One of the things I love about the living room in the new house is how it is unfussy, casual, and a cozy spot to read. It has European country flavor but also a California cool luxe. I didn’t buy anything new for the room, and you wouldn’t think such large scale pieces could ever work. There’s always something new to learn! Elegant Yet Unfussy European Country Living Rooms & Ingredients is proof there isn’t one way to get the look. You’ll also find mood boards with cozy mostly neutral finds.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Elegant Yet Unfussy European Country Living Rooms Inspo
You’ll find pretty decor, paint colors, furniture, and shopping resources with friendly price tags.
![Rustic French farmhouse European country living room with linen sofa, blue-gray trim, and warm light neutrals in a cottage by Desiree of Beljar Home and Decor de Provence. #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #livingrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/decor-de-provence-living-room-desiree-ashworth-beljar-home-001.jpg)
Even though I have yet to move into the coveted French farmhouse of which I dream, I can still capture the spirit.
Even better? Its unfussy elegance doesn’t require a chateau-sized budget. Vintage pieces can often be picked up for next to nothing on FB Marketplace.
![Calabria Table Lamp - a Belgian style lamp with sloping shade - Burke Decor.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/calabria-table-lamp-burkedecor-belgian-shade-3.jpg)
And while authentic antiques are always preferable, hunting down the right ones can take time. So reproductions and inferior yet pleasing finds can stand in until you score the perfect piece.
![Cozy Neutral Decor for Home - Hello Lovely Studio. #interiordesign #furniture #decoratingideas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cozy-neutral-decor-hello-lovely-studio-banner-furniture-interiordesign.jpg)
If rustic elegance, tone on tone, neutral colors, and European sensibilities appeal to you…you’ll love this collection.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. This great room incorporates beams from the homeowner's South Texas ranch as well as 18th-century doors from Avignon. #interiordesign #frenchcountry #plasterwalls #greatroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-living-room-plaster-walls-french-country-design-001.jpg)
You’ll also be able to see there are plenty of ways to interpret a French inspired look in the living room.
![Pamela Pierce's Houston living room with arched windows, rustic shutters, and French limestone antique fireplace (Chateau Domingue). #rusticelegance #livingrooms #rusticFrenchinteriors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pamela-pierce-white-modern-french-living-room-milieu-miguel-flores-vianna-rustic-elegance.jpg)
Limestone, rustic textures, crystal chandeliers, distressed wood, and linen upholstery tend to be a common denominator.
![Sophisticated modern French white living room in a Houston home on Berthea with design by M Naeve - @greenwoodkingproperties](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/002-elegant-modern-french-living-room-m-naeve-houston-berthea-greenwoodkingproperties.jpg)
My own personal preference at home is modern French or French inspired California cool…
![My Belgian linen arm chair in living room with white oak hardwoods - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/00001-fall-decor-hello-lovely-living-room-belgian-linen-chair-fireplace.jpg)
So there are plenty of ways to run and riff with country French decorating.
Bonus: French Lesson
Just for fun…we’ll get fancy and throw in a French lesson for kicks…je vous en prie!
![Breathtaking French country living room with stone fireplace and pale blue walls - Ohara Davies Gaetano Interiors. #frenchblue #frenchlivingroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ohara-davies-gaetano-french-country-living-room-dana-point-2.jpg)
This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.
But first…
Tour this Property in Southwest France
Ever dreamed of moving to France? We previously toured a luxurious vacation rental in Carcassonne (‘the other South of France’) HERE, and for a sense of the cost and potential in Southwest France, see this:
Need a French Grey Paint Color Possibility?
Farrow & Ball’s Pavilion Gray is a very French sort of grey which closely resembles the custom grey paint hue the Giannettis used on trim at Patina Farm (see glimpses RIGHT HERE).
If you prefer a Sherwin-Williams paint, Pavilion Gray is quite similar to SW Repose Gray. (You could always snag a sample pot of the F&B from with the link above.)
![Pretty Blue Finds for Home on Hello Lovely Studio. #shopthelook #bluedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pretty-blue-finds-home-decor-furniture-wallpaper-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
![Gracie wallpaper in living room - Patina Farm (Brooke Giannetti) European country farmhouse in Ojai. #patinafarm #vintagemodern #modernrustic #livingrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/patina-farm-brooke-giannetti-living-room-gracie-wallpaper-jib-door-tv-ottoman-bread-boards.jpg)
Need more pretty paint colors? Visit my BEST PAINT COLORS board on Pinterest and pin away, please!
![Gratitude quote: when you love what you have, you have everything you need - Hello Lovely Studio. #gratitudequotes #thanksgivingquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/gratitude-quote-on-hello-lovely-studio-love-what-you-have.jpg)
No. 1: Sofa…Le canapé
Does it all start with this piece for the living room? Also SEE THIS POST FOR SOFA IDEAS.
It tends to be the investment piece for sure. Isn’t this grain stripe upholstery wonderful?
![French Nordic style in a Cotswolds living room at Hope Cottage. Photo by Pernille Pahle. #englishcountry #frenchnordic #livingrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cotwolds-cottage-hope-farm-living-room-2-001.jpg)
![Modern French Nordic Get the Look on Hello Lovely! #modernfrench #homedecor #gustavianstyle #nordicfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/modern-french-nordic-get-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
No. 2: Lamp…La Lampe
Romantic lighting is so key to striking the right mood for a French inspired living room.
![Belgian linen upholstered chairs, white oak hardwood flooring, and a French fireplace in our European inspired country living room - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #livingroom #europeancountry #belgianlinen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/006-hello-lovely-studio-european-country-living-room-fireplace-001.jpg)
I found my table lamp many years ago at the mall. It is very tall for such a wonky little handmade industrial table, yet it’s the sort of playful combination I love.
Here are some ideas for inexpensive pale toned table lamps.
Don’t be afraid to tweak the finish of a lamp that is almost the right color.
This one is similar to the lamps in my bedroom:
![Rustic stone walls in a French farmhouse in the South of France offered for vacation stays by Haven In.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BDC-15JH-25.jpg)
![Elegant Lighting Ideas on Hello Lovely Studio. #chandeliers #sconces #pendantlights](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/elegant-lighting-ideas-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
No. 3: Accent Chair…la chaise d’appoint
I feel like my followers must be tired of seeing my Belgian linen slipcovered dining chairs…
But I love them just as much now as when we bought them in the early 2000s!
When you find timeless pieces you like, it can often lead to “buy once, cry once.” Hahahahaha.
No. 4: Pillow Cover…La taie D’oreiller
These covers are an inexpensive way to try the look without investing too much.
Such a simple design that won’t fall from favor.
No. 5: Chandelier…Le Lustre
What is it about chandeliers that instantly bring Old World romance to a space?
![Breezy and unfussy with Belgian linen curtains from Pottery Barn, this French farmhouse living room with white (Farrow and Ball's Strong White) and French Gray accents is as timeless as it is refreshing - Vivi et Margot.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/french-farmhouse-living-room-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio-1-001.jpg)
They are welcome in living rooms, but I have used them in pantries, closets, hallways, bathrooms, and everywhere in between.
I’m also not afraid to paint a second hand one I pick up at the thrift store or FB Marketplace.
![Living room painted Benjamin Moore China White - Decorpad. #benjaminmoorechinawhite #paintcolors #interiordesign #livingroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whitest-white-paint-color-benjamin-moore-china-white-french-living-room-decorpad-2.jpg)
Paint? Reminds me of the fact I have noticed this particular color pop up when you’re after the look of plaster walls.
![Benjamin Moore China White PM-20 white paint color. #benjaminmoorechinawhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/benjamin-moore-china-white-pm-20.jpg)
I trust the choices of designer Sherry Hart (Design Indulgence), and she has used this color in high end projects with stunning results.
![Benjamin Moore China White paint color in a French inspired living room with fireplace and pale color palette - Sherry Hart; Ladisic Fine Homes; Circa Lighting. #bmchinawhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/china-white-paint-color-living-room-french-fireplace-sherryhart.jpg)
So often it’s those aged whites that impart sophistication and a timelessness you can’t achieve with a bright cool white without undertones.
![China White paint color on cabinetry in a bedroom - Reed Homestead Style (Brandon Vick Photography). #bmchinawhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/china-white-paint-color-marble-lamp-reedhomesteadstyle-brandonvickphotography.jpg)
Would you, could you, build a French country style home with white brick painted China White?
![Benjamin Moore China White paint color on a French country white brick house exterior - Bummer Lamb Design (Christy Kosnic Photography). #chinawhitepaint](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/china-white-paint-color-bummerlambdesign-brick-house-exterior-wood-shutters.jpg)
Swoon!
No. 6: Wicker Trunk…Le Coffre En Osier
I have a thing for these wicker trunk baskets. While it took years to find them, I have three in different sizes just perfect for stacking. They look great and can store any number of things.
Mine are full of collected fabrics and art supplies.
No. 7: Settee…Le Canapé
For years, I lived with French country settees in my living room and because we raised two rowdy kids, we did a good job of wearing out the upholstery.
What’s wonderful about French country style is its reverence for the threadbare, the tumbledown, and the faded.
![Hello Lovely's studio with a thrift store French Nordic settee with plump custom pillows. #hellolovelystudio #frnechsettee #frnechnordic #nordicfrench #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/hello-lovely-studio-french-nordic-white-decor-settee.jpg)
Does it show signs of wear and distress? All the better since it reflects life being lived at home!
No. 8: Cremone Bolt…La Crémone
I’m still learning about hardware such as these bolts…
Do you have any at home?
![Game room designed by Pierce in MILIEU Showhouse 2020 - featuring exceptional designers including Darryl Carter, Kathryn Ireland, Pamela Pierce, Shannon Bowers, and more. #milieushowhouse #interiordesign #designershowhouse #luxuryhome #edwinlutyens #houstonhome #gameroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/3736-del-monte-houston-mirador-milieu-showhouse-pamela-pierce-game-room.jpg)
Keep your eyes peeled for cremone bolts on doors, windows or cabinets at the flea market.
![A beautiful French farmhouse living room in a South of France apartment offered by Haven In.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SOR-13JH-Isle-5.jpg)
No. 9: Console Table…La console
They are so underrated for entries, living rooms, great rooms and beyond.
Typically, they aren’t very deep which means they often work well in small spaces and apartments.
No. 10: Stripe Chair…La Chaise à Rayures
Ever see a photo of a chair like this and wonder ‘but is it really attractive in person?’
Well, here’s a perfect example of a piece that exceeds itself in person! I saw this chair in a beautiful Arizona home I visited, and it looks far more expensive than the price tag.
I love a French ticking too!
And I’m still enamored with Belgian linen for its durable, nubby, honest style.
![My French country and Belgian inspired living room with Belgian sideboard. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hello-lovely-studio-chicago-living-room-sideboard-021-1440x2166.jpg)
No. 11: Fireplace Mantel…Le Manteau de la Cheminée
If budget is no object, you will definitely want to turn to a source such as Chateau Domingue for the most beautiful surrounds found in Europe.
I was lucky enough to buy the surround for our last fixer upper from a neighbor who was a contractor. We wheeled it down the street! 🙂
![Belgian linen club chair with industrial accent table in my European country living room with French fireplace. #hellolovelystudio #belgianlinen #livingroomdecor #europeancountry #belgianstyle #serenedecor #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/015-hello-lovely-studio-livin-groom-belgian-linen-fireplace-industrial-side-table.jpg)
What a find since it fit perfectly over the existing black granite surround! The old surround was a very classic Colonial wood mantel. Once the French one moved in, it transformed the room’s identity.
No. 12: Seagrass Basket…Le Panier d’Herbiers
A fireplace is a broad stroke for adding French style, but there are plenty of smaller ones.
The French are such great models of decorating with only useful things that can be pulled into service for various uses. Things that aren’t disposable or trendy.
![Bemz slipcover for Ektorp Ikea Sofa - Hello Lovely Studio. #bemz #slipcovers #sofaslipcovers #belgianlinen #ektorpsofa #ikeaektorp](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/0012-bemz-sofa-linen-slipcover-hello-lovely-studio11.jpg)
![Funny pet tweet on Hello Lovely Studio. #pethumor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/001-funny-animal-quote-cat-socks-humor-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
No. 13: Chalk Paint…La Peinture à La Craie
Chalky finishes are so perfect for accessories or furniture in a living room.
![Cabinet Door with Renaissance Chalk Paint in Argentine grey](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41rhOShbvXL.jpg)
Shop your basement with an eye for something just waiting for its new color.
No. 14: Farm Style Coffee Table…La Table de Ferme
I rarely see coffee tables I like, and at the moment, I’m using a skinny reclaimed wood farm bench in front of the sofa. Here’s a reclaimed pine, simple table that could work in a small space:
As far as styling the table, don’t forget you don’t have to be an influencer to use your camera for your styling. Snap a photo when you think you’ve got it right. When you view the vignette on your phone, you may get an idea for how to improve it, sense whether the scale is off, or what to add for greater impact.
No. 15: Olive Tree Topiary…La Topiaire de L’olivier
I’m not sure what the French would think about all of our everlasting arrangements!
But so many of them look more real than real ones!
![Inspirational quote by Hello Lovely Studio: If you must strive, strive for progress not perfection.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/farrow-and-ball-pavilion-gray-quote-strive.jpg)
I’m not going to judge!
No. 16: Wood Candle Holder…Le Bougeoir en Bois
These turned wood candlesticks looked so great in our former fixer.
I used them everywhere and even brought them outside:
![Romantic, simple, French courtyard with pink accents for a tea party - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cupcakes-in-courtyard-hello-lovely-studio-16.jpg)
No. 17: Confit Pot…Le Pot Confit
The real thing costs a pretty penny so I’m always keeping an eye open for pieces that look old but maybe aren’t from Europe.
Is that green color speaking to you?
No. 18: Chandelier…Le lustre
At the moment, I don’t have any ceiling lighting in my wee living room…
but these would definitely add a layer of ambiance.
No. 19: Dough Bowl…Le Bol de Pâte
These look great on coffee tables, side tables, or console tables.
![Deep Wooden Dough Bowl w/ Handles-Batea by Mexican Imports](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81h%2BppTw2pL._SX679_.jpg)
They can hold any number of seasonal things, collectibles, or even photos.
![Funny quote about wasting time - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/001-funny-quote-lolly-gagging-humor-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
No. 20: Rustic Candle Holder…Le Chandelier Rustique
No. 21: Jute Rug…Le Tapis de Jute
No. 22: Door Stop…La Porte Arrêt
![Hafez quote about sun and earth and relationships - on Hello Lovely Studio. #hafezquote #hafiz #sufipoets #earthquotes #sunquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hafez-quote-sun-moon-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
No. 23: Milagro Heart…Le coeur de milagro
I love mine – it’s a sweet piece to use for Christmas decor, to give as a gift (tuck a sweet message or photo inside), or for decor all year round.
No. 24: Club Chair…Le Fauteuil Club
No. 25: Curio Cabinet…Le Cabinet de Curiosité
![Pulaski Hailey Cremone Door Curio Cabinet, Brown](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91d9zzgwg5L._SL1500_.jpg)
No. 26: Gold Leaf Mirror…Le Miroir Feuille D’or
![Inspirational quote about peace on Hello Lovely Studio: May every sunrise hold more promise and every sunset hold more peace.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/blue-grey-quote-sunrise-sunset.jpg)
No. 27: Terra Cotta Jug…La Cruche en Terre Cuite
No. 28: Striped Bench…Le banc rayé
![Jane Austen quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #janeausten](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/JANE-AUSTEN-quote-tenderness-heart-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
No. 29: Distressed Vase…Le Vase en Détresse
No. 30: Vintage Style Chandelier…Le Lustre de Style Vintage
No. 31: Crackled Vase…Le Vase Craquelé
Daily Transformation Inspiration
My gratitude and thoughts this day turn once again to furry friends who offer so much unconditional love and point us to the divine. It seems silly to ever say my husband and I don’t have pets since the four rescues in our adult children’s homes feel like our lovable rescues too.
Have a sweet kitty or pup in whose eyes you find divine presence?
![Me and Luna. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/arizona-january-0034-1.jpg)
Have a moment for a glorious collection of timelessly designed living rooms HERE?
![French living room finds: ideas for rustic elegance on Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchfarmhouse #frenchcountry #livingrooms #getthelook #shopthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/french-living-room-finds-ideas-for-rustic-elegance-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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Michele, I love the whole post and the last picture of your old home looks so cozy I want to jump right into it!
Author
Yay! Thanks for making my night! 🙂