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Start with the following basic elements:
Color
Plenty of milky whites with buttery creams, powdery pinks, chalky blues, pale sage greens and musty violets, combined with smoky grays.
Fabrics and Linen
Lots of pattern, from dainty flowers to stripes and checks and plenty of Toile de Jouy fabrics. Toiles can either be very grand or simplistic country scenes.
Quilted bed covers with scalloped edges called a 'boutis', made from either floral or toile prints can be used in either the bedroom or the living room as throws.
Curtains are either fine or coarse linen and will fall to the floor in a soft puddle.
Lighting
Chandeliers, candelabra and wall-mounted lighting. These can be painted Paris gray with touches of gold which is quite characteristic in a French country manor.
Dining
French porcelain decorated with dainty garlands or flowers and small touches of gilding work well with the toile and floral prints of upholstered dining room chairs. White damask table cloths show cases the porcelain beautifully.
Furniture
With so many patterns it is best to keep furniture a distressed chalky white. A painted armoire filled with lovely linen or china enhances the look.
NOTE
French Country home décor is never cluttered or complicated.
Remember, less is better than more.
Focus on harmony, scale and balance.
Compare the country manor to the French farmhouse and cottage for some more style ideas.
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