Country French Decorating Ideas

European elegance lives harmoniously with homespun comforts in the pretty and popular country French decorating style.
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Blended Design

European elegance meets rustic country and old-world character to achieve the graceful and inviting style of French country design style. Striking the perfect balance of beauty and comfort, French country style easily fits into elegant homes and country houses alike. Try out the shabby chic furniture, the soothing hues and soft patterns, and the noteworthy accents to bring this warm and welcoming decorating style into your home.

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What Is Country French?

Not sure what we mean by French country style? Watch and learn the defining characteristics of this elegant style and see how you can get the look at home, like curvy feminine lines and worn wood finishes.

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Timeless in Toile

One pattern says country French style with ease: toile. This timeless print lends a classic look to any room. In this French country bedroom, a stately antique bed and modest provisions are a pretty picture frame for the toile bedding that sets the room's style.

 

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Creating Country Influence

Use decorative faux finishes and noteworthy materials to achieve the old-world style and country character of the French country design style. Glazed country blue cabinets complement the casual wood-inlay pattern across this kitchen floor, while marble countertops and shapely woodworking details lend vintage flavor. A dine-in countertop extended from the island adds an intimate touch.

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Perfect Blend

Ornate sconces and worn wood elements in this entryway scream classic country French style. The muted palette beautifully complements polished wood floors and crisp walls and trim. An oversize mirror bounces light around the space, while an upholstered bench provides a cozy spot to slip on shoes.

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Breezy Bath

Window treatments with detailed trim and a crystal chandelier add elegance and French country style to this master bath. The warm linen shades give the space a serene vibe, and the round tub breaks up the bathroom's straight lines. Accent molding and trim dresses up the room.

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Charming Details

Worn wood box beams define this space as distinctly country French. Detailed woodwork and shapely legs on the island soften the square shape of the piece. Powder blue island stools and a sage green backsplash add a punch of color to the neutral kitchen color scheme.

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Demure Bedroom

Antiqued elements contrast with a crisp white coverlette in this master bedroom. The worn wood legs on the bench and faded fresco-style art piece add to the country French vibe, as does the luxurious navy velvet that dresses up the bed.

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Warm Wood

Everything remains light and bright on the top half of this kitchen, while rich wood base cabinets and an island ground the look. Patterned wallpaper picks up the swirling shapes of the marble countertops below. Ornate tile floors bring the country French scheme together.

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Soft Accents

Beautiful fabrics and provincial patterns are hallmarks of country French style. To balance today's hectic lifestyles, softer colors and more delicate patterns have become popular choices for furniture like French country sofas. Pretty fringes, decorative trims, and lacy accents add an elegant finish.

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Architectural Impressions

Architectural details that harken to yesteryear easily give a room country French flavor. But you don't have to live in an ancient chateau to create the look. Rustic stone tile and hand-scraped wood beams add the charm of an old French eatery to this new kitchen. Curved archways, intricate molding details, and patinaed finishes also enhance the look.

 

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Natural Accents

An eye-catching stone fireplace is a popular feature in country French rooms. The natural stone wall brings a touch of the countryside indoors to this cozy hearth room. French country dining chairs and a French country dining table with patina complete the look.

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Balancing Act

A thoughtful balance is achieved in French country style that provides an elegant stage for casual living. To accomplish this, dress the room with French influences, such as full-length draperies, rich wallpapers or paint finishes, and formal fabrics. Then fill the space with livable furnishings, such as this generous, farmhouse-inspired dining table, to entice large gatherings of family and friends.

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Vintage Influence

Antiques are an important component of country French decor. Vintage pieces—from a collection of dishes displayed in a glass hutch to period-style furnishings—enhance the European character of the space.

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Old Is New Again

Repurposing is a popular way to incorporate old pieces into a home, and it's perfect for bringing in country French flavor. This vintage dresser makes a beautiful showpiece as a bathroom vanity, with its sweetly painted designs and gilded details. A sparkling mirror and sconces add to the elegance.

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Refined Rustic Style

An armoire is a signature piece of furniture in French country decor, from stately antique pieces to casual country cupboards. Place one in the bedroom in the traditional sense for clothing and bedding, or put one on display in the dining room for tablewares and linens. A handsome piece in the main living space makes a decorative statement while providing disguised storage for media components or home office supplies.

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Add Charm with Pattern

Design details, such as delicate scrollwork and pretty floral patterns, are often associated with country French style. Pattern hung on the ceiling and painted on the French country bedroom furniture give a cheerfully casual twist to this delightful bedroom.

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A Place for Neutrals

Rich blues, fiery reds, and warm golds were the mainstay color scheme of French country style for many years. Although this striking color palette is still used and enjoyed, some prefer a more soothing take on the relaxed European look. Textures and tone-on-tone patterns bring wonderful visual interest to a room amid more neutral color tones, like in this French country bedroom.

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