French interior
design is an enduring aesthetic, typified by solid, well-made materials and hand-crafted accessories. An entire home may be devoted to French design, from architectural elements to a garden inspired by the lavender fields of Provence. More likely, however, a home will feature French interior design elements, accented with pieces made in and inspired by France. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
There are many types of French design, with one of more popular being the French country look. This approach integrates well-worn and rustic pieces in open and airy rooms. The classic French look features furniture with skinny, sculpted legs and paintings mounted in ornate frames. The French bohemian look combines thrift-store finds such as rusted metal signs or cobalt blue glass vases with heirlooms, family photographs, art collections and souvenirs from world travels.
Features
Most approaches in French interior design incorporate architectural details and natural materials. A stone fireplace, set within a stone wall, is a core part of many French interiors, but can be evoked in a more modest way with a stone top on a kitchen island or a scattering of stones on the fireplace mantel. Other natural materials such as wood, cotton, ceramic tile and paper are found on furnishings, architectural elements, accessories and finishes.
Effects
A French interior is sophisticated without being cold. The look is put-together but never cookie-cutter because it welcomes old, treasured pieces amidst the new and glossy. Artisan woodworking and lush textiles give the home a decadent touch, while cafe-style curtains and window box gardens welcome the natural world to the interior.
Palette
A French interior may have a cool, minimalist palette of ivory accented with soft black on window and door frames, seen in many French cottages. Classic interiors are more lush, featuring deep red, cobalt blue, marigold and, on furniture, gold accents. The French country look often features faded cornflower blue, mustard yellow and distressed antique white.
Identification
There are certain design elements that signify French style. The fleur-de-lis pattern is a classic, used as a wall trim, a textile design or as the basis for a sculpted wood piece. Toile fabric, featuring animal or nature scenes in silhouette, is key in French style, and often found as a pillow covering, chair cushion or window treatment. The motif of a red rooster appears on kitchenware, wall art and textiles.
Tags: French interior, French interior design, accented with, architectural elements, cobalt blue