French country style house with two car garage and long driveway
Drawing inspiration from the picturesque French countryside, French Country Houses offer a unique blend of relaxation, luxury, and rustic charm. These houses embody European-style architecture and exude an undeniable charm that is both elegant and timeless.
What Defines French Country Style?
French Country Style Homes beautifully integrate with their surroundings, creating a seamless panorama. Often referred to as Provencal Homes, these houses draw inspiration from ornate and decorated Parisian homes. Ranging from compact cottages to grand chateaus, French Country Homes continue to inspire the popular Shabby Chic and whimsical Modern Farmhouse styles.
French-Country House Exterior
Rustic french country house with stone exterior
French Country Exteriors possess a fairy-like charm that seems straight out of a dream. These exteriors are easily recognizable and highly appealing. Some distinctive characteristics include:
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Tall, Sloping Roof: French homes feature a tall, sloping roof with all four corners pointed to the ground. Typically tiled with clay or barrel-shaped tiles, these roofs often showcase earthy tones like brown, red, and beige.
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Natural Exposed Facades: The facades of French Country homes are often adorned with natural exposed stone or brick, emphasizing symmetry. Some homes may also use stucco as a cladding material.
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Rectangular Windows: French Home Facades boast rectangular, tall windows that create a sense of height and symmetry. These multi-paned windows are perfectly aligned on both floor levels.
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Double Chimneys: Two tall chimneys on opposite ends of the house are a distinct feature of French Country Style Houses.
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Corner Quoins: Intricate detailing and Corner Quoins give French Country homes a soft appearance and add to their aesthetic appeal.
What Colors Define French-Country?
The color palette of French Country Style is inspired by the breathtaking French hillside and countryside. Lavenders, soft greens, beiges, and browns dominate the exteriors of these homes. The interiors, on the other hand, feature prominent hues of red, white, and blue, which contribute to the classic French style. Rich tones ranging from tomato to raspberry for reds, aqua to midnight blue for blues, and various shades of whites complete the palette. The luxurious feel is often accentuated by touches of gold in picture frames, china, stencils, and glass.
French-Country House Interior
Modern french kitchen white cabinets, green side cabinet, butcher block island open beam ceiling
There is something truly magical about the French Country style that cannot be easily replicated. With its rustic and natural feel, it transports you to a quaint French village, showcasing creative moldings and classical fabrics, floral patterns, tapestries, and motifs. The interiors of a French Country House are characterized by:
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Soft, Delicate Edges: Unlike the clean and crisp lines of modern style, French Country embraces softer, curvier, and more comfortable design elements that exude coziness and simplicity.
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French Doors: Beautiful French doors are a prominent feature in these homes, allowing ample natural light to flood the interiors and create an airy ambiance.
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Natural Flooring: French country-style homes often feature natural wood flooring laid in a parquet or herringbone pattern. Limestone is also a favored choice.
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Wooden Planked Ceilings: Exposed wooden beams and wood-planked ceilings, painted in lighter hues, add a touch of rustic elegance to the interiors.
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Plastered Walls: White plastered walls are a hallmark of French Country style. Textured walls and decorative wallpapers can also be found in some homes.
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Distressed Cabinetry: The interiors showcase a luxurious yet subtly charming ambiance. Distressed painted wood surfaces and rustic tables with reclaimed wood are common features in French-style dining rooms.
French-Country Style vs. Farmhouse Style
While it's easy to confuse the two styles due to their shared emphasis on natural materials, light, and airiness, there are distinct differences. French Country Style leans towards soft, delicate, and feminine elements, whereas Farmhouse Style is characterized by a cleaner, crisper look with sleek edges and a more casual vibe. The choice of materials also varies, with Farmhouse Style embracing warm and rustic elements, while French Country Style incorporates contrasting hues, silver and gold accents, and decorative motifs into its rustic design.
Incorporating French-Country Décor
French dining room decor with rustic wood table
If you're considering redecorating your space in the French Country style, prepare to embrace a rustic yet elegant vibe. Here are some tips to achieve the desired Country charm:
- Choose furniture with a slightly distressed or weathered look.
- Layer antiques, vintage decorative objects, accent mirrors, and ornate ceramics.
- Opt for naturally upholstered furniture with low-sheen finishes.
- Incorporate patterned or textured tiles, motifs, wallpapers, and baskets.
- Focus on warmer shades with a neutral backdrop and balance them with cooler shades like blues and greens.
French Country homes evoke a feminine and richly detailed aesthetic. Quality materials, intricate designs, and a comfortable environment are the hallmarks of this enchanting style.
