When it comes to interior design, the French Modern style is an elegant blend of contrasting elements. It combines gilded accents with natural materials and contemporary art with antique furniture. French Country, on the other hand, embraces rustic imperfections that come with age. Both styles offer an easy yet elevated approach to livable luxury. If you're intrigued by these timeless design styles, read on for eight creative ways to incorporate French Country and French Modern into your home this Fall.
What are French Country and French Modern Interior Design Styles?
French Country and French Modern have subtle differences that set them apart. They share similar color palettes, glamorous accents, and organic materials, but French Country has a more rustic charm. According to Jessica Bennett from Better Homes & Gardens, French-country style combines "European elegance with rustic comforts." This style is characterized by antique furnishings, weathered finishes, natural materials, and warm neutrals. French Modern, on the other hand, is more intentional and sophisticated. It strikes a balance between the ornate opulence of antique French interiors and contemporary design.
In our Hedwig Village project, we beautifully blended French Country with French Modern in a remodeled 1920s Houston home. The space features custom millwork, arched windows, antique lighting, and a serene color scheme. Let's dive into eight ways to bring French Modern into your home and create a timeless and elegant atmosphere.
#1 Focus on Architectural Details
When incorporating French Modern into your home, pay attention to architectural details. Preserve existing elements, such as antique windows, tray ceilings, medallions, niches, molding, tresses, and wooden beams. Renovate spaces with historic significance carefully, honoring their idiosyncrasies with appropriate lighting, a great color scheme, and due respect. Like Kristin Hohenadel from The Spruce suggests, a room's shape, character, and history are the starting point of any good design. Embrace hand-crafted details that make your home truly special.
Don't forget about the exterior of your home when designing its French Modern interior. Carry motifs and elements from the interior to the outdoor space. Create a seamless connection between the loggia and the indoor living area. Add a formal fireplace or carry over materials like limestone-washed brick from the kitchen. This continuity between the exterior and interior is essential for a truly French-inspired design.
#2 Mix Antique, Modern, and Contemporary Pieces
From left to right: an antique Montgolfière Empire Chandelier Crystal Sac a Pearl Lamp Lustre Basket inspired by 18th-century artistry but dated to the 1920s, a Brass Lotus Pattern Hand-crafted Oak and Mother-of-Pearl Buffet designed by Egyptian designer Shewekar Elgharably, and a watercolor painting entitled "Modernist Sculpture" by San Francisco Abstract Expressionist Michael William Eggleston, dated to 1973.
Create a layered and eclectic look by mixing antique, vintage, modern, and contemporary pieces. Pair delicate, traditional furniture with bold and contemporary artwork. This blending of styles creates a collected feel that is organic and authentic. As French design expert Constance Gennari suggests, French interior design is known for its eclecticism and willingness to juxtapose different eras and styles. Don't be afraid to place a modern chair beside an 18th-century dresser or contemporary lighting against an ornate background. These contrasts add character and dimension to your space.
Consider updating your existing furniture by swapping out bland hardware for more opulent versions. Opt for antique or vintage pieces that complement the motifs, palettes, and line-work of other objects in your French Modern interior. Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Arts & Crafts pieces are versatile and blend well with both contemporary and antique elements.
#3 Make Romantic Millwork a Priority
French millwork example
French millwork is renowned for its sophistication and craftsmanship. The French have elevated the art of architectural decoration, creating stunning moldings and intricate details that play with light and shadow. When designing your French Modern interior, incorporate beautiful millwork with carved wood and elegant moldings. Pay attention to small details, such as cove edging and French curves. These delicate elements may be subtle, but they make a huge impact on the final design.
In our Hedwig Village project, the LUDC team designed brand-new paneling and molding, inspired by the furniture selected by Molly Solich Design. The millwork perfectly aligns with the bed frame, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing space. Consider incorporating French millwork into your home to add a touch of timeless elegance.
#4 Choose a Classic Color Palette
From left to right: an 18th Century Hand-Painted Venetian Style Deep Blue & Chinoiserie Tevere Armoire from Porte Italia, a contemporary Stamford Modern's Linear Bench designed by Carlos Solano-Granda, and a Contemporary Pillow in Linen and Flower Print from Europe.
Embrace a classic color palette that evokes French elegance. In our Hedwig Village project, we chose an earthy yet sophisticated palette with contemporary pastels. Draw inspiration from nature and opt for colors like sage green, warm beige, dove gray, and pale blue. Blush, coffee, mauve, and gold are also excellent choices. These classic colors lend a timeless charm to your French Modern interior.
#5 Make It Timeless — Not Trendy
French Modern and French Country interior design are all about easy elegance and timeless sophistication. Avoid falling into the trap of following fleeting trends. Instead, focus on clean lines, heritage prints, and natural materials. Create a home that feels like it has evolved over time, with a mixture of old and new elements. Root your design in the surrounding environment by using materials that reflect local resources and filtering natural light throughout the space. Avoid generic, mass-produced furniture and opt for a unique blend of elements that provide texture, balance, and dynamism to your home.
#6 Opt for Organic Materials and Fresh Flowers That Connect Your Home to the Landscape
To add depth and vibrancy to your French Modern interior, incorporate organic materials and fresh flowers. Just like mixing antique and contemporary pieces, combining florals and houseplants creates a rich, layered effect. These vibrant blooms offer a beautiful contrast between the ephemeral and the eternal and allow your home to change with the seasons. Cut flowers and foliage from your own garden or visit local farmers' markets to connect your home to the surrounding landscape. Arrange full, low-profile arrangements on kitchen islands and dining tables, while taller vases work well in entryways. Carefully consider the vessels in which you display your flowers, as they are an integral part of the overall bouquet.
If flowers aren't your thing or if you have allergies, incorporate florals through hand-painted wallpaper or landscape paintings. Choose natural materials for your furniture and fixtures, and don't be afraid to mix different tones of wood or metal accents.
#7 Accept Age and Imperfections
From left to right: an 18th Century Hand-Painted Venetian Style Light Taupe & Green Padua Armoire, a French Rococo Louis XV Cleopatra Style Settee from the late 20th century, and a charming Small Vintage Lost Wax Cast Bronze Snail Sculpture with Verde Patina from 1950.
French Modern interior design embraces imperfections and ages gracefully. This style values antique furniture with a few scratches and light fixtures with a patina. A French Modern interior should feel warm and natural, collected but organic. Avoid excessive perfectionism and let your home evolve naturally over time. Embrace the age of objects and appreciate their unique characteristics.
#8 Highlight the Space with Gold Accents
Add a touch of glamour and sophistication to each space with gold accents. Opt for slightly burnished or blackened gold instead of bright yellow gold. Antique gold brings warmth and understated glamour to your French Modern interior. Incorporate gold accents through light fixtures, hardware, and picture frames. Instead of buying new frames or hardware, look for "new-to-you" elements at local thrift stores. Choose brass hardware with intricate details or antique frames with hand-laid gilding. These subtle hints of gold will catch the sunlight and add a touch of luxury to your space.
By following these eight ways to bring French Modern into your home, you can create a timeless and elegant atmosphere that exudes French charm. Embrace the beauty of contrasting elements, mix antique with contemporary, and pay attention to architectural details and organic materials. With a touch of gold and a classic color palette, your home will become a sophisticated sanctuary that showcases the best of French design.
