French Country Decorating -- How To Design An Informal, Inviting French Country Family Room

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

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 utilized carefully to keep things cozy, but orderly. There is no one right way to make use of French country decor, but here are a few guidelines to get you on track.

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

You can reconstruct this look by selecting a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You can cover an existing sofa with a simple slipcover, and drape quilts or throws on the top. Fill the sofa with cozy throw pillows which 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 normally not perceived in French country decorating. Floors are usually wood, stone or natural tile. A mixture of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and facilitate to define the space. If you do need a big rug or carpet, pick one made from natural material like sisal or coir.

Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Aged items, such as old trunks, may 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 create a feel of space. Old style garden tools, multicolored earthenware pottery, candles, wooden roosters, sunflowers and books fill the shelves and add interest. French country decor evokes the things you would notice while wandering through Provence, so visualize natural materials and outdoor designs.

Above all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and inviting, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An assorted combination of old and new, attractive and simple, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room which looks casually graceful and is the wonderful backdrop to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Have fun with it!

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