My latest article in Country Home Ideas magazine focuses on colours for a French Provincial Style, a timeless classic that seems to have been on trend for a long time and I expect (and hope) is one that is enduring. The beauty of French Provincial style is that it can be adapted to a suburban home in Sydney just as well as to a rural property in the United States and of course in its home territory with the wonderful French architecture, the look is sublime. In my article below, I talk in more detail about the colours and finishes that are the foundation for this beautiful look. Just double click on the image to make it clear enough to read.
The fundamental elements of this look without doubt are natural finishes and muted colours. The use of natural linen with slightly washed out colours, touches of wrought iron and weathered oak with aged terracotta really pulls the look together. I have selected some of my favourite images of French Provincial Style which I hope will inspire you.
Weathered timber, soft rattan, washed linen cushions and a delicate relaxed colour palette are the hallmarks of a great French Provincial dining room. Natural linens with soft black stripes are very effective to achieve this look as is this classic statement chair below.
The classic armoire is a must for a French country style scheme. This one pictured above is painted by Annie Sloane with her gorgeous chalk paints and it demonstrates the washed out grey neutrals that are perfect for this look. A softer warm grey and off white works beautifully on this armoire below.
And my absolute favourite room – a gorgeous home office in a French Provincial style from Velvet and Linen. Wouldn't this just be the most beautiful place to sit and write – I could even enjoy paying bills in this office!
I hope that this has given you a taste for this beautiful style. Remember the essential elements – keep it natural, understated, elegant and muted and you can't go wrong!
For further reading, you might enjoy my article – The Art of Shabby, where I talk about how to achieve an understated country style look. Remember I would love to hear your comments in the section below – do you love this look, have you decorated in this style or painted furniture or do you have any tips to share? I would love to hear from you.