French Country Style

Think of French country design and you think of roosters. Big, colorful roosters with full tails, standing proud. There are rooster tablecloths, rooster curtains, rooster canisters, and, of course, rooster clocks. The rooster became a stalwart symbol of French country design in tribute to the birds that traditionally ran free around a French farmhouse. But there is more to this relaxed, colorful style than just roosters.

French country style draws its inspiration from the country homes of the south of France. The rustic farmhouses in Provence were made out of easily available materials: straw, limestone, clay, and wood. This design style reflects this simplicity.

The colors of Provence are the centerpiece of French country design. Soft lavender evokes the fields of lavender grown for the perfume industry there. Sunflower yellow, deep red, and bright orange come from the sun-filled days. The deep, azure blue comes from the Mediterranean Sea views. White, ranging from pure white to slightly yellow, linen white reflects the dazzling sunlight shining through the windows. Gentle green mirrors the rolling, grassy meadows. French country style mimics the life in Provence: carefree, relaxed, and friendly.

French country walls may be lime-washed, timber-beamed, or roughly plastered. Again, the aim is to capture the feel of a French farmhouse. Wall colors are natural in shades of local stone and clay, from mustard to a red, dusty clay color. Stenciling on the walls, perhaps a wheat shaft or a fleur-de-lis design, may be used to add interest.

As with the walls, floors typical of the countryside are used to create French country style. Clay tiles, in shades of pink, honey, or deep brown, are common. So are wooden parquet floors rubbed with white paint to achieve an aged look. Natural reed matting or Oriental, Turkish, or Indian rugs over wooden floors are other options.

Lighting is also important to this look. Think of large, multi-paned windows filled with natural sunlight. To impart this feeling, use soft, shaded lighting. Table lamps should be unobtrusive. Chandeliers and door hardware is typically rustic iron or distressed brass. Think of horse gear in an old, French barn.

Cotton and lace are the definitive fabrics of French country. Lace curtains, tablecloths, and pillowcases predominate. Starched damasks and chintz are widely used for upholstery, and floral toile de jouy patterns are common for draperies. Again, the colors are lavender, mustard, russet, deep cherry, and buff.

Furniture, too, reflects farmhouse living. Handcrafted, wooden pieces define French country style. In the 18th and 19th centuries, craftsmen came from all over the world to the ports of the Mediterranean. Skilled furniture makers carved large buffets, chairs, tables, and storage boxes with the motifs of the region: corn, lavender, myrtle leaves, and music. Since houses of that era had no closets, large armoires were popular for storing clothes. Furniture makers used the woods that were cheap and plentiful - walnut and pine. Another centerpiece of a French country-style home is a large, wooden, dining table. Since the kitchen was the hub of activity in a farmhouse, this table was very important. The ideal French country table is sturdy, rectangular, and large with simple lines and lots of eating space. Mismatched, high-back, wooden chairs with woven, reed seats are the perfect accompaniment.

Accessories in a French country home should be kept simple and useful. In the original French farmhouse, there was little money for frivolous items. Colorfully painted, earthenware crocks; shiny, copper pots; natural, reed baskets; sturdy, wooden wine racks; iron baker's racks; and, of course, anything with a rooster theme, are commonly used.

French country design is great for a kitchen, bedroom, or dining room. By combining natural materials, Provencal colors, and simple lines, French country style can turn your home into a cheerful, sunny refuge.