Are you looking for the perfect look for the spring? Since the season is about to bloom, then why not embrace it with a homey vibe? You may want to go for something old and rustic, such as a French country home interior.
Basics of a French country vibe
Rustic furniture and light warm hues often constitute of a French country home. Unlike in other provincial interiors, a French country style is light and easygoing, and doesn’t require intricate designs and dramatic styles.
If you are going to look at homes with the said interior design, you will notice certain elements such as rough painted plaster walls, beamed ceilings, wood carvings, and woven chair seats. They are specially created to offer a relaxing ambience in the home, and as well as to compliment the season of spring.
One of the best things about a French country home is that it is inviting and fuss-free. Its charm relies on the rustic feel of the furniture and accessories and the casual combination of colors. Country-inspired furniture can work for almost anyone, on any kind of budget.
Furniture pieces
French country furniture reflects the practical working provincial lifestyle. French furniture was used for a particular purpose, thus these furnishings are made of the elements at hand, like those of pine and stone, with adornments kept to a minimum.
The centerpiece of every French country home is the table. Dining sets consist of seats that accommodate six to twelve persons, as these homes are often open to family gatherings. Tables are made of simple design details, usually of a thick wooden plank atop pine legs and unadorned platforms. Chairs are also wood with caned seats, sometimes placed with soft cushions. To those who want to be different, they may use benches instead of the traditional chairs.
French country home furniture also includes a carved wooden cabinet for porcelain, silverware and linens. Traditional country homes however, did not have any cabinets or cupboards, such that a wooden cart may be a good alternative for drawers, as it is also useful for bringing food to the table.
Bedroom furniture for this theme meanwhile embraces simplicity. A four-post bed is recommended and so is a large armoire to be used as a closet. Small end tables can also be added. In modern houses, the armoire can work as an entertainment center or even a fold-away computer station.
Color and style
French country homes are often bright and colorful. They have vibrant colors, most of which come from the natural blooms in the gardens outside. This makes it easier for homeowners to create the look in their interior spaces-they can never go wrong with the blues, greens, yellows or reds-every shade has its own spot inside the house.
Upholstered furnishings are used sparingly in this interior style. Chairs and sofas consist of wooden frames and legs with colorful upholstered seats, arms, and backs. Upholstered fabrics and colors often reflect the sea, sun, and fields of flowers found in the south of France.
Subtle design patterns add interest to French country furniture. Elements which are commonly used are wrought-iron door and drawer hardware, contoured chair backs and cabinet lines, and raised motifs, depicting grains such as wheat, so as flowers, and fruit.
Most French country furniture is polished a natural color, such as honey brown or light natural pine. Other tainted pieces, particularly in light green hues and white are also common. You may add color to your furniture pieces by placing wall decors like paintings, but keep them to country sceneries and light panoramic views.
Where to buy French country furniture and décor pieces
French country furniture can be found in antique stores, both in the United States as well as in Europe, at auctions and estate sales, and other furniture galleries. Pre-owned French country pieces are also frequently offered on websites for auction.
Modern French country furniture can be found from a variety of furniture makers. Nowadays, furniture shops showcase a new French country furniture line, consisting of armories, kitchen and dining tables, caned chairs, and romantic beds. New pieces may lack the charm of antique pieces, but the quality remains the same and are often less expensive.
As for decors and other adornments, you may want to get them at thrift stores instead as they are cheaper and have more appeal as compared to new items found in home depots.