French country decor is a classic and timeless style that is inspired by the simple, rustic beauty of the French countryside. Characterized by warm and inviting colors, distressed furniture, antiques and collectibles, and organic materials, French country decor is an elegant, yet cozy style that adds charm and intimacy to any space.
The core features of French country style decor include rustic, timeworn pieces that are often distressed and chipped to give them a sense of age and a distressed, weathered finish that is indicative of rustic French country charm.
Furniture pieces such as armoires, china cabinets and buffets often feature beautiful carvings, ornate hardware and antiqued finishes that add a touch of sophistication to the decor. Rugs, curtains and bedding are usually made from natural materials such as linen and cotton, and wall art often includes scenic landscape and countryside scenes.
The colors in French country decor tend to be muted tones with warm and inviting hues, such as beiges, blues, reds, greens, yellows and creams. Floral patterns, stripes, and paisley designs are also popular, and furniture is often painted white or a muted shade of blue, green or yellow.
Candles, lanterns, and pottery add a romantic and nostalgic feel, while fabrics in gingham, toile, and plaid add a timeless touch.
Ultimately, French country decor is an elegant and timeless style that is perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any home. It is a style that brings together the best of the old and the new, combining antique furniture and collectibles with modern elements to create a unique and beautiful space.
What defines French country style?
French country style is a home decor style that encourages the use of muted, warm colors and natural materials to create a cozy, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere. French country style draws heavily upon the classic architectural and decorative features of the French countryside, such as its stone or brick walls, wood beams and shutters, and terracotta tiles.
Furniture pieces often have an aged, rustic feel, with a classic French twist, such as distressed olive-wood chairs, curved sofa silhouettes, ornate chandeliers, and beautifully carved armoires. Often, recycled furniture is used to provide a unique and rustic look to a French country room.
Color palettes may consist of muted yellows, greys, deep reds, sunflower golds, sharp creams, and deep blues – all tones that are reminiscent of the French countryside. The use of fresh flowers, botanical prints, and toile fabrics can add a countryside feel and make a French country space especially inviting.
What is French farmhouse decor?
French farmhouse decor is a style of decorating that celebrates the rustic character of the French countryside. It’s a look that is both timeless and modern and brings to life the stories and charm of rural France.
French farmhouse decor includes rustic and natural elements like vintage furniture with worn finishes, distressed wood, and antique decor. Its palette often features muted blues, greens, and neutral tones, while vibrant colors like lavender, pink, and blue can be used to add a unique touch.
Other key elements of French farmhouse decor include large stone fireplaces, hanging herbs drying from ceilings, and slipcovered furniture. The art of pairing aged and eclectic elements with modern accents creates a beautiful aesthetic that honors the French countryside.
How do I look like a French country?
If you’re looking to bring a classic French country ambience to your look, there are a few tips and tricks to help you pull off the look. Firstly, stick to neutral and pastel colors such as light blues, white, and pale yellows.
These colors tend to harmonize well with the subtle, natural rustic atmosphere of French country-style. For example, try pairing a pale yellow sundress with a white summer blazer for a subtle yet elegant look.
Additionally, look for clothing with small embroidered detailing and classic linen for an authentic French countryfeel.
Accessories like straw hats, wooden jewelry, and wicker bags can also make a huge difference in creating that French country vibe. Layer lots of necklaces to create an eclectic style or top off an outfit with a straw hat for a classic look.
Lastly, focus on comfortable and practical items like flat shoes and scarves to complete the French country look. A solid white scarf with some light blue stripes won’t only add a fun pop to your outfit—it will also double up as a useful accessory.
How do you paint furniture to look French country?
Painting furniture to create a French country look is an easy and fun weekend project that anyone can do. The first step when painting French country-style furniture is to prepare the surface by thoroughly sanding it and wiping it down to remove any dust and dirt.
Then, choose a soft, muted paint color, such as white, off-white, light blue, or taupe. Once the paint has dried, you can begin adding details like distressing the edges or adding decorative stencils.
You could also layer on a dark glaze or stain to create dimension. Other ideas include adding traditional French-country hardware and embellishments like glass knobs, vintage handles, and ornate carvings.
Finally, finish off the piece with a water-based sealant or varnish to protect the paint and keep it looking great. With a bit of creativity and effort, your furniture will be transformed and have that charming French country appeal.
What is the difference between French country and farmhouse style?
The difference between French country and farmhouse style is that while they both share a rustic charm and focus on organic materials and textures, French country style is markedly more elegant and ornate.
French country often incorporates vintage and antique elements, heavily carved furniture, and lavish decor such as crystal chandeliers. On the other hand, farmhouse style is simpler and more down-home in feel.
It features warm, light colors and focuses on practical, everyday objects like baskets, burlap, and vintage signs. It prefers natural materials like wood, burlap, and cotton, with no hint of ostentation; decorations are usually limited to the occasional piece that has greater sentimental value than anything else.
In addition, farmhouse style commonly includes outdoor elements such as galvanized metal, a wrap-around porch, or a windmill.
How do I decorate my home country style French?
Decorating your home in Country French style can not only add charm and sophistication to the interior design, but also serve as a great way to bring a comfortable, rustic feel to your home. To get started, you’ll want to select distressed furniture items in neutral shades such as whites and grays, which can be enhanced with fabrics in plaids, floral and toile prints.
Bright, cheerful colors, including yellow, blue, red, and green, are also popular in Country French style, as are intricate scroll-work, cabriole legs, and carved molding accents. To keep the look sophisticated and interesting, accessorize with a mix of vintage items, upholstery and pillows.
Opt for materials such as linen, cotton, and burlap for a truly rustic look, and use rugs featuring classic French motifs along with lace curtains and valances. To bring warmth and depth to the design, have a mix of framed prints and original artwork to create a feeling of timelessness.
Finally, to achieve the French country look, be sure to add in lots of greenery like potted plants and flower arrangements for that added touch of natural beauty.
How do you decorate a French country cottage?
Decorating a French country cottage typically involves bringing in some rustic and cozy elements with a mix of natural materials, classic furniture and traditional accents that are inspired by the French countryside.
The key is to make the space comfortable yet elegant, in a style that’s natural and unpretentious. Select soft and muted colors, including pastels, white, cream, and muted blues and greens, for the walls, furniture, and accessories.
Add in natural accents such as jute, linen, burlap and hemp in pillows, throws and window treatments. For furniture, natural woods like oak, cherry and pine will bring out the French country look. Choose French influences like a classic demilune console table for the entryway that can hold a pitcher of freshly-picked flowers, or a tufted bed with a wrought iron headboard for the bedroom.
Hang shutters in the windows, and finish off with vintage quilts, lace curtains and antique wall decor to balance the space.
