French country living style is in a class of its own. It offers a very subtle blend of pure romance and effortless chic.
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It’s simple, yet undeniably elegant. It’s plain, yet precise. And the best part is, it’s a truly versatile interior design option. You can choose to go all out, creating an entire home in this style. Or you can pare it back, choosing an accessory here and there.
So whether you’ve travelled to France and have been inspired by some of its shabby chic styles – or you’re yet to go – we’ve found some truly inspiring pieces. Your home will get a little bit of rustic charm with these finds.
Our favourite French country living finds
One absolute ‘must have’ for any French country inspired home is an Armoire and we particularly like this piece with a look from the early 1900’s – an Eloquence antique French version with a curvy full-length mirror, six shelves and garment racks which can either be used for clothes or simply showcasing favourite trinkets. This particular piece is available from the Bella Cottage and is presented in dark olive with a detailed applique along the base. Of course with this particular piece coming from the USA, you’d do better to hop over to Paris and find one in a brocante or antiques store, but we couldn't pass it by without a mention!
Closer to home, no French-style interior should ever be without its own French bed and Loaf offer a wide range of choices.
As ‘the Frenchie’ offers a stunning upholstered finish, you can also personalise it by choosing from a range of patterns and fabrics including vintage roses, Brittany blue or red stripes. Coupled with a few snuggly blankets, feathering pillows and your favourite book, there’s simply no better way to relax.
Lovingly hand crafted by the good people of Long Eaton, you have their personal guarantee that no two beds will ever be the same since each upholsterer has their own unique design. What could possibly be more luxurious?
Sticking with beds, what could be grander than this Versailles Bedstead from the good people of Feather & Black? Somehow they manage to make it look elegant, but casual, antique but contemporary. But most of all, it feels romantic and unique. We love it! It feels like taking a little bit of your elegant summer holiday in the Loire valley back to England without having to leave home.
Oh wait! We know what could be grander than the Versailles bed and that’s the imperial Napoleon bed also from Feather & Black. It has a wonderful zinc finish and castors to evoke the traditional style and would look wonderful with elegant faux fur throws and rich bedding. Yes, tonight Josephine.
If your taste is more pre-revolutionary France Louis XVI, Loaf also offer another very popular French country bed, the Antoinette, which is a slightly different take on the Frenchie and is made of solid weathered oak. It’s also slightly longer than the original antique version making it an ideal choice for a ‘regular’ bed as opposed to one you might have in your guest room. Again, you can have this upholstered in a fabric of your choice meaning you can colour match it without any drama. Although we know how the French love drama!
On the subject of guest rooms, what better way to bring French country living into your home than with an original Chaise Longue? These quaint pieces of furniture can be used virtually anywhere but are especially striking in a guest room for that extra touch. Here we have a right-handed chaise longue shown in a bespoke customer’s own fabric (although they can also be made as left-handed too). Find out more at the Chaise Longue Company.
The French are renowned for their amazing hospitality and naturally – their wine! With so many impressive vineyards scattered across the country the French quite rightly like to showcase their wares so what better place than to do it than around an authentic dining table? This particular model from La Maison Chic offers true French style to adorn any kitchen or dining room and has a rustic zinc top. Coupled with mis-matching chairs is simply perfect for a cheese and wining tasting affair.
As we’ve seen, it’s a well-known fact that the French love to entertain and we’re sure you’ll agree this stunning French glazed cabinet is an absolute gem.
Offered by Melody Maison, this distressed cabinet could serve a number of purposes – from showcasing silverware, housing the finest china dinner sets or simply protecting the family treasures (whatever they might be!). Whatever its purpose, it’s most certainly a piece that will be talked about and utilised for many years to come.
It comes in cream painted finish, perfect for displaying your ornaments. The top and bottom are finished in a limed wood and there is one storage drawer.
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