After my blog post a couple of weeks ago about the creating a cosy French-style boudoir, I has such a fantastic positive reaction that I wanted to write more about this interior design style right away. I’ve done a little more research into the style and have picked out some lovely photos for you to ogle at!
French Country, or French Provincial, is a popular decorating style for bedrooms because its timelessly pretty and delicately feminine. The warm, rustic designs are taken from traditional southern French home décor, and blend chic simplicity with pale fabrics to create a light, airy feel. The archaic way of life it harks back to is evident in the antique furniture and whimsical decorative motifs which are characteristic of the style. French Provincial can be transposed into your bedroom to create a lovely, traditional feel or an elegant contemporary look. To help you create a beautiful French-style bedroom of your own, here are some helpful tips.
Colour Schemes
The French Country color palette is a mix of airy pastel hues and strong vibrant colours, like terracotta and hunter green. Choose a color that you like – anything from lavender to pale yellow, sunny gold to sage green, burgundy to sky blue – and offset it with white, in the style of Marie-Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour. Another common theme is to use colours taken from nature, and whimsical floral and toile patterns can often be found in this palette. Look for these patterns in window treatments, wallpaper, bedding and pillows for a true French Country bedroom feel.
Bed and Headboard Ideas
Headboards and beds used and found in French Country bedrooms all appear carefully designed and unique. They display an unashamed opulence, positively revelling in their glorious Marie-Antoinette-esque decadence. The beds especially demonstrate a special hint of quirkiness and originality, as if each of them is an entirely one-off piece. Why not check out one of The French Bedroom Company’s extravagantly upholstered creations for workmanship to rival the master’s (minus the price tag)? If you can’t afford to splash out on a completely new bed, try to get your hands on a French-style headboard. For a really thrifty update, get a pair of old doors and display them upright, side-by-side for a shabby chic look. To add an extra little creative touch, paint a handwritten poem onto the wood, or use a stencil to add a flowery motif.
Bedding and Fabric Options
French Country bedrooms feature an eclectic use of bedding, fabrics and accent pillows. To really nail the country look, search charity and vintage shops for burlap or grain sack pillows with floral, rooster, toile and paisley patterns, or have a search online to find out how you can make your own. Make sure that you stick to your color scheme, reusing your floral and toile patterns for your bed linen. If you’re creative, try making your own. For those who are less arty, and those who want inspiration for their own designs, check out a specialist retailer to get your hands on or simply get a better idea of what French bed linen looks like.
Lovely French canopy over the bed
Canopies
Beautiful, elaborate canopies often feature in French Country bedrooms. Known as bed crown coronets, go for a delicate, feminine design or look for something a little heavier in a richly coloured, luxurious material. You can make your own quite simply, or pick up a second-hand bed crown from eBay or a charity shop relatively inexpensively.
