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The hallmarks of French style
are worn, used, and imperfect elements and accessories that contain
beautiful architectural accents. You are not looking for items like fine
china, sleek lines, or colors such as black, grey or white. What you want
instead are brightly patterned couches, curtains, and pillows, chunky wood
tables, and flowers. The finished product should evoke the look and feel of
the French Mediterranean and most especially the region of Provence.
Some of the key elements to include in your French inspired décor include
raw materials such as stone or bricks, cracked wood beams, curved panels,
and hard carved decorations. You can also add to your French country feel
with uneven plastered walls and raw distressed wood.
The nice thing about the French country look is that imperfections just add
to the character of the space. You don’t have to worry about fixing the
spider cracks in the wall or paint discolorations.
Some other common features include widow sills which are deeply cut and
narrow, shuttered windows, and fabric awnings over window to prevent heat
loss.
Those looking to add the French country feel to their kitchen without a
complete remodel should consider adding some rustic furniture, such as an
oversized dining table with a natural finish. You should have vertical slats
or a ladderback style to your dining chairs.
The chairs and tables you purchase should feature carved designs in the
woodwork or curved elements. You may also want to consider purchasing a
large armoire in which to store dishes, linens, or anything else you desire.
Fabrics and accessories are the next step in your room transformation. Some
of the best choices include linen or cotton, in white, cream or yellow with
bright contrasting colors and toile. Common French designs include
eighteenth century courtship scenes, Chinese patterns, and monkeys.
Good accessories include iron garden shelving units, Chinese pottery, old
pitchers of either metal or clay, and large woven baskets. Some great
patterns for your tablecloths, plates, curtains, and pottery include
beetles, sunflowers, lavender, or roosters. Check out our local antique
stores or flea markets to find some real bargains on these items.
The perfect final touch in the French country kitchen would be flowers,
preferably fresh. Some of the most popular types that match the décor
include geraniums, lavender, and sunflowers.
Great flower containers include old pitchers, glass vases, copper pots, and
window boxes. The arrangements should be simple and include lots of color.
You may also want to include natural grasses which are very consistent with
the theme.
You can decide whether you just want to add a few of the most appealing
decorative elements or totally transform your room. Any of these ideas are a
great way to bring a little of the French countryside into your home.
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