Some Helpful Guidelines To Design French Country Family Room
French country decorating is casual and cozy, and the rural French family room is meant 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 restructure 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 a simple elegance. Color schemes tend to compliment and bring to mind the gardens and countryside, and space is used carefully 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 live in and get relaxed. Usually, there will be one large piece, like a gently worn armoire, complimented by smaller items like a table and ladderback chair, storage trunk, or bookcases. Seating is casual, with antique upholstered chairs often mixed with a cozy, more contemporary sofa.
You could re-establish this look by choosing a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You may cover an existing sofa with a plain slipcover, and drape quilts or throws overtop. Fill the sofa with comfy 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 aged cabinet, armoire or buffet.
Floors
Wall to wall carpeting is generally not seen in French country decorating. Floors are normally wood, stone or natural tile. A combination of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and help to define the space. If you do need a big rug or carpet, choose one made from natural material like sisal or coir.
Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Aged items, such as old trunks, could be used 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 observe while wandering through Provence, hence think natural materials and outdoor designs.
Above all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and homely, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An eclectic combination of old and new, patterned and plain, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room which looks casually elegant and is the wonderful backdrop to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Relax with it!
|
