French Country Home Decorating Ideas

French Country emulates the style you might find in a cottage in rural France. Country French is defined by its elegant look, with a touch of nature and country mixed in. The French manor look can be yours by bringing in these elements: antiques, blue and yellow, florals and nature inspiration, gilded elements, rustic country-inspired details, trims, and finishes (fringe, lace), and decorative faux finishes (stucco, patina, distressed).

French Country decorating is a great way to bring warmth and charm to your home. This fuss free style of interior design has risen in popularity in recent years, as more and more people have embraced the comfort it brings to homes. French Country decorating is all about creating a space that is inviting and easy going; in a French Country home, you will always want to put your feet up and stay awhile.

When it comes to French Country style interior design, the name says it all, really. This interior design style is inspired by the natural environment of the French countryside, and it also incorporates the rustic character and charm of old French farmhouses and country homes.
Much of the French-country influence comes from the southern region, known as Provence. The Provencal farmhouses are made of stone or red clay, with red-clay tile roofs. The interiors are filled with charm, but not clutter. Provencal decor may include:

• bright turquoise shutters
• bent-wood chairs
• an apricot-colored settee
• walnut buffet
• rush-seated chairs
• a giant stove set into an old stone fireplace
• hanging copper pots, copper jelly moulds and bunches of thyme
• a long table in the middle of the room
• box-framed beds with lace-trimmed linens
• a Galle faience cat on the mantel

Basics of Color Design – Like most design styles, color is central to pulling a French Country look together. Your color inspirations should be drawn from the French countryside itself. Fields of lavender become soft purples in the home, bright blue skies translate to bright blue in the home, and fields of green grass become soft greens. Lemony yellow and deep red also figure prominently into French Country design.
Furniture – When it comes to furniture in French Country decorating, there are a few different styles to keep an eye out for. Large furniture pieces reign supreme – the kind of furniture that looks like it has been passed down from generation to generation within your family (even if it is brand spanking new!). Light wood stains are good for French country style, as are white or off white painted pieces of furniture (either plain or embellished with painted landscapes or floral scenes).
Rod iron furniture pieces are also popular in this design style.

Creating a French Country Look

The French country look can be rustic or more refined as seen in the picture to the right but keeping the color palette natural and the furniture and accessories to scale are important French Country design elements. Common to today’s residential construction are tall ceilings that create large walls. Expansive walls often swallow wall decor and furniture. Large oversized furniture, wall decor and decorative accessories, common to French country decor, are ideal for large expansive spaces.

In this French country bedroom soft blue and green are chosen for their serene, natural qualities. Robin’s egg blue sets the backdrop for the large wood cabinet and the oversized accessories used to fill tall wall space. The blue wall is complimented by a soft sage green on adjacent walls and the area rug.

(accentsofsalado, lovetoknow)

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