Summer a La French

Elegance is the first word that would come to anyone’s mind when French style is mentioned. Whether you’re thinking about French clothing, food, wine or their interior design, there simply isn’t anything bad to say. French interior design, in particular, effortlessly combines both the traditional and contemporary ways of design principles.

The French Personality                            

French interior design is sophisticated, daring yet chic. It can also be quirky as well as personal. If you would travel anywhere in France and would take the time to look inside French homes, you would notice that no two homes are look or even feel alike. Their confident vision in terms of designs is the key to getting away with the one-of-a-kind flair.

So, are there any rules in going French this summer season? At first glance, you may think that there aren’t any. The truth is, French interior design also has some do’s and don’ts.

The French Do’s

• Use basic, natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and cheesecloth.
• A bare wall is fine. If you want to leave it completely bare, then that’s even better.
• Embrace the principles of unconventional living. Pair the clean, crisp lines with anything that’s baroque or something that’s curvy.
• Look up. Take note that the ceiling is a crucial part of every French home in terms of design. So, take the time to plan how you will make this architectural part of your home a visual delight.
• Remember that French people go beyond being flat. So, if you’re planning to paint the ceiling white, then make sure that you’re going to use an interesting shade, not one that’s dull or flat.
• Say yes to anything shiny or gilded to your décor.

The French Don’ts

Now it’s time for the do nots. Of course you would also want to know about these so that you won’t go wrong with your chosen design –

• Do not go overboard when it comes to ruffles, frills, fringes, tassels and florals. While the French design is sophisticated, it is never conceited.
• Never use the same furnishing details everywhere. If you have a lovely Louis XV armchair, then don’t cramp all six inside the dining room. Instead, find something that will contrast it, anything minimalist or modern in terms of style.
• Do not be intimidated by extravagance. More often than not, you will be using a large-scale piece of art or an oversized furniture to add a more French appeal.
• Never hold back when you are about to decorate the bedroom. This is the center of French interior design. Make this space a place of pleasure and calmness so that you would be enticed to retire to it during the evening. Just imagine the type of bedroom that will make you feel relaxed after a long day at work, and you’ve just pictured the best French bedroom there is.

French Colors

French style also centers on what sort of hues you are allowed to use – think of royalty, regal beauty, and sometimes, even simplicity. After all, after the French Revolution, more and more people turn their back on frilly aesthetics and went for things that are simple – you should do the same.

French interior design is flexible when it comes to colors. Just allow your personality to shine through to your palette. If you want calmer surroundings, then go for white, off-white, mushroom, taupes, gray, light green or powder blue.

If you are bold enough, then try teal, shades of red or emerald green. These will surely create an interesting feature wall, for instance, if not some pops of color in a mainly neutral backdrop. Nothing is every practically off limits when it comes to French interior design.

Tags: French design, French furnishing, French furnishings, French interior design, French interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings

This entry was posted on Monday, June 19th, 2017 at 8:00 am and is filed under Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.