What is French Farmhouse Decor?

What is French farmhouse decor if not the perfect mix of the rustic and elegant mansions of the French countryside and the clean, calm atmosphere of the American farmhouse style? This style is the best of both worlds, a perfect blend of elegance and practicality.

Adore this aesthetic? Read on to discover luxurious dining tables, chairs, and accessories for this look and practical ways to evoke it at home, wherever you live in the world!

1. What Defines French Farmhouse Decor Style?

Interior designers define French farmhouse decor by its rustic yet sophisticated aesthetic. The simple country houses of Provence and Normandy inspire this look, blending natural materials and comfortable furnishings with feminine touches and sophisticated accents. Although called "French farmhouse", this decorative approach is found all over Europe.

While you can adapt this decor to any space, it is especially relevant for country homes and retreats. A warm and comfortable atmosphere invites you to relax and enjoy the little joys of life. The concept is about creating a place where you feel at home. Most importantly, it embodies a philosophy that values community and nature above all else.

• Wood: Use wood as one of the leading natural materials in your farmhouse style. Choose parquet flooring, install exposed beams, and leave some of your furniture in raw wood. Wood can also be stained, painted or tempered for a vintage effect and to brighten a room.
• Stone: Stone floors are perfect for a farmhouse look, especially in the kitchen, entryway or bathroom. It is natural and durable and gives a sense of authenticity to the home.
• Metals: Iron, copper and brass are all-natural metals perfect for farmhouse-style accessories. Think of wrought iron luminaires, iron chairs or brass fittings.
• Fabrics: Your fabric choices are essential to achieving a cohesive solid look. Think cosy blankets, plaid blankets and thick knits to create a relaxing feel.
• Practical and functional rooms: You may have noticed that with farmhouse design, everything has a purpose. All objects have a reason to be there. Although you can accessorise whatever you like, always give efficient and practical products priority. Over-decorating with items that don't convey the function of the place will inevitably result in a disjointed aesthetic.

2. French Country Color Palette

For the perfect farmhouse decor, the colours of furniture and accessories should be natural. Light blue is one of the best wall colours for classic French farmhouse decor. The colour is reminiscent of the French countryside’s clear skies and calm waters, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Choose classic white or cream for a timeless option that never goes out of style. These shades are perfect for creating an airy and light feel in any space. The neutral backdrop is an excellent canvas for effortlessly layering French-inspired details like distressed furniture and floral fabrics.

Looking for something more modern? Warm greys work wonders in a modern French farmhouse decor. This shade has all the sophistication of classic grey but with an added touch of warmth. It is perfect for creating comfortable and inviting spaces with a modern vibe.

Another great option is a pale yellow, which can bring any room a bright and warm feel. For a moody look, consider dark burgundy or forest green. These shades help create an earthy yet inviting vibe, adding a touch of flair to a classic.

3. What to Avoid in French Farmhouse Style

Regarding French farmhouse decor, you should avoid a few things if you want to stay in style.

• Avoid anything too ornate or fancy.
• Second, avoid using too many bright colours or patterns.
• Avoid anything that appears to be too new or very contemporary.
• Finally, remember the importance of texture in this style.
• Shiny, high-gloss surfaces can be challenging to blend into the rural mix.

4. French Farmhouse Style For Every Room

Given that we appreciate this design consider how the French farmhouse style may appear in every room. Here’s how you can achieve this aesthetic in every room:

Kitchen

A French farmhouse kitchen uses natural materials and open space to create an inviting gathering place. Open shelving and a farmhouse sink give it a classic farmhouse style, while vases filled with fresh flowers and distressed wood give it a French flair. Additionally, French farmhouse kitchens have windows to let in natural light.

Dining Room

Large rustic farmhouse dining tables similar in style to this Valbonne Dining Table by Eichholtz are a staple of French farmhouse restaurants. Attention to detail is also critical in the dining room – bring in some French glamour with a dramatic chandelier or a beautiful bouquet. Don't forget about the walls! Gold frames, oversized artwork, and plaster walls can make your space shine.

Bedroom

A French farmhouse-style bedroom is as chic as it is comfortable. Achieve this look through intricately detailed white linens, vintage chairs and unique light fixtures such as candles or chandeliers. These rooms often feature farmhouse structural details, such as ship pillows or exposed beams. They ensure that the room always retains its warm atmosphere.

Living Room

A French farmhouse living room takes classic farmhouse elements like a fireplace and exposed wood and takes them to the next level by adding details like fresh white paint, chandeliers and greenery. These living rooms also have multiple light sources, like windows, light bulbs, and candles.

Finally, ornate details in the woodwork of the coffee table or side table add the perfect French country touch to the room.

Bathroom

Rustic tile floors, a freestanding tub, and sleek light fixtures give a bathroom a French farmhouse feel. Fresh flowers make a bathroom feel fresh and inviting, and open shelving works just as well in the bathroom as it does in the kitchen.

You can also place chandeliers, framed mirrors like this Berlin Silver Rectangle Wall Mirror, or framed artwork in a bathroom to add that extra "charm" to a room.

Exterior

French farmhouses often have the large windows and simple shapes of American farmhouses. Combine this style with architectural details such as clean-painted bricks, skylights, and elegant landscaping for a French feel.

The exterior of these houses usually has stone walls in pastel colours such as blue or grey. Spacious rear gardens make these homes lush and inviting.

In Conclusion

If you're looking for inspiration for your next home decor project and need something with a distinct character, the French farmhouse style might be the answer. This classic aesthetic is rustic and timeless, perfect for creating a comfortable and inviting space. With FCI, you can bring the warmth and charm of Normandy to your own home.

Our expertly curated collection of tables, chairs, and decor includes high-end pieces with rustic textures, romantic detailing, and a touch of luxury. From distressed finishes to elegant linens, you will find items that embody the sophistication of the French farmhouse style.

Need guidance to get started? Book a consultation either virtually or in person at our London showroom. With an interior portfolio that spans almost 40 years of projects, an experienced FCI designer specialist will work with you on reimagining your space from top to bottom, down to the last detail.