Typically on this blog, we explore how to achieve that lovely balance of European country style’s rustic elegance. Too rustic, and things can feel unromantic. Too elegant, and a room’s preciousness may lack soul. But “unrefined” is an aspect of rusticity worth mention. There’s a tension created when unrefined and refined elements combine. The brand Vivi et Margot seems to understand this balance of unrefined elegance so I’m ever inspired by this effortless aesthetic.
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When is Unrefined Elegance Harmonious?
Nautre is the greatest teacher of all when it comes to unrefined elegance! Look how lush greenery plays a prominent role with this facade. Also notice the unique green paint color which is so popular for shutters in France! (Tollens Vert.)
Looking to nature, it’s easy to see how gardens provide wonderful inspiration for our interiors. The most natural ones are a mix of wild and rustic (and perhaps spiral-like) alongside linear, controlled elements.
Even the color green seems to strike a lovely balance in terms of rustic elegance. This vignette, for example:
Right? This faded green on the distressed door is somehow magnificent.
The same may be said about the weathered look of Vivi et Margot’s former farmhouse facade.
French Farmhouse Color
What strikes me as a winning combination of unrefined (a weathered wood door or stone facade) and elegant (pale color, age, scale, patina) is how natural these qualities seem to French farmhouse style.
This style takes its cues from the surrounding landscape of rural France with its hills and valleys.
The surrounding green is lush and comforting both inside and outside, and its repetition creates a calming integral look that feels life giving.
A Mix of Understated Gentle Colors
For an effortless look to feel relaxed, the goal is to not overthink “matching” colors.
In the breakfast dining area of the French country home we built in 2007, Benjamin Moore Ashley Gray walls contrasted with Dove Wing trim and Belgian linen upholstered chairs. Cool grey galvanized accents offered tension with the warmth of white oak.
Even if your favored decor scheme is monochromatic whites, you can expand the realm of whites (from cream to taupe to alabaster) for a more rustic or urefined layer to the look.
It’s truly all about the mix. For a quiet color story, often you can achieve this with low contrast. (Bear in mind there are no hues from nature’s rusticity that won’t harmonize!)
In our former French country entry, the colors are quiet and contrast was kept low, but cool metals and peely texture add interest.
You must admit that the French are brilliant with pale interiors!
Sometimes greige backdrops are just the right atmosphere for seasonal changes in decor and small tweaks that happen over the years.
Notice how in this same small cozy French kitchen, multiple vibrant accent colors look natural and right at home.
Faded Timeworn Timelessness
Since French farmhouse style brilliantly imparts a sense of age and tradition, scratches and rust from time and use are celebrated.
If you admire French farmhouse, modern French, and Belgian minimal style, maybe you too love light toned woods.
It seems dark stained wood furniture and pieces quickly can feel fussy or hands off. When more refined objects seem inaccessible or too formal, they may not read as friendly or useful.
Ultimately, decor objects are not for show but rather are beautiful AND pulled into service.
It is our use of furniture and decor that can bring the beauty of age, distress, scars, and proof of life!
That goes for exteriors too…they may also benefit from distress from the elements.
Colors for Calm & European Sensibilities
If you explore basic French sensibilities, there’s a practicality undergirding them.
They truly understand how timeless beauty, usefulness, and history can be elegant.
How would trending colors, catwalk moments, or viral interior decor looks help what works in any era? So often they rely on elements that stray from nature.
Natural colors are never going to fall from favor.
You also cannot go wrong by celebrating light.
It no longer feels neccessary to reinvent, refresh, or redesign when what you love are timeworn finishes, glorious patina, and imperfections of unrefined character.
Serene & Sophisticated Mood
Our former home with Nordic cottage style exterior and timeless country interiors was inspired by French Farmhouse style and Belgian design sensibilities.
In addition to its French country courtyard with pea gravel and serene color palette, the interiors reflected quiet green-grays, serene whites, cool grey, and of course green visible through the windows.
Even subtle touches of green can help. In our former Arizona vacation house, I painted interiors with a very green undertoned off white since there was strong yellow sunlight and almost no green outdoors!
The overall effect felt serene and approachable in spite of some of its more formal furnishings.
Color truly influences mood, and when the goal is to calm it or nurture it…voila.
Ideas for Unrefined Elegance & a Sophisticated Look
Interior Paint Color Ideas
Where to start with paint colors after deciding on neutrals and French farmhouse style? SAMPLE, BABY! Then take your time!
But which samples?
Consider a few of these ideas Charlotte of Vivi et Margot used in their former farmhouse:
Trim, doors, and beams: FARROW & BALL French Gray
Americans often assume white is the only color option for trim, but it can be interesting to use a harmonious color to contrast 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 super tricky 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.
More French Farmhouse Kitchen Resources
You will adore the French homewares shopping nirvana that is Vivi et Margot along with Charlotte’s new Provence home!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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