We've been talking about how the Farmhouse trend has been evolving for quite some time. For years it has reigned supreme among homeowners but in the past two years, we've seen a shift. We've talked about how Cottagecore design is a toned-down version of Farmhouse and now it's time to talk about the turned-up version, French Country. French Country interior design has all the rustic character of Farmhouse with a more elegant and softer approach to the design.
French Country Design
French country design strikes a balance between rustic and refinement in an effortless casual approach to design. It embodies the elegance of a French country aesthetic. While Farmhouse design is famous for boldly broadcasting its rural rustic root, French country relies on a natural subtle design that provides a warm and lived-in home.
Soft Color Palette
Like all good design styles, everything starts with a color palette. As a general rule of thumb, we suggest choosing warm, subtle colors. French country is not the design style for those who want bold colors (try Maximalism if that's more your style!) or want the uniformity of Monochromatic colors (Try Minimalism Interior Design)! Focus on soft neutral colors like tans, creams, yellows, or soft pinks and blues if you want to incorporate more color.
Natural Materials & Natural Flooring
When it comes to choosing design materials to create your French Country interior, the more natural the better, especially when it comes to flooring. Rustic, hand-scraped hardwood is the best option for creating the French Country look. Distressed hardwood not only adds texture to your space but also adds so much character.
The best part about the texture look is that it can be replicated with wood-look materials! Wood-look tile, vinyl, and laminate can create a rustic look while also being waterproof and durable.
Add Old World Charm
Add some old-world charm to your French Country home by incorporating patterns. While it's important to keep the look elegant, you can play around with different wall tiles and textiles to incorporate some old-world charm. When it comes to tiles we suggest adding country motifs like floral patterns, rustic tiles, and a focus on a more vintage look.
Homeowners can add simple patterns like plaid, stripes, and toile by choosing their textiles carefully. Table linen and window treatments are the easiest way to incorporate these styles.
Vintage area rugs will also elevate your space while providing the classic old-world charm.
Accessorize with Purpose: French Country Essentials
While the base of a home is essential for creating any interior design style, no style is complete with decor and signature elements. When it comes to accessorizing French Country, it's essential to acknowledge that French Country is still very different then Farmhouse. Accessories in French Country are shabby chic and meant to create a more elegant space with clean lines. Mixing vintage look pieces with new ones is a quick way to create a more versatile and complete interior look.
Other popular French Country decor essentials include painted furniture, armoires, free-standing bathtubs, and old-school vanities.
