French traditional decor

Each French interior is unique and reflects the individual taste of the owner of the room. But everyone who chooses the French style has common features that are reflected in the decor of their homes. This style is loved for elegance and romance, eclecticism and bright details - and all this without pomp and false brilliance. About the main features of the French style in the interior, as well as how to feel all the delights of the French interior at home, later in the article.

French interior codes

Marble fireplaces, high ceilings and exquisite moldings coexist in a French interior with modern technology and restraint. How is this possible? The main condition for success is a large bright space and a sense of balance.

The French interior will show itself in all its glory if it is embodied in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows, an attic, a place for a fireplace and slightly aged parquet. But a separate room in an ordinary city apartment, if desired, can be transformed in a French manner. Knowing the four codes of the French interior will help you with this:

• Bobo (short for bourgeois-bohème - “bourgeois bohemia”) is an artistic style that appeared in the 70s of the last century and forever penetrated into the life and interior of the French. Wicker chairs, climbing plants, low furniture, paintings by unknown artists, vintage accessories bought at a flea market - all this makes up the harmony of bohemian decor.
• Space optimization. The interior in French is synonymous with ingenuity: everything must be mastered, from the basement to the attic. Built-in furniture, competent redevelopment and thoughtful storage of things will visually multiply the number of square meters in the room by 2, bringing you closer to the French dream interior.
• Playfulness and irony. A bookshelf in the shape of a beloved animal, deer antlers on the back of a chair, various optical illusions and false doors - all this will add French charm to the interior.
• The color palette of the house as a background for decor elements. Even in a modest French interior, works of art, decorative elements and antiques play a major role. Therefore, the most “French” colors in the interior are the background ones (beige, white, gray). The set of colors seems meager only at first glance. The French honor various shades of the mentioned colors and undertones (ivory, antique and cream shades, etc.), and the finish often includes interspersed with gilding and materials that refract light.

You need to be a real aesthete to turn the chaos from incomplete furniture, antiques and various decor items into a harmonious and restrained bohemian picture. But it is in this negligence, organized with impeccable subtle taste, that the main feature of the French style lies.

Materials and finishes

French interiors work well with a variety of materials, from wrought iron and wood to glass. A clear incompatibility with this style is observed only with plastic and leather upholstery.

The first violin among the decor materials in the interior in French belongs to textiles. Curtains decorated with tassels and lambrequins, curtains made of silk, organza or taffeta, decorative pillows with floral prints... You can choose the design of curtains and upholstery, the color, texture and pattern of textiles to your taste, but in order for the French style in the interior to really take place, the quality of the materials must be high.

The French are also happy to use textiles for chair covers, various decorative napkins and light canopies over the bed. It is worth noting that the freedom in choosing ornaments and patterns for textiles is still limited: obvious contrasts and overly large patterns should be avoided. Draperies and complex textures of velvet, satin, velor and brocade are welcome, capable of refracting light.

The decoration of ceilings, walls and floors in French interiors is as neutral as possible. To decorate the ceiling, whitewash or pastel-colored paint is most often used, for walls - wallpaper with an inconspicuous pattern or semi-gloss paint. If you want more brightness, it is acceptable to decorate the walls with chinoiserie-style panels, using half the height of the wall under the panels.

The traditional material for finishing the floor is solid wood of muted shades or herringbone parquet. In the bathroom or hallway, tiles or ceramic granite imitating natural stone are appropriate.

Furniture

There are practically no rules in the selection of furniture for the French interior. Items can belong to different styles and eras, the more diverse the better. But nevertheless, in this diversity and slight negligence, a single French mood should be traced, which can manifest itself in the slight aging of all objects, patina on forged handles or slightly faded upholstery.

If there is no strength and inspiration for a combination of the incongruous, you can always turn to modern interpretations of the French style with the uniformity of furniture and the presence of characteristic things in the interior: an elegant ottoman, a wrought-iron cornice, a four-poster bed. A guaranteed hit in style is provided by interiors in which there are "their own", truly French pieces of furniture. This is about:

• low deep armchairs;
• round tables with figured carved legs;
• dressuaries - decorative cupboards for dishes.

Decor

It is difficult to overestimate the role of decorative elements in the French style. Every thing in the interior should be interesting to consider, it’s good if all items have their own history. Therefore, in French decor, quality is important, not quantity.

A 19th century fireplace mirror from a flea market, vintage porcelain figurines, rich lampshades of floor lamps matched to the tone of furniture upholstery, gilded boxes, antique grandfather clocks - all these are the little things that make up the charm of the French interior. Walls can be decorated with paintings or compositions of artificial flowers, and a light screen can be used to zone the space.

French Country

Speaking about the French style in the interior, one cannot fail to mention its provincial version - Provence, or "French Country". The name of the style comes from the southern region of France of the same name. The measured life of the inhabitants of Provence, charming simplicity and traditional French elegance served as the basis for the birth of this special style of country house decoration.

The main features of the Provence style are similar to the basic principles of creating a French interior. Vintage and bohemian chic have not been canceled, but here lightness, rustic charm, naturalness and comfort, conducive to relaxation, come first.

To achieve a special atmosphere of the French province in the decoration, preference is given to natural materials and natural, sometimes rough textures. Exposed ceiling beams, plaster walls, wooden floors, an abundance of fresh flowers, natural fabrics and the predominance of soft, as if sun-bleached shades, will give any room a touch of French Provence.

As you can see, interior design in the French style requires attention to detail, impeccable taste for the organic mixing of things of different styles, love for art and complex coloring. But all the efforts are worth it - in return you get an elegant, functional and inspiring space in which it is pleasant to receive guests, spend leisure time and just live.

How to create a French style interior? Aesthetics of Provence, mix of styles and luxury!

French style in a modern interior: design features and implementation options

French style is the embodiment of romance and comfort. It is often associated with royal luxury, antique furniture and an abundance of gilded decor. This is not entirely true: for a French house, both impeccable royal classics, laconic urban design, and light rustic surroundings are relevant.

The rich historical past of France is embodied in everyday home environment. Versailles chic, bourgeois luxury and democratic Provence - all these are the facets of the French style. Despite the contradictory directions, all interpretations are united by common features: moderation, love of beauty and respect for the history of the country.

Variations

For several centuries, the French style has absorbed the features of different cultural eras. Classicism brought austerity of forms and elegance of stucco decoration to French houses, Rococo gave interiors asymmetry and airiness, and Baroque left a mark in the form of carved ornaments and flowing lines. Modern housing is equally characterized by the monumentality of the Empire style, the neutral palette of neoclassicism and the graphic patterns of Art Deco.

Wool armchair with kilim pattern, Franck

There are three variations of the French style:

Classic. Traditional interiors can be found in ordinary city apartments or in a country house. This direction is characterized by the presence of luxurious elements: stucco, paintings, massive mirrors and porcelain figurines. Pompous details do not violate the overall harmony and add variety to the neutral range of the room.

Provence. Residents of megacities and small towns use country style for their apartments and cottages. From rural life, they borrow an abundance of wooden furniture and ceramics, as well as floral ornaments, handmade decorative ornaments and pastel shades.

Parisian chic. Metropolitan interiors are distinguished by contrasting combinations and bold ideas. City apartments are the epitome of eclecticism: high-tech furniture coexists with antiques, and instead of paintings, the walls are decorated with photographs or posters.

Framed poster, Romantica

Features

Outwardly, the style looks rather controversial, but the interiors in this theme have a number of common features:

Strong connection with the past. The French are respectful of their history, but at the same time skillfully combine vintage items with modern decor.

Mix of styles. The eclecticism of French housing is the result of the influence of several historical eras and cultural trends.

Spacious rooms, neutral palette and plenty of light sources.

Practical luxury. Any original accessory has its purpose.

Bamboo round coffee table, BANGOR

The French are constantly improvising: their homes are not perfect, but they have an artistic appeal. Mixing directions, shapes, textures and shades give the interior a romantic and relaxed look.

Features of the layout

The French style provides for several isolated rooms. Miniature studios or combined functional areas are not typical for this direction. In a truly French house, there are definitely closets and several rooms connected by corridors!

French interiors are characterized by panoramic window openings. Full-length glass stained-glass windows look spectacular against the backdrop of high ceilings with stucco. When choosing housing, French people prefer wide and well-lit spaces.

Bench, LOAN

The Frenchman's house is a concentration of space and light. White paint is taken as the basis of the palette, and neutral shades are used to highlight individual zones: light gray, pearl, vanilla, lavender, coffee and milk, soft green, pale yellow or light pink. Bright colors are not welcome in the interior - rich colors can be left only for accents.

Contrasting dark colors - black, dark gray, brown - are appropriate for the decor. The interior often contains furniture and accessories in burgundy, dark turquoise, blue or green tones.

Sofa bed 3-seater Pillow

Natural materials are used in interior decoration. Among them are solid wood, copper, gypsum mixtures and natural marble. Over time, this design acquires a refined and light effect of noble antiquity.

Ceilings

The French prefer a traditional ceiling painted in a light color or covered with a layer of whitewash. To prevent the surface from looking too monotonous, gypsum moldings or suspended wooden beams are added to the design. In the center you can install a massive chandelier with gilded inserts.

Walls

Various options are available for vertical surfaces:

Light matt paint;

vintage wallpaper with embossing or original texture;

decorative Venetian plaster;

artificial stone.

It is not uncommon for the French to simply paint the walls white or a neutral color: this technique visually enlarges the space and makes the room brighter. If the room has recesses, they can be decorated with books, vases, posters or sconces.

Ceramic vase, Liso

Parquet is a classic interior solution. A light herringbone-shaped finish with an antique effect looks quite interesting in the living room or bedroom. Such a finish is durable: damaged elements can be replaced with new ones, and worn places can be sanded and varnished.

In a modern interpretation, it is possible to replace traditional parquet with a practical parquet board. As an alternative, you can pay attention to the laminate in natural wood shades. Due to the high humidity for the bathroom and kitchen, you should choose tiles, mosaics or porcelain tiles.

Window and door openings

Wooden frames with vintage handles are chosen for stained glass windows. The classic interior design of windows suggests the presence of elegant curtains made of airy silk, shiny satin or delicate velvety fabric. Room openings are visually distinguished by platbands with carved patterns.

Wardrobe with 2 doors in solid pine, NOTTINGHAM

The love of good lighting explains the presence of many lamps in the French house. The central place in the room is given to a luxurious ceiling chandelier of complex design. The main light source is complemented by elegant sconces and table lamps. The choice of design depends on the taste of the owner: in the French interior, there are classic European fringed lampshades and laconic modern spots.

Haru ball lamp with pendants

Furniture

Vintage furniture is the main accent of the interior in French style. Furnishings are handed down to younger generations, bought in antique shops, searched for in newspaper ads, or found at flea markets. As an alternative, modern things are used: they can be artificially aged or coated with special paint.

French furniture has unique features:

Presence of forged parts;

curved carved legs;

Gold or patina finish;

expensive fabric upholstery;

expressiveness and conciseness.

Velor armchair, LEONE

It is important to keep the balance and not overload the room with vintage elements. A few items are enough to create the desired effect! Modern furniture and decor can be varied with an elegant sideboard with glass doors, a deep armchair, a marble coffee table or an elegant metal candlestick.

The abundance of authentic accessories is one of the features of the French style. Each item has its own story and meaning! Interesting decorating ideas can be found in antique shops and flea markets.

Rattan round mirror, Nogu

Authentic things are used to decorate the space:

decorative ceramic planters;

Brass and wood book shelves;

massive paintings, posters;

Porcelain figurines and wrought iron candlesticks.

Decorate the walls with large mirrors in gold, wood or copper frames. Glass vases with live or dried flower bouquets can be placed on shelves and countertops.

Ceramic vase, Pastela

Natural wood accessories can create a unique coziness. Natural materials are especially preferred for Provence-style rooms. A water hyacinth bookend, a rattan linen box or a cane basket will freshen up the environment and give it a special rustic charm!

The French are sensitive to the choice of textiles. Pillows, bedspreads, curtains and napkins should attract attention with their luxury and not look too pretentious at the same time! The interior in the French style is characterized by velvety and velor fabrics, as well as organza, linen, taffeta, voile and satin material.

Bleached Linen Bedspread, Linange

Blinds are rarely used in interiors: elegant curtains or light tulle curtains are chosen for window decoration. When decorating rooms, they rarely do without a cozy carpet with an eco-friendly composition. Handicrafts are of particular value.

Linen Voile Curtain, Delhia

There are no trifles in the design of a French house! Exquisite style is embodied even in bed linen. The choice of the French is natural fabrics with a silky texture, such as satin or silk. Sleeping sets can be plain or with delicate floral patterns.

Cotton duvet cover, Graminée

Room decoration

Entrance hall

French interiors start at the door. It is important to pay special attention to the design of the hallway - the visiting card of an apartment or house! A vintage chandelier and a massive mirror with a gilded frame will give the atmosphere a special Parisian chic, and an elegant wooden console or a mirror chest of drawers with antique finish will become the main decoration of the corridor.

Dresser with mirrors and antique finishes, Winsome

Bedroom

The bed is the centerpiece of the French bedroom. A high bed with a rattan or textile headboard will give the room a relaxed and cozy look, and you can complement the decor with elegant bedside tables on curved legs. The most secluded room in the house is characterized by an abundance of textiles, including thick blackout curtains, soft carpets, a canopy and bedspreads. \

Rattan headboard, Malu

Living room

It is permissible to use luxurious furniture and accessories in the reception room. The classic is ideal for the hall: massive crystal chandeliers, fabric lampshades, woolen carpets and vintage furnishings will look appropriate in the most spacious room. Sofas can be decorated with designer pillows, and the walls can be decorated with a large metal-framed mirror or paintings in wide frames.

Marble and glass coffee table, Moricio

Kitchen

The French-themed kitchen is made for preparing gastronomic masterpieces! Buffets and cabinets with stained-glass windows, drawers for storing dishes and spices - all these details are typical for a Provence or Parisian chic kitchen area. The decoration of the room is dominated by natural materials of neutral shades - wood, stone and ceramics.

Children's room

Pastel shades are used in children's rooms - pale blue, pink, gray, pearl. The wooden bed with carved headboard and canopy, eco-friendly cotton curtains and satin linens will ensure a carefree night's rest for the younger members of the family. You can decorate the room with small soft rugs with images of animated characters, colorful posters or original sconces.

Bathroom

Priority in the design of the bathroom is given to lighting. If there is no window in the room, it is important to provide several sources of artificial light in it. It can be an elegant chandelier and a few spotlights. For decoration, use light-colored ceramic tiles, moisture-resistant wallpaper, paint or marble.

Sea cane round basket, Nakou

Shower cubicles are out of character for traditional design: you need a classic bathtub with curved metal legs.

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