A Few Useful Guidelines To Design French Country Family Room

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 6:10 pm

French country decorating is informal and cozy, and the rural French family room is destined for recreation, family gatherings and long conversations in front of the hearth. But you don't need to move to Provence to experience the French countryside. You can recreate it by making use of French country in your family room, and have a gathering place that feels comfortable, warm and homely.

French country decorating is rustic, yet with a simple style. Color schemes tend to compliment and evoke the gardens and countryside, and space is utilized carefully to keep things homely, but uncluttered. There is no one right way to use French country decor, but here are a few guidelines to get you in progress.

Furniture
Furniture in the French country family room appeals individuals to nestle in and get relaxed. Usually, there will be one large piece, like a gently worn armoire, complimented by smaller items such as a table and ladderback chair, storage trunk, or bookcases. Seating is casual, with traditional upholstered chairs mostly mixed with a comfy, more contemporary sofa.

You can 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 cozy throw pillows which have French country decor motifs, such as bumblebees or toile. Polished, stained or whitewashed wooden frame chairs, with complimentary fabrics, add 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 normally not perceived 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, select one made from natural material such as sisal or coir.

Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Aged items, such as old trunks, could be utilized as decorative items or as side tables. A large, ornate mirror, hung opposite the window, will reflect the outdoor light into the room and generate 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 strolling through Provence, hence visualize natural materials and outdoor motifs.

Most of all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and homely, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An assorted combination of old and new, patterned and plain, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room which appears casually stylish and is the perfect backdrop to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Have fun with it!