When I say French interior design, what\u2019s the first thing that comes to mind? Plain, boring, cookie-cutter? More likely, you imagine something elegant, ornate, and luxurious. Fancy done well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How about when I say farmhouse interior design? Fancy and ornate? Not so much, right? More like simple, rustic, and comfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now throw the two in a blender and pour yourself a cup of what we\u2019ll explore today: French Country design style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve gathered expert advice to help simplify what French Country design is, its key elements, and the colors and patterns that bring it to life in your upholstery. Prepare to fall in love with a style fit for kings, queens, and people like you and me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can a style from the 1600s be trendy? Thanks to all the ways French Country design is reinvented by different generations, yes, it can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Note: It\u2019s got more names than a secret agent, French Country, French Provincial, French Farmhouse, etc. If you hear French design paired with the joy of bucolic life, it\u2019s that.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Award-winning interior designer Amity Worrel<\/a> explains French Country design\u2019s origins in rural France where \u201c…the style drew inspiration from the elegant stylings of Versailles but adopted these ornate flourishes for a more relaxed country lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a mix (a word you\u2019ll read a lot today) of contrasts. It\u2019s practical, comfortable, and rustic, yet also ornate and luxurious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Author and French Country design guru, Anita Joyce, set the scene in conversation with Architectural Digest<\/em><\/a> (AD)<\/em>, \u201c…if I were a gal living in Paris in a beautiful apartment, and I\u2019ve been collecting these beautiful antiques, silk-covered berg\u00e8res, gilt lamps, and antique commodes, and then one day, I decided to move out to the countryside\u2026I take all of my beautiful antiques and I mix them into this very rustic home and a lifestyle where I\u2019m dragging my boots with mud on them inside of my home.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s French Country design. (Also, the makings of a fun novel, btw.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n French Country is about elegance and ease. That extends to the color palette, as well. While not devoid of color, you won\u2019t find the brightness of a Caribbean or Miami vibe, nor the moody depths of Dark Academia. Gentler, soothing tones win the day here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we learned from Molly Malsom with Homes & Gardens<\/em><\/a>, \u201cThe color palette in French country schemes tends to stick to warm neutral shades and muted hues \u2013 greens and blues are particularly prevalent, as are reds, yellows, and pinks.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Spruce<\/em><\/a> agrees that French Country colors live on the \u201cwarm side of the color wheel with hues that have medium to low intensity\u201d adding the insight of Keely Smith, lead interior design specialist at JD Elite Interiors, \u201cThink light shades like creams, blush tones, faded blues, and soft greens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That color palette lends itself well to patterns that might feel overwhelming in brighter, heavier hues. AD<\/em><\/a> says we\u2019re talking about patterns like toile, stripes<\/a>, gingham, plaid<\/a>, and florals. All offer the opportunity to add visual interest that\u2019s simultaneously classic and compelling in this eclectic setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The idea is to playfully feature patterns in unexpected places. For instance, as designer Betty Lou Phillips shared with HGTV<\/em><\/a>, farmhouse kitchen chairs upholstered in stripes beside an old storage cabinet \u201cbecomes a full-on display and draws more attention to the owners’ antiques.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Designer Susan Bednar Long shared with Veranda<\/em><\/a> how fabrics aid her in \u201cfinding the restraint, making sure we didn\u2019t over-adorn everything.\u201d So a bathroom fairly ornately appointed gets toned down with soft, pale green \u201cin unpretentious designs hung in fresh, oversized ginghams<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n French Country is fundamentally about mixing and layering. Part of the charm and appeal is that it\u2019s not simply one style. Neither full-on royal palace, nor all-in on a \u201cgone-country\u201d look. Both\/and. And the experts love it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In The Spruce<\/em><\/a>, designer Lori Shaw gives the 30,000-foot view, \u201cIt\u2019s about yin and yang, mixing and matching rough with polished\u2026when done right, every piece looks like it belongs in the room.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, that ornately carved piece and that delicate dishware you inherited are both right at home with the rough-hewn textures and comfy vibe of farmhouse design. As Amity Worrel<\/a> put it, \u201cThe most interesting interiors have a mix of high and low decor,\u201d adding, \u201cMy favorite part of the effortless aesthetic is that it looks just as good when your home is a mess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n French Country is playful, mixing and layering textures is encouraged. So the everyday comfort of cotton and wool are right at home with velvet and silk (or faux silk<\/a>, \u2018cause ya\u2019 gotta live<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n HGTV<\/em><\/a> looks to the bedroom, \u201cNeutral colors and layered bedding\u2026are two keystones of French country design. Start with a solid base for the duvet, then layer blankets and pillows with a subtle pattern (preferably floral<\/a>) on top.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n House Beautiful<\/em><\/a> (HB)<\/em> uses \u201clayers of laidback linens in a variety of hues\u201d to create a bedroom that \u201cexudes warmth and timeless taste.\u201d Mixing highbrow, luxurious textures and patterns, with more comfort-first fabrics results in something that beckons the eye and delights the senses when rest arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s like a delicious linen layer cake. And it works with throw pillows, blankets, and more in other areas of the house, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The heart of French Country design is personality. So, we leave you with a hors d’oeuvres platter of tips to help bring your personality into your home\u2019s vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dress a sink or cabinet in a skirt. As Jessica Bennett at Better Homes & Gardens<\/em><\/a> shared, \u201cConsider removing the lower cabinet doors and replacing them with a simple gathered skirt\u2026a simple sink curtain in the right homespun-looking fabric will bring you one step closer to your French farmhouse dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n HB<\/em><\/a> reminds us, \u201cTo fully embrace French country design’s signature coziness, you need ample seating. Opt for neutral upholstery with punches of patterns for an eclectic look.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, reimagine and reupholster<\/a> heirloom and vintage pieces and \u2014 viola!<\/em> \u2014 more seating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ample seating also adds flexibility just make sure \u201cthe room is intentionally arranged to accommodate guests with ease,\u201d says Veranda<\/em><\/a>. Like antique chairs that \u201ccan also be pulled into any conversation group.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n We LOVE interior design vlogger, Lanchen Mihalic\u2019s<\/a>, idea of adding shutters on the inside<\/em> of windows. It\u2019s simple, interesting, and \u201ca really easy way to add a pop of color.\u201d Or instead, \u201cdrapes in toile, gingham, or stripes or even caf\u00e9,\u201d Mihalic adds, \u201cbut if I\u2019m going to choose any one pattern on this list, I\u2019m going toile<\/a> every time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay, I\u2019m out of breath now. That was a lot. As you get your home\u2019s passport ready for the French countryside, give us a call<\/a>. We\u2019re here to help with all your fabric<\/a> needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amity Worrel <\/p>\n\n\n\nMeet The Colors Bringing Warmth And Comfort To French Country Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Meet The Patterns Adding Eclectic Elegance To French Country Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sir Mix A Lot: How Mixing Elements Adds French Country Design Magic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Layer Up: The Playful Love Of Layers In French Country Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quick Tips: How To Add Personality To Your Home French Country Style<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Skirts<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Seating<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Shutters<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Links:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n