The French Way With Design

A new look is emerging in France's apartments as well as in its imposing chateaux and country manors. Along with signature pieces of national identity--such as finely crafted wood pieces, splendid mirrors, and grandmere's well cared for linens--European mid-century modern furnishings also adorn settings in this age of merging sensibilities.

Homes photographed in France and the U.S. show abstract works of art mingling easily with painted furniture, budget-friendly finds from assorted cultures--such as wool rugs and handembroidered linens from India--and pottery, artisan-made pillows, throws and vintage textiles from remote markets in Morocco.

BETTY LOU PHILLIPS, ASID, is the author of a dozen books on French design, including her most recent, The Allure of French and Italian Decor, French Impressions and Inspirations from France and Italy. Ms. Phillips lives in Dallas, Texas.