Like many other styles and decors, over the years the French country style has evolved into a slight blur in many homes. Do not be shocked. I am not speaking of the purist style. I am addressing how we have incorporated the style into our homes today. We can still set the theme in our homes with success.
What Is French Country Style?
Let’s begin with the origin to appreciate the style. Think of the countryside in southern France. Imagine a farmhouse surrounded by gardens and flowers. This brings images of soft colored lavender flowers surrounding the home.
If there is a comparison to something we are familiar with it would be the French version of Victorian romantic or American shabby chic, but done in more demur colors with accents of vibrant shades. What sets French country apart is the toile fabric selections most often found in French farmhouses.
One of the most charming aspects of French country style in my opinion is the use of the elegant and the distressed in the same room as evidenced in the dining room picture below.
Note the crystal chandelier — the rather large and ornate chandelier — hanging above the painted and distressed table and chairs. The picture hanging above the fireplace in the background is in a gilded frame, clinging to the aristocratic elegance of a time gone by.
The French Garden Comes Indoors
One of the most noticeable characteristics of the French country farmhouse decor is live flowers. Rather potted greenery or cut flowers from the garden, there is always a taste of nature within view.
On a recent vacation to the south of France I noticed so much greenery and so many vases of flowers that brought color and life inside that I began to wonder if silk flowers or some sort of artificial flower arrangement could carry off the look. I concluded that in no way could anything artificial replace the live plants or cut flowers. It isn’t worth the effort or expense to try.
When asking oneself, “what is French country style?” the answer is nature and life. Nature, from the exterior to the interior, is a hallmark of French country style. Period.
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