Inspired by the natural elements of the French countryside, French Country style is all about rustic charm and old-world elegance. It’s a comfortable and earthy style, and can either be grand and elegant like an old French chateaux, or cozy and homey like a simple country cottage. While the look can vary widely, there are certain characteristics that are common to the style.
French Country Style and Materials
An important element of French Country decorating is the use of natural materials. Stone, wood, and rattan are very common. Rough, stained, or painted plaster walls; rusted iron; wood-beamed ceilings and walls; carved wood details; and chair seats woven of rush, are the hallmarks of the French Country style.
The flooring in French Country homes is also rustic. Natural stone, brick, terra cotta, and wood plank floors are dotted with wool or cotton rugs to add softness. The effect is one of absolute charm.
Typical of French Country interiors are pieces with contrasting color and texture. Pale plaster walls and ceilings are punctuated with dark rough wood beams. Colorful Provencal printed fabrics such as toile are set off against light-toned natural seating.
Color and Fabric in French Country Decorating
Colors in French Country decorating are inspired by the colors of the countryside. Rolling hills full of lavender, lush fields, sparkling waters, stone buildings, and bright sunshine are the inspiration. When choosing colors, it’s best to stay on the warm side of the color wheel (think soft and sunny), and mix them with natural stones and woods. The idea is to bring the outdoors in.
French Country furniture is often painted gray. It is reminiscent of the stone and gravel pathways in the French countryside and it offsets the other colors beautifully.
Toile is a traditional design for French Country fabrics. Small scenes of things like picnics, courting scenes, and animals are set against plain cream or white backgrounds. The scenes themselves are often (but not always) blue, red, or black. Most of these toile patterns are printed on linen, or cotton. In fact, heavy cottons are frequently used in French Country decorating, and are contrasted with sheer lace (used for things such as window curtains). Other patterns that appear frequently on French Country fabrics are basic plaids, checks, and sometimes, stripes.
French Country Furniture and Accessories
French Country furnishings are characterized by simple, graceful lines with delicate curves and hand-carved decorations.
If there is one word that can describe French Country furniture, that word would be rustic. Distressed wood, worn painted finishes and rusted metals are very common. French Country furniture looks like it has been passed down through generations, even if the pieces are brand new reproductions. When it comes to French Country, weathered and worn is not only acceptable, it is desirable.
Common pieces of furniture and accessories:
- large armoires
- oak buffets
- bergère chairs
- large harvest tables
- ladder-back chairs
- iron chandeliers
- old leather-bound books
- distressed wood and metal candlesticks
- carved wood-framed mirrors
- hanging baskets made of wire or rattan
- old pitchers
- copper pots
- vintage botanical artworks
- flowers, particularly lavender
By incorporating some or all of the elements mentioned here, you can achieve a classic and beautiful French Country interior.
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