French Provincial Style: the classic collection of country homewares
What is French Provincial style?
French Provincial style or French Country style is a style of interior design originating in the rural regions of France. Established by the wealthy landowners in their estate manor houses and country homes, this charming and elegant style is characterised by warmth and comfort as well as refined simplicity, drawing upon the natural beauty of the French countryside for inspiration. French Provincial style expertly blends classical European design with rustic elements to create an inviting, timeless atmosphere which is both sophisticated and approachable.
In a French Provincial home there is an emphasis on natural materials such as weathered or distressed woods, stones as well as wrought iron. Furniture is typically solid and sturdy, featuring curved lines and intricate details, such as hand carved embellishments or ornate harwares. The colour palette used for this style of country homewares is predominantly soft and muted, incorporating creams and beiges with some accents of terracotta, yellow, green and even blue - evoking the colours of the rural French landscape. Accessories play a crucial role in the French Provincial style, with an emphasis on vintage or antique items, such as ornate mirrors, decorative ceramics as well as antique style chandeliers. The end result is a warm, inviting space, which celebrates the charm and natural beauty of rural France, offering a sophisticated and timeless retreat from the modern world.
How do I get a French Provincial look?
To achieve a French Provincial look within your home you should incorporate a thoughtful combination of classic design elements, rustic charm and also elegant simplicity. The first step is creating a warm, inviting colour palette which reflects the hues found in the French countryside. Start with soft, muted colours such as creams and beiges which serve as the foundation of your design. These colours can be used on your walls, furniture and textiles, setting the stage for a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.
The next step is to focus on selecting furniture pieces which showcase expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, two things characteristic of French provincial style. Look for solid wood furniture featuring graceful curves, hand carved embellishments as well as ornate hardware.
Distressed and weathered finishes add a touch of rustic charm, whilst upholstered pieces feature neutral tones and traditional patterns such as toile, florals, checks or stripes. Incorporate other natural materials such as rattan, wrought iron, stone, and linen to further enhance the rustic elegance of the space. Lastly, accessorise your French Provincial interior with vintage or antique items, including ornate mirrors, decorative ceramics and also chandeliers. Don't be afraid to mix and match different textures as this can help to create a space which feels curated and collected over time. By carefully blending these elements you can transform your home into a warm, inviting retreat exuding the timelesss charm of the French countryside.
What colours are French Provincial?
The French Provincial colour palette is very natural and earthy - inspired by the French countryside's natural beauty. It incorporates a wide range of soft and muted tones which evoke a sense of warmth, serenity and timelessness. The foundational colours of this design style are typically neutral shades such as creams, beiges, or soft whites, helping to evoke a warm and cosy atmosphere. These understated tones serve as the perfect backdrop for the French provincial aesthetic and allow the intricate details and textures of the furniture to take the center stage.
In addition, French Provincial design utilises subtle pops of colour, drawn from the traditional French landscape. Warm ochre yellows and terracotta reds evoke the earthy colours of the landscape as well as the meadow flowers of summer. Pale blues reminiscent of the sky and gentle greens evoking lush vineyards and fields are some of the most commonly used colours which can add depth and interest to your space. When choosing colours for a French Provincial themed home, focus on creating a harmonious balance between soft neutrals and gentle accent colours, which creates a space which feels both refined and inviting, reflective of the idyllic beauty of the French countryside.
What makes a room French Provincial?
A room that is French Provincial features a unique combination of rustic charm as well as refined elegance, working together to create a warm, inviting and timeless space. One of the most important elements which sets apart a French Provincial room is the focus on natural materials as well as expert craftsmanship. Furniture in this style is often of solid wood construction with distressed or even weathered finishes, intricate carvings as well as ornate hardware. The inclusion of wrought iron, stone, and linen further enhances the rustic appeal of a French Provincial room and gives the space a sense of authenticity.
The timeless traditional French Country style Collection. A sense of occasion, a sense of classic design, relaxed and yet totally chic. Let our stunning range of decor transform your house into a gorgeous country style home.
The French Country Collection
Explore our beautifully curated collection of French Country style home decor, furniture and lovely accessories for your Provincial home. We source charming and unique pieces to bring this classic style to your home.