French Country Decorating -- How To Create A Casual, Appealing French Country Family Room

French country decorating is informal and comfortable, and the rural French family room is meant for relaxation, family gatherings and long conversations near the fireplace. But you don't have to move to Provence to feel the French countryside. You could restructure it by using French country in your family room, and have a gathering place which feels comfortable, warm and homely.

French country decorating is rustic, yet with an understated elegance. Color schemes tend to compliment and bring to mind the gardens and countryside, and space is utilized carefully to keep things comfortable, but orderly. There is no one right way to make use of French country decor, but here are a few tips to get you in progress.

Furniture
Furniture in the French country family room entices individuals to live in and get comfortable. Generally, there will be one large piece, like a gently worn armoire, complimented by smaller items such as a table and ladderback chair, storage trunk, or bookcases. Seating is informal, with traditional upholstered chairs mostly mixed with a comfy, more contemporary sofa.

You may reconstruct this look by selecting a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You could cover an existing sofa with a simple slipcover, and drape quilts or throws on the top. Fill the sofa with cozy throw pillows that have French country decor motifs, such as bumblebees or toile. Polished, stained or whitewashed wooden frame chairs, with complimentary fabrics, add additional seating. Add a rustic, low coffee table or an ottoman, and a slightly old fashioned cabinet, armoire or buffet.

Floors
Wall to wall carpeting is generally not seen in French country decorating. Floors are generally wood, stone or natural tile. A mixture of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and help to define the space. If you do want a large rug or carpet, pick one made from natural material like sisal or coir.

Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Traditional items, such as old trunks, can be used as decorative items or as side tables. A large, ornate mirror, hung opposite the window, will reflect the outdoor light into the room and make a feel of space. Antique garden tools, colorful earthenware pottery, candles, wooden roosters, sunflowers and books fill the shelves and add interest. French country decor evokes the things you would see while strolling through Provence, thus consider natural materials and outdoor designs.

Most of all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and homely, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An eclectic mixture of old and new, attractive and plain, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room which looks casually elegant and is the ideal backdrop to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Have fun with it!