French country decorating is casual and comfortable, and the rural French family room is intended for relaxation, family gatherings and long conversations in front of the hearth. But you don't need to move to Provence to feel the French countryside. You can re-establish it by making use of French country in your family room, and have a gathering place which feels comfortable, warm and inviting.
French country decorating is rustic, yet with an understated elegance. Color schemes tend to compliment and bring to mind the gardens and countryside, and space is used warily to keep things homely, but organized. There is no one right way to use French country decor, but here are a few tips to get you started.
Furniture
Furniture in the French country family room appeals individuals to live in and get relaxed. Generally, there will be one large piece, such as a gently worn armoire, complimented by smaller items such as a table and ladderback chair, storage trunk, or bookcases. Seating is informal, with traditional upholstered chairs often mixed with a comfortable, more contemporary sofa.
You can reconstruct this look by selecting a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You could cover an existing sofa with a plain slipcover, and drape quilts or throws on the top. Fill the sofa with cozy throw pillows that have French country decor motifs, like bumblebees or toile. Polished, stained or whitewashed wooden frame chairs, with complimentary fabrics, put in additional seating. Add a rustic, low coffee table or an ottoman, and a slightly traditional cabinet, armoire or buffet.
Floors
Wall to wall carpeting is generally not seen in French country decorating. Floors are generally wood, stone or natural tile. A combination of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and facilitate to define the space. If you do want a big rug or carpet, pick one made from natural material such as sisal or coir.
Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Old fashioned items, such as old trunks, may be utilized as decorative items or as side tables. A big, ornate mirror, hung opposite the window, will reflect the outdoor light into the room and make a feel of space. Old style garden tools, colorful earthenware pottery, candles, wooden roosters, sunflowers and books fill the shelves and add interest. French country decor evokes the things you would see while wandering through Provence, hence consider natural materials and outdoor motifs.
Most of all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and inviting, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An assorted mixture of old and new, attractive and plain, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room that looks casually graceful and is the ideal background to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Relax with it!