Bonjour! Are you dreaming of bringing the charm and warmth of the French countryside into your home? Look no further, because in this guide we'll show you how to achieve the beautiful and timeless French country style in your own space.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the key elements of the French country style and provide tips and tricks for incorporating this style into your living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refresh your existing décor, we hope this guide will inspire you to create a beautiful and timeless French country home.
French country style is a timeless interior design trend that exudes warmth, charm, and elegance. It draws inspiration from the rural homes in the French countryside, incorporating natural materials, muted colour palettes, and rustic furnishings to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
French country interiors are all about creating a lived-in feel, with a mix of vintage and new pieces that come together to create a cohesive and charming look. This is similar to the Parisian style but with a more relaxed and rustic touch. If you're looking to embrace the city chic interior design trend, our guide on How to embrace the Parisian interior design trend is a must-read. Whether you're a fan of rustic farmhouse style or prefer a more elegant and refined aesthetic, French country style can be adapted to suit any taste and budget.
One of the hallmarks of French country interiors is the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. Incorporate these materials into your space by exposing any brick walls or stone fireplaces, add wooden ceiling beams or incorporate reclaimed wood furniture pieces, like a coffee table or a bookshelf. You can also use natural materials in your décor, such as a jute rug or linen curtains.
Rustic furnishings are a key element of French country style - look for furniture pieces that have a weathered or distressed appearance, such as a vintage chest of drawers or a wooden rocking chair. Additionally, incorporate wrought iron or metal accents, like a chandelier or a wall sconce, to add a touch of elegance to your space.
While natural materials are the traditional choice for French country flooring, there are alternative options that can achieve a similar look while being more affordable or practical for your lifestyle. Here are some options to consider:
No matter which flooring option you choose, consider adding a patterned area rug to your space to add warmth and texture to your flooring - rugs in warm, natural colours with floral or geometric patterns are perfect for a French country-inspired look. With the right flooring, you can create a warm and inviting space in any room of your home! If you're wondering what type of flooring will suit your French country décor, check out our guide on What type of flooring suits your décor? for some inspiration.
Whether you're looking to add a touch of warmth and charm to your living room, create a cosy and inviting bedroom, or make your kitchen feel more rustic and elegant, there are plenty of French country decorating ideas that can help you achieve the look you desire.
The living room is often the heart of a French country home. To create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, start with a comfortable sofa and armchairs. Look for pieces with curved lines and soft upholstery, such as linen or velvet. Add a coffee table made from reclaimed wood or wrought iron. For your décor, add a mix of patterned and textured pillows, a soft throw, and some decorative candles, to transform your lounge into a sociable space.
The kitchen is another important space in a French country home. One of the easiest ways to add French countryside charm to your kitchen is by incorporating open shelving. Display your collection of vintage plates, bowls, and glasses. Additionally, add a large farmhouse-style sink and a vintage-inspired faucet. Incorporate natural elements by adding a wooden cutting board and a bowl of fresh fruit.
The bedroom is the perfect place to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Start with a wrought iron or wooden bed frame and add soft bedding in muted colours. Look for a that vintage or distressed dresser we mentioned before, to add storage and style. For your décor, add a few floral prints in soft colours, and a cosy throw blanket for those chilly nights. Combine the advice from our guide on How to create your own luxury hotel-inspired bedroom with a French country colour palette to achieve the ultimate European hotel-inspired bedroom.
Finally, don't forget about the bathroom! French country bathrooms are all about vintage charm and natural elements. Look for a vintage clawfoot tub and add some natural materials, such as a wooden bathmat and a woven basket for towels. Add a touch of elegance with a crystal chandelier or a vintage-inspired sconce.
When it comes to French country colour schemes, there are a few palettes that work particularly well. One popular option is a blue and white colour scheme, which evokes the colours of the French coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. Pair pale blue walls with white furniture and accents, like linen curtains or a white slipcovered sofa. Add pops of colour with blue and white patterned throw pillows or a vase filled with fresh blue hydrangeas.
Another classic French country colour palette is beige and cream, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use creamy white paint on the walls and incorporate beige and cream furnishings, like a linen sofa or an upholstered armchair. Add texture with natural materials, like a jute rug or a woven basket. To add interest, consider incorporating pops of colour in your décor, like a vintage red jug or a colourful throw blanket.
For a more vibrant French country look, consider a colour palette of yellows and greens. Use pale yellow or creamy white paint on the walls and pair it with green accents, like a botanical print or a vase of fresh flowers. Incorporate natural materials, like a rattan armchair or a woven basket, to add texture and interest. To add depth to the colour scheme, incorporate deeper shades of green in your accents, like a hunter-green throw pillow or a deep green velvet armchair.
Creating a French country look is definitely still possible even if you’re on a budget – it’s just a case of getting your DIY hat on and scouring around for great deals! Here are our top tips:
Et voila! Now you can achieve French country style in your home, by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere through natural materials, muted colour palettes, and rustic furnishings – and don't forget about French country-inspired flooring and colour schemes! If you’d like to explore the French country style in your home, why not book a home visit from one of our floorologists? They’ll come out to your home with plenty of samples you can see in the natural lighting of your home to help you find your favourite Tapi flooring.
Published: 04-05-2023