The French Country Color Scheme

As discussed briefly in the introductory article, the French country color scheme has a base of soft colors, often accented with brighter shades.

This color chart above is one of the most basic for the French country decor.  There are plenty of other palettes from which to choose, but regardless of the palette the base or background colors are soft in hue and tint.

The color chart below is very similar to the first one above, but note the accent color has been added.

I selected the four color chard above to show the importance of understanding color in home interiors, whether French country style or not.  The French Country color scheme above is one that is often used in kitchens.  There are the three basic colors with the wide strip of darker color across the bottom that works well as an accent color or complementary color.  It important to be aware that the darker hue across the bottom of the sample is in the spectrum provided by the basic background color — the large square of color to the left.

With the background colors selected, it will be time to add that splash of accent that will become a focal point.  Yes, there is always a hit — not a hint — of color in the French country scheme, especially in the kitchen.

Do you notice the close shading of the bottom right square to the palette above?  While these are not exact, I have selected these three palettes to show the necessity of beginning with a soft hue — three shades — before determining the accent color.

Let me caution the reader that the examples above are only examples and discussed as an introduction to the the French country color scheme and how to choose the scheme that works best for your decor.

To gain more insight into the color selections, I encourage the home decorator to begin with his or her favorite colors and combinations and lighten the hue on the spectrum until it will be a suitable background color.  Remember:  The background colors selected form the canvas upon which the accent color and the accessory pieces will be placed.