French Country
Ambiance
Close your eyes and picture in your mind the casual passing of billowy white clouds silhouetted against the depths of fresh blue skies, revealing sun drenched fields of soft flowing lavender. Contrast that image with the stability and charm of quaint cobblestone streets lined with warm stucco walls, adorned with fresh flowers, draped over wrought iron boxes to get the feel of French country decorating style. French Country is inspired by the ambiance of the Provence landscape, importing the colors, textures and freshness of the French countryside into the home. The look is romantic and charming, using old and worn elements combined with an air of down-to-earth comfort for a look of casual elegance. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Bring the outdoors in as your color palette inspiration. Create a sunny and fresh space with yellows, faded washes of Mediterranean blues and greens, contrasted with woodsy browns, earthy brick red and persimmon accents. Additional touches of creamy colors and distressed whites will give your look the French Country charm. Don't forget to add a touch of black accent here and there.
2. Use traditional French country fabrics like toile, in prints depicting courting, picnic or animal scenes silhouetted against a neutral background. Toile can be used for curtains, as wallpaper or partnered with stripes, checks, plaids and faded floral fabrics in your room's decor. You can add a touch of billowy sheer and lace accents in the curtains, for a fresh, romantic touch.
3. Choose French country furnishings that are characterized by a combination of contrasting elements. Use furniture with graceful lines, delicate curves and carved details, like bergere chairs and settees in the parlor, and ladder-back chairs with rush seats in the dining area. Add hand-painted, rustic and distressed accent pieces for that final touch of charm. Use armoires wherever possible. The French country look is never complete without at least one armoire, used for clothing or linen storage, for storing pots and pans or for displaying unique collections and accent pieces. An old, painted or rustic buffet can serve well as a vanity for a sink, or a tabletop for your flat screen TV.
4. Choose accessories for your French country look that add the needed texture and casual charm. Use natural materials, such as stone, wood, rattan or rush. Use wrought iron pieces, baskets made of wire or rattan, distressed wood or metal candlesticks, old pitchers, copper pots, jars and heavy pottery for the kitchen, fresh wild flower arrangements such as lavender and sunflowers, old books, roosters, fleur-de-lis designs, tapestries and oriental rugs. Decorate the walls with heirloom photos, Parisian scenes, old botanicals and iron wall hangings.
Tags: French country, accent pieces, country look, French Country, French Country, French country look