“I would say the updated version now has less color and more muted tones with simplistic patterns. “He used all of these authentic elements, and I feel like he really kicked it up a notch.” While Faudree perhaps took a more formal approach to the decorating style, as it evolved over the years, practitioners started to embrace the more casual elements of the style, but with touches of the authentic, refined look Faudree introduced. “I wouldn’t call it super authentic.” However, in the ’90s, Charles Faudree reintroduced the style in a whole new way. “For lack of a better word, it wasn’t very refined,” she says. French country decor is characterized by its understated elegance and use of rustic elements with an old-world European charm. As Joyce recalls, it first started to gain traction in the US around the ’70s, though it was a simplistic view of that culture. The specific name is often understood as a reflection of the United States trying to emulate this country lifestyle. “They just call it farmhouse,” Verma says. It’s worth noting that French country decor doesn’t necessarily “exist” in France. “I take all of my beautiful antiques and I mix them into this very rustic home and a lifestyle where I’m dragging my boots with mud on them inside of my home. “Picture if I were a gal living in Paris in a beautiful apartment, and I’ve been collecting these beautiful antiques, silk-covered bergères, gilt lamps, and antique commodes, and then one day, I decided to move out to the countryside, buy a farmhouse, and restore it.” Verma says. “I would call it a refined elegance where embellishments are tempered by natural elements and relaxed comfort.” Like many things French, it feels effortless yet undeniably chic.

“It uses natural elements mixed with authentic French antiques,” she explains. Photo: Anita Joyce What is French country decor?Īccording to Joyce, French country decor is “a relaxed take on Provence style, with a mix of rustic and refined elements.” As she points out-and as the name implies-the aesthetic is inspired by the effortless, simplistic beauty of both the French countryside itself and the lifestyle that those who live in the region often embody. Flowers and soft blue pillows add a pop of color. The French country style is known for the rich variety of flowers so bringing this feature indoors will give you a lot of natural beauty and colors. Repurpose the ceramic tableware into vases and pots for real flowers and plants. While it may be hard to replicate the beauty of the surrounding landscape or the aged patina of a Provenal farmhouse, a rustic thatched cottage in Normandy, or a provincial chateau, architects, interior designers, and home decorators around the world have. Neutral color palettes are common in French country decor. Transform Ceramic Tableware into Beautiful Vases and Pots. The decorating aesthetic known in the English-speaking world as French country style is an homage to the charms of the French countryside.

French country decor ideas