All Photos by Julian Fernandez
Having swapped their life and salaried jobs in Paris to settle in the Périgord, Aurélie Mazurek and her husband, Laurent, are now working tirelessly to restore their 18th-century home and its outbuildings, respecting its authentic style.
Having worked demanding jobs in retail for many years, and with little time leftover for their children, in 2022, Aurélie and Laurent realized it was time for a change. Both lovers of renovation and design, they began looking for a countryside home to restore, where they would be able to live with their family, and also open a few independant guest rooms.
Within the year, they had found the perfect place: a large stone house with outbuildings — in various stats of disrepair — located just outside Bergerac, amid the region’s natural beauty. Ever since, they have been working tirelessly to restore the property’s beautiful original elements, from parquet floors, to exposed beams and sandstone walls, and decorate it with Aurélie’s signature style: a blend of vintage furniture and objects, muted colours and floral prints.
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Read on to discover how to recreate the look at home, or delve deeper into Aurelie’s story in the September/October 2026 issue of MFCH magazine.
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1. The Farmhouse Table
To create a truly rustic look at home, start with an antique French farmhouse table. With their timeworn character, they instantly bring warmth and soul to either a kitchen or dining room — and are equally suited to large gatherings and cozy family dinners.
Look for reclaimed oak, chestnut, elm, or pine, as their natural grain, knots, patina and imperfections add depth and authenticity. Pair with pared-back linen, aged stone, woven textures and other rustic or Provencal pieces to create a layered look that feels natural and collected, rather than overly styled.
2. Vintage Lighting
Next, vintage lighting is another must for creating that warm, rustic feel. Look our for aged enamel pendants, simple glass shades and woven lights with plenty of natural texture when out browsing markets and antique boutiques. These pieces age well, are timeless in style and work in nearly every setting.
Mix and match different shapes, materials and finishes rather than choosing a matching set, allowing each piece to bring its own character to the space. Together, the effect is relaxed, unfussy and highly welcoming.
3. The Statement Cabinet
Open-face display cabinets are another easy way to bring a French farmhouse feel into the home, with open shelving that makes everyday crockery become display pieces.
Look for antique French examples in aged oak, painted timber or softly weathered finishes, and fill them with stacks of ceramics, linens and vintage finds. The combination of practical storage and beautifully imperfect pieces creates that relaxed, lived-in feel that we’re looking for.
4. Linen Seating
In the living room, opt for relaxed linen seating, from soft slipcovered sofas and pale upholstered armchairs to generous ottomans in natural, understated tones.
Choose pieces with relaxed, unfussy shapes, allowing the texture of the linen to bring warmth and softness to the room. Next, layer with vintage or Vichy print cushions, nubby throws and weathered timber for a comfortable, inviting space that feels effortlessly down-to-earth.
5. Mix and Match Bedding
To bring the rustic look into the bedroom, mix and match your bedding rather than choosing a matching set, layering relaxed linen and cotton with soft wool throws and waffle-knit textures. Combine plain sheets with bed spreads sporting subtle patterns, varying tones, textures and weights to create depth without feeling too coordinated. The result is a soft, inviting look that is relaxed yet still stylish.
6. Rustic Accesories
Finally, it’s the smaller rustic details that bring the whole look together, from antique glass bottles and old oil paintings, to wicker baskets and other timeworn market finds.
Look for pieces with character and a sense of history, rather than anything too polished or new, and let them add texture and personality throughout the home.
The beauty is in collecting these treasures over time, creating a space that brims with authenticity and a unique warmth.
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