5 Key Elements to Introduce
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3. Fabrics
Use French mattress ticking - navy blue or beige stripes is a good choice - to make cushions and bolsters. Red and blue gingham can be used for gathered curtains in front of open cupboards and for tablecloths. Homespun fabrics consisting of loosely woven linen, hemp or wool are still as prized today as ever before and remnants are very sought after to make cushions.Because French farmhouse decorating doesn't really have much pattern in the fabrics, interesting braids and edgings can be used for borders to add interest.
4. Linen
Keep sheets and pillow covers white. In rural France they are often embellished with the most delicate cross stitched monograms in red, unlike the more elaborate embroidered monograms found on linen in the French country manors.In the kitchen use white linen and red or blue striped, or gingham prints. I have also seen white damask tablecloths with a red floral border woven into the fabric. Last but not least, no French kitchen would ever be without an abundant supply of vintage 'torchons' - white linen dish towels with a red stripe woven down the length on either side is the most common, although other colored stripe patterns are also used.
In French kitchens torchons are often seen piled high in a wicker basket within easy reach for the cook's convenience.
5. Kitchen Décor
French Farmhouse kitchens are usually the main living area and the hub of home. For this reason a large, well-scrubbed pine table will double up for preparing food, dining and a place to gather for daily activities.Wooden benches around the table are often preferred to chairs as they can seat more in a large family.
Blue and white china with simple painted designs is a must if you can. The French display china in their quintessential kitchen armoire, along with many other everyday practical utensils. Actually, they love to display just about everything in their kitchens and wirework containers along with baskets are also popular choices for storage.
Do not worry if you cannot introduce all of the above elements into your farmhouse decorating at once, as even one or two essentials will bring a French ambience to your décor.
A good start would be to introduce plenty of white plus striped and gingham fabric to make cushions, curtains and table linen. A wicker basket piled with torchons and a thick wooden chopping board in the kitchen will also add an instant touch of French farmhouse decor.
Happy decorating!
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My Shopping Pick of the Month
I thought I would search the net for some French Farmhouse accessories and I was surprised to find that Amazon, believe it or not, have a number of items that will enhance your French decor.I was impressed with the French Country inspired table runner below, which is a good copy of antique European hemp or linen grain sacks.
The striped pattern (which was once used to identify local farmers) is weaved into the cloth like the original and not printed on the fabric like other copies I have seen.
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