French decor is inspired by nature and history.
Inspired by nature and history, French decorating exudes timelessness and effortless sophistication. Whether you want to add a few new touches to your existing decor or plan to overhaul your entire home, you can incorporate the French chic look into your home decorating style by combining natural colors and fabrics with traditional furniture and accents. Does this Spark an idea?
Choosing Your Color Palette
French decorating draws heavily on natural colors, from cobalt blue to harvest gold. For wall treatments, the palette you choose can change the way you experience your space. In their book "Provencal Interiors," authors Betty Lou Phillips and Dan Piassick recommend using dark colors to make a large room seem smaller and more intimate, and selecting lighter colors such as ecru or sky blue to make a small room feel airier. For an authentic French chic look, avoid harsh artificial colors, and choose hues that harmonize with your natural surroundings instead. However, this doesn't mean that you should limit yourself to earth tones. For bright accents, choose colors that evoke the wildflowers of the French countryside, such as sunflower yellow, grass green or poppy red.
Furniture Selection
Whether you are furnishing a space from scratch or simply adding a piece or two to evoke a French chic feel, furniture is crucial to the overall effect of your decor. The sense of history that is characteristic of French decorating can be achieved through antiques or heirloom furniture pieces. If you don't already have a collection of heirloom pieces or if you don't have the budget to purchase pricey antiques, updating your existing furniture can help you get the look you want. You can re-finish wooden furniture, replace contemporary drawer pulls with antique or crystal pulls, or use new slipcovers to give your chairs or sofa a new look.
Window Treatments and Upholstery
Your fabric choices for upholstery, carpets and window treatments can lend authenticity and comfort to your French-style decor. Avoid obviously synthetic materials like polyester and vinyl, and opt for natural fibers instead. For a more formal space, silks and damasks are elegant choices, while more casual rooms call for crisp linen. The art of "passementerie," or decorative trim, is also characteristic of French style, and well-chosen fringes, tassels and braids can accentuate your fabric choices while giving your home a decidedly French look.
Accents and Final Touches
After you've established your color palette and furniture selections, you can begin adding accent pieces to complete your new French chic look. Add light to a room with antique-look mirrors, chandeliers, or wall sconces. Choosing a few gold accents, such as gilt picture frames or candlesticks, can add a touch of opulence without looking gaudy. Visit flea markets and antique stores to find accent pieces with character and history. A balanced mix of these rustic and refined touches will help you to achieve the quintessentially French sense of effortless charm.
Tags: French chic, chic look, French chic look, French decorating, accent pieces