If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about the wide-open fields of Provence or a sun-dappled kitchen in Brittany, French country style might just be your perfect style. French country design reached the U.S. in the 1920s and has been a timeless favorite ever since, thanks to its signature bright, airy spaces and touches of casual elegance. This comfortable yet luxurious style incorporates elegant furnishings and a rustic, lived-in atmosphere. Signature interior design details include distressed finishes, neutral color palettes, and layered patterns, while a French country exterior should feature textured stucco and brick or stone siding, weathered wood doors and shutters, and a hip roof.
French country décor’s creative pairings and effortless elegance set it apart from other rustic aesthetics. Incorporating elements of this style into your home creates a cozy and welcoming environment for family and guests. Here, we’ll explore French farmhouse décor and the essential structural and decorative elements that can help transform your home into the epitome of French country style.
French country décor embraces a warm, earthy color palette inspired by the region’s natural beauty. This means that soft, muted tones, such as creamy whites, warm beiges, and gentle grays, work well throughout the French country-inspired home and its exterior. Splashes of color in contrasting shades, like dusty blues, gentle greens, and muted yellows, evoke the calming hues found in nature and serve as stunning accents.
Homeowners often turn to texture to create warm, cozy, and inviting spaces. These, too, can be found in French country décor. Incorporating textured walls and surfaces can help you recreate the authentic rustic ambiance of a French farmhouse. Exposed brick or stone walls, wooden beams, and distressed plaster are common choices and can add depth and character to your space, enhancing its overall aesthetic and paying homage to the French country style. If you want to decorate with metal accents, look for wrought iron, antiqued gold and brass, and weathered copper to tie into the rustic style.
In true French country style, opt for natural flooring materials, like weathered hardwood or aged stone tiles. The imperfections and patina of these materials evoke a sense of history and authenticity. At the same time, area rugs with floral motifs or intricate patterns can be layered on top of the flooring to add warmth and visual interest.
No home is complete without carefully curated furniture that adds intrigue to a room. Furniture in French country design blends ornate Versailles-inspired lines with rustic simplicity for a one-of-a-kind combination. Consider pieces that feature distressed or whitewashed finishes, which can showcase the natural beauty of wood. Classic options include sturdy farmhouse tables with ladder-back chairs and classic armoires, sofas, and accent chairs with intricate carvings. Upholstered furniture in rich fabrics, such as toile, floral prints, or tapestries, will add a touch of elegance and softness to the space. You can also take a simpler approach to textiles with linen or damask stripes.
Incorporating decorative accessories that exude warmth and charm into your space can help you truly capture the essence of French country design. Porcelain dishes and earthenware pottery with intricate floral patterns combine elegance and practicality—not only are these items beautiful, but they feel substantial and useful. Wrought iron accents, such as chandeliers, candleholders, and wall sconces, also add a touch of old-world elegance.
Soft and billowy fabrics, like linen or lace window treatments, mesh well with the French country style. Vintage-inspired mirrors with distressed frames reflect natural light and create a sense of spaciousness. Add bouquets of fresh flowers or dried herbs displayed in rustic vases or pitchers for the perfect finishing touch.
To achieve a cozy and inviting atmosphere, incorporate an array of textures. Soft, plush upholstery for seating, such as cotton or velvet, can be complemented with floral or striped patterns. Layer the furniture with throw blankets and pillows in warm tones, showcasing woven or embroidered details. This type of layering is especially notable in French country bedrooms, where a beautifully dressed bed and cozy sitting area are the focal points.
To fully capture the gorgeous French country style, your home’s exterior is just as important as the interior. Luckily, there is plenty you can do to make sure the exterior of your home matches the interior’s French farmhouse décor, including playing with complex textures and proportions. For example, elongated windows, curved archways, and detailed stonework can all help bring French country style to the exterior of your home thoughtfully and seamlessly.
Incorporating French country design into your home allows you to create a space immersed in rustic elegance and timeless charm. By embracing the warm colors, textures, and furniture pieces inspired by French country décor, you can transport yourself and your guests to a place of European enchantment.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 25 locations in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award-winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends.