French Provincial

What is a French Provincial style house?

French Provincial style is inspired by the provincial homes found in the French countryside during the 17th and 18th centuries.

French Provincial homes exudes charm, elegance, and a sense of rustic beauty. It combines the simplicity of rural French living with refined details and craftsmanship.

How to achieve French provincial interior design?

To achieve a French Provincial style interior design, follow these key elements and guidelines:

1. Colour Palette: Use a soft and muted colour palette inspired by the French countryside. Opt for hues like creams, beiges, light blues, gentle yellows, and soft greens. These colours create a calming and elegant ambience.
2. Furniture: Choose furniture with a formal and refined appearance. Look for pieces with ornate carvings, curved legs, and intricate detailing. Dark woods like mahogany or walnut are common choices. Upholster furniture with luxurious fabrics such as silk or velvet in muted tones or floral patterns.
3. Upholstery and Drapery: Incorporate textiles that exude elegance and charm. Select upholstery and drapery fabrics with floral motifs, toile patterns, or delicate stripes. Consider using a mix of fabrics like silk, linen, and chenille to add texture and depth to the space.
4. Decorative Details: Add ornate details and decorative accents to capture the French Provincial style. Look for crown mouldings, ceiling medallions, and intricate trims. Incorporate wrought iron elements, such as light fixtures, candle holders, or decorative grilles. Display crystal chandeliers or elegant sconces for a touch of sophistication.
5. Natural Materials: Integrate natural materials to enhance the rustic charm of the style. Exposed wooden beams, stone or brick accents, and natural stone or tile flooring add warmth and character. Incorporate elements like wicker baskets, ceramic pottery, and dried flowers to bring the outdoors inside.
6. Textured Walls: Consider using textured finishes on the walls to add depth and visual interest. Techniques like Venetian plaster or faux finishes can create an aged and weathered look, reminiscent of old French homes.
7. Window Treatments: Dress windows with soft and flowing curtains or drapes in light fabrics like sheer or linen. Use valances or cornices for an added touch of elegance. Consider adding decorative tiebacks or tassels to enhance the overall aesthetic.
8. Accessories: Choose accessories that evoke the French countryside and showcase an appreciation for fine craftsmanship. Display antique or vintage pieces, such as clocks, candle holders, and porcelain figurines. Incorporate delicate floral arrangements, vintage books, and decorative trays to add charm and personality to the space.
9. Lighting: Opt for soft and warm lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Choose chandeliers with crystal accents or wrought iron details. Add table lamps with fabric shades or sconces with intricate designs to illuminate specific areas.
10. Decorative mouldings: Timber mouldings are an extensive feature in French-style homes. Very ornate and decoratively detailed mouldings are showcased around fireplaces, on walls and as beautiful cornices, curved architrave windows and large decorative skirting boards and skirting blocks.

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French country style is inspired by the rural homes of France. This style is known for its casual and relaxed look, featuring a mix of rustic and refined elements. French country homes feature stone or stucco exteriors, a mix of textures and patterns, and natural materials such as wood and stone. The interiors of French country homes are often bright and airy, with a mix of rustic and elegant furniture, cosy fabrics, neutral colours such as white, beige, grey and faded red, green, blue, and yellow and natural accents such as flowers and herbs.

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Parisian chic style houses are inspired by the elegant and sophisticated interiors of Parisian apartments and homes and are the ‘city’ version of the French style interior that encompasses a more modern, sleek look with the addition of a vintage eclectic twist. You would be more likely to see whiter, cleaner interiors, less styling and more wrought iron and rustic metal finishes in Parisian chic houses. Along with luxurious fabric, neutral colours, and vintage elements, this style also features ornate details such as timber mouldings as cornices, skirtings, wainscoting and architraves that add to the overall elegance and sophistication of the space.

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