French Country Decor

French Country decor has unique style elements with the heart of the style based on feeling rather than following set rules.

The Look

Unlike the formal traditional styles of France, French Country - or French Provincial decor, a name used in the past - is refreshingly casual and relaxed with open and airy spaces. The look can be either rustic and functional, or refined and elegant.

We all know the French are masters of style and elegance; therefore it is no surprise French Country home decor although simple and casual, is both elegant and stylish.

The French seem to be born with 'style genes', for the way they combine their eye for beauty with style and comfort is simply a natural thing for them to do.

They love possessing beautiful and interesting items, whether old or new - purely because they appreciate the craftsmanship, beauty and charm of the item rather than being acquisitive.

Mixing and matching furniture and objets d'art in a relaxed and casual manner - which they artfully arrange with absolutely no effort - is what they do best. If the arrangement feels right, then it is right, period.

How do they do it? Not by following interior decorating rules and dictums, but simply being ever conscious of harmony, scale and balance as they arrange, layer, use contrasting textures, mix old and new, place the unexpected with the norm, and above all, keep it simple.

French Country decorating is more about what feels right, pleases the eye and following one's instincts as opposed to following rules - in the manner of how objects are used, to the way they are arranged and how they are mixed.

With French Country decor there is no wrong or right - as long as the mood spells warmth and comfort, colors don't shout at each other and there is harmony, scale and balance.

Magic works by placing the unexpected with the norm, so be bold and let your sense of creativity shine through.

Create contrast by mixing old with new and even different fabric prints together like checks and florals. Just keep a common thread or binding factor like color or neutral background for harmony and balance.

Age is of no importance with French decor, so it doesn't matter whether an item is brand new or antique, or even a flea market find - as long as it has character and charm and can be used in the home in a relaxed and functional way.

French Country decor could either be simple and functional cottage style, or more refined and stately country manor style. Either way, both are casual, warm and welcoming.

Or perhaps you would like to follow these 7 easy steps on how to introduce Country French decorating into your home.

You can also create rooms that are inviting using things you love and these French decorating tips from Interior-Home-Decorating-Ideas.com

Otherwise, if you like French Country Cottage decorating it may interest you to visit Cottage Home Decorating for more inspiration.

OR

Take the books for a spin on the carousel below where you will find some of the best Country French decorating books available at Amazon.

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