French Country Interior Design Styles

Among the most popular and easiest to pull off, French country style is a mix of rustic and refined design inspired by the French countryside. Its comfortable and casual sophistication feels effortless, but actually has distinctive characteristics that allow you achieve a perfectly imperfect aesthetic

French Country Home Design

It’s All About Balance

Merging rustic touches with French elegance creates a unique symmetry. It feels lived-in, but still impeccable. Kitchen cabinetry that looks like furniture, embellished with a decorative range hood. A light wood dining table, mismatched chairs, and a rustic chandelier in the dining room. A bedroom featuring a headboard made of distressed wood or an old iron gate, layers of soft white bedding and curtains, and perhaps a small crystal chandelier. 

Natural Materials

As in traditional rustic design, natural materials are de rigueur for French country. Think exposed wood-beamed ceilings, natural stone, wood planked floors. Nothing is polished. Materials have a weathered appearance, featuring subtle distressing for a lived-in feel.

Colors & Prints

The color palette is warm, featuring hues with a subtle intensity. Soft yellows, warm pinks, baby blues, and creams. Darker colors are minimal. Toile is a traditional pattern in French country design, printed on cotton or linen and used for upholstery, drapery, tablecloths, and wallpaper. It can be paired with other patterned fabrics, such as stripes, plaids, checks, ginghams, and small florals. 

Furniture

Comfort and style are key. Upholstered seating and chairs with soft and cozy cushions. Other furnishings may be simple wood pieces with graceful curves. The furniture may also be characterized by distressed, painted, or whitewashed finishes.

Accessorize Accordingly

French country often blends old with new. Wrought iron or rusted metal accents matched with distressed furnishings. Vintage pieces or antiques (wall clocks, chandeliers, blue and white porcelain plates, mirrors), along with woven baskets, colorful ceramics, and pitchers.

If you are interested in learning about new homes in South Carolina, and how the talented design team at Cothran Homes can help you achieve the French Country-style home of your dreams, call us at 864-318-9349 or schedule a personal tour today.