Get Elegant Looking Rooms the French Style

| Friday, June 24, 2011
By Cassia Ann Jordan


When you think of the French, sophistication and style probably come to mind. Similarly, no matter how casual other home dcor designs are, French interior styles remain classy and elegant.

Those whose idea of this style has been limited to rustic French Country may be surprised to learn how chic a French interior can look. Whether it's the ornate, decorative designs of the Baroque and Rococo periods, or something more streamlined such as the Neo-Classical style, there is a luxury to French interior decorating unmatched by any other design.

The French love glamour, so the first place to start this style is with some really glamorous walls. Pale color palettes for this design include combinations of gray, mint, cream, or robin's-eye blue, all with touches of shimmering gilt, gold or silver. For a more dramatic palette, choose rich jewel tones of emerald green, peacock blue, teal and red. Either pale or dark palettes should be accented with white, black and gold.

Ornate pattern is a must for an authentic French design. Swirling patterns on wallpaper in the chosen color palette makes a beautiful accent wall. Similar patterns could be reflected in floral area rugs or in coverings that reflect the color scheme, such as vivid peacock blue rugs.

Match the walls with equally stunning, antique furniture. Vintage pieces of furniture, with their exquisitely carved backs, arms and legs, bring out this style very well. Stick to dark woods. Furniture with white or black paint finishing and enhanced with touches of gilt is also cool. Use bistro chairs and tables to set up a cozy spot in the living or dining room. Get armoires, chaise lounges and vanity tables with fabric skirts for the bedroom.

For furnishings, choose rich, luxurious fabrics. Velvet, silk, toile, satin, brocade, lace and damask are all opulent fabrics you can use. Use them on chairs and sofas as loose covers or seat covers. Use them on windows as draperies and match them up with gold tassel cords, tails or swags. Do not forget the bed linen. Duvets, pillows and throws made in silk and satin are extremely soft and rich. If you can, mix and match plain colors and patterns for a hot, exciting look.

Finally, accessories can be the elements that finish off a French interior design. Lighting should feature crystal chandeliers with lots of dangles, as well as gilt wall scones or wall lamps, and table lamps should be topped by silk lampshades decorate with fringe, beads or even feathers. Black silk lampshades can be a striking contrast that highlights the elegance of the overall design.

Ornate accessories should include lots of decorative mirrors, wall or mantle clocks an pictures in decorative frames of white or black. Hat boxes, jewelry boxes, pillboxes, silver hand mirrors, brushes and combs and crystal perfume bottles can adorn any shelf or table. Art prints by Monet or vintage posters by Toulouse-Lautrec bring French images into the mix.

When the work is completed, it won't take a sign in French to signify that this is a room of style and elegance.




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