French Country Decor

French decor is now one of the most popular forms of country decorating and you can easily introduce this look into your home.

It need not be expensive or difficult, and you don’t have to go out and purchase lots of new furniture. You can gradually introduce touches for your French decor without having to change your whole room.

It is a style so familiar of the wonderful Provencal area of the South of France. The colours depict the country style with wonderful golden yellows, deep reds, French blues and fresh green tones. Provence is vibrant with colour and this is one of it's addictive charms.

Whether you want a French country decor look or more of a French European look there are many ways to capture this French look in your home.

Of course the most captivating room in a French country home has to be the kitchen. It is the hub of the house and serves as the social gathering point for the most wonderfully good French food!

You can easily transform your kitchen into the warm and welcoming charms of a French provincial style kitchen with it's sunny and homely feel. It's a timeless look emphasizing taste and comfort rather than the latest trend.

French country furniture has a distinctive rustic look and can be found either as dark wood or in a light pine wood. They are usually indigenous woods like cherry, walnut and pine bringing natural warmth into the home.

Quite often there is a mix match of different types furniture pieces yet all complementing each other with their warmth and character. This is one of the characteristics of French country decor.

How to get the French Country Decor look for your home

The kitchens are usually small, even quite small at times unless they are large farmhouse kitchens. However the furniture is always of good quality, old, functional and earthy.

Walls are usually painted in light colours such as creams or pale mellow tones of butter. They are usually rough textured with a worn aged look.

Floors are of hard wearing good quality terracota tiles or wooden with well worn signs of aging.

You can achieve this look by simply painting a few pieces of furniture in a distressed worn look and adding a few accessories in Provencal colours here and there to bring this look to life.

An old table can be given a weathered look or covered with colourful table linens such as table cloths in typical Provencal patterns or red and blue gingham check, or by using an elegant table runner in a fabulous French fabric.

Curtains or blinds can be made or bought using fabrics such as the famous and ever popular 'toile de jouy' in colours to complement your scheme.

Accessories such as French style pottery and china can sit on shelves and pictures or prints of French culture can adorn your kitchen walls.

Kitchen cooking utensils and accessories are usually of the best quality, choosing one or two good pieces rather than many inferior ones. You can often pick up good quality pieces at garage sales or on places such as ebay and flea markets. Many French treasures such as French furniture may be found at antique markets and or at auctions.

Just keep a look out for things to compliment your French style such as wrought iron accessories, marble and terracota, copper cooking pots and cast iron casserole pans.

Roosters are a favourite and are found just about everywhere including salt and pepper pots and ornaments. Of course anything with grapes, wine, olives or vineyards will definitely give your kitchen the country French look.

These are just a few ideas on how to achieve your French decor but above all remember, the emphasis is on casual and welcoming which is the heart of all French country décor.