Create an authentic French country dining room yourself.
The decor style known as "French country" was originally known as "French Provencale" or "French Provincial," in tribute to the sunny, rustic region of Provence in southeastern France. It mixes elements from rustic farmhouses and elegant country manors to create a distinctively French atmosphere. You can create your own classic French country dining room with a little knowledge and insight of this refined, yet relaxed, home decor style.
Instructions
1. Research the aspects, color schemes and used in the traditional French country design style, which is distinguished by an airy elegance that seamlessly includes elements of nature with that of a fine chateau. Staple colors include white, blue, yellow and gold, and textured fabrics typically feature floral patterns, such as the fleur-de-lis, or images of a rustic countryside, called "toile." Antiques, gilded edges, faux finishes and wood furniture with natural or aged finishes are also common in the French country style.
2. Assess your dining area to determine how you can use existing elements to create the casual, elegant atmosphere of classic French country decor style. Determine how you can use natural light, draw attention to existing focal points in the room's architecture, and where the biggest changes will need to be made to create your French country dining room. Remove items that clash with the simple, refined look of the decor, such as stainless steel, overly bright colors, and heavy, monotone drapes or carpets.
3. Rethink items you already have -- you'll save time spent shopping and lots of money if you put some effort into giving your dining room's existing furniture pieces, lighting fixtures and other home decor items a French-country makeover. Whitewashing bare wood furniture, reupholstering items with fabrics reminiscent of France, like toile or damask, or putting silver candlesticks, serving platters or bright French pottery on display are all affordable alternatives to refurnishing an entire dining room. You may be surprised at how easily you will find and pieces around your house that with just a little re-thinking will be a perfect addition to your French country dining room.
4. Add furniture, lighting fixtures, decor items, paint and wallpaper where they are lacking in your French country dining room. The aim of French country design is to create a casual, comfortable setting to entertain friends and family while highlighting the formal touches that defined the French aristocracy. For lighting fixtures, crystal chandeliers and glass lanterns are more appropriate than modern electric lamps. Consider adding striped or patterned wallpaper or draperies that run from floor to ceiling play up the ceiling height and draw interest to the architecture of the room.
Tags: French country, dining room, country dining, country dining room, decor items, decor style