French interior design has two main interpretations French Classic and French Provincial. Also known as Shabby Chic. As the name suggests, provincial French style includes country farmhouse style as well as coastal influences. It’s known and adored for its elegant, and timeless appeal, which you can see in our furniture packages.
Origins of French Provincial Style
More popular in Australia is French Provincial interior design. A style initiated by French royalty who wanted to retreat from the hustle and bustle of Paris into the country. To understand this interior design style, it’s worth learning a bit about Classical French interior design style. For example, you may see a dining table called Louis XV Timber Dining Table. You might not understand the history behind the name.
Without going into too much detail about the different French royal families, Louis XV (1710-1774) was the King of France. He ruled in the 1700s. The 1700s were significant in terms of design. The Cabriole leg, part of Rococo style, came into prominence during the reign of Louis XV. These design features are still prominent in any French interior design style created today.
Other key design features of French interior design include, damask, toile and trompe l’oeil. These beautiful design shapes and patterns are still part of French interior design today.
All French interior styles are steeped in history. Because their origins are royal, they are rich in look and feel. Therefore, they are beautiful. Key characteristics to this style include textiles and patterns. They also feature neutral colours. Natural materials such as timber, ceramic, and stone are used. Additionally, there is feature flooring and rustic elements.
Textiles and Patterns in French Provincial Interior Design
Without doubt a vital ingredient to this style is the use of linen. Linen is a glorious natural fabric that instantly communicates casual chic. It’s comfortable, durable and creates a rustic charm naturally due to is malleable fibres. Pattern is also an important part of French Provincial interior design such as stripes, damask, and toile.
Neutral Colours
For this style, you need a mostly neutral colour scheme. Use shades such as beige or taupe, white or ivory. Blues, like duck egg blue or navy, and including greys are also suitable. In some instances, there are stronger colours available. These include rustic reds like claret or yellows inspired by the sunflower fields of Provence.
Natural Materials in French Provincial Interior Design
You would struggle to find plastic or another artificial material such as polyester in a French Provincial space. The inspiration for this style comes from the beautiful landscape of the French countryside. This is why wood, cotton, linen, stone, and ceramics are essential to achieving this style.
Feature Flooring in French Provincial Interior Design
The floor is a strong design element. It can be parquetry in a chevron or herringbone pattern. Alternatively, it could be a beautiful ceramic tile. It remains a powerful feature. It cements all the other features in the space.
Rustic Elements in French Provincial Interior Design
Achieving a rustic, distressed vibe in French Provincial interior design is challenging. You need a few proper rustic, distressed pieces. Pieces that have signs of a previous life such as rust, dents, scratches or are faded. These pieces will add a certain authenticity to achieve a French Provincial style. Consider the use of hammered copper, white enamel with blue rim tableware or a shabby chic sideboard.
Written by Trish Khoury
Founding Director
Grace Interior Designs for The Design Basics
