French country decorating is a style that combines rustic charm with refined elegance, evoking the picturesque landscapes and homes of rural France. I’m absolutely in love with this home decor style, especially as it can be achieved on a budget. If you’re looking to infuse your home with this timeless appeal, here are 10 things you need to know.
1. Embrace a Soft, Muted Color Palette
The French country color palette is all about creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. Stick to soft, muted colors such as creams, whites, and pastels, complemented by warm, earthy tones like terracotta, ochre, and sage.
These colors reflect the natural beauty of the French countryside and provide a perfect backdrop for your decor.
2. Use Natural Materials
Natural materials are a cornerstone of French country decorating. Incorporate elements like wood, stone, and wrought iron into your decor. Wooden beams, stone floors, and iron light fixtures all contribute to the rustic yet elegant feel of a French country home.
The more distressed, the better, as this creates the illusion of age and history which is the character of French Country charm.
3. Choose Distressed and Antique Furniture
Speaking of distressed, all furniture in French country homes is typically a mix of distressed and antique pieces. This is great news for those who have a decor budget to stick to (more on that below!). When shopping for furniture, look for items with curved lines and ornate details, such as cabriole legs, carved wood, and upholstered chairs.
You want your furniture to appear well-loved and lived-in, adding to the overall charm and warmth of the space. French country furniture is great for those with young, boisterous families – there’s no need to keep it perfect!
4. Incorporate Floral and Botanical Patterns
Floral and botanical patterns are essential in French country decorating, creating a delicate, feminine look. You can incorporate botanical motifs in your French Country decor through the use of curtains, upholstery, rugs, cushions and bedding.
If you’re in male-dominated home, you can still achieve the French country look with checks, stripes, and plaids. These patterns will also add variety and interest to your decor.
5. Add Cozy Textiles
Talking of textiles, French Country Style is epitomized by layering different fabrics. Don’t overdo it, of course – this isn’t grand millennial style, after all (learn all about that here).
To layer textiles in the French country way, incorporate cozy elements like slipcovers, throw blankets, and decorative pillows in natural fabrics such as linen and cotton.
This layering of natural, neutrally-coloured textiles not only adds comfort but also enhances the lived-in, relaxed vibe of the space.
6. Maximize Natural Light
French country homes are known for their bright and airy feel. Think high ceilings, whitewashed walls, floor to ceiling windows. You can still achieve this airy feel, even if you do not have these things.
Maximize natural light by using light, sheer curtains and keeping window treatments simple. Mirrors can also help reflect light and make the space feel larger.
French country decor also has it’s own particular lighting, and chandeliers and sconces with an antique finish will enhance the warm, inviting atmosphere.
7. Create a Welcoming Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of a French country home (or any kind of home, come to think of it!).
French Country Kitchens are hallmarked by open shelving, farmhouse sinks, and rustic cabinetry. Display your copper cookware and ceramic dishes to add a decorative touch.
A large wooden table in the kitchen can serve as a gathering spot for family and friends, as well as extra “bench” space for all that delicious French cooking!
8. Decorate with Vintage Accessories
Vintage accessories add character and charm to French country decor. Look for items like antique clocks, wrought iron candle holders, and ceramic pitchers.
Mix and match different pieces to create a curated, eclectic look. Be careful not to go overboard – too eclectic, and you’ll miss the French country boat completely! Keep it natural, and keep it neutral, and you’ll stay on the right track.
As always, don’t be afraid to incorporate items with a bit of wear and tear – they add to the authenticity of the style.
9. Incorporate Greenery
Happily, plants and flowers are an integral part of French country decorating. Bring the outdoors in with potted plants, fresh flowers, and greenery. Lavender, rosemary, and hydrangeas are particularly fitting choices. Your home will look and smell so cheerful!
Arrange them in simple vases or rustic containers (which are better thrifted) to enhance the natural beauty of your home.
10. Focus on Comfort and Functionality
At the end of the day, French country decorating is about creating a comfortable and functional home. The style is meant to be lived in and enjoyed. Choose furniture and decor that not only look beautiful but also serve a purpose.
Your home should feel inviting and warm, a place where you can relax and entertain with ease.
By focusing on these key elements, you can effortlessly bring the charm and elegance of French country style into your home. Embrace the beauty of natural materials, the softness of a muted color palette, and the warmth of vintage accessories to create a space that is both timeless and inviting.
Top 3 Budget Hacks for French Country Decorating
If you are crafty and have a discerning eye, you can easily achieve the charm of French country decor on a tight budget. Here are three budget-friendly hacks to help you create a beautiful French country-inspired home without breaking the bank.
1. Thrift for Vintage Items, Textiles and Furniture
Shop at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales for furniture, specifically for wooden pieces with good bones. Use chalk paint to refresh them and distress the edges with sandpaper to create a worn, vintage look. Adding antique-style knobs and handles(which can also be found at thrift stores), can enhance the French country feel.
French country linens, throw pillows, and curtains can also be found in thrift shops and discount stores. Look for soft, muted colors and floral patterns.
Find budget-friendly vintage items to really emphasize the French country decor in your home. Search for small, affordable vintage items like old books, ceramic pitchers, and metal candlesticks.
2. Forage for Natural Ornaments
Incorporate natural materials by sourcing from nature. That’s right! You do not need to buy your greenery – you can collect branches, stones, and pinecones to use as decor in keeping with French Country style.
3. DIY Decor
The French country decor style can be easily achieved through low-effort DIY projects.
- If you can sew, make cushion covers, table runners, and slipcovers from bulk fabric.
- Create wall art by framing vintage prints, postcards, or fabric remnants.
- Make rustic signs by repurposing wood and other materials.
- As aforementioned, distress antique furniture in the French country style by using sandpaper.
