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Don't be afraid to fully embrace design choices that may seem a little extra, such as a velvet canopy above your bed or touches of wallpaper. You'll find second-hand scores from the flea market and modern furniture alike in French homes and also catch a glimpse into the owner's personality. Ahead, you'll find tips on making your home feel like a corner of Provence or Parisian pied-à-terre.
Decorate with Subdued Colors
I feel strongly that all our rooms should be used, so better to style these seating areas in a similar way, than to make one so formal that it’s a museum space that may as well be roped off. My selection for the kitchen in my imaginary ideal French Country home is in fact white, but it, too, makes use of natural wood tones to infuse the stark white with a degree of rusticity. Compiling an imaginary home that’s made up of your favorite rooms is a worthwhile exercise in self-exploration, as it yields some surprises.
French Country House Plans FAQ
At the same time, the gilded mirror, distressed urn and decorative ironwork bannister hearken back to an earlier time with a European feel that lends a sense of pedigree to the space. The little velvet ottoman adds just the right note of softness to the foyer with a whisper of color and warmth. Instead I thought it would be fun to compile an imaginary tour comprised of my favorite rooms that you would find in a typical house, to present what I view as the ideal French Country home. The selected spaces work perfectly together and could easily be part of one home, but alas they are not. Gold mirrors and rustic sconces contrast with white polished marble in the master bathroom. “I love the reclaimed wood ceiling, the brick pavers, and the intimate nature of the space.
Defining elements and characteristics of French country decor
The late-1800s bluestone door surround was treated with a slush-and-brush technique to mimic repaired stone. Round windows from a French chateau help instill the distinguished character of a century-old villa in the new home. The exterior of this French country home was fashioned from plaster mixed with pale sienna pigment, while the roof tiles were made by hand and shaped over the craftsman's thigh. They were left unglazed to allow moss to grow, another detail that adds to the overall pastoral look.
A 1920s French Normandy House with a Stuck-in-the-’80s Kitchen Gets a Major Update - Sunset
A 1920s French Normandy House with a Stuck-in-the-’80s Kitchen Gets a Major Update.
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French-Country House Exterior
Louise Trotter turns the page at French fashion house Carven - Financial Times
Louise Trotter turns the page at French fashion house Carven.
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While the term “provincial” may imply “unsophisticated,” these homes typically embody an understated, rustic feel. It’s said that the first French provincial homes were modeled after the Versaille Palace (although, of course, they’re much smaller and more less ornate). Also known as the Provencal Homes – the design inspiration is more inclined towards ornated and decorated Parisian homes. For more information about French style houses in Los Angeles, simply click on the individual properties below to view their full description.
Modular vs Manufactured Homes (Differences, Pros & Cons)
The formal dining area has French country chairs upholstered in linen, Parsons style end chairs, and a gorgeous rustic French chandelier. Brittany describes her style as French country and says she seeks to create interiors that are classic and timeless. If you’re looking to craft French country interiors in your home, consider the following French country decor ideas from Joyce and Verma.
Brilliantly combining rustic and refined, French country homes bring classic European architecture into the present day. They range from quaint farmhouses to impressive chateaus, but all exude a sense of history and charm. Get inspired by these French country houses to add a bit of this gorgeous style to your home. 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.
Although built in the 21st century, this home looks as authentic as the 18th-century European manor house it was modeled after. Built in the courtyard vernacular, the home, like many others in the French countryside, contains a large square gravel forecourt. Its warm, honey-hued limestone ranges from white to caramel in color; a mixture of smooth and rough-cut pieces was used to create a traditional look.
Wood or Natural Stone Flooring
Elaborate stonework, stucco siding, and intricately carved doors are standard for the two aesthetics. An ornate iron balcony draws extra attention to the front entrance of this French country home. When decorating their homes, the French do not limit themselves to only antique and traditional furniture.
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. French-style interiors are often highly distinctive and eclectic, featuring furniture and decor from a broad range of eras, design styles, and sources. To achieve this look, juxtapose flea market finds with contemporary pieces or European antiques with midcentury modern furnishings. Keep the look cohesive instead of chaotic by repeating a few key colors throughout the space to connect the assorted elements.
French country homes are technically a kind of farmhouse, so you'll usually find that they have great kitchens and layouts conducive to hosting. A French country house plan is one based on the style seen across the countryside of France. Unlike American farmhouse-style country homes, French country homes have a more rustic feel yet formal feel with stucco and/or brick siding and hipped rooflines. These designs range from quaint cottages to grand manors, yet all have a down-to-earth feel overall. If you're drawn to rustic farmhouse-style interior design rather than a modern, minimal feel, a French-style home could be an ideal backdrop for your aesthetic. Here's what you need to know about French-style homes, their history, and their main characteristics, according to an architect and interior designer.
The interiors of French-style homes typically complement the exterior design, with distressed hardwood flooring, often laid out in a chevron pattern. Tall ceilings with dramatic wooden beams and skylights along with floor-to-ceiling windows drench the homes in natural light, while arched doorways open up to courtyard gardens. “French-style homes also typically have a formal dining room and living room, breakfast nook, and family room rather than one big great room,” says Spath.
The main house, guest cottage, and garage are all clustered around a courtyard and garden. A tonnelle, or pergola, attached to the side of a stone facade provides the perfect venue for casual alfresco dining and relaxing protected from the sun. Made of black hammered iron and topped with a bamboo roof, this pergola exudes French country style thanks to its pairing with French doors framed by blue-gray shutters. Climbing vines trained onto arched iron support poles further soften the view.
The French countryside is, undoubtedly, the best place to see and get inspired by beautiful, French Provincial homes. Many of the original homes—dating back to the 1600 and 1700s—are still standing today. Adding to the home's simple beauty, many roofs were made from slate or copper. Some famous French provinces include Normandy, Brittany, and Provence, as a province usually designated a regional city and its surrounding lands.
A forecourt of large-pebble chert and a zigzag of stepping stones lead guests to the charming facade of this country French-style house. Lush vines climb up the stucco walls, and window boxes upstairs brim with geraniums and petunias. The red brick accents pleasantly contrast with the home's honey-drenched walls and mossy-colored shutters, imbuing the exterior with an old-world ambience.
