A Few Useful Tips To Design French Country Family Room
French country decorating is informal and cozy, and the rural French family room is intended for recreation, family gatherings and long conversations in front of the hearth. But you don't need to move to Provence to experience the French countryside. You could recreate it by using French country in your family room, and have a gathering place which feels comfortable, warm and homely.
French country decorating is rustic, yet with an understated elegance. Color schemes tend to compliment and bring to mind the gardens and countryside, and space is utilized carefully to keep things comfortable, but orderly. There is no one right way to use French country decor, but here are a few guidelines to get you started.
Furniture
Furniture in the French country family room entices people to live in and get relaxed. Usually, there will be one large piece, such as a gently worn armoire, complimented by smaller items such as a table and ladderback chair, storage trunk, or bookcases. Seating is casual, with antique upholstered chairs mostly mixed with a cozy, more contemporary sofa.
You could re-establish this look by selecting a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You can cover an existing sofa with a plain slipcover, and drape quilts or throws on the top. Fill the sofa with comfortable throw pillows that have French country decor motifs, like bumblebees or toile. Polished, stained or whitewashed wooden frame chairs, with complimentary fabrics, add additional seating. Add a rustic, low coffee table or an ottoman, and a slightly old fashioned cabinet, armoire or buffet.
Floors
Wall to wall carpeting is normally not observed in French country decorating. Floors are usually wood, stone or natural tile. A mixture of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and facilitate to define the space. If you do want a large rug or carpet, select one made from natural material like sisal or coir.
Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Traditional items, such as old trunks, can be utilized as decorative items or as side tables. A big, ornate mirror, hung opposite the window, will reflect the outdoor light into the room and make a sense of space. Antique garden tools, colorful earthenware pottery, candles, wooden roosters, sunflowers and books fill the shelves and add interest. French country decor evokes the things you would observe while strolling through Provence, hence visualize natural materials and outdoor designs.
Most of all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and homely, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An assorted mixture of old and new, patterned and simple, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room that appears casually stylish and is the wonderful background to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Relax with it!
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