The French country style is rooted in a rustic, warm base. This is topped with refined and elegant accents. As a result, you get the best of two entirely different worlds: a lived-in interior that’s also so luxurious.
You can expect soothing hues, soft patterns and antique accents. The materials are lovingly worn. And there are chic influences as well as relaxed elements.
If you’re ready to get rustic comfort and refined European elegance in your space—keep reading for the ultimate guide to French country decor!
What is French Country Decor?
Could you close your eyes and think about rolling lavender fields…rustic stone cottages…the scent of freshly baked baguettes? That’s quite what French country interior decor feels like. The style is charming; it’s cozy; and it’s just so chic. We’d like to say it’s like bringing a slice of Provence into your home.
This decorating style is often confused with other design styles, though. What sets it apart is balance; it’s not too rustic like farmhouse or too distressed like shabby chic.
History of this Style
The French country style began somewhere in the 1700s; this is when King Louis XV ruled over France. The royal figure brought the regal-meets-rustic design into the zeitgeist. Around 2 centuries later, the style began appearing in the U.S. And, once the 1990s began, designer Charles Faudree made the French country style take off in homes all across America. It has grown a little more casual than the original vision, though—but it’s still as elegant!
Key Elements of French Country Decor
When you’re embracing French country decor, there are quite a few things that are important to get the look.
Antique Wooden Furniture
This is a staple in this decorating style. Especially accent chairs, coffee tables, dining sets, and dressers. You can leave these pieces natural or painted in a slightly distressed finish for a rustic touch (ideally using milk or chalk paint). In this regard, shades of white and other light colors are good choices. Dark wood stains are the most popular if you decide to leave your wood unpainted.
Mirrors
If there’s one item that’s absolutely essential for French cottage decor, it’s a gorgeous gilded mirror. We love subtle neutrals in the room punctuated by a stunning framed mirror. Ornate frames with carving and acanthus leaves are stunning—but so are a pretty trumeau or a simple chippy-painted piece. Scale is super important; you must be mindful of the room you’re decorating. From a tiny desktop mirror to a freestanding floor piece, you’ll get options in almost every size.
Warm and Soft Colors
The colors in French country interiors are found on the warm side of the color wheel. Particularly hues that have medium to low intensity. You can think about creams, faded blues, blush tones, as well as soft greens. You want to stay away from bright or overly saturated tones.
Some sample color palettes for the French country style include:
Lavender, cream, sage green, gray
Ivory, muted gold, pale blue gray, dusty rose
Taupe, olive green, terracotta, deep navy
Soft moss green, powder blue, blush pink, earthy brown
Vintage Silver
Silver is an elegant piece that can work really well in French country interiors. It adds an elegant glimmer to any corner. For example, you can keep your Q-tips and soap in a silver holder—with a weathered look—in your bathroom. We’d like to say silver accessories are also relatively cheap to shop for!
Gentle Prints
You’ll find prints like small florals, plaid, gingham, checks, and stripes in French country decor. But nothing defines this style like toile does! This is a traditional pattern that’s printed on cotton or linen fabrics. You can use it for your curtains, as a wallpaper, etc. You can expect a repeated (and super detailed) pattern of a pastoral scene in a single soft color. This is painted on a light background.
Crystal
You’ll often find this in your silver accessories. But silver or not—crystal really has a role to play in French country interiors! From sconces to candlesticks (and everything in between), you can find little excuses to add crystal to your space in so many ways 😉
Natural Materials
These are a must in French country interiors. Wood, clay, metal, and bouquets of fresh flowers are just a few ways you can bring natural materials into your French country interior.
Ornate Detailing
These can add the refined elegance that is typical of French country decor (usually found in the lighting, decorative pieces, etc.). For example, you’ll see delicate antique chandeliers, detailed picture frames, and even elegant oil paintings. You can find the details anywhere—and they make a huge impact!
How to Decorate in French Country Style (Room by Room)
You can begin by decorating one room in the French country style—and continue adding it to the rest of your home, too. Here’s a guide on how to decorate bedroom/kitchen/living room in French country style:
The Kitchen
We’d like to call this the heart of any French country style home. You can install open shelving to display your prettiest dishware (make sure it’s got the rustic vibe); add a butcher block countertop; and consider a farmhouse sink. And copper pots hanging from a rack? Très chic.
The Living Room
In the living room, you can mix a slip-covered sofa with a weathered coffee table. Layer in textured throws and pillows, and add a stone fireplace—a faux one can do, too—which will be the crown jewel here.
The Bedroom
Here, a carved wooden bedframe will make a statement! You can pair this with soft linens as well as a touch of toile. (Bonus points for an antique nightstand).
The Bathroom
In the bathroom, you can stick to the French country style AND create a spa-like ambiance at the same time. Use a pedestal sink and clawfoot tub. This is also your best place to add a vintage mirror. If you like to have a seat in your bathroom, take a small stool and drape it with a linen towel (you know, for that je ne sais quoi).