All About French Country Decorating
French country decorating is a diverse blend of richness and warmth,
steeped with tradition and full of fanciful quirks. As the name suggests,
the style has its roots in rural France, and it is comfortable and pastoral,
warm and appealing. It is one of the trendiest movements in decorating
today. Roosters are a common theme, as are roses and floral wreaths.
The French country style of
decorating embraces the relaxed warmth and comfort of American country
décor, and throws a bit of sophistication into the mix.
The French country decorating style is a look known for its informal
sophistication, creativity and character. To produce the look of French
country in your home:
- Use simple, natural furnishings and accessories. Hand painted
furniture is also a common element of this style.
- Add color with vivid fabrics, pillows and area rugs. When purchasing,
look for country motifs such as sunflowers and vegetables, or you can
use cotton checks and stripes.
- Place a fresh bunch of lavender in a vase, hang it dried over an
entrance, or make perfumed packets to add fragrance to your home.
- Bring together a range of colors, designs, sizes, and textures, from
gingham place settings to flower-patterned curtains to a braided rug, to
create an unusual feel.
- Keep walls and ceilings white. Strong yellows, intense reds, greens,
terra cotta and blues can be used as accents.
- Wire and woven baskets are standard French country accessories,
serving both style and function.
French country designs match delightfully with a broad palette of colors,
especially when set against a white background. From soft sheers to
customized curtains and drapes, French country style favors attractive looks
for windows.
French country furniture shows a great balance of solid
structure and design. French country dining sets are a favorite in the
kitchen, particularly when paired with simple themes in dinnerware and wall
art.
Color plays a key role in the French country kitchen. Natural light is
part of the décor, and window dressings are often simple roman shades.
Cupboards can be vividly painted, and fabric choices for tablecloths,
napkins etc. often have patterns of vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Accessories are almost always functional, and since these kitchens are
usually small, every space has to be maximized.
Niceties like fresh flowers, classic lace and multihued pottery can
soften the look of the distressed wooden furniture, brick walls and iron
accessories of this decorating style.
Now that you have identified an interior decoration style, the most
difficult part may now be to apply that style and make it significant enough
that others will see it.
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