MY MEDALLION
French country is a style of decor inspired by Provence, a famed vacation spot in the French countryside. Characterized by antique furniture, ornate vintage pieces, and intricate floral patterns, this look can give a relaxed and rustic feel to your home even if you’re living in the middle of the city! Read on to learn how to incorporate this aesthetic into your space.
Scavenge At Your Local Flea Market
When it comes to French country decor, your local flea market or thrift store is your best friend. Unique items like vintage trays, wall art, and dishes really infuse your home with a relaxed vibe. We recommend layering these items on shelves or creating gallery walls as in the above image. Head over to Toronto vintage favorites like Vintage Home Boutique and GUFF to find some real treasures!
Bring In Toile Patterns
Toile (pronounced “twall,” just like “fall”) describes a type of pattern depicting a detailed scene, usually of the countryside. It typically consists of one colour against a neutral background, and it works wonderfully as bedding or drapery. Toile originates from the French town of Jouy so you can be assured it has the French country stamp of approval! Best of all, it has a classic appeal and is always in style.
Use Mason Jars
No French country decor is complete without a few farmhouse kitchen details! Even if you live in an urban area, it’s easy to bring a sense of vintage to your kitchen. We love repurposing mason jars to store shelf-stable ingredients like sugar, flour, and rice. As a bonus, mason jars are easy to find at a low price at your local dollar store.
Get A Wrought Iron Bed
One of the trademarks of French country decor is bringing wrought iron inside. You’ll find it pairs wonderfully against the delicate floral patterns and graceful furniture seen elsewhere in this design trend. Some antique beds aren’t made for modern mattress seizing, however, so we advise making sure your mattress will fit before you purchase. Wrought iron beds are something you might find on the flea market trip we suggested above!
Do A DIY Project And Whitewash Your Furniture
Whitewashing might be one of the easiest ways to update your furniture since the aim is a distressed, lived-in look. This classic style will add a bohemian vibe to your home and is much easier on your wallet than buying new furniture. If you have an old coffee table or dresser, you would be amazed at how the whitewashing treatment can transform it. Find out how here.
These are just some suggestions to get you started exploring French country! This timeless style has the advantage of being affordable since a vintage, second-hand look is a major characteristic. Happy decorating and don’t forget to follow along on the Medallion blog.
