Discovering Chic Provence with Kit Golson

Ooh La La! Chic Provence takes readers on a visual journey through Provence, an area in the South of France where down-to-earth, simple, rustic style combines with the sophistication of Paris to create what author Kit Golson calls pragmatic elegance. In her blog, Golson shares her own design skills with readers in addition to highlighting some her favorite designs coming out of France...and a few other areas too. Golson's blog is drawing attention from everyday readers and notable designers alike. Her blog was recently named one of San Francisco's Top 5 Design Blogs by Dianne Dorrans Saeks and San Francisco Magazine. BlogCatalog recently had the opportunity to interview Golson about her love of design and about her blog. The full interview can be read on the BC Blog, but here is a little of what Golson had to say about her style and her love of everything Provencal... On simplicity as a cornerstone of design: I think that simplicity endures. I like to think of rooms as a blank canvas; adding those things that are completely necessary such as seating and dining furniture, then filling in with lovely touches of an artistic nature... pillows, rugs, art, sculpture, simple window treatments. Keeping a room design simple makes it ultimately more livable, easier to clean and maintain, which is a goal of simple, chic living. My litmus test I guess is if a happy dog can run through the room chasing a ball without knocking over anything too precious or ruining upholstery, that's simplicity! On her love of Provence: When I lived in Provence I was struck by how simply people lived their lives. I love the homes that are designed to last forever and shelter from the searing heat and wintry mistral winds. In Provence, people have always needed to be thrifty and careful with natural resources and use what they had. What I saw there was that they live a life of simplicity but with elegance and beauty...I love the way that all comes together with stone walls, tile floors, tadelakdt finishes, shuttered windows and comfort above all. More of our interview with Kit Golson can be read on the BC Blog, or head over to Chic Provence and check out some of our favorite posts: An Ancient Farm in the Italian Countryside Saladino + Vermeer = {Absolutely Brilliant} Whiling the Summer Away, Elegantly