A Few Helpful Guidelines To Design French Country Family Room

French country decorating is informal and comfortable, and the rural French family room is destined for recreation, family gatherings and long conversations near the fireplace. But you don't have to move to Provence to experience the French countryside. You may restructure it by making use of French country in your family room, and have a gathering place which feels comfortable, warm and inviting.

French country decorating is rustic, yet with a simple style. Color schemes tend to compliment and evoke the gardens and countryside, and space is used warily to keep things cozy, but organized. There is no one right way to use French country decor, but here are a few guidelines to get you started.

Furniture
Furniture in the French country family room entices people to nestle in and get relaxed. Usually, there will be one large piece, such as a gently worn armoire, complimented by smaller items like a table and ladderback chair, storage trunk, or bookcases. Seating is informal, with traditional upholstered chairs mostly mixed with a comfortable, more contemporary sofa.

You may recreate this look by choosing a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You may cover an existing sofa with a plain slipcover, and drape quilts or throws on the top. Fill the sofa with comfy throw pillows which have French country decor motifs, such as bumblebees or toile. Polished, stained or whitewashed wooden frame chairs, with complimentary fabrics, add additional seating. Add a rustic, low coffee table or an ottoman, and a slightly old fashioned cabinet, armoire or buffet.

Floors
Wall to wall carpeting is generally not observed in French country decorating. Floors are generally wood, stone or natural tile. A mixture of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and facilitate to define the space. If you do need a large rug or carpet, choose one made from natural material like sisal or coir.

Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Old fashioned items, such as old trunks, may be utilized as decorative items or as side tables. A big, ornate mirror, hung opposite the window, will reflect the outdoor light into the room and create a feel of space. Antique garden tools, multicolored earthenware pottery, candles, wooden roosters, sunflowers and books fill the shelves and add interest. French country decor evokes the things you would notice while strolling through Provence, so think natural materials and outdoor designs.

Above all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and homely, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An eclectic mixture of old and new, patterned and plain, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room which appears casually stylish and is the perfect backdrop to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Relax with it!