How to Create French Country Decor

Antiques stores provide aged furniture and accessories for your French country decor.

If you love texture, fine and painted wood, and rich fabrics and colors, and you have an eclectic eye for mixing the rustic and refined, French country decorating may be for you. In French country decor, weathered and reclaimed furniture goes hand in hand with stately fine furniture, and worn plaster walls make a perfect backdrop for delicate antique chairs. It's all about courageously mixing the old and the not so old in a chic and cozy aesthetic.

Things You'll Need

• Paint in a suede finish
• Toile or Provencal pattern window coverings
• Crewel or other textured rug
• Combination of fine and rustic furniture
• Colorful or aged accessories

Instructions

1. 

   This rich shade of caramel sets off salvaged propellers used here as art.

   Paint your room with a latex paint that has a suede finish for a look that mimics the aged plaster of a farmhouse in Provence. Choose a rich neutral, such as caramel, taupe or latte. If you don't want to apply a textured paint, warm your walls with a Provencal-inspired buttery yellow or ivory in a conventional latex paint.

2. 

   Simple window treatments work well in French country design.

   Choose French-inspired fabrics for your windows. Toile curtains or draperies in blue and white or dramatic black and white are available ready-made. For a custom look, order window coverings in the beautiful Provencal combination of yellow and blue florals and stripes. If you're budget-minded, toss a piece of filmy fabric over an iron curtain rod for a casual window covering.

3. 

   Don't forget lighting. A beautiful yet simple chandelier adds rustic charm.

   Cover your floors with a colorful crewel or Oriental rug or a neutral jute. You do not have to invest in expensive floor coverings. In fact, aged and worn rugs add farmhouse authenticity.

4. 

   French country decor reflects the beauty and simplicity of the French countryside.

   Add rustic furniture pieces. In French country, weathered furniture combines with polished pieces for a true country feel. An expensive mahogany sideboard can live comfortably next to a flaking painted table made from a door. An old weathered desk can be paired with an elegant chair. You can also achieve a French country look by painting ornate dark furniture or wrought iron a creamy white.

5. 

   Flea markets are treasure-troves of finishing touches.

   Scour flea markets, salvage yards and antiques shops for beautifully aged accessories to complete your room. They can be rustic or refined: Combine ceramics and plates in Provencal colors with rough wooden bowls, aged weather vanes, old framed mirrors, and rusted pots and urns. A large ceramic rooster is a classic French country touch, as is a large vase filled with lavender. And don't forget pillows in velvets, patterns or vintage prints.

References

• Rube Rooms: French Country Decorating --- How to Design a Warm, Inviting French Country Kitchen

Resources

• Accents of Salado: French Country ... Country French