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Farmhouse decorating is easy when you know the basics. Start with these simple French country home décor tips
Color
Red, white and blue are predominant with a few soft earthy colors included for warmth. Plenty of white is essential for achieving this look, from cool chalky white washes to warm and antique creamy whites.
Fabrics
French mattress ticking, blue, red or beige stripes and red and blue gingham is favored to make curtains, tablecloths and cushions for chairs and daybeds. Homespun fabrics consisting of loosely woven linen, hemp or wool are also favored.
Because this style doesn't really have much pattern, interesting braids and edgings are used for borders to add interest.
Linen
Plenty of white linen without embellishments is used in the bedroom for both bed sheets and curtains.
Furniture
Washed furniture in antique white or pale gray with the wood grain still apparent, or very distressed paint with lots of wood showing is very effective. Distressed painted metal furniture like a daybed is also a good choice.
Kitchen
Unlike the manor which has separate living rooms, in the French farmhouse the living room would more than likely be incorporated into a large kitchen resulting in the kitchen being the main living area. For this reason a large, well scrubbed pine table will double up for preparing food, dining and a place to gather for daily activities.
Blue and white china is a must with simple stenciled or hand painted designs, probably housed in the quintessential armoire.
Enamelware and baskets along with kitchen tools like scales, coffee and meat grinders are all typical items found in the farmhouse kitchen.
Surfaces
Terra-cotta tiles, rough stone floors and matt textures.
Besides farmhouse decorating there are other Country French decorating styles to choose from, namely the French Country manor and the French country cottage.
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