Discover how to bring authentic French country interior design into your home. Recapture the magic and tranquility of the picturesque French landscape. Relax and enjoy your home...

Have you ever holidayed in the beautiful French countryside…? If so, you will be very familiar with that relaxed, welcoming atmosphere – the slow, baking sunshine, the fields of wheat and lavender, not to mention glorious grape vines … and of course the slow chatter over wonderfully hearty meals of bread and cheese, all washed down with a generous glass of wine.

So, how would you like to be able to recapture this French country style in your own home..?

In many respects, French country interior design brings the outside in – and not just any outside. Recapture the delights of your French country holiday, with reminders of comfortable farmhouses and relaxing country homes.

Of course, the main ingredient in this recipe for French country style has got to be a rustic base. Ideally walls should be rough plastered or panelled with wood. Textured paints or color washes can also help you to get the look.

Use plenty of colors in your French country style home. Choose colors inspired by the picturesque French landscape – yellow is a real traditional favorite, but also include plenty of red, green and blue. Feel free to mix and match the colors too … you are aiming for a really relaxed, country feel. Use these colors on the walls, but in furnishings, cushions, throws, accessories too.

Your furniture too should be aiming for that distressed, rustic feel. Old fashioned style furniture and antiques are always a good buy. French antiques can be very elegant, or quite rustic in feel – go for whichever look you prefer … and it really doesn't matter if you mix and match these furniture styles at all…

Fine dark woods look fantastic in a French country style scheme, or you can whitewash woods, for a unified and fresh feel.

Choosing your accessories is the ideal way to really get those authentic French style finishing touches…

Ceramics and pottery are very French, so try to include a small collection, particularly if you are making over a kitchen in the French country style.

Also look out for accessories featuring farm animals, especially roosters, which is the mascot for France. Roosters are a very common theme in French homes.

Signs and posters with French words are a very easy way to get the subtle French feel you desire.

Fine French laces and linens will also lend an air of elegance, luxury and authenticity to your French country scene.

For the perfect finishing touch, a vase filled with typical French country flowers is an ideal way to really bring the outside in … lavender, sunflowers or gorgeous romantic roses are all wonderful options that will fill your room with fragrance.

All you need now, is that hearty meal of delicious French fare, and you can relax and all enjoy all your efforts with a lovely glass of wine…

Bon Appetit!

Do you want to see some Pictures, and further information to help you get the right look?

Visit my website www.interior-design-it-yourself.com for more information and ideas on interior design techniques and styles. Bring that professional 'wow factor' into your own home...!