French Country Decorating -- How To Design An Unfussy, Attractive French Country Family Room

French country decorating is casual and comfortable, and the rural French family room is intended for recreation, 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 could re-establish it by using French country in your family room, and have a gathering place that feels cozy, warm and homely.

French country decorating is rustic, yet with a simple elegance. Color schemes tend to compliment and evoke the gardens and countryside, and space is utilized warily to keep things comfortable, but uncluttered. There is no one right way to use French country decor, but here are a few tips to get you on track.

Furniture
Furniture in the French country family room appeals people to nestle 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 casual, with antique upholstered chairs mostly mixed with a comfortable, more contemporary sofa.

You could recreate this look by selecting a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You may cover an existing sofa with a simple slipcover, and drape quilts or throws overtop. Fill the sofa with comfortable 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 old fashioned cabinet, armoire or buffet.

Floors
Wall to wall carpeting is generally not observed in French country decorating. Floors are normally wood, stone or natural tile. A mixture of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and help to define the space. If you do want a large rug or carpet, pick one made from natural material like sisal or coir.

Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Traditional items, such as old trunks, can 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 sense of space. Antique 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 notice while wandering through Provence, hence think natural materials and outdoor designs.

Most of all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and inviting, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An eclectic mixture of old and new, patterned and simple, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room which looks casually elegant and is the ideal background to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Have fun with it!

Explore The Elegance Of Floor Clocks As Well As Antique Clocks
Clocks have become a part of most homes, ever since they were invented. Come explore the mystery and beauty of grand and antique timepieces.

Use A Metal Loft Bed To Make Complete Use Of The Little Place You May Have In Your Master Bedroom
One good suggestion if you really want to organize all your things and maximize the small area that you have is a metal loft bed. This piece of furniture has the bed elevated giving you the luxury of using the space available underneath for other purposes.

Calm Down At House By Setting Up A Romantic Environment In Your Home With Floor Candle Holders
You love going home after tiring days so that you can wind out and relax in a place so familiar to you. Now, if you want to add an ambiance of romance to your home then you should do so with floor candle holders.

Make Your Child's Room Exciting And Entertaining By Installing A Bunk Bed With Slide
The bunk bed is a great way to provide a themed style sleeping area for your child. Bunk beds with slide today tend to be beds on top with an area under the bed for playing, rather than a second bed.

How To Light Around Lighting And Window Coverings - Roman Shades
Roman shades are frequently referred to as fabric shades. This is because they combine the prettiness and elegance of a fabric drape and the usefulness of a shade that is able to be manipulated to allow light inside or keep light out.

Soy Wax Candles: Clean & Eco-Friendly Beneficial Burning Alternatives
Soy wax candles decay very easily and it is much safer to discard them once they have been used. This is one of the main soy wax candles benefits and makes them the most environmentally friendly candles in the market.

Why People Want Blackout Roller Blinds?
Blinds are used on windows for various reasons. The most important reason is to block the light coming inside. There are different kinds of blinds used as window treatments in homes and offices.

Dripless Taper Candles - An Easy And Excellent Strategy To Decorate Your Home With No Wax Spills
Dripless taper candles are are made in a special way so that their wax does not spill onto the holder or the place where the candle is placed. Wax has high oil content so if it drips on to cloth or wood then it will leave a stain even after the wax has been removed.

More Articles

Blogroll

Home | Sitemap | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service

Copyright © 2006 - All Rights Reserved.