French Country
style embraces the casual countryside with an effortless warmth and grace.
French Country d cor has a sense of ease and effortlessness, yet remains elegant and firmly rooted in French cultural traditions. It is this careful balance that makes the French Country style so appealing, yet seems so difficult for many to achieve. This decorating style requires several key elements to be executed successfully. Does this Spark an idea?
The Look
Elements that remain in the French Country decorating style are those that are time-worn, beautiful and functional. Think of airy spaces that bring the outdoors in, weathered paint, gracefully aged antiques, and walls adorned with a patina or textured finish, such as plaster. Layers of natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk are a mainstay for French Country decorating. The French value craftsmanship and time-honored traditions, so things are rarely discarded or match, and, in fact, the look of a well-used piece of furniture is a treasure indeed.
The Feel
French Country style is welcoming, unpretentious and charming. An informal floral arrangement of wildflowers placed casually in a gilded vase is an example of this decorating style's ability to transcend period decorating styles. This style pays close attention to harmony, scale and balance, but does not necessarily follow design rules so much as it follows feelings. If certain pieces feel right, then then go with it. French Country style is measured by feelings, not rules.
The Materials
To capture the style of French Country, you must also pay attention to the variety of materials used. Contrasts between smooth and rough textures are part of the beauty of this decorating style, and create visual interest without overwhelming the eye. Wood that is worn or metal that has developed a patina are often found in French Country decorating. Materials to include in your room when decorating would be rough plaster, stone, terracotta, clay, wood, wrought iron, glass and natural fibers.
The Colors
While there are a variety of different color palettes in French Country decorating, these colors are traditionally restricted to fabrics, preferring to keep the walls neutral. A delicate balance of floral, toile and checked fabrics are commonly used. The color palettes often vary by region. Cooler colors, such as sage greens, pale blues, creamy pinks, turquoise and smoky grays, pay tribute to the northern parts of France. The colors associated with Southern France are terracotta reds, violets, butter yellows and Mediterranean blues.
Tags: French Country, Country decorating, Country style, decorating style, French Country decorating