When we consume images of fantasy-level Country French properties, is something different happening than when we consider more down to earth interiors and exteriors? What mechanisms are at work that take our breath away? There’s a part of me that is always teasing out the mechanics and turning them round and round in my head and heart. What makes it: beautiful, rich with character, set apart, and soulful? Let’s allow those questions to guide our impressions today as we consider how earthy country French color and texture evoke emotion.
Earthy Country French Color & Texture
While the images speak volumes in terms of inspiration, our attention spans have shrunk even when we have the best intentions consuming content. Try to slow your pace and notice the subtleties as we deconstruct what contributes to unfussy, seemingly effortless looks.
I designed our Country French inspired courtyard garden in my typical intuitive fashion. The key was including less rather than more. The color palette was restrained with pale stone, putty, greige, green and blue/purple.
While my wee sanctuary is worlds away from the formal sculpted boxwood in the breathtaking garden at Château Mireille, you can see a similar approach to color and texture.
Another way to bring character-rich color and texture to country French decor is with old French pots (like the one above). While authentic examples are pricey, they work inside and out and will never fall from favor.
Green shutters are another element that instantly spring to my mind when I am considering what feels authentically at home in the French countryside. Green colors indoors also feel natural, lifegiving, and grounding.
In the new build luxe cottage above, chalky blues and greens play a starring role. Their coolness sings with the warmth of more rugged woods and iron.
Country French Pale Colors
Here’s another example of magic that happens when soft, pale colors on walls and trim meet bold metallics, warm wood beams, and aged terracotta:
Breezier cool tones mix with sun-drenched warmer hues in a unique harmony for the heart’s ear.
Romantic Provence Color Inspiration
Love fading slate blue with blooming candy pink?
Earthy color stories are not limited to muddy warm tones…even bold and unusual color pairings have their place! The earth is full of magnificent color combinations and diversity.
So often it comes down to allowing a space to speak to you, to guide your decisions. If French green shutters charm you, could you introduce that color to your kitchen with tile or dishes? If rosy warm pink is calling, keep your eyes peeled for a vase or lamp with the hue and use it as a pop of unexpected whimsy.
Another option for exploring color? Buy a paint sample of a pretty color to which you’re drawn.
Samplize makes that very non-messy and straight forward these days.
You can also buy sample pots and a small artist canvas from the craft store. Paint it and live with the color to notice how it works with your belongings and mood.
Colors & Emotional Factors
Begin to notice which images seem to grab you and get your heart racing or slow your breath. Look closer.
Is it a particular color combination. For example, pale yellow with aqua blue?
Youcan also do this as you consider texture. What aspects draw your eye? Matte, tumbled, irregular, nubby, smooth, weathered?
Do distressed finishes and bumpy old plaster delight you?
Psst. Notice how the vibrancy of reflective green dishes and pottery work magic with blue chinoiserie in the pale, understated Old World space (above).
What’s so interesting is how sometimes your eye may be drawn to a particular color or texture story that simply will not work in your own home. I love this look above, yet I personally find it challenging to work and live with sunny gold-yellow washes for walls. Drywall is not centuries-old plaster!
The 90s found many homeowners experimenting with faux finishes to mimic a textured look, and as we all know, plenty of French countryside elements cannot be replicated. But it is actually helpful to allow this to guide you in design decisions. In most cases, it pays to buy natural materials and choose natural finishes. For example, instead of ceramic tile that mimics marble, is there a natural stone at a similar price point?
French Country Interior Colors & Authenticity
If you watch home makeovers on television, at the end of the episode when the homeowner sees the reveal, you can bet you’ll hear some version of:
“everything matches so well” or “it all matches perfectly” or “everything is tied together so well.”
And it can certainly feel calming when design elements feel cohesive.
However, matchy matchy homogenous looks can come off as dull and lifeless. The French just don’t seem to settle for a one note look.
Joie de Vivre & Je Ne Sais Quoi
With authentically designed country French color stories, there’s a joie de vivre you can sense inside and out.
You can see the thoughtfulness, time, commitment to details, and quality that can’t be achieved over a few weeks of design work or renovation.
The look evolves over time and is reliant on knowledge of history, antiques, and experience.
Shopping trips in the suburbs may help to jumpstart a decor direction, but it’s living in the space, research, and collecting treasures that helps a more authentic and personal look bloom.
Shopping for vintage at fleamarkets may also be helpful.
I took an interior design course by Rita Konig where she discussed the pitfalls of an interior with too much bespoke everything.
Alternatives to Bespoke Everything
With a hefty budget and endless time, one can create a truly unique and wholly custom look. However, there’s a place for comfort from the familiar and nods to the past.
Is there a particular china pattern, wall sconce, or fabric you never seem to tire of?
Even something as simple as hardware may work magic.
For example, my fondness for humble bin pulls has grown. I appreciate how they feel and function and have used them in homes we renovate.
Virtually Tour Country French Style Color Stories
There certainly isn’t a singular way to translate French country or French farmhouse style! You’re probably familiar with the French farmhouse influences at Patina Farm:
Then there’s a very modern French approach that begins with function and lifestyle:
…as well traditional, more formal approaches to a fancier French country:
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French Farmhouse Resources
1 Basket|2 Chandelier|3 Stool| 4 Mirror|5 Bench|6 Chair|7 Table|8 Vase/Jug
Leaning into the color palette, creating a curated and collected look, and welcoming laid back charm is always a good start indeed.
Because a Country French mood and story involves much more than a few Frenchy stripes and toile!
Sage Green European Country
The fact that country French designs don’t rely on spacious rooms to get the look is such a bonus. Just look at the cozy factor when the bed occupies a tiny space:
See this for: beautiful French country decor inspiration to pin and this for: lovely French country Christmas decor.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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