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

French country decorating is relaxed and cozy, and the rural French family room is intended for relaxation, 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 restructure it by using French country in your family room, and have a gathering place that feels comfortable, warm and homely.

French country decorating is rustic, yet with an understated elegance. Color schemes tend to compliment and evoke the gardens and countryside, and space is used 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 on track.

Furniture
Furniture in the French country family room entices people to nestle in and get comfortable. Normally, 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 re-establish this look by choosing a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You can cover an existing sofa with a plain slipcover, and drape quilts or throws overtop. Fill the sofa with comfy throw pillows which have French country decor motifs, like 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 usually not seen in French country decorating. Floors are usually wood, stone or natural tile. A combination of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and help to define the space. If you do want a big rug or carpet, pick 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 used 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 sense of space. Traditional 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 strolling through Provence, so consider natural materials and outdoor motifs.

Above all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and homely, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An eclectic mixture of old and new, attractive and simple, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room that looks casually stylish and is the perfect backdrop to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Relax with it!

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