How To Achieve A French Country Living Design

By Author: unknownmem
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French country Living is comfortable, well-made, and beautiful. It can be equated with that perfect pair of jeans that have served you well over the course of time. They feel good, go great with anything you want to wear, and are well-made which is why they have lasted so long. Just like your favorite jeans, this style of decor is known for its elegant craftsmanship, minimal maintenance, and style that can blend beautifully with other elements that reflect your personal tastes.

This style of design began in the 18th and 19th century in French provinces where lifestyles were slower in pace, crafts were of the best quality, and the landscape set the tone for outdoor and indoor living. Many of the hues found in this style are natural yet vibrant. Cobalt blue and sunflower yellow are complemented with shades of evergreen with Terra Cotta accents. Additionally, the farmyard look can be added throughout the living areas to bring that country feel to every room in the home.

Furnishings are designed to be used, not just seen. Gentle curves as well as floral and folklore motifs provide the basis of this design style. ...
... This ensures that furniture is warm and welcoming with wood in colors and textures that invite a touch. One of the infamous pieces of French Country is the armoire. Although originally used becomes homes were built without closets, today they easily fit into almost any room in the home and can house televisions, linens, or food stuffs when space is limited in the kitchen.

Frequently with French Country you will find mixes of woods as well as materials. This reflects the sources that were originally available on the farm during the early centuries when this style became popular. Oak, walnut, and cherry were very common in furnishings then as now and serve as great materials for farm tables, coffee tables, and many other elements required in today's home.

Artisans were known for their craftsmanship in creating graceful curves as well as carving intricate floral designs that brought out the beauty of the wood as well as provided a base from which other elements could be mixed. Although replicated today with technologically advanced manufacturing techniques, then as now the style produced is elegant and classic, yet friendly and welcoming. When finishing touches are added, it creates quite a statement.

Accessories, lighting, and bright cotton prints complete the look. For the French the heart of the home is in the kitchen. Therefore, a meal is not something that is simply shared it is an event. This is a great area to enhance the French Country appeal by adding rustic artwork on the walls as well as layers of linens, a floral and berry centerpiece, and earthenware on the table. Whether one opts to light the area with wrought iron or crystal, this type of lighting will enhance the elegance of the space making those joining you want to stay around for awhile.

The overall end product of a French country Living motif is designed to encourage those entering the space to sit down, lean back, and have a good time. With the right colors, furnishings, accessories, and lighting this is much easier to achieve than would be expected. Best of all it will fit in with any other elemental designs you would like to add.
Boutique Provencal offer a beautiful range of French Country Living accessories, French Pottery, French Gifts and living room accessories.