An Ode to French Country Style | Lapicida

13 May 24

Nestled in the Yorkshire countryside amongst acres of leafy land, this 400-year-old property was recently renovated and extensively modernised for a fresh new look. The owners, having worked with Lapicida on their previous home project, entrusted them once again to supply surfaces for the walls and floors throughout the entire property, to create the perfect canvas for their desired French country aesthetic.

Having spent many holidays in the south of France, the owners wanted to bring a small piece home to Yorkshire and designed their house to conjure a sense of rustic charm. Rugged stone and marble are commonly found in farmhouse properties throughout the region, and Lapicida, with their extensive collection of stone and porcelain, were able to authentically replicate the look.

As part of the renovation, an underfloor heating system was installed. To ensure effective heat transfer for a warm and cosy home, porcelain tiles were used throughout; not only does porcelain replicate a variety of natural materials, but it is also highly durable, low maintenance and an energy-efficient choice. Lapicida’s porcelain tiles authentically replicate the look and feel of natural marble, stone and wood, and so offer both style and practicality.

A fresh, airy and neutral aesthetic was chosen for the entrance hall, and Lapicida’s Highland Heather porcelain tiles elevate the look. This warm beige porcelain recreates the authenticity of age-old stone found in period properties; it is tumbled to appear charmingly antique and closely replicates the look and feel of its natural counterpart. 

Highland Heather tiles were also continued through into the kitchen where they pair beautifully with the Bordeaux Argento Herringbone limestone tiles that were used to create a striking rustic splashback. Framed by a historic wood beam and the charming Aga below, the real stone tiles, which are tumbled for an antique ‘perfectly imperfect’ finish, tie the look together to create a kitchen that exudes French country chic. 

In the living room, a striking original fireplace sits centre stage and provides a beautiful focal point in the space. To complement the warm, rustic tones of the fireplace’s stone and wood surround, a porcelain wood effect floor was chosen. The deep brown porcelain, designed to replicate the rich tones of walnut, is in keeping with the farmhouse style and offers a practical and low-maintenance yet authentic-looking alternative to wooden floorboards.

A subtle touch of glamour is introduced to the home in the bathrooms. Each with their own distinctive style, the bathrooms display beautiful feature walls utilising Lapicida’s porcelain range; the guest ensuite features a walk-in shower swathed in an Antique Marble Arabescato, which provides drama with intricate black veining detail, and the cloakroom showcases rustic blue wall tiles, complemented by a bold basketweave floor. The master bedroom, with beautiful wooden beams and a freestanding bath, is an oasis of calm that is amplified by the subtle colourway of the antique marble porcelain feature wall. Although the bathrooms each have an individual style, they are unified by the theme of understated luxury with a dash of rustic charm.