Design a French country-style bedroom.
Start and end each day with all that is French--a mix of patterned fabrics, furniture and accent pieces that add warmth and style to your bedroom decor. Colors and patterns in French country style create a room with an ambiance of old-world comfort. Quietly elegant and refreshingly timeless, your French country bedroom will create a welcome oasis.
Instructions
1. Collect paint chips in cream or white shades. Use these chips to start planning your French country bedroom. Consider painting trim and doors in the same color. The subtle, neutral color of your walls and trim will help bring out the mixed patterns and coordinated shades of the fabric colors you select.
2. Select fabric swatches in the same color palette and mix the patterns. Use checks, stripes, toile or other small patterns within your color selection. Lay out the fabric swatches with your paint color selection to see the overall effect. This mix of patterns in a similar color creates a classic French country style that is both understated and elegant.
3. Take measurements of the room and your existing furniture pieces. Sketch these out in a rough drawing of the room layout.
4. Create a color board with the drawing of your room layout. Add paint chips, fabric swatches and photos or images of furniture and rooms from magazines that evoke the French country look. This will help you make changes before you spend time and money on your project.
5. Determine what furniture can be painted or acquired for your French country bedroom. A mix of painted and natural wood furniture forms the casual, timeless look of French country decor. Add vintage and modern pieces to create a warm, charming effect. Replace contemporary knobs on dressers with glass or wrought-iron knobs. Use slipcovers on headboards or chairs in the same fabrics as the bed cover or curtains. Consider adding one signature French country piece, such as an armoire, in a natural or painted finish.
6. Create areas of light in your French country bedroom with a variety of lamp styles. Wood, glass and wrought-iron light fixtures all work well as decorative accents.
7. Choose knickknacks to personalize your new space. Candlesticks, painted picture frames or baskets all create an inviting bedroom.
8. Consider adding fresh or dried flowers to your newly decorated bedroom. A bouquet, dried wreath or blooming plant all define French ambiance.
9. Look for accent rugs to place by the bed, at a bedroom desk or in front of a dressing table. A hooked or woven rug will add casual comfort and warmth to your space.
Tags: French country, your French, your French country, country bedroom, fabric swatches, French country bedroom