The French Touch

Jan de Luz (zhäN-da-lüz) is a man with a story, and a talent for storytelling. After single-handedly resurrecting the lost art of Basque-style weaving, designing an acclaimed line of artisanal natural-fiber linens, and founding the first éco-musée in France to celebrate regional crafts and culture, he began rescuing French architectural antiques and relocating them to American homes. His gift for translating his passions into useful pursuits led to The French Touch, in which de Luz weaves his design philosophy, personal history and expansive knowledge of architectural elements into a surprisingly rich look at style.

On one level, The French Touch is an expert's approach to design. Throughout, de Luz amplifies and details his central point, "Style is a life-long grooming of point of view." On another level, de Luz reveals a sophisticated understanding of history, particularly the cultural transformations caused by the Industrial Revolution and the speed at which cultures can absorb change. Best of all, The French Touch delivers de Luz's signature passion and zest – for family, history, culture, beauty, quality, and individuality.

De Luz peppers the book with captivating stories of actual customers – how they make choices, the process and result of incorporating ancient architectural elements in homes of widely ranging ages and styles, helpful information for do-it-yourselfers, and strategies for working with designers and architects. With an unmistakable undercurrent of Basque wisdom, de Luz discusses the value of incorporating the "patina of time and substance of history" in our living spaces, and details why veering from the traditional is exactly the right thing – such as the bold use of a spiral staircase with excellent results in a home with no second floor, and the ease of using a century-old mantel from a Paris hôtel particulier as a bedroom fireplace in Peoria.