French country
style is ideal for people who want to incorporate family heirlooms, flea market finds, repurposed junkyard gems and other sentimental pieces into a home that is eclectic and bohemian. French country decor also blends well with other popular design trends such as shabby chic, bohemian modern, rustic, Mediterranean and Spanish hacienda. Does this Spark an idea?
Palette
A French country palette must involve blue and antique white. The blue may be as light as cornflower or as intense as cobalt, and the antique white is preferably distressed and matte rather than glossy. French country also integrates sunshine yellow, deep red and pale lavender as accent shades. Floors look beautiful in natural wood tones. Textiles are predominantly of the faded, timeworn variety and may feature flowers, paisley or fleur-de-lis. Avoid furniture and finishes that are overly coordinated. The French country look is about effortlessly combining beautifully crafted pieces, such as a faded chintz sofa next to a vintage cream-colored coffee table.
Furniture
Comfort is key in French country decor. Cushions, throw pillows, blankets, quilts, throws, comforters and upholstered armchairs provide soft landings for family and friends. Try a flowered love seat on an antique Oriental rug or a faded blue cabinet stacked with persimmon plates and cobalt glass vases.
In the bedroom, a wrought-iron bed frame looks beautiful dressed with a sheer white canopy and topped with a patchwork quilt. In the kitchen, keep fruit, flowers, wine and herbs on display with open shelves, painted ceramic bowls and corner niches.
Avoid interrupting the flow of your updated decor with too many gadgets on view. Instead, hide the television and computer equipment in an armoire or cabinet. Paint the cabinet a cheerful yellow and add a blue trim of wildflowers, or try your hand at a faux finish using an antiquing kit or a thin coat of whitewash. Remember to cut a hole in the back of the cabinet to connect cords to outlets.
Garden
Transform your home into the quintessential French country home by extending the look to your landscape. Open your doors to a beautiful porch, patio, deck or garden, filled with flowering vines or an herb garden. Plant window boxes to afford a lovely view from the kitchen. Place bistro-style furniture for guests and set the table with espresso cups and small bottles filled with wildflowers. Decorate a garden wall with hand-painted tile, a trademark of many French country homes. Use garden architecture such as gazebos, trellises or overhead beams as a frame for climbing vines.
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