Country French Style Basics

Country French style basics design (also known as French Country) has emerged from the scenic villages of the south of France to become one of the most popular styles of interior design around the world. The look is casual, inviting, and fuss-free – the charm lies in the rustic feel of the furniture and accessories and the easy, cheerful combination of colors. Country French interior design can work for anyone, on any kind of budget. Keep these tips in mind to turn relaxing in your home into a daily vacation in Provence.

See French Country design in action in this bedroom slideshow

Color is of course important in any interior design plan you have, and this is especially true of Country French style. The colors most associated with Country French are soft, foamy greens, bright yellows and golds, rust, red, and splashes of blues, pinks, and lavender purple. These colors create a bright and cheery environment while allowing the natural rustic wood and rod iron features associated with Country French furniture to shine through.

It is common within this style to see mixing and matching of colors and prints that might not be obvious, or might even be frowned upon in other schools of interior design. Mix a floral with a plaid - no problem!

Probably the fabric most associated with Country French design is toile. Toile, which translates as “cloth” in French, is fabric with a white or beige background that is adorned with repeating pictures. Generally, the pictures feature a scene – a couple in a boat or a couple sitting underneath the trees are both common – but the pictures sometimes are simply made up of churches, birds, flowers, or nature scenes. The colors most often used for the print are red and blue, however, you may also find green, black, or even brown. Toile has become hugely popular and is widely available in a variety of price ranges.

Roosters are another major motif in Country French design and can be found on everything from fabric to wallpaper.

The emphasis for furniture is on the rustic feel – it doesn’t have to be perfect – in fact, the more lived in, the better! You want to look for furniture that is low gloss and natural looking. Dark woods are often used, as are pieces that have been stripped and painted an off white or soft green color.

Wrought iron and distressed metal are also an important part to the Country French. Look for wrought iron or distressed lamps, tables, and clocks.

Accessorizing is a breeze with Country French, given the recent upsurge in popularity of the style. Roosters are found in just about every guise imaginable, from salt and pepper shakers and pitchers to door stops. Search out your local antique shops and flea markets for treasures like French apothecary jars, pseudo-French train station signage, and even furniture. Remember, the emphasis is on casual and welcoming, so a few imperfections only make your style even more convincing.

No Country French home would be complete without flowers. Any kind of flowers you like will work well here, but don’t forget to include a bunch of lavender here and there to really get the feel of the French countryside.

• French Fabrics – The site is written in French, but even non-speakers will find a wealth of ideas from the pictures of the fabrics. Follow the Patchwork link to see dozens of toile designs.

• Belle Provence Atelier – An Arizona based interior design firm that specializes in the Country French style and also runs an online shop for all things Provence.

• Pierre Deux – Country French furniture experts

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