To decorate one's home in the "French style" is to undertake one heck of an adventure, as French interior decorating is not that simple to re-create if you don't know exactly what you're looking for. French style includes the elegant baroque styles of long ago and the stylish modernity of modern-day Paris; maybe you're thinking of the beachy, warm atmosphere of the French Riviera instead. And while you won't have to go searching for antiques (you can find new furniture made in any of these styles), choosing pieces can be tricky because you want to be consistent. In other words, figure out what specific substyle you want and stick with it lest your interior design looks a bit off-kilter.
Distressed vs. Elegant
Distressed furniture and muted colors tend to characterize the farmhouse/country look. "French country" is sometimes used as a catch-all term, too, to blend any non-urban style from farmhouses to country chateaus, so be specific about the atmosphere you're going for. If you do want that more rustic look without making your home look shabby, keep everything neat but have an accent piece here and there, such as a wooden baker's rack/cupboard in the kitchen, that is clean but has distressed paint. The foyer to your home could have a nice console table next to a pair of distressed chairs, and so on. And don't forget that fabulous French farmhouse table, that huge, sturdy, wooden dining table that is perfect for large family get-togethers or large baking projects.
North vs. South
If you're doing up your entire home in this style, do you want the furnishings and decorations to remind you of the sun-drenched lavender fields of southern France, or of the cooler urban environment of Paris to the north? If you want to call to mind the relaxed, warm southern coast or the lavender fields of Provence, look at warmer colors like brick red and muted orange, ochre, and beiges and tans. If you prefer the more northerly styles, black, white, gray, and blue almost always work well together to create a cool urban environment.
Painted vs. Plain
Wood furniture is a major player in most French styles, and you can have it painted or plain (albeit stained and sealed) wood, depending on your preference. If you want distressed furniture, painted furniture will let the distressing be more obvious because you'll see that the paint has been removed in spots. Stained and sealed wood that isn't painted, however, is unobtrusive and great for rooms where you don't want the distressed furniture to be too obvious.
Start with one room, such as the kitchen, and seek out French dining furniture and other decor. Once you get a better sense of just what you want, you'll find it much easier to complete each room.
Share3 November 2021
When you have a home, you will want to make things beautiful by adding some gorgeous furniture pieces. While it can be nerve-wracking to move forward with decorations, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of different pieces you can add that will truly make your house feel like a home. Start adding furniture to your home by incorporating a gorgeous sofa, a nice dining room table, and a few area rugs. Next, consider adding a few arm chairs and an entertainment center. By moving forward room by room, you can help your space to really stand out and feel unique and special.