A couple of years ago, this spec home in Texas with interior design by Brittany Jones captured my imagination. I tucked the inspiring project away because there were so many beautiful light fixtures represented throughout it. I also admired the color story which featured subtle, natural, pale tones that felt tranquil and ethereal. When I began shopping for new lighting as we made changes to our Georgian home, this project served as a source of reference. Elegant Modern French Lighting Inspiration will guide and enlighten us about resources for light and color.
![Sherwin-Williams Alabaster in a beautiful country French kitchen with Old World style and Chicago brick backsplash - design by Brit Jones. #swalabaster #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-kitchen-2.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Design/Photos: Brit Jones
Elegant Modern French Lighting & Paint Colors
Modern French Exterior Color Palette
This is the exterior of the spec home to which I referred. It has creamy beige and warm stone hues along with highly contrasting brown painted trim, and cool duck egg blue accents.
![French country house new construction exterior - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-french-country-exterior-texas-spec-home-2.jpg)
How would you go about choosing a pretty French blue accent color for shutters, a door, or other structures? It starts with sampling. For a similar, soft blue that feels as though it could hail from the South of France, here’s a trio of blues to sample. Bear in mind they are going to be affected by your exposure and the amount of sunlight washing them.
Moonmist is a cheerful pastel blue that feels meditative and not too bright. On an exterior, it is likely going to look blue-green. You’ll see such interaction when you sample a handful of colors and watch them throughout the day. A more subtle blue that feels less bright and with grey undertones:
![Country French house exterior with pale stone, dark brown trim and French blue shutters - Brit Jones Design.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-exterior.jpg)
Isn’t Blue Horizon a pretty possibility? I have experience with duck egg blue painted rustic exterior shutters so I can tell you the color will fade in the sun. You could always start with a brighter blue, knowing that with time, it will mellow. If you’re a fan of periwinkle, English Hyacinth may charm you:
It does feel like the English or Provence countryside to me and is aptly named.
![Modern French house exterior with warm stone, dark brown trim, arched windows, and duck egg or French blue rustic shutters. Brit Jones Design. #modernfrench #frenchcountryarchitecture](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/modern-french-stone-exterior-blue-shutters.jpg)
Need an idea for a similar trim color? Brit Jones used this exact color on her own French country home’s exterior, and it looks like a dead ringer:
Classic & Elegant Lighting Ideas
Just in case you’re anxious to skip directly to a few elegant light fixtures that may work in a variety of Old World, French country, and elegant modern French rooms, consider these:
![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)
And I think you can see that because of their classic design, such pendants, chandeliers, lanterns, and sconces may be right at home in a traditional setting that doesn’t scream one particular style.
![Sherwin-Williams Alabaster in a beautiful country French new build in Texas dining room with elegant chandelier - design by Brit Jones. #swalabaster #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-dining-room.jpg)
Don’t we love that about timeless interiors!?!
The classic sconce on the banner at #10 above? I put two of them in our powder bath:
![Vintage mirror and classic antique sconces in renovated powder bath - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/powder-room-pedestal-sink-mirror-sconces-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
and I placed two of the Darlana mini lanterns above the island in the kitchen:
![Hello Lovely's kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-kitchen-banner-hellolovelystudio-modern-french.jpg)
I’m over the moon about the lighting I chose! When you glance at these fixtures, you may think of warm brass…but think again. They are HEAVY iron pieces of art, with hand-finishes of gold.
![Modern French kitchen with Muse quartz (Viatera) and gilded iron Darlana pendants over island - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench #greykitchens #viateramuse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/001-hello-lovely-studio-amber-lewis-loloi-zuma-ocean-rug-16.jpg)
(I don’t know why it appears that I painted half our island a darker blue-grey! I didn’t, and it’s just the light at the time of day when I snapped the pic with my phone.) My favorite chandelier of all is not on the banner above – it is the Thomas O’Brien designed one from Visual Comfort that I chose for my own breakfast nook:
![Hello Lovely's breakfast nook in a kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #breakfastnook #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-breakfast-nook-banner.jpg)
I bought mine secondhand and saved a hefty bundle of cash because it’s so pricey brand new.
Which Sconce for a Modern French Interior?
Let’s begin with a discussion of sconces for the kitchen.
![Sherwin-Williams Alabaster in a beautiful country French kitchen with Old World style and Chicago brick backsplash - design by Brit Jones. #swalabaster #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-kitchen-4.jpg)
I have always loved the look of wall sconces in the kitchen because they suggest a living space rather than a utilitarian one. Here’s what Jennifer Lincoln-Cutler chose for her gorgeous modern French sink area:
![Fireclay farm sink in a modern French kitchen with sconces, cafe curtains, and Shaker cabinets - The French Nest Co Interior Design.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/french-country-white-kitchen-french-nest-interior-design-co-farm-sink-curtains-sconces.jpg)
Whether flanking a kitchen sink or dramatic range hood, there’s something romantic when the source of light is ambient. It’s an opportunity to customize a space uniquely. Look at what The Fox Group did here:
![Beautiful white timeless kitchen with marble countertop, brass kitchen faucet, and dome pendant - design by The Fox Group.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/white-kitchen-with-pendant-the-fox-group.jpg)
And it’s important to plan ahead for the electrical when you’re building or renovating. It was very important to me to have sconces near the kitchen sink in the first French country home we built, and the builder missed or dismissed that memo. The custom cabinets had already been ordered, and those sconces should have flanked the window:
![Ashley Gray (Benjamin Moore) in my French country kitchen with Silestone Ivory Coast counters, warm white Thomasville cabinets, and white oak hardwood flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmashleygray #hellolovely #frenchkitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/001-benjamin-moore-ashley-gray-french-country-kitchen-hello-lovely-studio-thomasville-cabinets-1440x959.jpg)
I may not have had the guts to put Ashley Gray in here after living with BM White Sand on the walls for a couple of years first. I saw this in person in a space designed by Michael Del Piero and knew it would modernize our Old World kitchen:
Back to the sconce drama…lesson learned. (Educate your builder early in the process about your passion for proper lighting details and your insistence on little details you know will deliver big joy each and every day…FORM is not going to be a priority for engineer-types who aren’t moved by subtle layers of beauty beyond FUNCTION.)
![Sherwin-Williams Alabaster in a beautiful country French kitchen with Old World style and Chicago brick backsplash - design by Brit Jones. #swalabaster #modernfrench #frenchkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-kitchen-3.jpg)
I was younger then and worried about not coming across as overly fussy. The problem with that? I’m overly fussy with such details and have a right to be since it’s my house and I’m writing the checks.
Aren’t these wonderful against the brick?
![Beautiful brick backsplash in a French country kitchen in Texas - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-spec-home-texas-kitchen-brick-backsplash-shaker-cabinets-2.jpg)
Visual Comfort Fixtures to Note
In an elegant bath in this French country new build, I instantly recognized the Paris Flea Market chandelier (reflected in the mirror) paired with Suzanne Kasler’s Camille Sconce.
![Antiqued barn doors to luxurious bath in a French country new build in Texas - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-spec-home-texas-distressed-barn-doors-bathroom-tub-2.jpg)
By the way, one of the design elements which struck me in this lovely kitchen? The marble with its rich caramel and grey veining. It is truly appetizing, and what a concept: appetizing choices for the interior which is all about cuisine.
![French country bathroom with white marble and roman shade - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-spec-home-texas-master-bathroom-honed-imperial-danby-marble-linen-roman-shade.jpg)
Not sure Elk Lighting is still offering the brass lighting in this bath, but I found gorgeous coastal style sconces here.
![Benjamin Moore Hale Navy dark blue double bath vanity in a new build in Texas - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-spec-home-french-country-texas-bathroom-benjamin-moore-hale-navy-tipperary-quartz-calacatta-hex-tiles.jpg)
Exact Paint Colors in This Country French Home
Love the dark blue on the vanity above? It’s HALE NAVY by Benjamin Moore.
The neutral warm white is SW Alabaster (7008), and you can find additional warm whites in THIS.
Modern French Bedroom Lighting
So many of the lighting fixtures spotlighted here are pricey, yet this chandelier in the romantic bedroom is from Quorum (La Maison chandelier) and moderately priced.
![French country bedroom with wood ceiling detail - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-spec-home-texas-master-bedroom-sherwin-williams-alabaster-fireplace.jpg)
Good heavens I been crushing on this deconstructed modern Belgian-French Bed for so long. Psst. I have never seen this bed priced this low!
Makes me question whether they will be discontinuing it.
![Sherwin-Williams Alabaster in a beautiful country French new build in Texas bedroom with elegant chandelier - design by Brit Jones. #swalabaster #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-bedroom.jpg)
Its tufted headboard looks so comfy, and the unfussy Old World style is easy to love.
![Beautiful deconstructed Boheme bed with tufted wing headboard (Hooker Furniture) in a modern French bedroom by Brittany Jones. #modernfrench #frenchcountrybedroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Brit-Jones-boheme-bed-in-spec-home.jpg)
The muted area rug from Loloi (Vincent Collection) adds but another layer of cozy warmth.
![Stone statement wall in a French country bedroom sitting area - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-spec-home-texas-master-bedroom-sitting-area-2.jpg)
I am now imagining creating a similar statement wall of stone in our own bedroom. I’m taking my time as I choose enhancements for ours since we’re most comfortable with a serene, rather minimal sleeping space. Stone is quite the commitment!
Much easier to borrow the idea of the stunning upholstered bench in that sitting area.
I’m still shy about sharing images of our renovated bedroom suite, but I ended up choosing vintage unlacquered brass chandeliers and sconces for the bedroom and sitting area.
![Antique brass double wall sconce, accent table, and arched doorway to sitting room in coastal bedroom remodel (SW Agreeable Gray on walls) at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio. #agreeablegray #swagreeablegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-bedroom-hello-lovely-studio-sitting-room-04.jpg)
Not pictured above is another made in Spain brass candle style chandelier with crystals which is over the bed in the center of the room. We never tire of them, and I found them at antique markets.
Cozy French Inspired Lighting
My vintage chandeliers were perfect for my standard ceiling height rooms upstairs, but if you have a lofty space, the scale of your light fixtures matters. If you admire shaded chandeliers, take a look at this one which I love RIGHT HERE.
![Home office in a beautiful French country new build in Texas - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-spec-home-texas-office-wood-ceiling.jpg)
While I’m unsure of the exact table lamps in the office, here’s a set of two in the same spirit:
At the time I am posting this, the lamp set above is over 50% off! And another thing about scale. One browse of the feeds of high end designers on IG and you would think there are no rules at all when it comes to scale of table lamps. I love that.
You can place an honestly far too large lamp somewhere just because you love the lamp and say it’s your “unexpected” or “whimsical move.” YES, YOU CAN BREAK EVERY RULE WHEN IT’S YOUR SPACE.
I have always admired THIS ONE and Aidan Gray options like this one:
And if you’re after a look that will work in a classic room, modern European country or otherwise, isn’t this gorgeous?
While I didn’t spy a little lamp or hanging chandelier in this home’s laundry/mud room, I would definitely want something sparkly.
![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)
![Elsie small table lamp, Kate Spade](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/image-4.png)
or even this one to add texture as well as ambient glow:
The paint color on the cabinetry?
Silvermist 7621:
Here are a couple more paint color ideas if you’re seeking pastels for a romantic look:
![Timeless pastel paint colors to consider including SW Silvermist, BM Silver Mist and BM Sugarcane - Hello Lovely Studio. #paintcolors #frenchcountry #pastelpaint #interiordesign #romanticdecor #girlsbedrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/timeless-pastel-paint-colors-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Easiest way to see if a paint color will work? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.
![Country French landing with botanical prints, Mora clock and settee in a new build in Texas - Brit Jones Design. #countryfrench #botanicalprints](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-landing-botanical-prints.jpg)
Dramatic Lighting in French Country Great Room
For a similar effect with a Persian white finish, try THIS CHANDELIER.
![Lofty ceilings in a great room within a French country new build - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-spec-home-texas-staircase-upper-hall-iron-railing.jpg)
And you can never go wrong with this Regina Andrew Antique Carved Wood light:
![SW Alabaster on walls in a lofty Country French home with rustic wood trusses and elegant staircase - Brit Jones Design. #swalabaster](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-staircase-ceiling.jpg)
Rustic Country French Sconce Idea
For less cash than you might imagine, these double wall sconces are neutral yet dramatic, and designer Brittany Jones used them so beautifully here:
![French country sconces and arched mirror in a stairway - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/wall-sconces-currey-and-company.jpg)
I’m in love with that mirror too!
If it’s sold out or out of stock, here’s another option I like even more for Old World yet not too fussy style:
Isn’t the staircase and landing of this new build amazing?
![Staircase in a French country style new build - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-french-country-iron-staircase.jpg)
Gentle Color Stories in a Modern French Home
Can you imagine being the one to choose the paint color for all the walls of a massive home? I have done it, and you have to have a particular mindset and confidence. One single color, however neutral and despite the LRV (light reflectance value) will be perceived differently room to room.
![Country French staircase in a beautiful Texas home with SW Alabaster on walls - Brit Jones Design. #swalabaster](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-staircase.jpg)
Each space has a particular exposure and varies as far as windows and doors. I am not of the school who thinks it necessary to dilute the saturation of the color in dimmer areas in order that it feel the same as rooms with more light. I like the subtle changes and LOVE the ease of just one color for touchups as opposed to several.
![Romantic French country bedroom in a new build in Texas - Brit Jones.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brit-jones-design-french-country-texas-spec-home-light-blue-bedroom.jpg)
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster is a bestseller and a trustworthy option for creamy white walls. The color reminds me of the tone of plaster walls.
![Sherwin-Williams Alabaster in a beautiful country French kitchen with Old World style and Chicago brick backsplash - design by Brit Jones. #swalabaster #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/country-french-brit-jones-kitchen.jpg)
This beautiful color plays a starring role in another project from this interior designer:
![Alabaster (Sherwin Williams) paint color in a French country bedroom by Brit Jones on Hello Lovely Studio. #alabaster #sherwinwilliamsalabaster #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/sherwin-williams-alabaster-paint-color-bedroom-walls-gray-blue-door-brit-jones.jpg)
I recognize some of the bedding which can be found at Pottery Barn.
![Rustic elegance in a French country bedroom with romantic decor by Brit Jones. #romanticbedrooms #interiordesign #frenchcountry #rusticdecor #barndoor #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/brit-jones-design-master-bedroom-southfork-texas-parade-home-rustic-french-chic-tufted-headboard.jpg)
Here’s our banner again that you can pin for future reference:
![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)
Should you have a moment, you may enjoy a tour of another spec house by Windsor Smith. It’s a home she renovated, and it captured my attention since it was a 1990s spec house requiring imagination to make it feel pretty.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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