Heads up (or noses in?!), there's a new interior book on the shelves! Curator of one of my favourite blogs French By Design (if you don't follow her already, it's a must!) Siham Mazouz launched her debut tome How the French Live last month - and it's a beauty! Si moved from the South of France to the USA nine years ago. The book features fourteen French homes each with their own relaxed, yet chic style and every chapter closes with a family recipe to prolong the warmth of the hospitality they've shared. I caught up with Si to find out more.
I know just how much work goes into a book and was so impressed you wrote it, did the styling and took all the photography - what a feat!!
What are your fondest memories from the project?
"My fondest memory is by far the human connections I made while visiting these 14 families. Because I was a one-woman show, I was recording all conversations on a small recorder while shooting the space and chatting with the homeowner. It led to deeper exchanges and a whole new approach to décor: the human story behind the space I was photographing. This was amazing."
It must feel so personal to you - what was it
like finally getting the book in your hands?
Thank you so much for telling us about your lovely book Si! I know I'll be dipping in and out for inspiration (and the odd recipe like the grilled fig and burrata salad!).
If you'd like to pick up a copy it's available here:
How the French Live: Modern French Style
Have a lovely day!
All Photography (except the cover shot and spreads which I photographed on my kitchen table earlier today!) are by Siham Mazouz for How the French Live, reprinted by permission of Gibbs Smith.
"Modern French families tend to mix and match décor elements from different eras and styles to create unique interiors that represent them."
"I
wrote all the content and shot all the pictures but the styling credits
go the homeowners. They did an amazing job preparing their home for my
visit; I really wanted this book to be an authentic window into the
French culture and these families' lifestyles, so you'll see electrical
cables and hidden objects of 'real' life, because this is how an
interior really looks."
"(In France) meals are a way to connect, to exchange, to build memories. I therefore asked each family to share their signature recipe".
What would you like people to take away from your book?
"I’d love for people to approach
their décor in a simpler, more intuitive and authentic way; let go of rules
and pressures to fit decor standards (less house) and focus on what really
matters (more home). In the end, our home is where the magic happens and where
we build memories with people who matter to us; Have fun decorating your nest
and let your home tell your personal story!"What are your fondest memories from the project?
"My fondest memory is by far the human connections I made while visiting these 14 families. Because I was a one-woman show, I was recording all conversations on a small recorder while shooting the space and chatting with the homeowner. It led to deeper exchanges and a whole new approach to décor: the human story behind the space I was photographing. This was amazing."
It
was a surreal moment; I was an emotional mess, bursting of joy and
tearing up with emotion at the same time, when I finally held my first
physical copy
of How The French live. It was so strange to see all my work, edited
through
months and months of work, copywriting while listening to hours of vice
recordings, caption writing, all gathered in one book. I felt
proud and very humbled at the same time, I still do when I turn the
pages of
the book and I often have a smile on my face because I remember my
encounter
with each of these lovely families.
Thank you so much for telling us about your lovely book Si! I know I'll be dipping in and out for inspiration (and the odd recipe like the grilled fig and burrata salad!).
If you'd like to pick up a copy it's available here:
How the French Live: Modern French Style
Have a lovely day!
All Photography (except the cover shot and spreads which I photographed on my kitchen table earlier today!) are by Siham Mazouz for How the French Live, reprinted by permission of Gibbs Smith.
2
.
by 
(which I reviewed 
has officially launched (*does a little dance*)! It's been a year or so in the making - having visited homes across Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. From a magical mountain cabin in Norway and a contemporary Helsinki town house to a beach house on the North coast of Zealand, Denmark each dwelling is as incredible as it is inspiring and has a wonderful story to tell. I've arrived home brimming with ideas - but most of all I've learned that it's amazing what you can achieve with a little imagination. I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to all of you for reading my blog and your wonderful support over the years, without you this book would never have been possible. And I'd also like to pass on my thanks to all the wonderful home owners who so gracefully opened their doors and welcomed us inside. I dedicate this book to all of you! Here's a sneak peek....
