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This post is all about using French country decorating to elevate your home!
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Do you find yourself dreaming of the French countryside and the elegance of vintage European interiors? Think of rustic charm, delicate patterns, and traditional statement pieces. If this sounds like your ideal home, French country decorating is what you need!
This lovely interior design style strikes the perfect balance between comfortable decor and curated elegance. From timeless and chic color palettes to embracing natural materials, these are so many ways to incorporate French country decor in your space. All you need is a bit of inspiration and a passion for gorgeous details.
If you’ve been reading the blog for some time, you know how much I love a classy interior, and this style is one of my favorites! That’s why I wanted to share 25 beautiful French country decorating ideas to help you transform your home into a gorgeous French chateau (yes, I’m talking about your small city apartment too!). ๐
French Country Decorating: The Basics
Before jumping straight into your ultimate guide to French country decorating, I think it can be helpful to learn a bit more about this French style. This will make it easier for you to adapt these ideas to your space. It will also provide a great framework for your shopping once you’re ready to start decorating.
The core of French country decor is combining rustic charm with refined elegance, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that draws inspiration from antique villas and chateaus in the French countryside. This style embraces very soft color palettesโe.g.: warm neutrals, creamy whites, and gentle pastelsโto set a serene and welcoming atmosphere that is delicate on the senses.
Another important part is incorporating natural materials like distressed wood, stone, and wrought iron to add authenticity and character. This is why you will often see furniture pieces featuring antique or weathered finishes, with tasteful curves and intricate carvings. Additionally, you will find plenty of textiles such as linen and cotton, adorned with floral patterns, toile, or gingham. They are used to introduce layers of texture and visual interest. Lastly, we can’t forget about thoughtfully selected vintage accents – think ornate chandeliers, aged mirrors, and ceramic pitchers. They are an absolute must-have!
Once you have these basics covered, you can also focus on fresh flowers and greenery, along with ample natural lights. Ultimately, your goal is that of creating a chic but relaxed, airy atmosphere. Soft, ambient lighting from table lamps, sconces, and candles will further elevate this cozy feel.
Now that you have a good understanding of what elements your French country home should include, let’s get you inspired with 25 decorating ideas!
25 French Country Decor Ideas To Inspire You
1. Invest in A Statement Mirror
A beautiful golden mirror is a staple of this design style. It’s a specific item that has truly become an icon of the genre. Such a piece will not only help you create an elegant look, but it will also make your space brighter by reflecting the natural light you have coming into the room.
If you have really high ceilings, consider going for an oversized mirror. It will look especially good on top of a fireplace – very dramatic and chic!
2. Upgrade Your Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are an easy way to add a relaxed feel to your space. The layered look will also help you introduce an element of visual interest to the design. Whether it’s for a bedroom or living room, opt for natural fibers like cotton or linen and choose rustic but traditional patterns like stripes or embroidered flowers.
When it comes to decorative pillows, I always like to choose fluffy dawn ones. The inserts are a bit more expensive but they look so much more high-end and will help truly elevate your space.
3. Go For Linen Fabrics
Linen is one of the most commonly used natural materials as far as textiles are concerned. It’s elegant but simple, rough but chic, effortless but chic – everything that French country decorating of the farmhouse style encompass. You can use linen for your curtains, for chair covers in your dining room, or even for your bedding.
Bonus tip: if you want a more elegant style, make sure to iron your textiles. However, linen can also look great with some wrinkles – perfect for a more casual vibe.
4. Choose Country-Inspired Art & Wall Decor
Wall decor is an important part of interior design. It not only makes a room feel more curated, but it can also help reinforce the theme of your decor, tying the overall space together. For French country wall art, look into vintage floral designs, thrifted oil paintings, or countryside watercolors.
Overall, anything with a delicate palette and natural references will work – the important thing is to go for classic designs. Contemporary or modern pieces will likely seem out of place.
5. Install A Crystal Chandelier
Another very popular piece for French-country living room ideas is a crystal chandelier. Classy, glamorous, and the perfect contrast element to more rustic surroundings, this is a statement piece you won’t regret investing in. It’s also one of the more timeless and neutral elegant accents, making it a versatile items that is sure to stand the test of time.
6. Stick to A Delicate Color Palette
When thinking of French-country decor, I’m sure soothing hues and soft colors are one of the first things that come to mind. Pale blue chairs, dusty pink floral sheets, and sage green paint kitchen cabinets are all great examples of how a muted palette does not necessarily mean less color.
Draw inspiration from the beautiful natural roots of the Provence style and the classic charm of pastels to create the perfect relaxing atmosphere for your home.
7. Use Floral Patterns Generously
If there is one thing you should not shy away from is floral patterns. French country decorating is all about creating a seamless transition between the countryside nature and your indoors. Whether it’s bedding, wallpaper, tableware, or upholstery, have fun mixing and matching different floral patterns. You’ll end up with your very own version of a blooming French garden!
8. Include Authentic Vintage Pieces
If your budget allows for them and you have time to dedicate to finding them, vintage pieces can truly transform your French country decor. Even a simple antique wooden dresser or a small side table can immediately give a more authentic touch to your design. In turn, this will help even your more modern and newer items feel more sophisticated and lived in.
Make it a priority to use vintage furniture across the key focal points of your home. They will set the tone for the entire design!
9. Opt for Traditional Tableware
Your dining table is not only the perfect place to entertain and spend some quality family time. I always like to think of it as a small area where you can let your taste shine fully without needing a huge budget.
Upgrade your tableware with pieces that speak of refined elegance. Think of hand-painted ceramics, vintage patterns, antique silverware, and beautiful centerpieces and candle holders. This is your chance to get creative and make even a regular meal a special occasion.
10. Add Wicker Accents
You can’t nail the French country theme without including at least a few wicker accents in your design. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable option, look no further than wicker or rattan baskets. They make for great storage and add a beautiful organic touch to any space. For something a bit more daring, consider instead a statement wicker piece like a console table.
Regardless of how big or small your investment is, I promise this is a gorgeous material that your space needs.
11. Embrace Toile Fabrics
Another staple of the French country look is toile. Abbreviation of “Toile de Jouy”, this decorating pattern consists of a white or neutral background on which you find a repeated pattern depicting a scene, usually of a pastoral theme. My favorite way of including this into my decor is through bedding or pillow covers. If you’re ready to go the extra mile if also makes for jaw-dropping wallpaper.
12. Display Fresh Flowers and Plants
Flowers and plants are natural elements that will make your design come alive.
Fresh ones are preferable, giving you also the ability to switch out your deco over time. However, if you can’t bear the maintenance effort, there are also plenty of high-quality faux alternatives that can yield a good result. Some of my favorite options are silk flowers for a bright finish or latex flowers for a real-feel touch.
13. Add A King Louis XV Accent Chair
While I love to see a few touches of contemporary styles in French country decorating, I think it’s also important to include the core classic elements. Amongst them, perhaps the most iconic is the king Louis XV chair. It makes for the perfect accent piece both alone or in a pair opposite your couch.
14. Opt for Clean Lines
A French country style home should embrace the rustic beauty of clean lines. While complex and glamorous pieces can be used for accents, most of your furniture and patterns should include uncluttered elements that can help create a sense of order and simplicity.
This will work especially well if you’re dealing with small spaces as it will help them appear more spacious! I love a win-win design solution.
15. Choose The Right Scent
Scented candles and diffusers are some of those little bits of decor that can greatly impact the atmosphere of the entire space. Opt for a delicate, floral scent for your French country-style home. Some of my favorites include jasmine, rose, pear, citruses, and lavender.
Personally, I love to use the same scent across multiple points in the same room to make sure it’s as enveloping as possible.
16. Go for A Wooden Coffee Table
One of the more affordable ways to include French design in your living room is by investing in a wooden coffee or side table. Opt for a simple piece where the natural texture and color of the wood has the chance to stand out and be the star of the show. This will immediately add a rustic and organic feel to the entire space!
17. Consider Tapestry for An Accent Wall
If you’re looking for a true show stopper, investing in tapestry is a beautiful way to upgrade one of your living room walls. If you find a large enough piece you love (check out Etsy for some amazing finds!), you could even line a hallway turning a basic blank wall into a statement area.
YOUR NEXT READ: Discover the best ideas for an accent wall in your living room!
18. Invest in An Antique-Inspired Area Rug
A large area rug can help make your room feel more inviting and warm. As usual, when it comes to French country decorating, prioritize high-quality fibers like wool, cashmere, or jute. You can opt for a neutral color to make your space appear brighter and more spacious. A more complete, vintage pattern can instead help with visual variety and color.
19. Use Vintage Wallpaper
I will never get tired of saying how much I love wallpaper. It’s truly my favorite detail to see in any room, and few styles embrace it as much as French country design does. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and choose a beautiful wallpaper for a high-traffic area like your living room or dining room.
You can even implement this idea if you’re renting. All you need is a peel-and-stick solution. Easy and affordable – what is there not to love about it?
20. Go for Simple But Luxurious Bedding
If you’re looking for a quick and easy French-country bedroom idea, all you need to do is shop French-country bedding. Upgrading your duvet set and watch your bedroom transform in just a few minutes. Some of the best options will include small floral patterns, toile, quilts, lace, and ruffles. Go for something that can make a statement in your space!
21. Add A Tufted Bench For A Chic Touch
A tufted bench can be a practical and beautiful addition to your French country cottage. It’s the perfect functional piece to include in your hallway design or place by the end of the bed. It not only provides a small seating area, but also a great option for temporary storage. For instance, a tufted bench can help keep your bedroom decorative pillows off the floor during the night.
22. Include Distressed Wood Details
Distressed, pale wood is the material of choice if you want to add a rustic touch to your French country decorating. Perfect if want to lean into the more casual and cozy aspect of this design style, distressed wooden details can be included in furniture as well as smaller decor pieces.
Good candidates for this idea are: a small bookshelf, a side table by your couch, a tray for your coffee table, or a stool in your bathroom.
23. Lean Into Seasonal Decor
We have already mentioned how important it is to link our French country decor to the outdoors and the nature it draws inspiration from. A great way to do this is by embracing seasonal decor. It will allow you to refresh your home a few times throughout the year while ensuring you’re aligned with the seasonal changes of the outside environment.
For instance, make sure to have a real pumpkin display in the fall, showcase fresh flowers in spring and summer, and decorate with evergreen wreaths in winter. Simple but effective!
24. Add Gold and Bronze For A Metallic Accent
Metallic accents can help make your home feel more luxurious. Whether it’s bronze light fixtures, a gold coffee table, or copper pans in your French country kitchen, don’t forget to add a few shiny details in your designs.
25. Hang Vintage Plates
Another great French country take on wall decor can be found in decorative plates. They make for the perfect antique accents and can add a subtle and sophisticated pop of color to any blank wall.
While you can purchase new pieces with a vintage-inspired design, I highly recommend you go scour flea markets for some affordable and authentic options. Decorative plates are incredibly common and the mix and match of pieces from different collections will only make your decor even more interesting!
To Conclude
This post showed you 25 French country decorating ideas!
As you try to incorporate French country decor into your own home, remember to opt for a delicate color scheme and prioritize investing in high-quality statement pieces that you’ll be able to love for a long time to come. As all interior designers will tell you, don’t shy away from a good old antique market or thrift store trip. Some of the most authentic and gorgeous pieces will be waiting just for you!
Feel free to add a few contemporary details, keeping as the ultimate goal the balance between a curated aesthetic and effortless elegance.
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Are you looking for more inspiration?
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- HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT MODERN FARMHOUSE LIVING ROOM (18 IDEAS FOR ALL BUDGETS)
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