How to Decorate a Backyard Porch in French Country

The rustic charm of French country style works well for a backyard patio space.

The French country style is a favorite of interior designers around the globe. The rustic touches, flea market finds and iron accessories help create a charming atmosphere that is as casual and homey as it is elegant and inviting. Warm colors and one-of-a-kind pieces help bring French country spaces together. French country design is durable and weather-resistant, which makes it ideal for a backyard porch. For the budget-conscious, this style is also affordable and easy to obtain.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Ironwork furniture and accessories
• French-inspired fabrics
• Concrete or tile flooring
• Edible plants

Instructions

1. Add vibrant and saturated colors into your backyard porch. Incorporate colors with furniture, wall paint and flooring. Some popular colors in French country style are rich reds, gold, French blue and shades of green. Anchor and accent these colors with black and neutral tans and creams for a strong contrast.

2. Incorporate ironwork into your furniture, lighting and accessories. Flea markets, thrift stores, yard stores, vintage shops and online classifieds are great places to find one-of-a-kind iron pieces for your backyard porch. Aged and weather-worn pieces are ideal for a French porch, so do not be afraid to select pieces that have rust and other minor imperfections.

3. Use fabrics for shade, seat cushions, awnings or window treatments in traditional French fabrics. Large floral prints and striped prints with contrasting shades are popular in French country style. As is toile, which is a traditional French print that features repeating hand-drawn pastoral images.

4. Choose durable and rustic flooring options. Simple concrete slabs work nicely for an outdoor space, especially if they are stained and sealed. Ceramic and stone tiling are also strong ways to anchor the French country style on a backyard porch.

5. Include accessories and plants that will help bring the space to life. Iron or wire roosters or other farm animals will hint back to French country life. Because the French countryside is known for its wine, include accessories that feature grapes, wine bottles or even cork. Edible and fragrant plants such as basil and lavender in terra-cotta planters are ideal for this backyard space.

References

• The Budget Decorator: How to Bring French Country Into Your Home
• HGTV: French Country Garden Room
• Front Porch Ideas and More: Tuscan Decorating: Casual and Country