The secret to mastering the art of French Country design is being able to achieve balance between elegance and practicality.
Inspired by the provincial homes that dot the French countryside, French Country style is the embodiment of elegant, humble comfort. Serene colors and modest fabrics lay the foundation for this homey atmosphere. Simple decor and gently antiqued furniture give this rustic style a refined air, as botanical elements grace walls and tabletops. Natural light filters in through linen draperies while gently aged wooden furniture offers restful places to sit and unwind. Charming decor pieces are kept sparse, keeping the look uncluttered yet lived-in. Get all the charm and warmth of a French country cottage with this guide to French Country decorating.
A French Country color palette draws inspiration from the natural landscape. Soft ecru and dove grey define walls, floors, seat cushions, and wood finishes. Earthy hues like sage green, lavender, summer yellow, soft blue, and peony pink breathe life into your French Country theme. These pops of color are used sparingly to keep the overall appeal of the space graceful and elegant. Allow varying texture like ruffled pillows, chunky knit throws, or faux fur rugs to break up the neutral scheme.
Toile de Jouy refers to a light fabric, usually linen, that features an intricate pastoral motif complete with floral, figure, and landscape schemes. This old-world fabric has been known to grace everything from windows and furniture to bedding and dining room linens. As a classic French Country staple, toile fabrics lend visual interest to an otherwise uncomplicated look. Pair toile with other provincial prints like gingham, stripes, and florals.
French Country style takes a note from the gently aged and lovingly worn interiors of a country farmhouse. Opt for whitewashed woods when shopping for furniture and decor to give your space an authentic look. Leave the polished, shiny finishes behind and embrace the lived-in charm of distressed furniture.
Linen fabrics lend a light and airy texture to a French Country home. Whether framing windows or draping furniture, linen textiles infuse the space with informal elegance. Look for linen accents like throw pillows, upholstered furniture, and window treatments to add a fresh note to your French Country style
Characteristic of a French Country cottage are botanical details that merge indoor and outdoor spaces. Vintage floral art prints, potted plants, and silk flowers infuse organic beauty into this classic look. Get creative with antique jars, birdcages, and ceramic milk bottles as unique containers for beautiful floral arrangements.
A French Country living room reflects tradition in its elegant antique-style furniture and subtle but thoughtful use of decor. Decadent crown molding and scrolling details command attention while distressed furniture and decor create a space with a storied look. Metal hardware like pewter, wrought iron, and rubbed bronze enhance the authenticity of the room. Look for decorative accents like metal birdcages and colored glass vases to enhance this laidback design. Natural light plays an important role in a relaxed French Country home. Use sheer or light fabrics on windows to softly filter sunlight. Finish the look with charming yet understated decor pieces that recall the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
A French Country living room reflects tradition in its elegant antique-style furniture and subtle but thoughtful use of decor.
The furniture in a French Country living room recalls the old-world sophistication of French rococo design. Exemplified by furled wooden trim and elegant scrolled details, French provincial furniture takes on a casual charm with neutral upholstery and weathered framing.
Mirrors are a welcome design element of any decor, whether reflecting natural light or adding depth to a room. Keep in tune with your French Country motif with a beautiful wall mirror framed in scrolling metal or wood. Whitewashed wooden frames or frames made of pewter lend a natural, textural touch to this cozy space.
Add a whimsical note to your country decor with a metal birdcage. Whether housing a potted plant or your favorite decorative accessories, a vintage birdcage offers the allure of a springtime garden. Look for birdcages with distinctive features like whitewashed finishes, wrought iron or wooden constructions, and classic silhouettes.
Keep your living room cozy and inviting with a classic French Country coffee table. Look for a table with a sturdy wooden construction and whitewashed finish. A plush tufted cushion top allows for extra seating when needed and a comfortable place to rest weary feet after a long day.
As a gathering spot for family meals and entertaining, a French Country dining room brims with the provincial comforts of country living.
As a gathering spot for family meals and entertaining, a French Country dining room brims with the provincial comforts of country living. Shapely dining chairs frame a sturdy wooden farmhouse table that boasts an age-worn finish from years of shared meals and moments. Simply decorated, a French farmhouse dining room embraces function over frill, using empty spaces to display useful items like glassware, carafes, and table linens. Decorations typically include elements that reflect the charm of the countryside. Adorn your walls with framed floral art prints and add a cheerful rooster statue to your tabletop to serve as a reminder of simpler times.
Every detail is important when creating an authentic French provincial look. A beautiful chandelier is the perfect way to capture the essence of the design. Look for a farmhouse-style chandelier with rustic metal or wood details in a muted, neutral finish.
An inviting, rustic French Country dining table boasts a sturdy construction and a shapely frame. Look for a farmhouse table with saber- or cabriole-shaped legs to achieve this upscale country look.
In true farmhouse form, a buffet or china cabinet provides style and storage space to keep dishware and table linens neatly stored and close at hand. A whitewashed finish and lattice-style cabinet doors exude farmhouse charm while concealing dining room essentials.
Capture the essence and beauty of rural Southern France with a charming rooster figurine. This proud poulet is at the center of French cuisine and rural life, making it the perfect accent to adorn your kitchen counter or dining room table.
The gentle hues, luxurious bedding, and homey details of a French Country bedroom engage the senses and invite relaxation. Designed as if accumulated over time, French provincial bedroom decor embraces simple accents, sturdy fabrics, and practical elements that keep the look uncluttered and refreshed. Layers of plush bedding and a deeply tufted fabric headboard create a comfortable and restorative sleeping space. Nature-inspired artwork breathes life into the room, as sheer window treatments allow soft sunlight to filter in. Enhance the space with useful pieces like an arm chair, storage bench, mirror, and lamp to make daily routines a breeze.
Designed as if accumulated over time, French provincial bedroom decor embraces simple accents, sturdy fabrics, and practical elements that keep the look uncluttered and refreshed.
Take a note from the curvaceous silhouettes of traditional French furniture when choosing a headboard for your French Country bedroom. Opt for subtle curves or scrolling details to recreate the look of this classic style. Headboards with tufted upholstery and neutral palettes add comfort and simplicity to the space.
Nothing encourages restful sleep more than sinking into luxurious bedding. Calming hues and soft fabrics makes French Country bedding a dream to sleep in. Look for quilted or matelassé coverlets, crisp clean sheets, a plush down comforter, or a breezy linen duvet cover.
Simplicity is the key to successful French Country wall decor. Vintage floral art prints in simple metal frames accentuate the organic charm of this provincial interior design style. Look for botanical themes, vintage-inspired French paintings in gilded frames, and beautifully framed wall mirrors.
Practicality is the spice of French Country decor. A versatile storage bench offers a sturdy place to sit while you're dressing and a fashionable storage space for extra bed linens and pillows. Neutral linen upholstery and nailhead trim give this rustic bench French Country appeal.
Melissa has learned a lot about creating harmony out of decor chaos. When she's not daydreaming about her future Farmhouse home, Melissa enjoy writing about all-things decorating and home interior design.
