These Lightened Up Country French Modern interiors share an eclectic collection of set apart design schemes with rustic unfussy elegance without pretense. How is modern French inspired country aesthetic distinguished from more traditional French country? It’s in the mix and the looser regard for any design rules…we’ll explore. Photos of interiors, gardens, and facades from Brooke and Steve Giannetti (Velvet and Linen), Charlotte Reiss of Vivi et Margot, and Ruth Gay’s unforgettable home (Chateau Domingue).
Lightened Up Country French Modern Inspiration
Multiple Expressions of French Farmhouse Aesthetic
These talented designers, creators and authors are worth a visit!
Charlotte Reiss of Vivi et Margot lives in Provence and offers French homewares in her shop as well as retreats near her home.
Houston-based Chateau Domingue imports amazing architectural finds from Europe, and Patina Home & Garden (Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti) can design or dress your home in natural timeless elegance.
Before the internet, we needed to travel to Europe or hire a designer to hunt down the perfect pieces from France.
Access to almost everything has led to greater ease.
I hope you’ll find ideas, color stories, and also fresh takes on country French modern ahead!
1. Patina Imperfect Beauty from the Giannettis
Look no further than Patina Homes & Gardens for the perfect inspiring refresher on the aesthetic! If you want a walk down memory lane for their Patina Farm project, check out this video created especially for you!
Love how there are different expressions of country French modern you can easily adapt to your own needs?
For example, Brooke and Steve Giannetti play up patina, natural materials such as pale limestone and white oak, unlacquered brass, painted antique cupboards, and an absence of anything shiny and polished.
While you’ll discover a sturdy ruggedness to the look, it is balanced with curves from the architecture and furnishings.
Natural textures become color in the French limestone, aged pots, velvet, linen, and plaster. The Giannettis authored five books including this one:
If you miss their Ojai project PATINA FARM (the Giannettis moved to Tennessee!), here’s a glance back at Brooke’s orangery/glass hallway…such an inspiring sanctuary:
Patina Farm Inspiration & Interpretation of Country French Modern
Brooke’s chicken coops are also timeless and charming:
Natural Materials, Bespoke Design, Swedish Antiques & Rustic Elegance
While antiques we see repurposed in their projects are beyond the budget of the average French farmhouse fan…
plenty of less costly vintage pieces also exist where the same idea may be applied.
French farmhouse kitchens seem not to rely on wall to wall factory-built cabinetry, and a sensible soft skirt for a sink is both romantic and practical. Brooke has celebrated this look for many years, and I adopted it in our own DIY renovated kitchen.
Steve and Brooke often rotate antiques in their home, demonstrating how versatile investment pieces can live large for a lifetime in a home.
I may have spied this mirror (maybe Italian?) below in person at their Leiper’s Fork store when I visited! Even more gorgeous in person.
On my “someday” home improvement list? Practical plaster shelves like these for modern French beauty that feels utterly understated and lovely.
If ever there was such a thing as California Farmhouse French, the Giannettis would be the reigning masters.
What distinguishes it is a sunny optimism, an airy unfussiness, and a monastic quietude.
You won’t find pristine and glossy hands-off antiques. Patina develops as a result of use as well as time. There’s a very hands-on practicality about living daily with quality crafted objects.
There’s a particular soulfulness about how each design element will age and be used for function and form.
Ditch Contrived for Effortless Country French Charm
Beyond the Patina Meadow and Patina Farm projects designed for themselves, the Giannettis create amazing designs for clients across the planet. This kitchen in a Normany style home in California is a standout:
Notice how sunny and warm the above kitchen feels even with so much restraint for the color story!
Texture truly can be color and especially when your architectural expertise extends to using light like a master.
Modern Coastal French Bath
When Brooke and Steve were in the process of building Patina Farm, they lived temporarily in Oxnard. It was a home where they created subtle changes that inspired many of us in big ways.
For example, I had never seen anyone (this was the 2010s) slather pool plaster in a bath for very livable, modern, Old World style! Now THAT is California Farmhouse French innovation!
Understated Cozy California Farmhouse Modern Bath
What a bonus the Giannettis offer for purchase the very beautiful wares we see in their projects! An online shop along with a brick and mortar presence, Patina Home & Garden is located near Franklin, TN.
2. Chateau Domingue Ethereal Authenticity
Here’s an enterprise devoted to bringing Old World style into the present.
Chateau Domingue is a wonderland of curated architectural antiques as well as building materials of European heritage.
Notice how reclaimed materials may be weaved into homes built to last lifetimes.
But what if lack funds for such fantasy and authenticity? Will our humble attempts be a waste of time and effort?
By now you know I am quite biased about such matters since I believe creativity and the soulfulness of the creator make all the difference.
For example, creating something contemporary with reclaimed materials.
For more beautiful country French and European country inspiration for interiors, also see THIS and THIS.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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