French Inspired Home Décor

Classic design and whimsical details come together harmoniously in French inspired home décor. There is something for everyone to enjoy – from the charming style of the French countryside to the timeless metropolitan beauty of Paris.

The main elements of Country French design call for a relaxed, down-to-earth interior style. You can establish a room’s rural motif with rustic floors in wooden planks, stone, or ceramic tiles. The overall color palette should be focused on colors inspired by the French countryside’s natural features. This includes yellow golds, rich reds, and verdant greens along with blues and terracotta tones.

When selecting French inspired home décor, keep things simple but graceful. Sturdy, large scale wooden furniture is ideal for this provincial design style. Painted furniture pieces are also at the top of the list for an appealing French Country decorating motif. Furniture silhouettes in this style are relatively unadorned, but they usually feature soft lines which are clean and not too fussy.

Fabric is a wonderful component of Country French design. Small scale printed fabrics are very popular and feature repeating patterns of flowers or animals such as roosters and citrus fruit. The bold hues of red, gold, and blue are predominant in these rustically inspired prints. Another fabric commonly seen in this interior style is toile. Sometimes called by its full name Toile de Jouy, toile fabrics and wallpapers usually pair a light background with repeated scenes of people and animals in a pleasing outdoor setting.

Country French kitchen décor is often the focal point and center of this comfortable decorating style in a home. Wooden cabinetry is frequently accessorized with wrought iron hardware, and countertops are adorned with woven baskets and vibrant ceramic pieces. A sturdy harvest table for meals can be accented by a set of painted wooden chairs with a distressed finish and woven rush seats.

For a more urban vibe, think about Parisian design when considering French inspired home décor. Inspired partly by the royal opulence of the Palace at Versailles, this style features furniture and accessories which are ornate yet elegant. As a major European city, Paris is also a hub for exciting eclectic style and modern contemporary interior design.

The Rococo styles made popular by Louis XV focus on curves and ornate details like gilding and carved designs. The traditional cabriole leg, which curves outward like an animal leg, is a distinctive aspect of these furniture pieces. The French neoclassical style, which emerged during the reign of Louis XVI, features straight lines and reeded legs with an influence from ancient Greek and Roman design. French inspired home décor from the subsequent Empire period built on this classical inspiration while adding Egyptian designs to the mix.

All of these iconic furniture and accessories might be seen in an eclectic Paris apartment design. Curvy furniture in the Rococo style may be paired with neoclassical pieces or even sleek, modern items. The royal influence can also be seen in whimsical furniture which is dramatically rounded or oversized. Outdoor café dining which is so popular in Paris makes bistro table and chair sets a top item.

For distinctive ideas that will help define your French inspired home décor, check out Alicia Stanley and Company or this article on Parisian style from House Beautiful.

• Country Style Decorating Ideas
• Bathroom Design Pictures
• Interior Paint Color Combinations

• Country French Style Basics
• Common Themes for Teenage Bedrooms
• Designing for Small Spaces
• Basics of Color Design
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