Our series of inspirational advice from Stoney Creek Furniture’s Visual Design Team continues with a look at French Country style. It’s so easy to be drawn to the beauty of French Country – it’s elegant yet relaxed, charming yet classic and surprisingly easy to achieve in your own home. Our Visual Design Team is happy to share their interpretation of this iconic style, including their exclusive tips on how to take it up a notch.

• Melissa created this stunning pale pink flower wall from a Pinterest inspiration. It’s generated quite a stir among customers (and led to a few custom orders!). Celebrating the glory of spring, it’s the foundation for the vignette. In your own home, find a focal piece you love to set the palette and tone for your space.
• The Colleen chair is classic French and carries the theme beautifully. It exudes comfort and luxury without being pretentious.
• Showcase pale pink and white flowers in glass vases – and then in complete contrast – also in a rustic wood box. “Juxtaposition is exciting,” says Carolyn, “Add a couple of unexpected elements; mix it up for a fresh look.”
• Mirrored accent pieces extend the unexpected theme. “It’s not classic French style, but it fits perfectly,” Carolyn says, “In fact, I think it adds a gorgeous hint of glamour.”
• Porcelain accessories continue the glamour – highlighted by a stunning cake server that can be used to display just about anything. The scalloped edge is so French!

How can you add a French Country feeling to your home? Our team suggests:

• Subtle sophistication. Inviting and warm, yet always chic – that’s the hallmark of French country. While there’s definitely a nod to femininity, it’s not about ruffles or frills. Simple and understated reign – a touch of cotton lace or a decorative edging.
• Soft palette. Muted colours and subtle patterns are classic French country. Toile is the go-to choice. While soft is the theme, French Country often embraces a pop of colour, typically in warm shades like red, green or yellow – evocative of the countryside in the south of France.
• Natural influence. Steer toward natural materials to achieve the French look. Tiled or unpolished wood floors, plants, fresh flowers, brick walls, linen, cotton, etc.

I hope our Visual Design Team has inspired you with French Country ideas. Just keep in mind that styles are always adaptable, as our Team demonstrated in the vignette. Melissa adds, “If it pleases the eye, try it!”

Tags: decor, design tips, trends