What Colors Are Used in French Country Decor
If there's one design style that can "take you there," it's definitely French country design. Whether you're in the middle of New York City or somewhere on the California coast, if you walk into a classically French country room, you'll immediately feel like you're somewhere deep in the heart of Provence. But even though the design feels effortless (as do all things French), it actually follows a formula to achieve that perfectly imperfect aesthetic. So what do you need to turn your place into a French country dream worthy of Pinterest boards everywhere? Here's everything you need to know.
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It's Inspired By, Well, The French Countryside.
It comes as literally no surprise that French country design is inspired by the actual French countryside, specifically Provence. French decor in and of itself can be extremely ornate, elegant, and often over-the-top, but Provencal homes incorporate traditional elements in a way that's far more relaxed, distressed, and subdued. "The core essence is a refined elegance that is humbled by bringing in aspects of nature such as weathered and white washed wood, and neutral color palettes," says lead designer of ASR Design Studio, Ariel Richardson.
Courtesy of Dreamy Whites
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French Country Strikes a Balance Between Rustic and Elegant.
While if you head to Paris or the castle region, you'll be inclined to find interiors with far more flourishes in the form of ornate gilding, paneling, and molding, country decor is by far more rustic—but not wholly so. The classic French elegance is merged with a rustic, country aesthetic, creating a balance between beauty and comfort. It feels lived-in and welcoming, but still impeccable. "It's also playful with its touches of botanical themes in art, fabric, wallpaper, and accessories," Richardson says. Safe to say, it has that certain je ne sais quoi.
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Keep Things au Naturel.
As in traditional rustic design, natural materials are it for French country. You'll find exposed wood-beamed ceilings for days, natural stone or wood planked floors, and likely a stone fireplace. Materials, whether wood or stone, will often have a weathered appearance. Nothing is perfectly polished, but rather, finishes feature subtle distressing for a lived-in feel.
Warm It Up.
If you use one word to describe a French country color palette, it's warm. Though the palettes foundation is usually neutral, color is used to accent and add character. Any color is fair game—yellow, red, green, blue—but the underlying thread is that primarily warm shades are used. This helps to create a welcoming, inviting aesthetic. Dark colors, such as blacks and grays, do have a place, but more minimally. These tones are used to break up and add contrast to bold color.
"French country embodies a soft, airy, feminine, and refined elegance."
French Country Furniture Brings The Curves.
Forget clean lines and stark modern furnishings—French country uses furniture to add a flowing feel to a room. Lines are curved, though nothing ever feels ostentatious, as it's made out of natural materials, such as carved wood with a low sheen finish.
Courtesy of Ballard Designs
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French county furniture differs from traditionally rustic furniture thanks to upholstery. Comfort is the goal, so seating is plush and cozy. Wooden chairs will usually have an upholstered cushion. Louis XVI chairs, a natural wooden frame with an upholstered cushion (often in linen), are common. "The Louis armchair is the most representative of the French country style, as they embody elegant clean lines and sturdy wooden construction," Richardson says. "They also tend to have a whitewashed finish with plush cushions."
Pattern Is a Must.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a French country house without some gingham hiding in it somewhere. Pattern is used to add color and character, including plaids, checks, stripes, and one of the most common, toile. Traditional French country motifs also include lavender, roosters, olives, and sunflowers, though these are more typical for things like table linens and curtain panels. Most prints will be made of linen or cotton.
Accessories Blend Old With New.
This isn't a less-is-more approach—French country definitely digs accessories, and decor is often used to help blend old with new. Vintage and antiques, such as wall clocks, chandeliers, blue and white porcelain plates, and mirrors, merge with woven baskets, colorful ceramics, and pitchers used as vases to create a design aesthetic that's a little bit rustic, totally elegant, homey and inviting, and absolutely swoon-worthy.
No, It's Not The Same as Farmhouse.
It's easy to confuse French country for farmhouse, as both incorporate a lot of natural materials, airy and lightness, white, wood, and antiques, but they are totally different things. "French country embodies a soft, airy, feminine, and refined elegance," Richardson says. "Farmhouse embodies a cleaner look, more defined lines, and has a more casual style." Hello, subway tile and shiplap all day, every day.
Shop The French Country Style
Lavender Stems
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Throw Pillow
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$49.00
Durham Round Coffee Table
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$399.00
Olive Topiary
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$89.00
Plaid and Check Curtain Panels
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Sienna Livermore Commerce Editor Sienna Livermore is a commerce editor at Hearst covering best-selling products, home items, fashion, beauty, and things you just can't live without.
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What Colors Are Used in French Country Decor
Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a24563993/french-country-design-style/