Rustic Elegance is easier to feel when it is present or even recognize within an image than it is to define with language. Glimpses here bring its essence to life and are blog favorite interiors and gardens. The unfussy moments reflect gentle color stories to inspire and soothe. While I may never have the chance to live in an authentic French farmhouse, this same mood can guide my design journey. You’ll recall how the shop Vivi et Margot dawned after a young family restored a 150 year old French farmhouse near Bordeaux. Let’s get inspired by the look.
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When is Rustic Also Elegant?
From the looks of it, nature and lush greenery play a prominent role to secure a rustic, more natural, and casual look. This unique green is popular for shutters in France! (Tollens Vert.)
Green rarely appears in my own interiors, but outside? It’s everywhere, and I don’t cover my windows.
Green possesses magic whether it is quiet or understated…
How would you describe this faded from the sun shade?
French Farmhouse color stories like these celebrate the countryside.
French farmhouse style originates from the lovely landscape of rural France with its hills and valleys.
Celebrating colors from the beautiful countryside is always a great idea.
Mixing Quiet Neutral Colors
While many folks think certain colors match certain other colors and the ultimate goal is for everything to “match,” ummmmm, that is a limited view.
In the breakfast nook of our prior home below, BM Ashley Gray walls contrast with BM Dove Wing trim and also the Belgian linen of upholstered chairs. Cool grey from galvanized accents were a counterpoint with warm white oak.
Even if your decor scheme is tone on tone whites, expanding the realm of whites (from cream to taupe to alabaster) yields a more rustic look.
It’s all about the mix. For quiet color stories, in most cases, you’ll be after low contrast. But there aren’t any colors from nature’s rusticity that won’t harmonize!
The French are brilliant with pale interiors, and rooms aren’t limited to simply greige.
However, greige backdrops are perfect for seasonal changes in decor since it would be fussy to repaint all of the time.
Notice how in the same kitchen, multiple vibrant accent colors look natural and right at home.
Faded Colors & Timeworn Distress
Since French Country is a style which imparts a sense of age and tradition, scratches and rust as well as signs of wear are celebrated.
One of the qualities I love about French farmhouse, modern French, and Belgian minimal style is the use of light toned wood.
Dark stained wood pieces can feel fussy and formal, and when pieces are hands-off, they simply do not read as friendly or useful.
Everything should have the potential to be pulled into service.
Using furniture, objects, and decorations will result in age, distress, scars, and proof of life!
Even farmhouse exteriors seem to benefit from distress from the elements!
Quiet French Country Colors & Timeless Design
If you explore basic French sensibilities, there’s a practicality undergirding them.
They truly understand timeless beauty and history.
Trending colors and interiors based on viral fashion moments strutting down the catwalk?
Natural colors are never going to fall from favor.
Celebrating and maximizing light is never out of style.
Who needs to reinvent, refresh, and redesign when timeworn finishes, glorious patina, and character increase with age?
Light Colors Create a Serene & Sophisticated Mood
Our former home with its Nordic cottage style exterior and timeless interiors was inspired by French Farmhouse style and Belgian design sensibilities.
In addition to the French country courtyard with its pea gravel and serene color palette, the interiors reflect quiet green-grays, serene whites, cool grey, and of course green visible through the windows.
Our Arizona home was decorated with a French Nordic style (minimal and lots of white) and felt serene and approachable in spite of some of its more formal furnishings.
Color truly influences mood.
Ideas for an Elegantly Rustic Look
French Farmhouse Design Inspiration: Interior Paint Colors
It can be tricky to know where to start with paint colors even when you have decided on neutrals and French farmhouse style. Start with samples and take your time!
But which samples?
Consider some of these options provided by Charlotte of Vivi et Margot:
Woodwork, doors, and beams: FARROW & BALL French Gray
Americans tend to think white is the only color trim can be, but it can be interesting to use an atmospheric color that slightly contrasts with lighter walls.
Interior walls: FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001
Despite the name, Strong White is a muted light grey (see more light gray options in this).
Ceilings: FARROW & BALL All White 2005
Ceilings and/or trim could be this color:
Girls’ Bathroom: FARROW & BALL Middleton Pink 245
Pink paint colors are not the easiest so take your sweet time!
Paint color of shutters: TOLLENS Vert Olivier (satin) purchased at Castorama.
This green is a traditional French exterior paint color very popular in France…see THIS for ideas for green paint colors.
French Farmhouse Kitchen Resources
If you love this look, stay tuned for PART TWO.
You will adore the French farmhouse shopping nirvana that is Vivi et Margot!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Thank you for bringing back photos from the previous home of Vivi et Margot. I absolutely adored this house and property and seeing it again is so lovely. This was and is my dream kitchen. The charm of this property never fades.
Author
i love it so much, and there are so many ideas from one wee house! happy wednesday, friend, and thanks for the support.