I currently have a great crush on the French style in decoration. The French style cannot be reduced to a simple decorative recipe to follow since it includes a variety of nuances: its territory and its history are so vast that there is something for everyone, the farmhouse, the colorful Provencal, the exotic look of the French Riviera, etc.
1. Use fabrics
Despite a generally moderate palette, it is still possible to add layered fabrics. Fabrics are very popular for French bedroom decor. It’s a great way to add texture, with a hint of character.
2. The canopy
The rooms with French decor are known to have a sort of canopy in their decor. This is especially true for those who want to add something fresh and new to their bed. The beauty of the canopy is that it gives any style a romantic touch.
3. Old furniture
Another essential element for a French bedroom decoration is old furniture. This type of furniture gives the room a more vintage feel. Personally, I like the multicolored look associated with the combination of old furniture and traditional decor.
4. The headboard
Nothing better than a headboard to assert the decorative style of a bedroom. The idea is to create an eclectic appeal while remaining traditional. French country decor tends to stay traditional. So, to opt for a minimal but unique approach, this option is what you need.
5. Typical French style architecture
When we start from the French style, we often visualize the large Haussmannian apartments with high ceilings, marble fireplaces, moldings and Hungarian point parquet floors. Haussmannian architecture being very present in Paris and in other cities, it has become a symbol of French interiors. Certain codes are found in luxury residences, bourgeois houses and bring a touch of chic and elegance.
In addition, in these Parisian apartments art is often present: designer pieces, a specific canvas or an antique mirror. The architecture is entirely part of the decoration of the French style.
6. The sophistication of French decor
Classic French decor is timeless and elegant . It is represented by furniture often old or of an old style , with decorated feet or engravings. The armchairs are in fabric or velvet, often padded or ornamented. The imposing mirrors with gilding, elegant consoles with painted vases. The classic French style is a historic blend of Baroque and Rococo influences , resulting in an elaborate charming interior. Glass or crystal chandeliers are present in many rooms, as are rugs. All the elements are detailed and decorated which gives an elaborate, rich and sophisticated effect.
Indeed, as for the Haussmannian apartments, certain architectural codes are characteristic of classic decoration such as parquet, moldings and natural light. The fireplaces are still present, because the French style comes from a time when the fireplaces heated the hearth. They are now often decorative.
7. The charm of the countryside in France
Always in a chic and worked spirit, but sporting a more sober architecture, the French style adapts perfectly to the countryside. The fusion of more raw and rustic materials and elegant and delicate furniture gives a very aesthetic result. Thus, the parquet is replaced by tiling, the moldings are less present and the beams are visible. The fabric furniture is sometimes decorated with flowers and keeps its feet decorated.
In the south of France, the Provencal farmhouse is a fine example of a rustic yet elegant residence that mixes rather simple handcrafted objects with more complicated furniture. The country chic theme is also found in the charm style. Flowers and shrubs like olive trees complete this chic and cozy country decor.
8. The mix of new and old
In perfect harmony, the furniture and lighting with contemporary lines fit into a traditional setting: moldings, rosettes, French doors with tiles.
9. Moldings, cornices, rosettes …
Add moldings, lots of moldings! Ornamented rosettes on the ceiling, boxes on the walls, molded doors, adding decorations above the doors, don’t be afraid! For the paint colors, the palette remains sober, all in white and ivory.
10. Precious materials
In the choice of materials and fabrics think shine and texture. Anything that evokes wealth and adds a glam accent is also appropriate: crystal chandelier, mirror with gold ornamented frame, shine, silk, velvet, polished brass, furniture covered with mirrors, etc.
11. Add touches of blue
Although the French decor is made up of a palette of gold, bright red, creamy white and beige, the latter is not limited to these hues. Add a touch of blue for a softer, modern, and appealing approach. The idea is to bring an engaging touch for a more modern touch, where and when you need it.
12. Patterns
French decor is known for its soft color palettes. But this decorative style is also known for its bold patterns. Among these patterns: gingham, checks, stripes and flowers; but not just one or two patterns, but an explosion of patterns. The more patterns, the better!
13. Layers of white
You know, white will help make a room look bigger. Also, the more aesthetic the part, the larger it is. If you want to create an expansive aesthetic while staying trendy, use and abuse white.
14. Classic color schemes
The French country decor palette includes a variety of sharp pastel hues with powerful and vibrant accents. You’ll find plenty of creamy white and pastel tones of orange, yellow, and red, enhanced by pretty undertones of gold, sage green, burgundy, sky blue, and black. As befits a country style, the palette includes colors found in nature – not the decor style for extreme or metallic brights. Often the colors are combined in unexpected ways, but the overall mood is never … MORE garish or busy. Take a look at the cute Tucker & Marks, Inc.-designed bedroom shown here – the palette is rather muted, but there’s nothing dull about it. In fact, it’s pretty hot, cheerful and relaxed.
15. Awnings and other accessories
Beautiful awnings are often found in French country rooms like this luxurious room designed by Cabell Design Studio. This style of canopy, also known as bed crown wreath, is a wonderful decorative element perfect for any room where a touch of romance would be appreciated. Another element of French country style is crackle or distressed furniture, such as the room divider, antique chair and bed shown here. You don’t need to spend a fortune on antiques or vintage… MORE furniture, however – you will often find cheap, but still healthy pieces, at flea markets or similar places, or you can distress yourself a new piece of furniture.
16. The french country gets the blues
While the French country is typically associated with a palette of warm gold, burnt red, creamy white, and neutral brown, that doesn’t mean it’s limited to just those hues. Here a stunning bedroom by Ashbourne Designs shows off the beauty of pale blue mixed with more traditional colors of the French country.
17. French today
If the traditional French country is a bit too much for your liking, feel free to update it, like in this room at Thistlewood Farms. There are a lot of traditional touches – the layered fabrics, the rustic wood, the wrought iron chandelier, the leather bench – but what happened are the typical patterns, patterns and ornamental touches often found in this. style. Instead, you get a space that is classically beautiful, very restful, and in no way outdated or fussy.
18. One color plus white
Another not uncommon palette in French country decor is a whiter color, as shown to perfection in this red and white bedroom. Red, yellow, and black are the colors most often used to compensate for white, but you can choose any color you like.
19. Bedding and fabric options
Comfortable, welcoming and a little eclectic, this is the French country to highlight. You will usually find several types of fabrics combined on the bed, with a variety of accent pillows. White linens are the most common, highlighted by bedding decorated with a French country motif: linen, paisley, and flowers are very popular. A good example is this charming French country bedroom designed by Jennifer Latimer & Gilded Mint, which uses a combination of floral throw pillows and… plus comforter set.
20. Wood decoration
Wood is always in fashion, it is always on top when it comes to decorating because it goes well with almost any decorating style. In this spirit, for a French bedroom decoration do not hesitate to add an abundance of wood. Darker wood works better because of its vintage and old-fashioned look. Lighter hues tend to be more modern while darker ones add a bit more character while still being quite stylish.
21. From the height!
Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to live in an apartment like this with very high ceilings. But you can “cheat” and accentuate the effect of height in a room by hanging your draperies as close to the ceiling as possible.
22. Beautiful wood floors
The wooden floor installed in a herringbone pattern has no equal in giving a room a very European look. An investment that is really worth it since it is a classic that you will never get tired of!
23. Adding items that have a story
Browse flea markets, antique shops, flea markets to find objects that have a patina and experience.
24. Classic hardware
Hardware is like a piece of jewelry that completes an outfit. Just change the door handles, knobs or handles on the furniture for a classic model. Look for finishes like glass and brass, black metal or pewter.
25. Large format table
The artwork is showcased quite casually. An oversized abstract painting placed on the floor or classic frames superimposed in front of a mirror on a shelf or the fireplace mantel.
