French country style, inspired by the countryside in Provence, is popular because of its rustic-looking accessories, casual elegance and extravagant lighting.
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nancyhugo/418258182 by Nancy Hugo, CKD
What is French country style?
The French Country style merged from the scenic villages in the south of France and quickly became one of the most popular styles around the world. Incorporating the style into an interior space can make the most urban house look like a tiny village. At the same time, the French decor is ornate and elegant. Provençal homes incorporate some traditional elements in a more relaxed, distressed and subdued way. Also, French Country interior design can adapt to anyone and is appropriate for any kind of budget.
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/2482542847/in/photostream/ byWonderlane
Common Colors and Patterns
The colors used to decorate in the classic style come from the spectrum of the color wheel. The style has a mix of orange-reds, cornflower blues, corn-silk yellow, bright grass green and soft ocean tones. In addition, a mix of neutrals, a bit of lavender with a smaller amount of pink provide the maximum of flexibility.
Image source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1129575
Traditional French country motifs and accessories include olives, roosters, sunflowers, lavender and grapes. The designs are often bordered by a wide panel. Traditional design for French Country fabrics is a toile, which translates as “cloth” in French. It’s often found in a cream, white or yellow ground with different motifs in a single contrasting color, such as blue, black or green. Sometimes toile themes include farm animals or country scenes, and most toile patterns are printed on cotton or linen.
Materials and architectural features
Natural rustic materials are an important basic element in pieces of furniture of the style. The focus here is on old and charming materials. Natural stone floors often have cotton rugs or wool. A chair with carved wood details and a rush-woven seat give simplicity and texture to the room. French Country houses must have a stone fireplace. The hearth of the fireplace may consist of clay or brick, herbs and iron accessory pieces.
Designers gave the finishing touch with an armoire to store pans and pots, clothing, bed or bath linens. A large rectangular or round dining table must have a low-sheen or dull waxed finish.
Decor
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/2483412220 by Wonderlane
The beauty of the style is that it is fit for almost any home, from the most quaint to the most luxurious. The traditional decor items in a French Country room are wire baskets, colorful ceramics, carved wood pieces and natural colors. Also, French-country houses have ultra-lavish features such as tall windows and romantic arches. Natural lush flowers are everywhere usually in clear glass vases.
Another classic element of a French home is Art. From small prints to big oil paintings, just a few pieces placed in the right spots could make a space feel pulled-together, cozy and warm.
Info source:
https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/g15926706/french-country-style/
https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/g10183090/french-country-style/
https://www.thespruce.com/essential-elements-of-french-country-style-1976888
https://interiordesign.lovetoknow.com/Country_French_Style_Basics
