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French country style is all about wrought iron, exposed beams, painted furniture, and other decorating designs rooted right where you’d expect—in the French countryside, specifically Provence.

While this style has existed for centuries in France, it took off in the United States in the mid-20th century, thanks to two influencers: the French company Pierre Deux, and former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

“Mrs. Kennedy decorated the White House with both fine French and country French pieces, and Pierre Deux made fabrics and furniture for the masses,” explains Joni Webb, an interior designer and Francophile blogger at Cote de Texas.

Photo by Witt Construction

The popularity of French country style gained even further acclaim in the 1980s and 1990s, with movies and books about the region (such as Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence”) inspiring home decor, notes Beverly Solomon of the eponymous design firm.

So how do you add un petit soupçon of French country to your little château? Here are some elegant decorating ideas to help you pull it off in style.

French country furniture

Photo by Wendi Young Design 

Typically, French Provençal or country-style furniture is more rustic and rougher-hewn than its Parisian counterparts.

“While the upper class could afford the finer furniture, the country folk weren’t as wealthy, so their homes were furnished with simpler styles, local woods, and less ornate carvings,” Webb explains.

“The best French country pieces are crafted from oak, pine, walnut, and olive wood, with simple lines, balanced form, and joinery made from pegs—with few, if any nails,” says Solomon. “You’ll also notice these pieces have a fruitwood finish or a painted finish in creamy ivory, so the design is soft, airy, and rather feminine,” adds Webb.

When seeking out French country accent chairs, look to the legs and seats, Webb recommends. “The chairs, especially armchairs, are most identifiable by either straight or curved cabriole legs—though ladder-back chairs are also popular—with seats made from rush or cane.”

Larger pieces that channel French country include antique armoires (usually the focal piece of the room), rustic rectangular dining-room tables, living-room settees with curved mutton legs, and bakers’ rack “shelves” made of iron with brass detailing.

Warm, muted hues

Photo by Adeeni Design Group

The color palette from the south of France is a large part of this style’s appeal.

“French country is known for earth tones, off-whites, and wonderful terra-cottas,” says Solomon. Justin Riordan, of Spade and Archer Design Agency, who says that to describe French country colors, he always thinks of muted pastels and jewel tones, along with red and floral patterns in multiple shades.

French country-style signature fabrics

Photo by Anthony Baratta LLC

“Of the many print patterns associated with Provence, the one that gained a lot of fame was toile de Jouy, which was also used by the aristocracy,” explains Isabelle Odjaghian, assistant interior design program director at the Design Institute of San Diego.

“Checked material also says ‘country French’, as does embroidery,” adds Webb. Chintz and stripes have a place, too; you may also see elegant silk and velvet on dressier pieces or sometimes on the front side of an accent chair, with the back covered in plain muslin.

Marble and pottery details

Photo by Dennison and Dampier Interior Design 

White marble is another essential style element for decorating the kitchen, bath, and on top of console tables or an antique sideboard. Distressed pottery, including vases, tureens, and urns, add elegance to a rustic hutch or open shelving. Or dine on this Old World style in the kitchen with pastel tile on a backsplash, oversized café au lait bowls and dishes with painted landscape scenes.

A warm yet lived-in style

Photo by Mike Smith / Artistic Kitchens 

“Think casual in terms of texture when putting together a French country-style room,” suggests Webb. Her advice: Use such elements as a rug made from natural materials (like sea grass) and then lay a second, more colorful one over it, to make it cozy. Upholster a chic sofa in white for an excellent centerpiece, especially with decorative side chairs covered in checked fabric and velvet and toile pillows as accessories.

For the final touch of charm, hang an ornate trumeau mirror over a console or fireplace, made with a wooden frame and a painted or carved section on the top.

The post What Is French Country Style? 5 Ideas to Try in Your Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.