French Country Style – 12 Tips to Decorate Your Home

Redecorating our homes every once in a while is only normal as we don’t like being surrounded by the same things our whole lives. However, if you’re looking to completely change the style of your home, you might have to replace more items and even change some architectural features. While you don’t have to renovate your home to incorporate French country architectural elements, there are smaller updates you can make to your living quarters if you’d like this kind of design. So, what exactly is French country style and what can you do to decorate your home in such a way?

What is French country style?

For starters, it’s a good idea to define what French country style is. This creative style is a mix of elegant French décor, coziness, and a country setting. In other words, it is a combination of sophistication and a relaxed, rustic vibe. This style, inspired by homes typically found in southern France and the Provence region, is mostly characterized by a natural palette, distressed wooden pieces of furniture, and upholstery. With that in mind, here is how you can incorporate these elements into your home.

Kitchen

Even though the kitchen is often called the heart of the home, not every design reflects such a statement. With French country, the kitchen is truly the centerpiece that you will love spending your time in as a family. Here are some tips on how you can transform this area, even if you’re working with a small kitchen.

Stick to a natural color palette

First of all, if you don’t have a huge budget and can’t change a lot about the space, you can simply opt for a new color palette. French country is all about warm and subtle hues so think about repainting the walls, changing the backsplash, or updating the cabinet fronts. Keep in mind that changing the floors can be a bit pricey depending on the material you opt for. Whichever approach you decide on, stick to muted tones like beiges, greiges, tans, taupes, and putties. Bright and bold colors will simply not create this cozy vibe you are going for.

Look for a copper and brass range and hood

While you don’t have to change your appliances, if you’re doing a complete renovation, it’s a good idea to get some pieces that match this style. For example, a high-quality stove and range hood can add a touch of the old country charm to the space if they’re from copper and brass, and especially if they have some patina on them.

Make it functional with plenty of space

In addition to a fully-functional stove and hood, you also want plenty of counter and storage space. With that in mind, see if you have the space to add some more counters or an island where you can prepare your food and maybe even have a quick meal. Furthermore, one element of French country that you can incorporate into your home is open shelving. If you have some bare walls but a lack of storage, why not make the most of them and add some shelves where you can set down your belongings. Racks and hooks on which you can hang things are also a feature that you can implement if you opt for this style. In case there is some asymmetry that you’re not a fan of, you can use heavy linens to cover cupboards or open shelves, which is sure to give the kitchen even more charm.

Find copper and rustic accessories

Finally, when it comes to the kitchen, you cannot overlook the accessories. For one, if you’re thinking about buying new utensils and cookware, why not go with a copper set? These pots and pans can be either stacked on shelves or hung above the stove on a rack, as you should make the most of their impressive looks. In terms of other accessories, perhaps you can find something rustic-looking that will tie everything together. From cutting boards and serving utensils to shelves and benches, there is a lot you can use.

Dining room

If you have a kitchen island, you might only be using your dining room for some more formal occasions when you have guests over. However, you still want this part of the home to match the rest. Therefore, here are some tips for the dining area.

Get a rustic table and chairs

The most important part of this space is certainly the dining table and chairs. If possible, look for a rustic wooden table that will fit this style. Keep in mind that round and oval shapes work best for French country but anything can look amazing if you get the right finish. You want to steer clear of shiny and go for something dull instead. Getting a reclaimed wood piece would give you exactly what you’re looking for but you can also do a DIY project and distress the table you already have.

Include soft furnishings

Besides a table, you should also pay some attention to the chairs. You can also distress the ones you have in your dining room to make them a bit more rustic. In addition, as French country is all about coziness, you want to add soft furnishings so ensure all chairs have a seat cover or cushion. This is another weekend project you can easily tackle. What is more, the chairs can even be mismatched, for a homier look.

Display your belongings in breakfront cabinets

Lastly, in terms of the dining room, you can consider using weathered breakfront cabinets and wooden storage hutches to display various belongings. Whether you bought some porcelain at a yard sale or it was passed down in your family, it doesn’t matter as long as everyone can see your beautiful collections.

Bedroom

When looking to bring French country into the bedroom, there are also interesting things you can do. Consider the following.

Bring in just enough color

Although this style prefers muted, warm tones, you can make your bedroom a bit more colorful. For example, you can paint the walls in a pastel hue or opt for an earthy, nature-inspired wallpaper. However, you want to balance it out with lighter furniture pieces like the bed, nightstand, and armoire. Then, you can also look for crisp white quilts from natural materials like wool and cotton that will create a cozy but luxurious space. Tie it all together with some light curtains and a soft rug.

Living room

In case your family spends more time in the living room than in the kitchen, you cannot disregard this area either. Fortunately, cozying up this space shouldn’t be too difficult.

Look for comfy furniture with flowing lines

For a living room, you will need some comfy furniture pieces so start by looking for the perfect sofa for the space as well as a few cozy armchairs. Look for items that are upholstered with light, maybe even white, fabric. If you don’t want to purchase new furniture, you can perhaps find slipcovers that will allow you to transform your space in no time. Then, the side tables can be a bit worn-out with patina. A great tip here is to not be afraid of mixing styles – not all pieces have to match, that’s the fun of this style that is also a bit eclectic. Lastly, you don’t want sharp edges and too many straight lines; keep it soft and rounded for a welcoming vibe.

Tie it all together with various textures

While furniture pieces are essential for a cozy living room, you shouldn’t neglect the details. From getting a soft rug underneath your feet to adding some window treatments all the way to placing patterned throw pillows and blankets on the sofa, there are various ways you can tie it all together by using various textures around the room.

Bathroom

As completely renovating your bathroom is probably something you will not be doing if you’re working on a budget, there are still some smaller updates that you can do to make this space reflect the French country style.

Switch up some elements

On a bigger scale, you might be able to get a new tub or sink. For example, a copper or an elegant white clawfoot tub can be the centerpiece you’ve been looking for. Furthermore, you can get a pair of vessel sinks that you will combine with antique-style hardware, in brass perhaps. If you want something smaller, you can simply distress the existing vanity to have it look a little bit weathered or get a new mirror that matches the style you’re going for.

Bring in nature

Last but certainly not least, a tip that works for all areas of the house is bringing in some greenery. Although you can stick to wallpaper and paintings inspired by the outdoors, adding a few houseplants is always recommended. You can keep them in smaller containers and group them together or place a large plant in a standalone planter. Luckily, there are various plants that can thrive in the bathroom as well, so pick based on the conditions you can provide them with.

If you’re thinking about remodeling your home, there are always things you can do. In case you don’t think you can handle it on your own, you can simply turn to professionals.