From the sapphire Mediterranean waters along the Côte d'Azur to the Atlantic

cliffs and beaches of Brittany and Normandy, Sébastien Siraudeau has traveled

the coastlines of France to reveal the Gallic secrets of interior decoration

inspired by the sea.

A vintage chair with ticking stripe upholstery against a pale blue wall, wooden

flea market furniture scrubbed bare, electric-blue bottles glimmering in a corner,

a ship's lantern, or a lobster trap - subtle details suggest that the ocean is

nearby. A blend of retro, minimalist, and contemporary styles, the French

seaside homes featured here combine rustic materials and untreated metal,

tanned leather and linen, along with a cheery spectrum of blues, reds, yellows,

greens, and even black and white. These French interiors, balconies, and

terraces - opening out to azure skies and sparkling waves on the horizon - are

replete with ideas that will infuse the home with serenity and joy, recalling

memories of carefree days at the beach.

The fourth title in a successful series, French Seaside Style

celebrates the enduring popularity of nautically-inspired

interiors, with a French twist.

A converted boathouse on the Somme estuary, a tiled

roofdeck in Marseille, a harbor cottage overlooking the

fishermen boats and sailing yachts of La Trinité-sur-Mer,

and an old manor facing the Channel Islands have all been

transformed and decorated by passionate owners into the

Ideal French seaside retreats.

Sundrenched terraces are accessorized with flea-market

finds and maritime details including fishhooks and model

sailboats perched on a windowsill. Driftwood centerpieces

remind us of the beauty and simplicity of nature. A collection

of oars propped in a corner forms a rustic sculpture, and the

wide stripes of the lounge chairs evoke the laid-back allure

of warm weather. Stepping inside, the rooms are equally

inviting with earth tones and bright touches, accessorized

with the classically popular icons - vintage buoys, fishing

nets, shells, and starfish - that carry the theme throughout

the home. Natural wood finishes set the tone and are the

perfect complement to fabrics and embroidery in the fresh

hues of summertime.

Sébastien Siraudeau has a keen eye for the best sources

of decoration inspiration in France; practical information

on how to visit these guesthouses and hotels completes

the book. French Seaside Style is filled with treasures

rescued from the sea and captivating getaways to be visited

and admired, all offering creative ideas for the home.