French Country Kitchens
Even if you can’t sit down to a dish of ratatouille at a farm table in Provence, you can still spend time vicariously in the heart of some French homes, thanks to Linda Dannenberg’s new book, “French Country Kitchens” (Clarkson Potter, $37.50; hardcover).
The book takes readers into more than 65 kitchens, ranging from rustic stone-walled rooms in the countryside to compact spaces in Paris apartments. Most share elements that are typical of the French country style: freestanding furniture and few cabinets; shelves to display serving pieces or collectibles; sturdy tables and, often, fireplaces.
And just in case you’re hungering for a taste of France, Dannenberg includes recipes from her stops, as well.
Establish and keep the order
Don’t give up on your resolution to get organized this year just yet. The March edition of ShopSmart features 10 ideas that will help you get and stay organized if your little heart desires. Featuring common household items used in creative ways, the magazine offers free and inexpensive solutions so that money is no longer the barrier between you and a tidy home.
Check out the magazine (on newsstands now) for tips on using baskets, over-the-door shoe bags, hooks and more.
Take it outside
“Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love” by Julie Moir Messervy (The Taunton Press; $30; hardcover) offers a six-step process that can help you make the outside of your living space an extension of the inside. Start by examining the conditions including the soil, wind, circulation, vegetation and views in Lay of the Land. Next, select a basic layout, aesthetic arrangement and theme, and organize the space around the house accordingly. Chapter three explains the four comfort zones and how to design for them. The last three chapters, Making it Flow, Placing the Pieces and Sensory Pleasures, show you how to complete the project and add the finishing touches.
