source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
I finally did it. I have had this magazine in my shopping cart at least 3 times this year and I haven't ordered it. I wasn't sure what I was getting. It is very expensive. But, I found this with free shipping and I finally got it for Christmas. I had to see what I was missing. And, I was missing a lot! Now it all makes sense. This French/Nordic twist that is cropping up everywhere. Not only is the magazine more like a soft cover book with very little advertising, it was packed with the ideas I was craving to see.
source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
I wasn't really disappointed with any of it, but the most interesting article to me was the prediction of what might be the new trend for Christmas 2012. The magazine predicts, next year, the trend to be looking for will be a "Rustic Minimalistic Christmas." Okay that is mouthful....let me explain it.
Here is an example of a minimalist staircase. Nothing extra, just what is needed to get down to the lower level.
source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
So let's apply this to a Rustic French Country style. Very few items used to create an impact usually repeated in a series. I so loved this article because it was exciting. Art imitating life! This is what great design is all about. Never in my lifetime could a minimalistic approach be more appropriate than now. In the above photo a rustic French sign with wooden spools used as candle holders and a bit of greenery with an old bag.
source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
Now let's look at this picture. It would not be rustic minimalism because they adorned the advent wreath with Christmas ornaments. Take away the ornaments and it would qualify. Yes, that is right we are talking about decorating for Christmas with no Christmas decorations! But.....you'll create an artistic rustic French vignette that conveys the season. Now do you see why I think this is exciting! Creativity can abound.
source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
These vignettes create this look perfectly. My favorite is the dough bowl in the top left. So easy and so pretty.
source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
Again, the tree above would not qualify for this rustic minimalism. It has Christmas decorations, no matter how simple it won't count.
source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
This tree would qualify. Imagine trying to explain this to the kids. A nice idea for a tree arrangement would be a grouping of several small trees to create a little forest in one corner of the room.
source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
A more affordable idea would be to use three or more jars with Norfolk pines in a windowsill.
source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
So, Jeanne d'Arc Living describes this being a "spinoff" of the French Country style. Above would be some great props to create the look with. So...what do you think? Can you see your self decorating this way for Christmas next year? I will probably leave it up to Jeanne d'Arc Living to create the look as only they can, but it might work on the mantel......
Sherry
I will link this to:
How do you all get inspired? What are your best sources? I wanted you to talk to me today about this.
I live in a really rural area with very few magazine racks and very few resources in the library. My best ideas have come from you. The blogs are a wonderful way to see what is going on.
