Adapting French Provincial Style for Urban and Contemporary Spaces
Photo by Alex Sawyer on Unsplash
French Provincial style is a timeless and charming aesthetic that has been popular for centuries. This decor style originated in the 17th-18th century in the southern countryside regions of France, such as Provence and Languedoc. During this period, furniture makers outside of Paris would attempt to reproduce the intricate and ornate furniture found in the bustling capital city.
However, these skilled artisans could not replicate the same level of fine detail and craftsmanship due to the lack of proper materials and tools. Instead, they resorted to using local woods and simple tools to create more rustic and distressed furniture, which became the hallmark of French Provincial decor.
French Provincial style, also known as French Country style, is a design aesthetic that has taken the interior design world by storm. This style combines elegance and sophistication, integrating graceful flourishes with soft, gentle tones to create a refined and comfortable look.
The warm reds and browns of the neoclassical era inspire French Provincial furnishings, giving them a lived-in, welcoming appearance that perfectly complements any modern setting or historic abode. From the detailed carvings to the intricate patterns, every element of this design style has been thoughtfully curated to bring a sense of charm and character to any space.
The Primary Characteristics of the French Provincial Style
French Provincial interior design style embodies three main principles: Elegance, simplicity, and romanticism. You can successfully recreate this timeless style in your home by understanding these three significant characteristics of French Provincial design.
Elegance
French Provincial interior design has long been associated with elegance and grace, and it’s easy to see why. This style is characterized by intricate details, from the carvings on the furniture to the patterns on the fabrics and textiles, which all work together to create an overall sense of refinement and sophistication.
One of the hallmarks of French Provincial homes is the use of curves, which can be seen in everything from the furniture to the house’s architecture. Whether it’s the graceful curves of a cabriole leg on a table or the gentle, flowing lines of an arched doorway, the use of curves helps to soften the overall look, giving it a more feminine touch.
Of course, furniture is where French Provincial design truly shines. These pieces are the epitome of elegance, from the intricately carved legs on a chair or table to the ornate scrollwork on the sides of a bed frame. Fabrics and textiles also often feature detailed designs that add an extra layer of lavishness to the room.
Simplicity
French Provincial interior design is known for its simplicity in style and design. The crisp and clean color palette is a staple of this design, with very few accent colors added for a pop of visual interest. The simplicity of French Provincial style is further emphasized by the use of natural materials such as wood and stone, which lend a rustic charm to the space.
Whites, beiges, creams, and soft pastels dominate the French Provincial palette, with a few pops of bright color thrown in for visual interest. This muted color scheme creates a serene and calming atmosphere, making it perfect for creating a peaceful and relaxing environment in your home.
The materials used throughout this design are also carefully selected to create a sense of simplicity and informality. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and natural linen are this style’s most commonly used materials. For example, dark wood like mahogany and walnut were very stylish during the neoclassical era and helped to add warmth and depth to the space.
Romanticism
French Provincial interior design has a unique and distinct style that is charming and romantic, creating an inviting atmosphere for any home. One of the hallmarks of this style is the use of distressed vintage items that seem to have been plucked straight from history. These items are often high quality and meticulously crafted, giving them an elegant yet rustic look that adds character and charm to the space.
The shabby-chic furniture style often found in a French Provincial-inspired home is another defining characteristic that strikes the perfect balance of glamourous and effortless. A well-designed French Provincial room can transport you to a different time and place, immersing you in its romantic and charming surroundings.
How to Identify French Provincial Furniture
If you want to recreate the French Provincial look in your home, the first step is to identify the key elements of French country furniture. Furniture from this style is typically made of high-quality wood and is characterized by its elegant curves, ornate carvings, and intricate details.
Craftsmanship and Quality
French Provincial furniture is known for its high quality and excellent craftsmanship. These pieces were built to last and were meant to be used daily. The wood used is often of high quality, such as cherry, walnut, or oak, and has been carefully crafted with tight grain formations and a robust and durable finish.
Design
One of the most recognizable features of this furniture style is the cabriole legs. These legs are found on chairs, tables, and other pieces of furniture. They have curved legs that form an “S” shape, ending in a dainty but solid foot. The intricate and flowing design of the cabriole legs mirrors the graceful style of the furniture as a whole.
Along with the cabriole legs, French Provincial furniture is often adorned with scalloped carvings and flowing scrolls that mirror the curves of the legs. These wooden ornaments and details add to the overall sense of grace and refinement essential to the French country style. Additionally, you may notice intricate floral-inspired hardware on many French Provincial pieces, adding an extra layer of beauty to the design.
Patterns or Intricate Carvings
One of the key features of French Provincial design is its ornate and intricate carvings on furniture, which are often inspired by the natural world and the surrounding landscapes.
For example, dining chairs often have a wheat pattern carving, reflecting the country surroundings of the maker. This is just one example of the many elaborate and delicate carvings that French Provincial furniture is known for.
Other common motifs include floral designs, rosettes, and fruit-related objects. By incorporating these elements into interior design and furniture trends, you can achieve a classic, elegant look that reflects the history and character of the French countryside.
Makers Specializing in French Provincial Furniture
One way to identify French Provincial furniture is by knowing the makers specializing in this style. During the mid-20th century, several manufacturers produced French Provincial furniture designs.
Some of the most notable makers of French Provincial furniture include Thomasville, John Widdicomb, and Baker Furniture Company. These makers produced a wide range of pieces in the French Provincial style, including dressers, cabinets, and dining tables.
If you’re in the market for French Provincial-style furniture today, many makers still exist. A few furniture lines to seek out are Drexel’s “Touraine” line, Ethan Allen’s “Brittany” line, and Thomasville’s “Tableau” line. Whether you’re looking for a traditional French Provincial look or a modern twist on this classic style, plenty of makers and designers specialize in this iconic decorating style.
How to Bring this Prestigious Interior Design Style Into Your Own Space
If you’re looking to recreate this stylish and inviting aesthetic in your own home, there are several essential elements that you should consider. From using natural materials to incorporating muted color schemes and vintage-inspired furniture, here are a few interior design tips for bringing the timeless beauty of French Provincial interior design into your own space.
Bring in Lots of Upholstery
One aspect of this design style that stands out, in particular, is the upholstery used to decorate furniture. From linens to embroidered items, French Provincial upholstery is characterized by its attention to detail and intricate design. When it comes to linens, this style employs a variety of fabrics that are soft to the touch and have a natural, earthy feel.
Patterns are a critical aspect of upholstery in French Provincial design. Whether stripes, florals, or classic toile, patterned fabrics create a sense of visual interest and add personality to a space. These patterns are often paired with shades of ivory, cream, and beige, providing a sense of balance and harmony to the overall design.
Embroidered items are also a staple of French Provincial interior design. From delicate floral patterns to ornate designs featuring animals and other motifs, embroidery is used to add a touch of elegance to upholstered furniture pieces.
Incorporate Rustic Woods
When it comes to this style, incorporating rustic wood is a must. It is a timeless trend prevalent in French interior design for many years, adding a touch of countryside elegance and high-end sophistication to any home. The beauty of using rustic elements lies in its simplicity, which adds a natural, warm, and inviting feel to any room.
When working with rustic wood furniture pieces, it is essential to prioritize simplicity. The beauty of this material lies in its natural imperfections and roughness. Natural timber flooring, exposed beams, a rustic wooden dining table, and padded chairs can instantly create the look you are going for.
Make a Statement With Lighting
In French Provincial design, lighting is not just a practicality but a statement piece. Chandeliers, sconces, and vintage and antique light fixtures can all add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. These types of fixtures typically feature intricate details, such as ornate metalwork, crystals, or glass shades, and can instantly elevate the look and feel of a space.
Mix Old With New
Combining vintage or antique furniture with modern touches is a must to emulate the French Provincial style. Whether it’s an armoire, an elegant dresser, or a writing desk, vintage items add a touch of romance and elegance. These items also bring authenticity and character to your design and serve as excellent conversation starters.
Wicker and cane furniture also fit nicely into this design aesthetic. They add a touch of warmth and texture, making the space feel cozy and welcoming. You can use wicker and cane chairs in your dining room, bedroom, or living room to add a touch of classic French Provincial style.
Accessorize
When it comes to creating an authentic French Provincial interior design, accessorizing plays a significant role. This style favors ornate and decorative elements, which are vital in achieving a specific look and feel. Adding intricate gold mirrors, wall clocks, and diverse artworks that speak to the time period can truly bring the space to life.
Softer elements like luxurious, patterned drapery and vases of fresh flowers complete this look. Many different textures and natural elements help ground this design and make it feel more lived-in and comfortable.
Shop Kaiyo
At Kaiyo, we understand the importance of quality and aesthetics when creating a French Provincial interior. That’s why we have a vast collection of carefully selected secondhand items to help you curate a stunning French countryside-inspired look in your own space.
We are also committed to making sustainable, environmentally conscious choices means that we have saved almost 5 million pounds of furniture from landfills. Shopping at Kaiyo not only helps protect the planet but also provides you with 90% off retail prices so that you can curate your gorgeous spaces guilt-free. So shop with us, and get started curating your dream interior today!
