DECORATING OUR FRENCH LIVING ROOM and VISITING SPECIAL ART FESTIVAL | Charente Living

Join us this week as we decorate our French house's living room. A very special delivery arrives, which certainly offers entertainment for years to come... Also visit with us a local art festival Les Sarabandes, a jewel in the summer of rural France. Adrift with us into the beautiful Charentaise countryside and streets of a charming picturesque village.
We are Robert and Jyrki - two artists living in Helsinki, Finland. With no renovation experience, but lots of enthusiasm and passion we take on the big challenge of renovating a property abroad. Get inspired by the French lifestyle in beautiful South West of France!
Follow us also on our Instagram @charenteliving
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Secret Agents by Spectacles Wallet and Watch
Music by Robert Tobin:
Hymne à l'amour
#france #oldhouse #diy #charente #renovation #frenchhouse #rural #countryside #farmlife #lifestyle #lifestylevlog #lifeinfrance #art #artfestival #festival

[@flaviakaiser9204]

A dream: to have friends who play the piano like this 😍

[@charenteliving]

Yes we love music in the house!

[@kathyacemoi3241]

boire mon café, vous regarder, écouter du "Edith Piaf" au piano...Merci, ma journée commence très bien grâce a vous 😍😉

[@charenteliving]

Merci pour votre mots!

[@heliedecastanet1882]

C'est si joli, avec l'Hymne à l'Amour en arrière-fond musical 🙂 Merci pour la vidéo, dans votre jolie maison

[@charenteliving]

Merci beaucoup!

[@claudiamann7111]

Fabulous music. You are very talented. Thank you so much for sharing. That festival was in a beautiful town.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Claudia!

[@beiderbecke1927]

Your lives, your relationship, your home: it all combines into a soothing balm, lowering my blood pressure. Thanks so much.

[@charenteliving]

So glad you find calmness in our videos!

[@daviddeveau5101]

tres charming

[@charenteliving]

Merci David!

[@figencebe9287]

happiness is exactly all that ❤ thank you for sharing …

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Figen!

[@leighlaaltilio6672]

Delightful! Thank you!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much!

[@queen-of-puddings]

Magical space filled with joy and harmony

[@charenteliving]

Thank you Alison!

[@onedandylion]

How wonderful! Live music in a cosy and beautiful salon in France with lovely friends... it is the good life indeed. Very happy for you!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much, we feel very lucky!

[@lawrencebaker2318]

Les Sarabandes looked amazing! I loved your Hymne A L' Amour (the song always makes me cry), but loved the two of you having fun together on the piano, even more!

[@charenteliving]

Glad you liked it Lawrence!!

[@patbradford3244]

Just one word, Beautiful!!!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Pat!

[@y.lelivelt2619]

Thank you for taking me along to Sarabande. What a lovely event. I enjoyed even the buildings in the village. The piano 🎹 is super. It gives shelter to the dog and it gives a lot of fun. The room looks lovely, especially the blue chairs and the couch. I suggest for the walls the color blue, like the chairs and also for the wood work the color beige or crème.

[@charenteliving]

Glad you enjoyed the video!! I think we will go for cream of beige as you say too.

[@phyllisburrell8661]

The vibe of the art festival reminds me of the costal town Laguna California. There's a yearly festival the called 'Pageant Of The Masters'. It's a living - lifesize replica of famous artworks with living people in the displays. I've been a couple times, also The Sawdust Festival with every kind of creation you could ever imagine. Thank you for bringing it back in my memory ! Delightful ! Always enjoy you taking us along on your fantastic journeys. San Diego CA

[@beiderbecke1927]

And thank-you for bringing those memories back to me, having spent the first 57 years of my life in San Diego, and remembering lovely Laguna Beach. The old man with the long white beard, the official greeter of Laguna, waving at everyone. Long ago, and faraway now, living in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

[@charenteliving]

Oh sounds a great festival. Thank you as always for the lovely comments!!

[@phyllisburrell8661]

@@beiderbecke1927,so nice to have memories brought back to life. I'm grateful for this channel, such interesting gentlemen, would never get the chance to get to know them or be engaged with them, if not for UTUBE. It opens up so much. Now, turning to you, you said you spent the majority of your life in San Diego, were you born here ? I wasn't, I was brought to Poway in the sixth grade. It was a small country town then. Moved to the beach city of Redondo Beach for a few years, then came back. It's sadly changing in San Diego county, becoming unaffordable. That's why I can relate with the people moving to France for a better chance and lifestyle. Hope you are comfortable in Michigan, and am curious about your experience in California. May end up having to migrate somewhere else myself. Have a son that's recently relocated to Alabama, he's there for helicopter aviation school. May have to join him at some point. Never imagined that.

[@beiderbecke1927]

@@phyllisburrell8661I was born in San Diego in 1955, living there until I was 57, moved to Nashville for a while, then here about 4 years ago. My father's family moved there in 1925, so my roots were deep. But I've never looked back, or been back, and probably never will. My life there is in the past, but sometimes I return, in my memories. I hiked a lot in the Anza-Borrego desert, and I miss those times. I might be moving to Scotland in a year or so, I'm not sure. France looks wonderful in these, and other vlogs. But time is not on my side, so we'll see. Again, thanks for shaking loose some recollections of old Laguna Beach.

[@lynnmk2384]

Beautiful piano/Kitty is all cozy in her bed and living a good life

[@charenteliving]

Yes Kitty just loves it alright!

[@christiandouriaud5630]

I have to tell you are both wonderful and very talented....beautiful interior of your home and all of your wonderful videos. Adorable song by Edif Piaf on the piano. Extraordinary musician...! 👌 Fom Burgundy.

[@charenteliving]

Oh thank you so much Christian for the wonderful words!!

[@reillybb1]

Lovely and inviting living room, much like you.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@angelakilroe3271]

It all looks beautiful and so cosy.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Angela!

[@nativetexson]

Good work gentlemen. I'm sure it's going to be a room full of new memories. 👏👏

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much, we love it!

[@user-ii5oo1im3c]

OMG ... love love love this video! Your living room is amazing. The piano is so beautiful, truly. You can play for me anytime ... lovely! Perhaps you can play again future videos? Cherri ... Colorado, USA ❤❤❤

[@charenteliving]

Thank you for the lovely words. Will definitely play in future videos!

[@kevankoya]

Hi Robert and Jyrki, lovely videos. France is such a beautiful country and Charente delightful. Love what you are doing to your French home. It’s stunning! K😎👍

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

You play beautifully. I so enjoyed your music.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the lovely words!

[@johnbourke2778]

Your Irish accent makes me homesick! I am from Dublin

[@charenteliving]

Oh thank you John. Glad I haven't lost it.

[@virsanib]

Oh, mon dieu, cet "Hymne à l'amour" m'a mis la chair de poule! Quelle merveilleuse ambiance! Merci à vous!

[@charenteliving]

Merci beaucoup beaucoup!!

[@janetbayliss]

Relaxing beautiful music all absolutely wonderful wish I had that in my life!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Janet!

[@LimousinLife]

Beautiful video yet again, the festival was so so french! And, Beautiful piano playing Robert, you must have some great fun either the two of you or with friends.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed. Yes the festival was really great.

[@eamonnohalloran2254]

A ritual "Kahbuci"art of treasure placement. Each element adding to the one before to create a space where the Beauty of Friendship and Music can be enjoyed. "Cead Mile Failte"

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Eamonn for the lovely words.

[@mariedowling3837]

Magical - can't wait for your house concerts!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Marie!

[@LaReynedEpee]

Another very enjoyable vlog. Your lucky neighbours will now enjoy free, world-class music! What's that you said, Kitty? Please put my doggy bed under the piano, dads? There you go, tis done!

[@charenteliving]

Haha she loves being under the piano, must make her feel safe. Thanks for the lovely comment!

[@LaReynedEpee]

@@charenteliving 🙏

[@jangriffiths8013]

It's looking beautiful!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Jan!

[@lucillecooper3600]

Wonderful!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you!

[@jameswilliamson6665]

It looks amazing. Piano is lovely.😊

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much James!

[@user-tl8zp2vs3e]

The village art festival combination looked and felt very spooky … but lightened up by a range of camp elements throughout … as Oscar Wilde once remarked, ‘If a things worth doing, it’s worth over doing’

[@charenteliving]

A great saying!

[@ouririshcountrylife591]

Beautiful ☘️

[@charenteliving]

Thanks lads!

[@vanmillin4236]

You have done so much exemplary work bringing this house to life and making it a home. I love your videos and your relaxed style so much. Thank you

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@elleeg.9413]

❤

[@charenteliving]

Merci!

[@christine2014]

What fun to have a grand piano at home - and an accomplished pianist to play it! Your soirées are going to give so much pleasure and enjoyment to your guests. Well done for the decorating too, it's lovely to see people following their own taste rather than the latest trend.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Christine for your lovely words!!

[@phyllisburrell8661]

And your neighbors will surely enjoy it too .

[@williamfahey6066]

I do like what you have done with your living room. Kitty seems to like her bed under the Piano. Heart and Soul is something I played, or tried to play, when I was a little boy. I have not heard it sense then. Your version was is really good. Your videos are so enjoyable, Jeff❤

[@charenteliving]

So glad you're enjoying the videos!!

[@jbart5260]

wonderful diverse art mediums. Thank you for the tour. Your piano is such a beautiful addition

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much. Glad you like it!

[@Lilly-iy3ob]

The living room looks so beautiful, warm and welcoming! The music and the dog make it perfect!

[@charenteliving]

Oh thank you so much!

[@peterwhite9261]

Your Irish accent reminds me of home. My parents werevfrom Newfoundland, they met in Greenland, her an acvountant clerk and him a firefighter with the USA air base thete in 1957.That base closed and anothet opened in Labrador, so them and most of their friends ftom Newfoundland, moved there. I grew up in Labrador with 7 brother's and 1 sister. We all did well, me a registered nurse. Afer 43years a nurse I am on d 17:19 isability for varrious heath issues stamming from my career, life choices and genetics. My folks passed young 16 months apart. Mom i 1995 with massive sttole/ heart attack, my dad with lung cancer, mesothelium, heveorked exposed a lot to asbestos. After they passed while working as an out post nurse in a nurse praticioneer job responsilbe for 500 people in an isolated small community in northern Labrador. I had friends encourage me to visit BC for PRIDE back in 1999, so I took them up on it. I met my hubby from Chile in a bar, LOL. I moved to BC and worked nights in long term care. Je was scholling for counseling woth for people with special needs. We have been married 23 years in August. I just thought you would like to know who I am basically. I love your living room. Already a room ful of beautiful men and beautiful music and memories being made. Your little dog loves unde the puano. He has good taste in music. I enjoyed your festival vidit, they had some awesome art. I am enjoying your blogs, and I hope we get to know each other more along the way. I hope you don't mind me telling a stiry now and then. Best wishes guys Peter❤

[@charenteliving]

Hi Peter. Thank you for your wonderful comment and beautiful story. Thank you for supporting our channel. Really loved reading about your life and look forward to having you along with us. Best wishes from us!

[@Lisa-lz2ul]

You are such a beautiful couple. The room is beautiful and so is the pup

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Lisa!

[@teresitastidem2846]

My goodness...love love love your piano. Congratulations!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!!!

[@nadjaparssinen5085]

Amaziing❤Loved the dog's sleeping place under the old and beautiful piano. Floor is super🎉❤

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!!

[@fredbear72ify]

What a beautiful place you have created classy, warm and fun plus a lot of talent. love it.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much!!

[@eileencronk7520]

Everything is coming together so nicely!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Eileen!

[@herbkailling9179]

Just beautiful. Love hearing the piano👍

[@charenteliving]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@marquamfurniture]

I'm moving in with you guys, whether you like it or not! (Vicariously) Thank you for opening your home and your lives for others to enjoy!

[@charenteliving]

Haha welcome!!

[@marquamfurniture]

@@charenteliving Thank you! ❤

[@adelinefinlay1582]

Your decorating is just lovely….love when my daughter and partner come to visit and the house is filled with live music 🎶 😊

[@magicgemmaster7055]

Beautiful!😊😊

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@micheleparsons5026]

Bravo!! We can feel your happiness from here in Australia 👏

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Michele!

[@michaelw.8614]

Your living room looks great!! What a wonderful life you two have.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Michael! We are lucky and very grateful.

[@kefaad]

Love your decoration scheme in the living room! Piano is exquisite, all.of your antique furniture too! Keep up the good work ❤

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much! Glad you like it!!

[@mariaetheridge8343]

Wonderful!!! Love that piano but I had to smile when you put all those items on the lid... What about when you want to open it? I thought... Looks great.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Maria. Thankfully not too many things to take off when I need to put the lid up :-)

[@antoinelemarier3567]

Merci Messieurs pour ce très agréable vidéo. Vous avez beaucoup de goût. 👍

[@charenteliving]

Merci Antoine!!

[@antoinelemarier3567]

@@charenteliving Cette agréable vidéo! Excusez la faute.

[@denniscampeau6577]

❤️yourStyle!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Dennis!

[@shirleygraham6229]

Your living room is gorgeous and relaxing. Thank you again for the tour of the lovely french town.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Shirley!

[@hiris1903]

Lovely decorating - the placements of the artwork are beautiful. The piano is lovely, and I am so envious of a home with live music!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@cojamescojames4762]

A beautifull song

[@charenteliving]

Thank you!

[@paulmartinez9581]

You are so talented. Piano is lovely. The floors look incredible. What a beautiful space all three of you guys are lucky congratulation to a beautiful home.❤🎉❤

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Paul!!

[@judiklettenmeijer854]

Thank you for a very enjoyable video

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@desireeismail3092]

Oh I love everything in the living room. ❤Well done. Kitty looks very satisfied under the piano on her bed. Music was beautiful.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Desiree. Glad you like it! Kitty was delighted with herself!

[@elisabetharzberger2456]

what a beautiful piano! and your livingroom has become a welcoming space filled with music - congrats 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❣️

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Elisabeth. We must say we love it!

[@elisabetharzberger2456]

and very rightly so - enjoy❣️

[@celiaellen3408]

The room looks wonderful already and the piano adds such warmth and you get to share with friends and family.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Celia!

[@Arcanesse]

superbe....12.40 hymne a l"amour d Edith Piaf

[@charenteliving]

Merci beaucoup!

[@michaelflick1177]

Love your beautiful piano guys!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Michael!

[@reillybb1]

What amazing art…love it all.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much, glad you like it!

[@50Street21]

Your channel came up rather unexpectedly and having watched the video, I was quite intrigued by your connection to community and details to which you have taken to showcase your home. The 1920's French piano is an absolute gem. I have just subscribed to your channel. Cheers! Darryl

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Darryl for your lovely comment and many thanks for subscribing!! Great to have you with us!

[@MarianneInmarsilia]

Thé little furry helper was taking a break. Love the piano ❤

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Marianne. Yes she had been hard at work so a little break needed haha

[@Shmule]

To both of you a huge congratulations on your home. The warmth and love radiates viewing the beauty through your dreams.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Stephen. Your comment makes us feel so great about what we are doing. Thank you so much!

[@neilschipper3741]

Wow... What a fantastic video!😊 Beautiful piano! It is so nice you guys are sharing your journey of life with us your viewers, it is like taking a trip to France every time you make a video. Your living room is looking beautiful also. Thanks so much for sharing I truly appreciate the time you put in to make your videos❤

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Neil for such a lovely comment, we take all of your words to our hearts!!

[@thechatelaine]

Beautiful Vlog ❤

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@user-sg7ic8xn6t]

beatiful room

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much!!

[@rosemarymccarron3887]

Loved the video especially your beautiful room. Greetings from Ireland☘️

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Rosemary!

[@diannebond5656]

Lovely

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Diane!

[@lindaf4103]

Thank you for sharing your adventures and life. It is a pleasure watching your progress and I get to enjoy your musical talent. I encourage you to have more shade in your lovey courtyard. Even of you replace your umbrella with one with deeper drops or erect a shade structure with seating under it rather than just an umbrella . I know you both come from countries with cold climates and enjoying the sun is one of lifes great pleasures however, you lovely Northern men need some shade to keep your youthful complexions.:)

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Linda for your lovely comment. So glad you're enjoying the videos. Yes a garden structure would be a wonderful idea for sure!! It can get very hot there.

[@virginielassauge2728]

Absolument magnifique ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@charenteliving]

Merci beaucoup Virginie!!

[@JG-qt3pn]

Well done.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you!

[@Hawkspirit09]

Good morning from Greece 🌷🥀🌼🌸🌺

[@charenteliving]

Good morning and greetings to you in Greece.

[@Michael_Sheldon]

What a gorgeous space you’ve created with that glorious piano as the centerpiece (which Kitty seems to have claimed as her own)! Punctuating your decoration with Hymne a L’Amour was such a lovely touch. 🙌😘

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much. Glad you like it!!! Kitty does love it too!

[@alanseviour7346]

Your home is looking great and the music wonderful, thank you for taking us along with you.❤

[@charenteliving]

Thank you Alan, glad you're enjoying!

[@delphine1001]

It is very nice to discover your channel! My parents live in Charente too and I love going there because of the nature and beautiful villages. I didn't know about the Sarabande festival, it seems so nice I think we are going to see this year's one. I also really like how you have decorated your living room. And that piano 😍!

[@charenteliving]

Aw thanks Delphine. Great your parents are also in Charente. We must say we just love it there.

[@critcalreader4160]

I love the blue on the settee and the chairs; it is a beautiful color. Even though the flowers (peonies) look nice on the piano, I would put them, perhaps in a slightly lower vase, on the coffee table. You need more variety, and a change of height, in your grouping of objects there. You don't have to cover the entire surface of the coffee table, either. I would eliminate the candelabra from the piano, too. The piano doesn't need any dressing. Finally, group your framed pictures more together and on one side of the little side table and put something different (it could be a little bunch of flowers or a tiny sculpture) on the other side. I know it sounds like I'm picking on you; but try it. The arrangement of objects, as well as the objects you select, make a huge difference in the look and feel of a room. Your desire for perfection (evident in the care with which you place everything) is wonderful--but it is eclipsed by the music you have played for us. Thank you.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you for the lovely suggestions. We are always moving things around so Im sure we will get the balance right!

[@deanviewofachateaumybandbi7899]

As lovely as it always is. Love the piano and music.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Dean!

[@sallystites2946]

Your music salon looks beautiful.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Sally!

[@josehidalgotenerife2022]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@charenteliving]

Merci!

[@tomrainey9219]

Really love video love the music big hello from india 🇮🇳

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!!

[@torrerobb2238]

Living room looks great and the decoration.. as your furniture is blue you need something to match in if you are going for a dark colour maybe a teal blue would look good.. anyway you guys have good taste so I am sure you will be able to sort that out.. The festival looked like a great day out.. Have a good weekend. Robb Torremolinos Spain xxx

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Robb. Happy weekend to you too!

[@chateaudelannoy]

lovely room , it looks stunning 🥰

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much!

[@TheCrowsNest1950]

Hi Robert and Jyrki, You have created such a relaxed and comfortable space in your living room, it certainly reflects both of your personalities. I thought it so cute to see the dog relaxed under the piano while you were installing the pedals. The wall arrangement is so fitting for the period recreation of the room. I look forward to following the progress through the seasons. Mark & Scott

[@charenteliving]

Hi Mark and Scott. Thanks for your lovely comment. So glad you like the space. Glad to have you along with us!

[@torxsal7008]

Nice video like every time - Bravo pour les pianistes !

[@charenteliving]

Merci beaucoups!!

[@bryansportel5232]

Absolutely perfect and I love the background piano music

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Bryan!

[@hispid1]

What species of Piano is it boys? Loving the sound. We have a 6ft Pleyel grand of a similar vintage I think.

[@charenteliving]

An Erard. Great you have one also, Pleyel are lovely to play!

[@simonlabeuf7782]

I do not know whether i am more in love with you or your house. I love your taste and you two are so cute! I bet we would make great friends! Ps: are you married?

[@charenteliving]

Haha thanks Simon!! We are not married.....yet.

[@simonlabeuf7782]

@@charenteliving you together are like a cup of hot chocolate and a freezing winter day. You belong to each other