The French provincial style is all about invoking a feeling of classic glamour inspired by gran Parisian apartments and rural chateaus from the 17th and 18th Centuries. French provincial combines luxury with practicality, leaning on ornamentation and distinct design features together. The style has been updated in recent years, making it easier than ever to channel in all kinds of homes and on different budgets. Want to inject some French flair into your interiors? Our easy tips will give you a great idea of how to achieve it.
Deep hues with touches of gold
Channeling the French provincial look can be as easy as looking at the colours in your room of choice. Choosing dark, rich shades - grey, blue, burgundy, black - and pairing them with gold accents will evoke the opulence typically associated with the style. Dark wood furniture, which can look great in the living and dining rooms, or the bedroom, pairs naturally with gold. This could look like an ornate upholstered bed and dark wood bedside tables, with gold bedside lamps and a beautiful chandelier. Similarly, a dark dining table would look great with gold cutlery.
When shopping, look out for:
- Dark and rich shades: browns, greys, burgundies, greens, etc.
- Statement pieces like art and sculpture
- Wooden furniture in deep hues
- Gold accents and accessories, including lights, cutlery, and frames
Ornate and Cabriole leg furnishing
When picturing the French provincial style, one look probably comes to mind: furniture on cabriole legs. A cabriole leg is one that’s shaped with two curves, lending it an elegant appearance. A lot of furniture in this style typically comes with cabriole legs and it wouldn’t be too difficult to find French provincial chairs, for example, to add to your home.
To keep the look modern, pick one or two items with ‘classic’ French provincial features - like chest of drawers or a bed - and keep the rest of the furniture and accessories quite minimal. This will ensure that your space isn’t overwhelmed by details. Of course, you can opt for all your furniture in this style if you would like to commit to the aesthetic fully.
When shopping, look out for:
- Vintage and antique pieces
- Furniture that has cabriole or cabriole-inspired legs
- One ornate statement item to add to a room
- Pieces with elaborate detail, like picture frames or standing lamps
Statement light fixtures
Statement light fixtures are non-negotiable in French provincial homes. Picture elaborate chandeliers hanging in hallways and sconces adorning walls. If you want an element of the French provincial style, then this is a great option as the light fixtures in this style easily pair with other styles of furniture. There’s no reason why a living room that’s quite minimal or with a few mid-century modern pieces can’t look good with a beautiful chandelier.
Floor and table lamps are another small addition you can make to get a touch of this look. Look for pieces in brass and gold, with ornamental details that draw the eye in. don’t be afraid to choose larger pieces, especially if they’re serving as the accents in a room. Candles displayed in candlestick holders are another defining decorative lighting feature. Choose an ornate glass or metal holder or go for something a little bit more modern with a touch of gold or black.
When shopping, look out for:
- Gold and brass lights
- Lights with crystals and glamorous details
- Different light sources: floor lamps, table lamps, chandeliers
- Minimal or ornate candleabras
Garden-inspired elegance
Bring elements of the outside indoors with natural elements. While the French provincial style channels glamour, it can also be more low-key. Besides polished wood and marble, rattan is another common material used, popping up on furniture doors and beds. Mixing a few rattan pieces with solid furniture will create a lighter, breezier feel in your home. Linen is another nature-inspired fabric that’s always welcome in a French-style home, whether that’s bedding, cushion covers, or table accessories.
Finally, don’t forget about plants and flowers. Forget roses, choose cosmos, chamomile, and anything that would grow in the countryside - the idea is to inject some organic elements into an otherwise glamorous interior.
When shopping, look out for:
- Natural materials
- Rattan furniture pieces
- Vases to display flowers in
- Dried flowers and grasses
- Linen fabrics
Painted or polished wood
Painted and polished wood is one of the essential elements in a French provincial home. When shopping, look for solid and statement pieces. Functionality takes somewhat of a backseat, so if you spot a stunning French provincial armoire or a display cabinet (and you have the space for it!), snap it up. Mix up where you shop, opting for some new furniture and accessories created in the French provincial style with vintage and antique pieces.
Parquetry is heavily associated with this style as are polished wood floors. Not an easy look to achieve in a weekend, but one to keep in mind if you’re planning on a big renovation some time soon.
When shopping, look out for:
- Solid wood furniture pieces
- Wood materials like cherry, oak, and apple
- Wooden accents like frames and accesories
Bring a timeless style to your home
If you’re dreaming of spending a week in a French town absorbing the beauty and culture of the area, then this is the interior style for you. It’s simple to incorporate elements of the style into your home with details like lights and fabrics, one or two ornate pieces, or you can go all out and channel the French provincial look ‘head-to-toe’ in your home. Get creative and discover which elements of the style will suit your living space best.
Visit your local centre to find inspiration for your home.
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