French Country Decorating

If you are looking for classic decorating ideas for a new home, you may want to consider a French country decorating theme. This casual, yet elegant style is inspired by the flowering fields found under pale blue, sunny French skies. This look also includes elements from the scenic, quaint villages scattered throughout this romantic countryside. The warm, welcoming atmosphere found in an old French country farmhouse should also be part of a French country decorating theme. Both contemporary and traditional elements make this decorating style a popular choice for many homeowners in the United States today.

Begin with a French country color palette.

Start your French country design scheme with a color palette that captures the natural elements found in the French countryside. This will include many shades of green to represent the lush vegetation and floral hues of lavender, sunflower yellow and bright splashes of red-orange poppies.

Complete your color palette with neutral colors in shades of beige, brown and gray. These colors are reminiscent of stone walls found in French country homes and fields, the rustic wood furniture and cream-colored, worn plaster walls. Light pastels, aged ivory and beige hues add the right ambiance and charm.

Add the perfect furnishings.

Look for hand-carved, wood furniture and wrought iron furnishings for your French country themed home. Authentic antique French furniture was often made from mahogany and can be very pricey. However, it is not hard to find reproduction French country style furniture with a distressed finish that gives the furniture an antique or vintage look. This type of furniture is also referred to as shabby chic or cottage style.

The time worn, distressed look of old furniture with finishes that appear to be cracking, speckled and aged adds the desired character to this style of furniture. You can often find old wood furniture at thrift stores that you can transform into shabby chic treasures. Visit the DIY Network to learn how to give ordinary furniture a distressed look by applying certain finishing techniques.

Scrolled wrought iron furnishings such as bakers rack’s, tabletop wine racks, candle holders, bed frames, wall shelves and wall grills add rustic elegance to a French country home.

Finish with floral, farm and traditional French accents.

The perfect accents for a French country theme will include linens and upholstery with floral motifs and the traditional French Toile de Jouy pattern. A typical Toile de Jouy pattern has scenes of people, plants and animals in a repeating pattern. This pattern is not limited to textiles, as it is often found on dinnerware and French pottery.

Another traditional French accent is the Fleur de Lis design. The literal translation means “flower of the lily” or lily flower. This classic design is instantly recognizable, as it was commonly used in many French coat of arms and the French monarchy.

Roosters and chickens are also common designs for accents such as dinnerware, pitchers, vases, ceramic kitchen pottery, kitchen linens and wall décor.

In addition to floral motifs on bed linens, decorative pillows, throws, upholstery, curtains and wallpaper, fresh or silk flowers should be displayed in pewter or ceramic vases throughout the home. Linens made from lace, such as tablecloths, curtains and lace doilies are also common decorative accents. Handmade textiles such as quilts, throws, pillows and curtains make great accessories.

Old world elements and soft, feminine accents blend together perfectly in this charming decorating style. It’s not hard to create a French country home, especially if you like making things yourself, treasure hunting in boutiques and thrift stores and do-it-yourself projects.