Blue Toile

Blue Toile

French Country Decor

Do you want to take a trip to the countryside of France everyday? If so, the French Country may be the décor for you. The French country style of décor incorporates warmth and comfort with American country décor. There are many elements that derive the French country style. The main elements are rustic, old world, with a touch of elegance. Rustic furniture is paired with fabrics that feature beautiful, earthy colors in a variety of traditional patterns. This décor would work in elegant, old chateaux as well as country homes.

The colors you would use to design your French Country décor would come from a full spectrum of colors. Sunny spring yellows, soft  rich gold’s, fiery red, burnt rust, bright grass green, dark hunter green, cobalt blue, and soft ocean tones can all be found in this decorating style.   Toile is one of the most popular French Country patterns. It features a continuous repetition of rustic scenes pictured in large motifs and is usually printed on linen or cotton fabric. Other French country textile themes include vines, sunflowers, leaves, grapes, roosters, and olives. This is extremely popular on table cloths and drapery.

Natural materials are another important element in pieces used in French Country style décor. Rough stained walls, bulky beamed ceilings and walls, slight carved wood details, colorful ceramics and tiles, and chair seats woven in rush give texture. Natural stone floors are covered with wood or cotton rugs. Accessories such as baskets, wrought iron, pottery, copper pots, old paintings, carved wood pieces, Chinoiserie pottery, and natural grasses are used in a room decorated in the French Country style. Old, dark or colorful paintings embellish the walls.

Bright black Lush natural flowers are everywhere. Baskets, an old pitcher or copper pot, or clear glass vases hold flowers inside and out. The aim is to bring the wonderful colors and textures of nature into the home. Window boxes outside filled with geraniums and lavender are especially popular.  Incorporate a few or all of these designs into you space, and you will have a piece of France right at home.

About the Author

Andrea R. Julien is the owner of Drea' Custom Designs. To view more design tips visit us at Drea' Custom Designs

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