“Global” style is a popular decorating trend right now. It’s a look that’s colorful, eclectic, and a touch exotic, with a focus on natural materials and hand-done embellishments. Global style suggests a worldly existence, a life spent scouring the flea markets of France and the vibrant stalls of Marrakech. I want that life. Don’t you? If a trans-Atlantic shopping trip is not on your agenda this year, but you love global style, you can find it much closer to home. Situated right in the heart of North Carolina is an imports store called French Connections. I discovered it on our recent trip to Raleigh – it’s located in the little town of Pittsboro, about 18 miles south of Chapel Hill.
French Connections
Owned by married couple Jacques and Wendy Dufour, French Connections is inspired by the places they’ve lived and visited in France and Africa. They opened the store in Pittsboro in 2000, shortly after moving to North Carolina from Dakar, Senegal. (Jacques is French, born in South Africa, while Wendy is a native North Carolinian.) With its proximity to Chapel Hill and peaceful rural setting, Pittsboro seemed the perfect place to set up shop and raise their four children.
Colorful hand-woven baskets line the front porch at French Connections
As you approach the little yellow turn-of-the-century house where French Connections resides, you’re greeted by an array of metal yard ornaments in the form of cows, chickens and other friendly animals. Inside the store is a colorful mix of African art, hand-woven baskets, textiles, and French antiques. Jacques and Wendy source 99% of the merchandise direct in France and Africa from small mills, artists and cooperatives. There are Provencal table linens and serving trays, beaded jewelry, antique furniture, vintage posters, and just about every size, color and configuration of basket you can imagine. It’s also a crafter’s paradise, with bolts of sunny French florals and a rainbow of African prints that are a favorite of local quilters.
Sisal bowls woven in Swaziland
A vintage style French poster
Traditional French country style fabrics sold by the yard
South African Shweshwe fabrics in a rainbow of hues.
In an email exchange, Wendy Dufour told me that their internet business is growing, particularly for the fabrics. There is a good selection of the baskets and table linens online as well (see more on the French Connections website here). However, many of the one-of-a-kind pieces are only in the store, making it a must-stop if you’re going to be in the area. Pick up a little global style: visit French Connections Monday through Saturday 10:30-5:30, and first Sundays 12-5.