French country interior design: 25 Examples of French Country Decor

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25 Examples of French Country Decor

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1

Cubism On Display

James Merrell

In the dining room of this Cape Cod estate, designer Kathryn M. Ireland chose a sea-grass rug to cover the floor and reupholstered the owners’ Gustavian chairs to keep a traditional touch. And then there’s that fun Cubist moment in the corner.

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2

Layered Linens

Hearst Magazines UK

With layers of laidback linens in a variety of hues, this bedroom exudes warmth and timeless taste. The tall upholstered headboard brings in some bright, playful tones while sticking to the distressed character of French country design.

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3

French Doors

Romanek Design Studio

Interior French doors are a bucket list item as far as chateau-inspired decor goes. In this grand living room by Romanek Design Studio, the pared-back design set against the backdrop of a classic, ornate architectural canvas represents a modern take on classic French country decorating.

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4

Grand Lighting

Thomas Loof

The gorgeous, large-scale antique lighting in this foyer really sets the tone for the rest of the home. The exposed beams, stone tile floors, and understated console table introduce that French country rustic look.

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5

Channel Marie Antoinette

John Bessler

Channel Marie Antoinette with cheerful pastels, layered prints, curvy lines, and fun details, like a fringed awning. Here, John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon painted a jaunty mint green and white diamond pattern to disguise the damaged parquet floors. “That was more than seven years ago, and the paint has held up—proof that painted floors are practical and full of pizzazz,” they say, adding, “dining chairs move around so much easier on a wood surface than on carpet.”

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6

Vintage Scores

Douglas Friedman

In the dining room of this Manhattan duplex, designed by Garrow Kedigian, is a circa-1900 mahogany table that’s surrounded by antique chairs that were purchased at a Paris flea market and re-covered in a Schumacher velvet.

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7

Slim Profiles

Corey Damne Jenkins

Another common characteristic in French Country design is furniture with slim profiles. Read: Ditch your bulkier items. Looking for a way to put a more modern spin on it? Designer Corey Damen Jenkins mixes colorful abstract art and modern photography with more classic elements, like the antique desk and accessories while the lucite chair provides some contemporary flair.

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8

Copper Cookware

PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar: DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

White painted bricks and stone tile floors set the country chic scene in this kitchen. And with that wrought-iron hardware and hanging copper cookware, we can almost smell the French food from here.

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9

Robust Gallery Walls

Laura Resen

A full gallery wall complete with antique gilt frames and classic portraits is a great way to introduce dimension in the living room. And of course, a Louise XV-style settee is always a good touch.

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10

Exposed Beams

Annie Schlechter

Exposed ceiling beams, distressed wood floors, colorful textiles, and antique paintings and trays on display create a truly charming dining nook.

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11

Modern Twists

Studio Razavi

Studio Razavi gave this historic home in Lyon, France, some modern updates while still honoring the integrity of the space. The floating shelves and bright emerald green accents and blond flooring anchor the living room in the modern era while the raw materials of the mantel and exposed beams stay true to its history.

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12

And Trusses!

William Abranowicz

Designer Daryll Carter added wood beams and trusses to this 1980s living room for a storied French country feel.

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13

Natural Materials

Laura Ressen

To mimic the rustic look of French country decor in a more modern way, opt for a jute rug in the living room. Then upholster a classic Louis XVI-style seat in a fun, contemporary fabric and adorn your walls with abstract art.

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14

Antique Decor

Annie Schlechter

Though this sink area boasts a decidedly modern aesthetic, there are many French country-inspired details throughout the space. For example, the antique trays, water cans, and glass vases.

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15

Subtle Contrasts

Peter Murdock

This cheerful study is bursting with charm, thanks to the bright green walls and personal items on display. The traditional upholstered chair juxtaposes the rustic vase, a contrast often found in French country interiors.

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16

Easy Patterns

Miki Duisterhof

Designer Ramsay Gourd let the exposed wooden beams in this Vermont farmhouse serve as the focal point on the room, but a green couch and upholstered Louis XV-style chairs take a close second place.

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17

Eclectic Pieces

Bjorn Wallander

The linen skirted chair and tablecloth along with the rustic wood dining table bring in that French country ease while the coral paint and curtains, ornate lighting, and gilt decor assert a more formal and spirited personality in this dining room.

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18

Rustic Details

Luke White

Designer Marshall Watson uses a traditional plate rack to showcase everyday dishes as wall art in this Swedish home. Meanwhile, a vintage table and chairs with a blue gingham seat covering add a touch of rustic charm.

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19

Antique Mirrors

Douglas Friedman

Super elaborate, antique pieces mixed with more understated and casual items is a French country decorating staple. This black and gilt-framed antique mirror opens up the entryway by Ann Pyne.

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20

Gold Accents

Thomas Loof

Dramatic drapes, plenty of gold, and ornate lighting make this master bedroom a French dream.

French Country Decor: Everything You Need to Know

Rooted in a rustic, warm base dressed with refined, elegant accents, French country decor offers the best of both worlds: a comfortable, lived-in home that’s undeniably luxurious too. “It’s a wonderful yin and yang,” says Anita Joyce, author of French Accents: Farmhouse French Style For Today’s Home, host of Decorating Tips and Tricks, and publisher of Cedar Hill Farmhouse. Though often described as a close relative of farmhouse style, country French decor still has its own aesthetic DNA. Eager to learn more? Here, AD chats with Joyce, along with  Amitha Verma, an interior designer, founder of Amitha Verma Furniture Paint, and owner of Village Antiques in Houston (also known as Farmhouse by Amitha), all about this warm and graceful style. 

Neutral color palettes are common in French country decor. Flowers and soft blue pillows add a pop of color. 

Photo: Anita Joyce

What is French country decor?

According to Joyce, French country decor is “a relaxed take on Provence style, with a mix of rustic and refined elements. ” As she points out—and as the name implies—the aesthetic is inspired by the effortless, simplistic beauty of both the French countryside itself and the lifestyle that those who live in the region often embody. “It uses natural elements mixed with authentic French antiques,” she explains. “I would call it a refined elegance where embellishments are tempered by natural elements and relaxed comfort.” Like many things French, it feels effortless yet undeniably chic. “Picture if I were a gal living in Paris in a beautiful apartment, and I’ve been collecting these beautiful antiques, silk-covered bergères, gilt lamps, and antique commodes, and then one day, I decided to move out to the countryside, buy a farmhouse, and restore it.” Verma says. “I take all of my beautiful antiques and I mix them into this very rustic home and a lifestyle where I’m dragging my boots with mud on them inside of my home. That’s the look, all in one home.” 

Intricate carving and painted wood, as seen on these chairs and buffet, is a common element of French country decor.  

Photo: Jack Thompson. Courtesy of Amitha Verma. 

What is the difference between farmhouse and French country?

While there are notable similarities between farmhouse style and French country decor, there are also many distinguishable differences. Perhaps the most obvious connection is their shared emphasis on rustic, homespun features. “All of the rustic elements are very similar,” says Joyce. Both have old-world roots, but while a French country home is—obviously—inspired by the French countryside, farmhouse style is often inspired by American farms. 

In Anita Joyce’s dinning room, rustic elements, like a farmhouse-style table, meet daintier accents, like the chandelier. 

Photo: Anita Joyce

While not exclusively true—and there are certainly overlaps—locales outside of large metropolitan areas in France often inspire images of rolling hills, cottages covered in climbing vines, and fields of colorful wildflowers. Farms—though again, not always true—are often allied with barns, fields of crops, and the stereotypical style of a farmer, things like denim, plaid, or even cowboy boots.  

While both of these foundations influence the more rustic nature of these two design styles—think beamed ceilings and the use of natural materials—modern farmhouse style is often more utilitarian, with sharper lines and a more casual look. You’ll often find heavier materials like brass or steel and elements like shiplap, reminiscent of barns, in this style of home. Country French style, on the other hand, uses this same baseline, but adds in daintier elements. “I think you could take a farmhouse room and throw in some French furniture and some antiques and then you would have French countryside,” Joyce says. “But you’ve got to add in the refined elements and flourishments to the casual foundation.” As Verma explains, understanding the history of French country decor can provide further context to what the style actually is, and how it compares farmhouse style. “It really boils down to the decade,” she says. 

History of French country decor

Patterns, like the plaid seen on Joyce’s armchair, is a common ingredient in French country decor.  

Photo: Anita Joyce

Back in the 1700s, France was ruled by King Louis XV, whose monarchy, intentionally or not, greatly influenced the French country style we know today. “Through the Napoleonic and even after, all of the interior design is influenced by the monarchy,” Verma explains. During his rule, “he enjoyed taking his court to the countryside and enjoying many of the leisurely pursuits of life,” she says. Of course, this helps contextualize why—and how—French country style honors both a rustic aesthetic and an elegant one. “From this time, this is where everything we know and love about the French country is born,” Verma adds. 

At the same time, the United States was a considerably younger country and didn’t gain its independence from England until the late 1700s. As such, the more leisurely pursuits of life weren’t the top priority. “So farmhouses were much more utilitarian, with simple, straighter lines and more vernacular design, meaning you just use whatever you have around you to create your structures and your furniture. ” 

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It’s worth noting that French country decor doesn’t necessarily “exist” in France. “They just call it farmhouse,” Verma says. The specific name is often understood as a reflection of the United States trying to emulate this country lifestyle. As Joyce recalls, it first started to gain traction in the US around the ’70s, though it was a simplistic view of that culture. “For lack of a better word, it wasn’t very refined,” she says. “I wouldn’t call it super authentic.” However, in the ’90s, Charles Faudree reintroduced the style in a whole new way. “He’s Mr. Country French,” Joyce says. “He used all of these authentic elements, and I feel like he really kicked it up a notch.” While Faudree perhaps took a more formal approach to the decorating style, as it evolved over the years, practitioners started to embrace the more casual elements of the style, but with touches of the authentic, refined look Faudree introduced. “I would say the updated version now has less color and more muted tones with simplistic patterns. ” 

Defining elements and characteristics of French country decor 

Another view of Joyce’s dining room. 

Photo: Anita Joyce

As Verma explains, “French country is very soft in its details: furniture lines are more delicate, the scale is smaller, pieces take on more feminine shapes, you see curves.” While not an exhaustive list, French country style homes often include the following elements: 

  • Vintage French furniture, which often features intricate carving, cabriole legs, and is distressed or painted with whitewashed or chalk paint. Consider sourcing antique:
  • Dining chairs 
  • Hutches
  • Armoirs
  • Couches
  • Patterns such as 
    • Toile 
    • Gingham 
    • Stripes
    • Plaid
    • Florals
  • Elegant accents such as 
    • Chandeliers 
    • Ornate wall scones 
    • Decorative candlesticks 
  • Muted color palettes like warm yellows, creams, light blue, or soft greens 
  • Natural elements like wood beams

Examples of French country decor 

If you’re looking to craft French country interiors in your home, consider the following French country decor ideas from Joyce and Verma.  

French country kitchen 

Crystal chandeliers provide a more elegant touch to what could be described as a farmhouse style kitchen.

Photo: Anita Joyce

French country dining room 

A French country dining room designed by Amitha Verma. 

Photo: Amitha Verma 

French country living room 

A sitting room in Joyce’s home. 

Photo: Anita Joyce 

French country bathroom 

Joyce’s French country bathroom creates a stylish bathing experience. 

Photo: Anita Joyce 

How to bring French country decor into your home

If French country design feels like the right move for you, Verma and Joyce have tips for helping you achieve the aesthetic. “You’ve got to have French furniture, because that’s really the defining element,” says Joyce. She recommends looking for these staples on eBay or other resale websites and local antique shops. She also advises others to look for solid wood pieces with intricate carving, as these embellishments will ensure the country furniture appears true to the era. “Once you have that base, then you can play around a little bit and decide how much you want to stick with the style and how much you want to mix in more contemporary modern elements.” 

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A small dining nook in Joyce’s home, which displays a stocked collection of French dishes. 

Photo: Anita Joyce

Aside the country furniture, it’s important to incorporate a mix of patterns through textiles. “Generally speaking, people are often afraid to use pattern, but that’s very French country,” Verma explains. She recommends having “at least patterned pillows,” though in a full French country home, you’d likely see patterned sofas or side chairs too. Consider throw pillows in a toile fabric, which can immediately add an air of elegance to a space, or a gingham tablecloth, for example, which could play up some of the more rustic elements of the design style. Patterned window treatments are also welcome. For wall decor, the designers recommend embellishments such as vintage clocks or landscape oil paintings. “If you want something really authentic, French dishes and monogram linens are beautiful touches,” Joyce adds. 

Is French Country outdated?

A vintage chair and buffet in a French country room designed by Verma. 

Photo: Amitha Verma 

When it comes to home decor, it’s common to question the lifespan of a style—especially one that you’re considering implementing. Luckily, while a French country look does include a hearty mix of vintage and antiques, it’s not outdated. However, Joyce notes that sometimes the upholstery on the vintage pieces could benefit from a touch up. “Have an upholstery guy on speed dial,” she jokes, “send your furniture over there and pick out some beautiful, modern fabric.” 

Is French country still in style?

Though perhaps overshadowed at times by a classic farmhouse, a French country farmhouse is still very much in style. Outfitted with a modern base and ornamented with antique touches, the style crafts a distinctly timeless feel. Of course, when it comes to any home style, it’s always best to embrace the aesthetic that makes you the happiest, not whatever is the trendiest. For those who love a mix of refined decor and rustic comfort, a French country cottage could be just the thing. As Joyce says, “For me, I just think it’s so beautiful. It just feels like a warm hug; I feel like your house should embrace you when you walk in, and this style does that.” 

French style for a wooden house. Rustic style country house — photo inside

The 21st century with its frantic pace of life, regular stress and information noise makes us dream of a calm and measured life away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Therefore, there is no more cozy style for home decoration than country. The rustic interior of the house evokes warm memories of carefree childhood and grandma’s vacation, it fills the heart with warmth and helps us to relax, leaving all the problems behind the threshold. In this article we will talk about the main features of the rustic interior, its varieties and implementation features in different rooms.

Country-style interior design features

There are no two absolutely identical country-style interiors, because each owner somehow invests something of his own in the design of the house. But the common features of rustic design are easy to trace.

Finishing

Any design starts with finishing, and for country this rule is more than relevant. A cozy rural atmosphere can only be obtained by surrounding yourself with natural materials. Therefore, the rustic interior looks best in a wooden country house. But you can create it in a city apartment. The main thing is to exclude modern materials, such as plastic, in the decoration and use as much wood, stone, leather or antique metal as possible.

Wood paneling, vintage wallpaper or textured plaster will look good on the walls, and parquet, parquet-look laminate or solid flooring will look good on the floor.

Furniture

When choosing furniture, you should be guided by the same rule as with finishing – only natural materials! Also keep in mind that minimalist modular furniture will not fit into the interior design of a rustic home. For him, it is better to choose things that look like antiques – antique chests of drawers, sideboards, cozy sofas with textile upholstery, massive wooden tables. Remember that in a country house every piece of furniture can tell a story about many generations of a family, so it should look solid and solid.

Décor

Décor is the most important part of rustic style. It is he who gives the design a final touch and a special unique comfort. The most suitable country decorations are as follows:

  • Textiles of all kinds – tablecloths, cushions, curtains, rugs, floor carpets.
  • Fresh flowers or dried flower arrangements.
  • Landscape and animal paintings.
  • Antique clock.
  • Wrought iron lamps, table lamps with shade.
  • Miscellaneous cute little things – figurines, pots, vases, baskets and more.

Also, a fireplace will fit perfectly into the rustic style in the interior of a country house.

Rustic style in the interior of different rooms

An important advantage of the rustic style is that it is perfect for decorating any room in the house. You can think over the design of the entire cottage in a similar style or prefer it for a separate room. Let’s take a closer look at how country music manifests itself depending on the functional purpose of the room.

Rustic living room

The living room is the soul of the home. It is in it that they receive guests and spend time with the household. Therefore, it is important to make this room as comfortable as possible. If it is possible to build a hearth in the living room – it’s just great. But even without it, you can create a warm atmosphere. Put a soft sofa and a rocking chair, set a cozy coffee table on pot-bellied legs. Do not spare textiles. All kinds of pillows, blankets and rugs will give the rustic interior a unique charm and will warm you up on long winter evenings in the company of a cup of hot tea.

Country style kitchen

Country style kitchen is the perfect combination of beauty and functionality. Even the most mundane items can be turned into decor:

  • Choose kitchen towels with beautiful embroidery.
  • Arrange kitchen utensils on open shelves.
  • Place several pots of useful plants such as mint, onion, basil, etc.
  • Hang bunches of dried herbs, garlic or red pepper in your kitchen.

It’s a good idea to use earthy colored stone or ceramic tiles for flooring and walls. It is best to choose a wooden set, and try to hide modern technology behind wooden facades. Here are examples of rustic kitchens in the photos:

Country-style bedroom

The bedroom is the most peaceful and relaxing place in a country house. A monochromatic range in decoration and decor helps to achieve this. Avoid bright colors and prefer natural shades.

Bedroom furniture looks beautiful with a large massive bed, a chest of drawers, a classic wardrobe and bedside tables with antique alarm clocks. An interesting decoration will be a canopy with a heavy fabric covered with intricate patterns.

Varieties of country style

There are dozens of types of country style – after all, each nation imagines a village or country house in its own way. We list only the most popular in our country.

Provence

French rustic style in the interior can be distinguished from others by the following features:

  • Light colors. The design is based on white or light gray, and accents are mint, pink, lavender, pale lemon and other delicate pastel shades inherent in the landscapes of the south of France.
  • An abundance of plant motifs (for example, wallpaper with small flowers) and images of animals.
  • Using deliberately rough textures like brick or plaster.
  • Furniture in Provence is often decorated with decoupage or artificially aged.
  • Numerous decorations are used – figurines, paintings, photo frames, etc. They are placed on open shelves, window sills, racks, etc.

Russian style

Slavic style is very popular, because it touches the hidden strings of our soul. It can be implemented using the following elements:

  • Russian stove.
  • Folk ornaments in decor and textiles – Khokhloma, Gzhel and other patterns.
  • Earthenware and flower pots.
  • Embroidered curtains and painted shutters.
  • The color palette is dominated by white, red and natural wood tones.

This is how the interior of a Russian village house looks inside in the photo:0014 English style

It has a typical British stiffness, surprisingly harmoniously combined with decor elements and giving the room an incomparable coziness. Characteristics of this interior style:

  • Dark colors – brown, dark green, beige, burgundy.
  • Solid wood and leather furniture.
  • Hunting motifs – animal skins, horns and stuffed animals as decoration.
  • Strict forms and lines.
  • Textile with discreet geometric pattern.
  • The presence of a fireplace or a small stove.

In the online store “Lavender Decor” you will find home decorations that fit perfectly into the rustic style. We carry out delivery in Moscow within a day and send goods by courier services throughout Russia. Place an order and get bonus points for your next purchases!

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French Provence rustic style in an ordinary interior.

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Among the cozy, light and bright interior style is Provence. Recreating the atmosphere of the warm Mediterranean, French country makes the accommodation comfortable, romantic and full of true home charm. A touch of elegance and antiquity can be traced in every thing and every object, giving the house a uniqueness.

French Province

Indentation of the first line

Village houses, neat, entwined with climbing plants and pleasing to the eye with their appearance, are conducive to a leisurely measured life and a pleasant rest in the bosom of nature. More than one generation grew up in such charming houses in Provence. Furniture and household items were carefully used and stored, bearing a trace of history.

Aging is one of the hallmarks of Provence. It manifests itself in scuffs on the ends of furniture, in burnt fabrics, old photographs in faded frames. To make the design look simple and natural, you need to make an effort, carefully select finishing materials and furniture in the style of provincial southern France.

Precise stylization of the environment is possible using only natural materials:

  • stone;
  • wood;
  • metal;
  • textiles.

    • The interior design should be based on the shades characteristic of Provence:

  • cream;
  • grey;
  • beige;
  • white;
  • olive;
  • pale pink;
  • lavender;
  • mint, etc.

    Saturated colors can only participate as individual accents, which should be few. These are terracotta, ocher, blue and brown. Bright and contrasting combinations cannot be here, all transitions of shades should be soft, flowing and whitened.

    The village was not demanding in terms of frills. Interior decoration – simple:

  • on the floor – stone or wood;
  • walls – wood, stone, brick or plaster;
  • Ceiling – light, with contrasting dark wood accentuated by decorative beams.

    For the background of the house, one of the lighter shades should be used to avoid excessive variegation.

    Furniture

    Indent of the first line

    The external appeal of the Provence style is based on the presence of antique pieces of furniture. Aged things look noble, as they are made of natural wood – chestnut, oak, walnut, etc. Simple forms and lack of pretentiousness are emphasized by an organic combination in the design of the house.

    Provence furniture can be really old or artificially aged. Preference should be given to objects that are low, squat, having smooth shapes without sharp corners, carving or painting. Since Provence prefers naturalness in everything, household items and office equipment should not be put on display. So, for example, a hanging TV can have a wooden frame, which will allow it to fit organically into an ethnic interior.

    Provence in the interior of the bedroom requires a comfortable bed and solid solid furniture, the items of which are combined with each other and harmonize well. French chic is an elegant combination of all components. Moreover, the color and texture of the furniture may vary. A bedroom is inconceivable without a bed, a comfortable chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a bedside table. If there is enough free space, the bedroom can be supplemented, for example, with poufs, armchairs, chairs, shelves, etc.

    Important! When buying furniture for your home, pay attention to the quality of materials and the reputation of the manufacturer. Only a thing made in accordance with all technological requirements will serve for a long time and look decent.

    Details matter

    First line indent

    French rustic style begins to play with colors with the participation of decor items, careful attention to detail. For decoration, you can beat the presence of ceramic dishes, textiles, things made by hand. Hand-embroidered bed linen, bedspreads and pillows will look impressive and colorful. Hand-knitted blankets, knitted napkins are exactly those items that create comfort.

    Textile

    Indent of the first line

    The interior of the bedroom in Provence style looks very stylish. It is in this room that the French style can show its maximum beauty. A wide comfortable bed covered with embroidered linen, bedspreads trimmed with lace and ruffles. In addition, additional pillows on the bed and upholstered furniture may be present in large quantities.

    Textile complements the living room, nursery, dining room and kitchen. Natural fabrics and lyrical colors enliven the environment and give it the chic that provincial Europe is famous for.

    For your information! A bedroom, children’s or girl’s room with properly selected textile additions acquire the softness and comfort characteristic of a warm home environment.

    Forging

    Indentation of the first line

    Forged elements, skillfully introduced into the interior, contribute to the fact that French furniture acquires color and charm. Forged cornice, candlesticks and furniture elements combine the elegance of curls and the solidity of the material.

    Forged can be:

  • shelves;
  • candlesticks;
  • headboards, etc.

    Such elements will fill the room with the entourage of antiquity and echoes of noble luxury, adapted for everyday life. For example, a bedroom with wrought iron bed pieces will grab attention and look antique while remaining comfortable.

    Floral

    Indentation of the first line

    The flair of the French countryside can be traced in a large number of fresh flowers and floral motifs. The girl’s bedroom looks especially attractive with floral images. Prints of flowers can be present on wallpaper, textiles, in the form of paintings or dried inflorescences. There can be a lot of fresh flowers in pots and vases – even in the bathroom, on tables and cupboards in the rooms.

    Lavender is among the favorites of Provence. Being a symbol of the region, it is cultivated in the fields, grown on window sills, decorates vases. One of the original features of the style is the ability to use any old dishes and household items as containers for flowers. For example, buckets, cups, glasses, beakers, etc. It will look unusual, original and quite impressive.

    Accessories

    Indentation of the first line

    To give the atmosphere individual features of the room, accessories are added to the interior – commemorative photographs, souvenirs, paintings, candlesticks. An old metronome and barometer in a bronze or wooden case will look no less interesting and relevant.

    Unity with nature makes the Provence style attractive for those who prefer eco-friendly materials, flowers and natural shades in the design of their home.