Houzz Interview: French Larkspur

Today we have a special guest in the Houzz: Tracey, the owner of the beautiful french-style home store french larkspur, is here to share with us her house story and decor tips.
Tracey's house in Sugar Grove, Illinois, is relatively new, but yet full of charming french details and wonderful salvage and vintage finds. While running her beautiful store and raising three kids, Tracey also finds time to document her decor adventures in her popular blog. "I am always looking for inspiration in life, and my faith, family, and friends are a true source for this" says Tracey in her blog.

I'm thrilled to introduce you today to Tracey and share her inspiring home photos with you.

Please tell us about your first meeting with your house

We built our house 6 years ago after having lived in an old house for a few years. Having young children meant there was little extra time for keeping up with the repairs of an older home so we made the move to a "new build." However, I quickly realized that I missed the character I had grown used to with our 1915 cottage. I started using architectural salvage and vintage finds to give my new home more of the interest and character I longed for in a home.

What was the biggest renovation challenge you faced?

With a new house, there aren't a lot of renovations to do, but landscaping has been a huge challenge for us. Starting from scratch in an area with notoriously bad soil has meant putting in a lot of work in trying to acheive the cottage garden look I adore.

What are your favorite style and colors?

I love to decorate with all shades of whites and greys, with pops of blue for interest. My favorite style is the French-Nordic look, but I definitely have a blending of several design styles in my home. I love the warmth of farmhouse style, the charm of cottage style, and, of course, all things French! Vintage pieces are at the core of what I love to decorate with.

A spot in your house that makes you very happy/proud

My dining room is probably my favorite room in the house. It gets such great light all afternoon, and most of the furniture in there are family heirlooms which gives it such sentimental appeal for me.

What is your next house project?

Next on our list of to do's, is ripping the carpeting out of my son's bedroom and putting down hardwood flooring, which we will then paint white. I love how the Scandinavian's paint their floors white! I think it will give such amazing contrast to the darkwood antiques he has in his room.

5 things that houzz readers need to know about you and your blog

1. More times than not, I am talking decorating on my blog because it is a true passion for me.
2. I constantly redo, redecorate, and change rooms in my home...even one's I just restyled 6 months ago!
3. I use mercury glass as accent pieces in almost every room in my house.
4. I never buy the same shade of white twice.
5. I love photography.

What is your best tip for the remodeling beginner?

Go with what you love, not what is trendy!

Last but not least: as a houzz friend, Tracey has chosen a Pottery Barn giveaway gift card to one of the lucky readers that will share their thoughts about her house and interview.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home Tracey!

For your chance to win a $50 Pottery Barn gift card, comment on this interview by Sunday, June 27, at 5pm EST.