairn Terrier. Image: Graphique
The look gets its name from Interior Designer Debbie Jones, the founder of French Country Home.
The designer created a line of fabrics & accessories with the look and feel of vintage, French linen grain sacks.
French Laundry Home & Ballard Design
The vintage originals were often used for laundry, so Debbie christened her new venture “French Laundry Home.”
Since the success of her debut at the High Point Furniture & Accessories Market in 2007, her collection has grown to include furniture.
Other manufacturers and retailers took notice of Debbie’s success and today “French Laundry” refers to a decorating style.
Because of the style’s relaxed attitude, French Laundry can be Pet friendly…
Vintage Grain Sack Dog Bed. Image: 3 Fine Grains
Today the French Laundry look has left the farm.
The style can include both vintage & modern furnishings accented with a few well-chosen pieces of industrial chic.
French Industrial. Image: Restoration Hardware
Key French Laundry design elements:
- Burlap
- Grain Sacks
- Natural Fibers
- Faded Elegance
- Reclaimed Wood
- Block Printed Linen
- Neutral Color Palette
- Relaxed Attitude & Style
- Soft, Faded Toile Fabrics
- Vintage Inspired Furniture
- Distressed, Weathered Finishes
- Chipped, peeling & Cracked Paint
Of course, it helps to have a French accent…
French Pomeranian Style. Image: Eloquence, Inc.
While the French Laundry look was rooted on the farm, it’s the French faded elegance that adds sophistication to the style.
Amelia Cooke & Kim Redmond, along with their decidedly French Pomeranian, scour France in search of well-loved but forgotten treasures perfect for the look…
Pomeranian Accessories. Image: Eloquence, Inc.
Amelia & Kim’s business, Eloquence, Inc., offers an ever-changing inventory of quaint furnishings & accessories to designers and retailers across the country.
Their company refurbishes antiques and reinterprets classic French pieces with reproductions appropriate for today’s lifestyles…
And as we all know, today’s lifestyles include Pets.
Louis XV Armchair. Image: Eloquence, Inc.
French grain sacks (Good ol’ feed sacks, here in America!) are used as upholstery and pieced to create pillows.
Before you turn your nose up at the idea, the going price for a French or German vintage linen feed sack is about $165!
Not to worry…there are plenty of pillows inspired by the sacks with the French Laundry look.
Check out the pillow in the chair below with Josephine, a Poodle Mix rescued from Hurricane Katrina.
Poodle Pillow. Image: Timeless Southern Home
Cavalier Dog Pillow. Image: Secdus
The Cavalier Pillow above (created by Secdus) features French images, postmarks and a regal crown.
Whether vintage or newly created, grain sack pillows can add a French accent to any décor.
Pomeranian Sette. Image: Eloquence, Inc.
Burlap is a key fabric that adds rustic & visual contrast to the French style décor.
How about a burlap Dog Chaise? Ay-chi-wa-wa!
French Chaise Dog Bed. Image: Etceteras
It’s just what every Dog needs according to the lucky La Jolla Chihuahua above. (The Dog bed is from Etecteras.)
To be frank, feed sacks & burlap certainly do not work for everyone…
Fashion Hound Marilyn. Image: Potato Boutique
But, burlap is very popular with many Interior Design Hounds.
Burlap Dog Bed & “Good Night” Burlap Pillow
My Scottie Dog Taffy loves burlap sacks!
Especially when they look like this one:
A Mungo & Maud burlap sack stuffed with delicious organic granola Dog treats…
Now that’s Pet Friendly burlap!
Later, I’ve got to let the Dog out,
Taffy, our charming 
