After taking a week off from this series, I am back with what may arguably be one of my favorite styles. I’m not sure if French Country has had a resurgence, or, I may just think it has because it seems as though I always seek this style out when searching Pinterest or reading blogs. Regardless, it is such a classic style that seems to stand the test of time. Let’s take a look at the architecture of a French Country home.
Source: Architects Build
This home is very typical of a French Country home. Elements of French Country include asymmetrical design elements, meaning the house is “off center” with the left side not matching the right. French Country homes also have tall skinny windows that will often be incorporated into the roof line, like the curved windows above. Arches and curves are another characteristic as seen in these windows and even the curve of the bay window on the lower left hand side. French Country homes typically are two-story homes with a very steep roof. They are most often comprised of stone or stucco, but can be brick. Wrought iron details are incorporated into the design as seen in the two balconies above. Now that we know what we are looking for, let’s look at some other great examples of French Country architecture.
Source: Dering Hall
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Aren’t those shutters just gorgeous? It’s that French Country blue. Let’s move on the interior, my favorite part. I love French Country furniture and am always browsing through Pinterest looking for ideas for French Country furniture. Even though I own a Craftsman, French Country pieces will always be in home like these beauties below.
To read about my redo of this piece click HERE
To read about my redo of this piece click HERE
So what are the typical characteristics of a French Country interior? Again, the rooms are asymmetrical on the interior and incorporate a lot of the great elements seen on the exterior. They typically have archways leading from one room to another and may even have arched woodwork over the windows or on the trim.
Source: Interior Dev
French Country interiors almost always have wooden beams in the ceiling and have the tall skinny windows as seen in the picture below.
Source: Pinterest
Isn’t this room just to die for? I love everything about it, even the view to the exterior. Wow! So, how can French Country style be incorporated into an average home? Easy, it’s all about the details. Right now, if you browse Craigslist on a somewhat regular basis you will see French Country pieces pop up. One classic piece that I see every once in a while is a classic Bergere chair.
Source: For The Home
You can find these chairs at your local antique mall also. Buy a classic shape and have it recovered in a more contemporary fabric like the one above. If this sounds like way too much work, you can take a heavy hit in the wallet and buy the reproduction Restoration Hardware famously produces.
Source: Restoration Hardware
Great French Country wood furniture can be found in many places. Visit estate sales in your city and you are bound to come across something French Country. Be open to the possibilities, even if the piece is not the right color, a solid piece of furniture can always be stripped and stained or painted. These are some examples of great trash to treasure pieces I found on Pinterest.
Doesn’t this picture of a traditional French Country dining room set make you want to paint everything white? Maybe that’s just me. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Nancy
