A blast from the past that never truly will fall from favor with its timeless appeal. This country French dining room by Chip and Joanna Gaines (HGTV Fixer Upper Season 5, Episode 11) is neutral, understated, and rustically elegant. You can shop the look with these resources sourcef for you. The name of this renovation project is The Club House you can find here.
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Country French Dining Room: The Club House
We also recently explored creating a similar look to this project’s living room and kitchen…so do peek at those stories after reviewing the dining room.
This was that Fixer Upper episode where a family takes on a major house renovation to make their French country style dreams come true. They also expanded the home.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
The Country French interpretation Chip and Joanna chose for the project involved a restrained palette. This dining room features a mix of new and vintage, is quite tonal and offers seating for eight. You’ll find various textures such as linen, seagrass, metal and wood as well as a soft cloud of a rug to anchor everything.
Serene Wallcovering in a Country French Farmhouse Dining Room
The Club House dining room already came with existing architectural interest with wainscot paneling before the renovation. Design plans were largely cosmetic, and Joanna chose grasscloth wallpaper for the area above paneling.
Here are a few examples to consider.
Grasscloth wallpaper is typically made of natural materials (i.e. hemp). Designers love it to add texture, an organic feel, warmth, and elegance. It is one of those wallcoverings that won’t feel ridiculous in a few years. As a more delicate wall covering, it cannot be sponged off for cleaning, but gentle vacuuming does the job. Plenty of options on the market mimic the look with synthetic materials which are wipeable.
Find tips for designing and installing grasscloth wallpaper here.
Grasscloth Wall Covering
Grasscloth is heavier than typical wallpaper and a bit trickier to install. Leave it to a pro if possible. If you choose one made from natural materials, each piece will be unique and won’t “match” perfectly. Make sure you realize this in case your discerning eye can’t relax with the variation! As mentioned, grasscloth wallpaper is also not as durable and may not be appropriate for rooms where it will be bumped or damaged by pets and children.
You’ll note some of these grasscloth wallcovering options include a shimmery metallic feature.
Self-Adhesive Faux Grasscloth
For rentals or to experience the look of grasscloth, there are self-adhesive faux grasscloth products which won’t require professional installation. I’m thinking the back of a book shelf would be a great place to experiment!
Paint Color for a Warm Sandy Look or Soft Natural Linen
While you may not capture the woven texture of grasscloth with paint alone, you can approach its mood nonetheless. These paint color ideas are suggestive of the tone of linen dining chairs.
Here’s a color I lived with for many years that looks great for a tonal look with Belgian linen:
And here’s an option favored by designer Leanne Ford:
When I did my own personal research into faux painted finishes to mimic the look of woven linen or grasscloth, I must admit the projects discovered were not terribly convincing. This greige isn’t a seagrass color, but works for us as a great neutral in our modern French dining room:
If it’s texture you want, I suggest…um…opting for texture rather than faux. But if you’re more concerned about getting the just right color to create a mood, paint may do the trick.
Easiest way to see if a paint color will work? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.
Idea for Neutral Decor on the Walls
Take a peek at this country French dining room in which the owner hung framed dried botanicals. Such a beautiful way to bring nature inside yet still keep a serene mood happening:
Right? This very moment, I have wildflowers and some foliage from the backyard drying in a press. I’ll keep you posted. 🙂
Country French Dining Room Rug Options
Joanna Gaines chose a serenely muted ivory area rug for this tone-on-tone Country French dining room as well. The contrast is low with the light toned hardwoods, linen slipcovered dining chairs, and natural-linen hue on the walls. Here are a few options to consider:
While this next rug is more geometric and contemporary in style, it could work well with the other design elements in the dining room.
Rustic Elegant Dining Table
If you admire this traditional style solid wood dining table in our inspiration room, there are plenty of wonderful options to shop for that won’t break the bank.
Belgian Style Linen Slipcovered Dining Chairs
Find lots of stunning examples HERE. The dining chairs may hail from RH, including their Belgian Slope Slipcovered Side Chair and Belgian Wingback Slipcovered Arm Chair.
Dining Chair Options
These skirted Belgian style upholstered chairs are much less expensive than others with pricey Belgian linen and would work in any number of rooms outside of the dining room.
While there isn’t an upholstered bench in our inspiration dining room, I found this one and thought you might enjoy entertaining the possibility! Wouldn’t it be wonderful in an entry, on a landing, or paired with dining chairs?
French Country Sideboard & Decorating Resources
You’ll note the decor is kept quite simple in this Fixer Upper dining room. White vases with greenery on the sideboard, a mirror, and a distressed planter in the center of the table with a few foliage stems.
Sideboard Ideas
The room’s wood sideboard is topped with what appears to be a vintage salvaged wood mirror (or a wonderful replica). Some of the original paint remains on the rustic wood, imparting age, character, and rusticity.
While there are plenty of sideboard possibilities in every size imaginable, a vintage piece would work well and could be painted to suit. Search online marketplaces and fleamarkets!
For a more sophisticated and elegant sideboard, I fell in love with this one:
If your dining room is on the cozy side and won’t accommodate both a dining table AND a buffet, a wee cart may work for service and storage:
While the cart above may be industrial in style, you could work with accessories and even lean into a modern French look.
Dining Room Chandelier
Joanna Gaines went on record saying the chandelier for this French country dining room was her favorite piece. It truly sets a tone, and if you splurge on one thing, this piece may give you the drama and elegance you’re after.
More budget friendly Country French beauties reside HERE. Are wall sconces a possibility?
Decor for a Rustic Elegant European Country Dining Room
There’s an absence of floral in the space, and the very low contrast and spareness yields a tranquil, more modern serene mood. White painted trim feels light and elegant, and casual placesettings with white serveware work across seasons.
Here are mirror possibilities, either above a buffet/sideboard or elsewhere.
Get the Look Mood Board
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More Fixer Upper Inspiration for French Country
French Family Room (in the Club House Episode)
Get the Look: Fixer Upper Club House Living Room
Fixer Upper Club House Entryway
Kitchen and Sunroom in The Club House
Get the Look: Fixer Upper Hot Sauce House
Fixer Upper English Tudor House
Home Tour: Rustic Elegance in a Celebrity Home
You can glimpse collections, nostalgia, and the unexpected. Who watched John on ‘General Hospital’ back in the day? I’m ancient doncha know!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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