French Country Style

French Country is a style that has its roots in the rolling hillsides of rural France, and evokes a cozy, warm and rustic mood. Natural materials are an integral part of the French Country style, reflected in rough plaster walls, natural stone floors and rustic, carved wood furniture. Popular colors for this style include a combination of earthy tones and bright hues: Cobalt blues, golds, greens, deep reds, black, bright yellow, brown, beige, etc. Decorative accents include rooster collections, tiles on the floor and walls, faded or whitewashed wood, small prints and flowered fabrics and sunflowers in a dripware pitcher. The style blends the elegant with rustic. Consider a few suggestions to achieve the French Country look.

First, choose appropriate fabric. Utilize fabric (both solid and printed) that feature intense colors of blue, green, red and yellow. Mix and match with stripes, checks, and plain fabrics in matching or contrasting colors. Yellow and gold is often paired with red, green, or blue, in bright floral and other traditional prints.

Next, consider decorative accents. Accessorize with baskets, wrought iron, ceramics, crocks, and Chinoiserie pottery, wire baskets, copper pots, old oil paintings, carved wood, tile, and grasses such as rush and sisal. Other accessories can include silk vines, sunflowers, olives and leaves, bowl of fruit, roosters, etc.

Flowers are essential for a French Country room, whether dried, silk and/or fresh. Utilize wicker baskets, dented tins and old watering cans to create unique flowerboxes that overflow with lush greenery and bright flowers. For dining tables, use bright and colorful dishes. Feel free to mix and match colors and patterns that tie in with your overall color scheme.

Below are some of our favorite French Country ideas. Get inspired, and click on the following thumbnails to view our favorite French Country rooms.