How to Learn about Decorating Your House in the French Country Style

Rooms decorated in the French country style have a look that is warm, welcoming, and rustic. Read below to learn more about the basics of French country house style.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Colors: French country house style is recognized for incorporating bold colors, such as vibrant shades of blue, red, and yellow. Choose wallpaper and fabrics that incorporate these colors.

2. Floors: Stone floors are a common attribute in French country houses. Floors can also be made of clay, brick, or wood. If your room does not have a stone, clay, brick, or wood floor, consider adding a richly colored rug to the room.

3. Walls: Walls may be covered in a distressed, pale plaster coating. The imperfections are charming and, along with the presence of wood beams, add a rustic feel to the room. In addition, walls may be made of brick. Consider painting the walls a cream color, then using furniture and accents to add warmth and color to the room.

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   Furniture: French country house style is characterized by an abundance of tables, cupboards, and armoires. Chairs feature slatted backs with plush fabric or rush seats. Metal furniture and fixtures are also notable additions to a French country style room. Hand-carved and raw wood is a common feature of the French country house style room. Look for furniture that embodies these characteristics.

5. Patterns: Toile de Jouy (also known as "toile") is a pattern that is commonly found in French country house design. Toile is characterized by a white or cream colored background featuring intricate patterns that often depict pastoral, floral, or Chinoiserie themes. Checkered and plaid patterns are also popular. Look for toile and plaid accents in wallpaper and upholstered furniture.

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   Motifs: Popular motifs include roosters, sunflowers, grapes, and olives. Find these motifs on pitchers, bowls, vases, and other accessories that can be used to decorate a room. Fill a vase with fresh flowers to add a natural touch to the room.

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   Accessories: Common accessories include woven or wire baskets, ceramic pottery, vases and cachepots, pitchers, copper pots, and rush-seated chairs. These items can be found at retail stores, online auctions, and antique dealers.

8. The hearth: A stone fireplace forms the centerpiece of a French country style room. Hang a bushel of herbs and copper cookware near the fireplace to suggest a rustic, fulfilling country meal. Article text © 2009 by urbandill. All rights reserved

Tips & Warnings

• French country style furniture and decor are characterized by a rustic feel that suggests that surroundings have been well-lived in. Check online auction websites for antique furniture made in the Provençal or French country style.