Who says a builder-grade home can’t benefit from design ideas inspired by luxurious, costly, bespoke French inspired fantasy properties? Quite often, the inspiration can spark a less expensive and creative scheme for a modest home’s décor. Fantasy French Country: Actionable Ideas Now Inspired by Mansions demystifies a few beautiful aspects with potential to become down to earth and accessible.
![SW First Star paint color on exterior cornice of SE Showhouse 2021. #swfirststar #exteriorpaintcolors #neutralpaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/seshowhouse21-white-home-exterior.jpg)
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Fantasy French Country: Actionable Ideas Inspired by Mansions
1. Take Cues from the Mansion’s Sophisticated Paint Colors
In last year’s Southeastern Showhouse, we learned the exterior and interior paint colors used for this beautiful Atlanta manse. The exterior (above) is Sherwin-Williams First Star. First Star reminds me of the stucco color on a San Francisco home exterior:
![Magnificent architectural exterior of Parisian hôtel particulier style mansion (2839 Pacific Ave., San Francisco). #frencharchitecture #frenchmansions #parisianmansion](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/parisian-style-mansion-pacific-heights-san-francisco-sothebys-exterior-back-fountain.jpg)
The bright alabaster white paint on kitchen walls in that Atlanta showhouse is Sherwin-Williams Pure White.
![SW Pure White paint color on walls of kitchen, scullery, bar, pantry in Southeastern Designer Showhouse 2022 - Cathy Rhodes Interiors. #swpurewhite #whitepaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cathyrhodesinteriors-southeastern-designer-showhouse-2022-kitchen-pantry-bar-2.jpg)
![Thich Nhat Hanh quote about unity, earth, and consciousness on Hello Lovely. #thichnhathanhquotes #unityquotes #earthquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/THICH-NHAT-HANH-quote-about-unity-earth-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
That home’s interiors also provided us beautiful inspiration:
2. Warm Candlelight-like Wall Finishes
When you’re after warmth and a cocoon-y backdrop for your furniture, inspiring glimpses from exclusive homes can be a sort of guide.
![French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/parisian-style-mansion-pacific-heights-san-francisco-sothebys-french-kitchen-fireplace-1440x966.jpg)
It’s likely you’ll want to commission an artist or finish specialist to get a beautiful aged, somewhat textured, and ethereal look.
![Gorgeous French inspired kitchen with limestone floors, old lantern pendant and banquette in breakfast nook - Carolyn Malone. #frenchcountrykitchen #breakfastnooks](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/carolyn-malone-atlanta-banquette-kitchen-limestone-floor.jpg)
Yet sometimes it can be achieved with patient DIY experiments, limewash youTube tutorials, and books.
There are creatives who deftly demystify these techniques, but if you have never painted a wall or done brush work, bear in mind it is an art.
![Domingue Finishes.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/domingue-finishes-staircase.jpg)
You’ll definitely want to avoid outdated sponge painted faux finishing looks that detract rather than enhance. Remember the condo we made over in 2020 where every wall i(including a two story stairway and landing) had been sponge painted to match the wall to wall carpet?
![before hallway in the condo we remodeled](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/before-hallway-to-utility-room-spond-painted-tan.jpg)
You can still get a warm look on the walls with tranquil neutral warm white paint color to live with as you sock away funds to eventually hire a professional.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. French antiques, plaster finishes and Old World style in a showstopping modern functioning kitchen. #kitchendesign #frenchkitchen #antiques #oldworld #plasterwalls](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-kitchen-plaster-old-world-style-French-green-velvet.jpg)
What can the pros do? Ummmm:
![Slow living quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #slowlivingquotes #boundaryquotes #selfkindness](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/slow-living-quote-simplicity-busy-courtney-carver-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
3. Take Cues from the Exterior’s Color Story
While your humble home may not be graced with grand architecture and romance like this, it’s still possible to notice what is working to make it so charming.
![Magnificent French country mansion in Hinsdale, Illinois.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-exterior-hinsdale-french-country-mansion.jpg)
Blue doors with sunny stucco and limestone do have that South of France magic happening. Does the flowering hot pink also float your boat?
![Magnificent French country mansion in Hinsdale, Illinois.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-exterior-hinsdale-french-country-mansion-3.jpg)
Because if the tone is giving you all of those trending magenta love vibes, you could bring the color inside or to your porch/entry.
![Exterior facade of beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #houseexteriors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/001-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior-1440x961.jpg)
![New Year quote - an inspirational quote to encourage and energize for the fresh year ahead. #newyearquotes #inspirationalquote #encouragement #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pink-inspirational-quote-rest-of-my-life-louise-hay-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
And we need not have a chateau to add shutters painted a color we love!
![Magnificent French country exterior of a Houston mansion by Thomas O'Neill Homes. #frenchcountry #houseexterior #luxuryhome #homedesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-fantasy-french-country-mansion-exterior-2.jpg)
If you love French blues and grays, these may help:
And last year’s Softened Refuge color also gives that French blue gray mood.
![Softened Refuge Color Collection of paint colors for 2022 by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams - come find these ideas for tranquil paint colors to soothe!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/hgtv-home-by-sherwin-williams-2022-paint-color-collection-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
If green makes your heart skip a beat, this fantasy inspiration may pique your interest:
![Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse. Come be inspired by interior design photos with French Green Paint Colors and Serene French Blue-Greens. #greenpaintcolors #mintgreen #interiordesign #paint](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/tollens-green-vert-olivier-shutters-French-country-chateau-mireille-haven-in-73.jpg)
![Heartwarming tweet from @jeremycshipp comparing you to a scholastic book fair - Hello Lovely. #lovequote #encouragementquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/you-are-fantastic-quote-jeremycschipp-hello-lovely-studio-scholastic-book-fair.jpg)
4. Pretty Wallpaper to Enliven With Pattern
Wallpaper is everywhere these days, and if you’re toying with the idea but feel shy about the commitment…maybe consider it for a smaller area you won’t be staring at all day. It’s fun to be greeted with pattern in a powder bath, entry, or stairway:
![Beautiful mural in entry of historic home in Franklin, TN.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/3200-del-rio-franklin-tn-historic-home-001-entry-wallpaper.jpg)
A commitment for sure!
![Farrow & Ball Silvergate wallpaper near staircase in an elegant French country mansion in Houston by Thomas O'Neill Homes.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-fantasy-french-country-mansion-interior-design-entry-staircase.jpg)
So it pays to search for a pattern of which you’ll never tire.
![Timeless design, sophisticated decor, and exceptional architecture in this space by The Fox Group.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/modern-farmhouse-laundry-the-fox-group.jpg)
What has worked for me is to use a pattern I like in a small way (you could line a bookcase or drawers, for example) to see how I enjoy living with it.
![Magnificent architectural wonder of a staircase in a French country Houston mansion by Thomas O'Neill Homes. #frenchcountry #staircase #interiordesign #luxuryhomedesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-fantasy-french-country-mansion-interior-design-entry-staircase-2.jpg)
Another possibility is to stencil a pattern on a wall – you’ll get an arm workout and if you hate it in a few months, simply paint over it.
![Beautiful wallpaper patterns to consider - Hello Lovely Studio. #wallpaperpatterns #greenwallpaper #floralwallpaper](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/WALLPAPER-patterns-to-consider-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Need ideas for beautiful wallpaper options? See these!
![Break up and relationship quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #relationshipquotes #breakupquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/relationship-quote-valentines-day-forever-beauty-magic-sweetness-yoloakili-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
5. Add Touches of Warm Gold
Mirrors, wood frames, art work, trays, hardware…
![French country farmhouse bathroom with Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color on walls. Brit Jones Design.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/049-Rustic-French-farmhouse-bathroom-mirror-sconces.jpg)
and lighting with gold adds such a lovely glow. It’s such a French thing in fantasy homes, yet you need not have fancy gold-leafed furniture and chandeliers.
![Theresa Sconce](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/12995340/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5063/50632555/Theresa+Sconce.jpg)
The thing about adding golden touches is it can be as simple as brass candlesticks, cabinet hardware, or a new lamp.
![Modern French dining room with dramatic lighting including Thomas O'Brien Elizabeth sconce in gilded iron. #modernfrench #diningrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/modern-french-pecan-lane-queen-creek-arizona-dining-thomas-obrien-elizabeth-sconce.jpg)
Find breathtaking examples of French inspired sconces HERE.
![Belfast 1-Ligh Wallchiere](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/38427131/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5082/50822496/Belfast+1-Ligh+Wallchiere.jpg)
Even a sumptuous gold pillow in a sea of grey may make a statement.
![My favorite luxurious boutique hotel in Paris: Pavillon de la Reine. #parishotels #maraishotel #boutiquehotels](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/le-pavillon-de-la-reine-paris-boutique-hotel-marais-interior-tree-mural-gold-black.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)
If you have never used this gold leaf product, you will fall in love with it. Use it to change a finish on wood or metal to beautiful gold!
![Encouragement quote and personal growth wisdom on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes #journeyquotes #spiritualjourneyquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/personal-growth-quote-spiritual-journey-detours-katherine-wolf-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
6. White Marble
Where can you add the timeless loveliness of natural stone?
![French country white marble bathroom with console sink - Jenny Martin Design.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/jenny-martin-design-white-classic-bathroom-marble-console-sink.jpg)
There are small ways to introduce white marble without gutting your bath or kitchen counters.
![Beautiful white marble bath with oval window in shower and sconce on mirror - Atlanta luxury home on the market.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/bathroom-marble-shower.jpg)
Your local big box home improvement store may have 12 x 12 white marble tiles on the shelf (the Menard’s near me stocks them, and they’re $5 per piece). I have used them to line a shelf or anything else I can think of that happens to have 12″ of depth!
![Black kitchen cabinets and white marble counters with French range and gold hardware.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/black-white-kitchen-french-range-marble-steel-windows-.jpg)
Another possibility to introduce marble without going in debt? Marble pedestals, trays, lamps, and accents are timeless and will add a layer of luxury to any room in your home.
![Winter blues quote about January and winter by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio. #winterquotes #januaryquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/january-quote-michele-wilderness-survivalist-training-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
7. Subway Tile is Still 15 Cents
Did you get a look at the ceiling of the kitchen above? While an expensive French country mansion may be out of reach financially, simple subway tile never is! It is one of the most cost friendly tiles to use, and what a bonus that it will still make sense years from now.
![Luxurious white French country kitchen with lantern pendants and white cabinets in a Houston manse by TOH. #frenchcountry #kitchendesign #whitekitchens #elegantdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-fantasy-french-country-mansion-interior-design-kitchen-3.jpg)
Bonus if you can learn to do the tiling yourself since an inexpensive tile can make a dramatic difference covering a wall to the ceiling.
![Luxurious white French country kitchen with lantern pendants and white cabinets in a Houston manse by TOH. #frenchcountry #kitchendesign #whitekitchens #elegantdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-fantasy-french-country-mansion-interior-design-kitchen-4.jpg)
Go inside this fantasy home:
8. Set a Mood With a Fireplace Mantel Even Without the Fire
I’m not a wood burning fireplace girl since they set off asthma for me, and I’m a bigger fan of the architecture surrounding the box anyway!
![Elegant French mantel and crystal chandelier in a Houston mansion with French country design. #frenchfireplace #oldworldstyle #interiordesign #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-fantasy-french-country-mansion-interior-design-fireplace-2.jpg)
Did you know you can find beautiful surrounds on FB Marketplace now? I have bought several, and one came from a garage sale! There are all sorts of creative ways to enjoy a fireplace with LED flameless candles and inserts that won’t require the hefty investment of a real working fireplace.
9. Romantic Ambient Lighting in Kitchen
Kitchens always demand extra attention when it comes to lighting, but we often forget about the power of more subtle sources of soft light to help these spaces feel like the true living rooms they are.
![Luxurious modern French kitchen with a trio of French lanterns over island and beautiful sculptural range hood. #modernfrenchkitchen #frenchcountrykitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kitchen.jpg)
When the lighting is right in a room, you just want to linger in the cozy longer!
10. Cozier Pantries
Let’s face it. A walk-in pantry is a huge luxury, and a fantasy for many!
![Rustic yet elegant French country butler pantry in a magnificent Houston home by TOH. #butlerpantry #frenchcountry #luxuryhome #homedesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/001-fantasy-french-country-mansion-interior-design-kitchen-pantry.jpg)
But if you happen to be designing or renovating a home which will include a butler pantry…
![SW Silver Mist painted cabinets in mud room with desk area - Brit Jones Design. #laundryrooms #silvermist](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/brit-jones-interiors-laundry-room-cabinets-sw-silvermist-paint-color01.jpg)
How about incorporating a cozy little seat for yourself for moments to pay bills, peruse a recipe or compose a grocery list?
11. Elegant Architectural Details on Island
What a difference molding and trim pieces add to a big rectangular bulky island!
![Elegant and sophisticated light grey and white kitchen with ceiling beams and herringbone wood floor. #kitchendesign #frenchcountry #customhomedesign #greycabinets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/new-home-houston-kitchen2.jpg)
Need a few more sensible ideas for architectural interest? See these.
12. Open Shelving to Break Up a Long Run of Cabinets
No matter the budget for a kitchen design, here’s a detail to note when you want to add more movement and interest to a long run of cupboards.
![Elegant and sophisticated light grey and white kitchen with ceiling beams and herringbone wood floor. #kitchendesign #frenchcountry #customhomedesign #greycabinets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/new-home-houston-kitchen.jpg)
But is the staggered cabinet detail outdated and an eye sore? It’s a subjective matter, but my eye doesn’t care for staggered so I erased them from our own kitchen renovation.
![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)
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Good morning Michele!
Love all of your inspiration! I want to change the paint on my shutters but I fear the whole house will need to be painted.
Have a wonderful week my friend.
Author
Morning Elizabeth! Sounds like it may help to sample a few colors – those readymade samples could work or you could make your own on posterboard or wood – to find the right complementary color for the body of the house. Much easier to arrive at a color for shutters that works than doing the whole enchilada!
Love this post. Thanks for sharing.
Author
You bet! 🙂