Last week I talked about decorating in rustic styles and whether that style would suit your personality. This week I thought I would touch on French country.
I love this style, perhaps because it is a little relaxed and romantic. French country fits in between earthy and shabby chic, a little bit of both to bring a lovely inviting relaxed style with old world charm.
French country evokes visions of antique furniture, white washed timbers, natural timber, heavy beams, whitewashed walls, and warm tones of yellow, red, green but also blue and black and fabrics in checks, stripes, floral and toile prints. European timber on the floor in lighter tones, stone or tiled finishes on the floors, scatter rugs or carpet can be added. Light in tone to keep that light and freshness flowing as many of the traditional homes tended to have smaller windows.
Living rooms for living, practical functional furniture but still inviting. Plump feather-filled cushions, or sofas, large gilded mirror, white-washed or aged furniture, chandeliers, a basket of wood beside the fire, fruit bowls or baskets with freshly cut herbs. A chunky timber dining table that can be scrubbed down, flowers on the table in ceramic jars or jugs, delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, stone or timber bench tops with hand-painted timber joinery. Wrought iron bed ends or solid timber dressed in fresh white linen - comfortable and inviting. A deep old bathtub to soak in, porcelain with brass taps, aged mirror or a large hand-finished mirror. Bathrooms can be a little more ornate and luxurious, but still exude that timeless country charm.
Does this sound a little like you? You may not live in an old traditional French villa but you can still achieve some of this look.
Heavy whitewashed beams are probably not very practical unless you already have them. Many of our homes built around the 60s and 70s had exposed beams that can easily be painted out, as long as it doesn't change the visual dimensions of the room too much. Fabrics and furniture styles along with wall colour can easily achieve this look and then it is just a matter of adding accessories.
If you want that aged look, buy solid pieces of furniture that you don't want to be too precious about and, in time, it too will get that lovingly worn look.
I'm not a fan of buying a piece of furniture to beat up to give it that aged look - where is the history and the stories in doing that, apart from perhaps a bit of stress management?
Often our furniture is finished in such a way that it doesn't allow for the aged or worn look easily. If you buy antiques, they have already done the hard yards of years of hands and bodies sitting on or caressing the finishes, the ageing doesn't happen overnight. But the look can still be achieved with the right detail to attention.
The finish should be classic country and inviting with a little bit of shabby chic in worn comfortable furniture of hours of loving use. The coming together of family and friends to share stories, food, wine and excellent company.On that note, on Sunday, Wanganui is hosting a Wedding Expo at the Memorial Hall from 10am till 4pm, for all you soon-to-be newlyweds. I will have a stand there promoting my personal styling business, so come and say hello if you pop in and sign up to be in the prize draw.
It is always nice to meet someone who reads my column. Have a great weekend everyone.
Terry Lobb is an interior/kitchen designer and personal colour and style consultant who takes a holistic approach to living with colour, texture and style - email: terry@terrylobb.com; website: http://terrylobb.com