Above: A French Country Cupboard, Vintage Linen Lamp and Creamware Collection: A reproduction French Country hutch holds the owner’s collection of vintage creamware pieces. A vintage wood floor lamp has a new shade of faded floral linen. Botanical prints of shells flank the cupboard. Photo Courtesy: Posh Surfside
The French interior style combines the best aspects of some ancient and contemporary trends in home decoration and furnishing. A home designed in a French style is cosy, stylish and original because it is actually a reflection of your own ideas and preferences of home décor and interior.
What makes the French interior style preferred for home decoration?
French interior style is actually a broad topic because it can be found in different shapes and forms in our everyday life. You may find its vintage “line” pretty attractive, you may be impressed by the the magic of the so-called “shabby chic” or you may like the Provence style the best. However, no matter what you find most appropriate for your home, the truth is that the French interior style has its own character.
If you decide to look more closely, you will find some sentimental and valuable touches that would be successfully combined with some innovative design solutions. And you can find a whole bunch of little treasures that can help you renovate your place into the French style at the most unexpected places – from markets for used goods and antique shops to garage sales and even the old closet of your grandma.
The good thing about the French interior style is that in most cases it is cheaper than any other option for home decoration. The reason is that it encourages you to renovate your place by furniture restoration and using some old stuff by changing their initial function. However, you must be patient because you will find all these with time and not in the local store.
And finally, you get a home with its own style and character, combining the charm of the past and the functionality of the present and looking comfortable and cosy.
What colours and patterns are used in French interior style?
When it comes to colours and patters, there are many options for you if you have decided to try and renovate your home into a French interior style.
The first option is to use one colour and make it the leading one for your walls and furniture or for your curtains and decorations. You can choose between all shades of blue, red, peach, lavender white or ivory. Some of the most-preferred shades of blue and red are respectively aqua and cherry blossom.
The second option to choose a dominant colour and then another one that complements it without taking its leading role. For example, you can try a combination between blue and green hues, or sandy and sky-blue hues, or white and grey hues. There are numerous variations and the choice is all yours.
You can also try some combinations between red, blue and white that represent the French flag.
Another characteristic feature for the French interior style are floral motives that can be found anywhere in the house. You can also use some shells and other sea gifts as decorations because they also fit in this interior style pretty well.
Here are some ideas about your home renovation in a French interior style:
In the bedroom
You can put a large bed with a metal frame or wooden panels in your bedroom. Try to find a vintage-looking cabinet that can be combined with a beautiful ornate mirror with a worn-out effect. Then put your favourite perfumes and a big wooden jewellery box on top. You can also try a decoupage technique in order to make the jewellery box more interesting.
You can also put a large wooden chest under the bed. And if you want to have something from the present, buy a modern lamp. A great idea is also to use an old buffet instead of a wardrobe.
In the bathroom
A French bath in green and blue would look great in any home. You can add a sink in the shape of a large bowl trying to imitate more ancient style. You can put your liquid soap in a glass or a ceramic bottle and don’t forget the mirror with a beautiful frame.
In the living room and the dining room
You can use a great variety of decorations and accessories here. Porcelain sets and vases, paintings in ornate frames, old photographs, chandeliers – you name it. You can try putting a small coffee table next to the window and a iron garden chair.
In the kitchen
Use a combination between solid wood and terracotta. Put some curtains in bright colours on the cupboards and hang some of the kitchen utensils down from the ceiling.
July Minor is passionate about home interior and home improvement. She runs Carpet Cleaner, London and really enjoys that. July spends her free time writing about home improvement and discussing her articles with her audience.
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