French Country style.

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Today we will explore French country style but first, let’s go back in time and learn about its history and beginnings.

French Country homes were constructed by French aristocrats in provincial areas outside Paris inspired by the opulence of Versailles. The architecture and furnishing designs were adapted from French representations popular in the 17th & 18th-century courts of Kings Louis the XIII, XIV, XV and XVI. That’s how french country style came to be.

What is French Country style

French country style is a mix of furniture styles that is comfortable, elegant and casual. It is also considered an eclectic style to an extent because it mixes furniture styles such as Baroque, Rococo, and Empire to name a few. If you would like to learn more about eclecticism please watch my video on eclectic style.

French Country Style is a broad term.

Country or rural France is associated with the Province region and can be referred also as the Provincial style.

With time the elaborate French provincial style begin to be referred as the French country style and started to morph into a more casual and rustic comfortable style. French Country style has the elegance and sophistication of the old world without being excessive.

Country style homes ranges from casual farmhouses to sophisticated Manors and Chateaux.

What is the difference between French provincial and French country style?.

Even though French country style was referred to as Provincial or rural style in the 1600 and the term can sometimes be interlaced between the two there is a small difference. Provincial style is more formal in architecture and furnishings than the French country style, which can be more rustic and casual in architecture as well as in furnishings.

Elements of French Country Style

Architecture

The architecture of many French country-style homes are recognized by stone, brick, or stucco exteriors. Large windows with or without shutters, wood floors, stone fire places, exposed walls and/or exposed beams.

Exposed stone walls and exposed wood beams speak to the rustic elements of these style.

Picture courtesy of Chateau Domingue.

Furniture:

At the beginning of the 17th century French furniture continued to follow classic Renaissance lines like the Italian baroque style which was adopted in France with a slightly new twist. Louis XV furniture gave way to a lighter form than Italian baroque. This style form was heavily ornamented and was called Rococo furniture style. These designs were rich with carvings, application of gold leaf, lacquer, inlay, and marquetry.

Louis the XV furniture feature the cabriole leg or curved leg which is the most recognizable feature of French style furniture and the bombe or curved outward front on chests of drawers.

Distressed painted furniture, antiques and vintage pieces are also common to this style.

Color Palette

The color palette of French country design reflects the colors of nature: pastel blues, light pinks and light yellows, ochers, olive-green and lavender combine with white and gold. Even thought the style is associated with light colors, darker versions work as well. Adding hints of gold throughout the space in your furniture, mirrors, or other accents brings out the sophistication of this style. Combining metals like silver, gold, and coper is a great way to have variety.

Fabrics

Toile a patterned textile that appeared in France in the 18th century is a great choice as silks, linens, velvets and brocades are great choices in light colors. White or natural canvas fabric is also a less expensive option.

Lighting

Crystal or wood chandeliers, pendant lights, sconces and floor lamps are good choices for lighting.

*Picture from the book French Country Inspired gatherings*

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor living areas are perfect for casual alfresco dining and most favored of the French country style. Climbing vines, gravel patios, flowers, olive trees, rosemary, woodbox and lavender are favorite choices for garden plants.