French Country Homes

A beautiful Citroen outside a classic French Country Home – Photo Courtesy: Ben Cappellacci

Traditional French country homes are the epitome of glamorous rustic living. You may well picture the house in the middle of a field of lavender with blazing sunshine, with its newly painted shutters hung open allowing the antique French lace curtains to be admired.

But, it will take some time to get your dream to be realized. Start by searching for the perfect renovation project or plot of land, keeping in mind that each area in France has its own lifestyle, climate and local traditions.

French Country Home in Villequiers, Centre, France – Photo Courtesy: Ben Cappellacci

Once you’ve found a plot you like, consult surveyors, builders and tradesmen in the local area to find out the state of the building area (is there a supply of water and electricity?). Then you will need to decide on a budget, hire an architect and project manager and then consult on different plans for the actual building.

Traditional French Home Design

Take a look at the surrounding houses for inspiration. Make a day trip of it, bring a camera and a picnic basket and drive around the neighborhood.

You might find that traditional French design is made with very natural materials, including lots of stonework and carpentry. Windows are supremely important features of French homes also, with local artisan crafted wooden shutters painted in pretty colors. French houses tend to be symmetrical in design.

Beams are a fantastic way to build a house that looks and feels like a country home, so expose the inner workings of your house when you can. Stone fireplaces are a central feature in French country home living areas, and are a perfect place to relax by after a hard day’s gardening.

The exterior of French country homes is usually very simple, with tiled roofing and rectangular spaces. Grander country homes will have a steeper incline on their roof, and perhaps a circular turret, balcony or arched porch.

French Country Home Decor & Interiors

Rustic country home styles can be achieved with a mixture of crafted metal and sensuous textiles. Grab some warm and inviting accessories next time you are in your favorite vintage home store, and check through photos of French style by looking on interior design websites.

French country rugs are an essential purchase for creating textures on top of the exquisite stone flooring. Simple colors and interesting textures make for the best options, although if you want a more contemporary feel, then pick patterns and textures that are appealing to your sense of style.

Decorating your country home in a French style requires a simple color palette and a very minimalist sense of design. Provencal fabrics can be incorporated in the furnishings, including the cushions, curtains and blinds.

Painted motifs of olives, sunflowers and grapes are a beautiful idea for updating kitchen furniture to make it look more authentic and interesting. Buy tablecloths, napkins and kitchen accessories with similar themes to keep the look smooth and cozy.

Big baskets full of wood should be placed by the fire and tiles ought to be placed in one room of the house. Pottery (thick and rustic not delicate) should be on display and big landscape paintings hung on the walls.

Throw French country quilts on the guest beds and create a shabby chic decor look with lots of cushions piled up too. Hang a big chandelier in the hall or stairway and top it all off with bunches of lavender and fresh cut flowers.

Find gorgeous French style home furniture online at:

Sweetpea and Willow – Quality, reproduction classic French furniture that is the perfect compliment to your country house.