French Country Decorating -- How To Design An Unfussy, Inviting French Country Family Room
French country decorating is casual and comfy, and the rural French family room is meant for relaxation, family gatherings and long conversations in front of the hearth. But you don't need to move to Provence to feel the French countryside. You may re-establish it by utilizing French country in your family room, and have a gathering place that feels cozy, warm and inviting.
French country decorating is rustic, yet with a simple style. Color schemes tend to compliment and evoke the gardens and countryside, and space is utilized cautiously to keep things comfortable, but uncluttered. There is no one right way to make use of French country decor, but here are a few tips to get you in progress.
Furniture
Furniture in the French country family room appeals people to nestle in and get comfortable. Generally, there will be one large piece, like a gently worn armoire, complimented by smaller items like a table and ladderback chair, storage trunk, or bookcases. Seating is casual, with antique upholstered chairs mostly mixed with a comfortable, more contemporary sofa.
You may reconstruct this look by selecting a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You could cover an existing sofa with a simple slipcover, and drape quilts or throws on the top. Fill the sofa with comfortable throw pillows which have French country decor motifs, like bumblebees or toile. Polished, stained or whitewashed wooden frame chairs, with complimentary fabrics, add additional seating. Add a rustic, low coffee table or an ottoman, and a slightly aged cabinet, armoire or buffet.
Floors
Wall to wall carpeting is usually not observed in French country decorating. Floors are normally wood, stone or natural tile. A mixture of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and help to define the space. If you do want a big rug or carpet, pick one made from natural material such as sisal or coir.
Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Aged items, such as old trunks, may be used as decorative items or as side tables. A big, ornate mirror, hung opposite the window, will reflect the outdoor light into the room and generate a sense of space. Traditional garden tools, colorful earthenware pottery, candles, wooden roosters, sunflowers and books fill the shelves and add interest. French country decor evokes the things you would observe while wandering through Provence, thus visualize natural materials and outdoor designs.
Most of all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and inviting, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An assorted combination of old and new, attractive and plain, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room which looks casually stylish and is the perfect background to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Relax with it!