French style in the interior

For many centuries France has been one of the most powerful world powers, setting fashion. The imperial legacy gave impetus to the emergence of original interior styles that quickly gained popularity. French design is a collective image, experts in interior design distinguish several areas, united by common features.

Contemporary French style is characterized by an unusual design concept and objects with a history that property owners treasure. Although many people associate with the luxury of palaces and monumental design, this is a misconception. External surroundings are not so important.

Among the main features of the French style are:

• historical focus;
• artistic improvisation;
• availability of free space;
• eclectic details;
• mandatory use of white color scheme.

For the French, antiques and vintage things, old buildings are of great value. When choosing between new furnishings and ones that have a history, they always prefer the second option. And the French often resort to artistic improvisation, for them luxury is not a priority. When decorating interiors in French style, no one adheres to clear instructions, you need to be guided by individual tastes.

In design, negligence is permissible, excessive efforts are useless. In French interiors, a mixture of eras is often traced. One of the most important conditions for recreating such a design is the availability of free space. This style is ideal for owners of apartments and houses with high ceilings, especially if their plans include a luxurious embodiment.

The French do not fill their apartments with a lot of furniture. Furnishings should not be located close to each other, this also applies to decor elements. The priority is minimalism, contributing to the creation of the effect of light space.

The French love the old pre-war buildings. In such houses, the ceilings are high, the layout is spacious. In such conditions, it is easy to implement any design concept. When choosing a finish, you should be guided by the direction taken as a basis. The ceiling can be whitewashed or painted; it is often decorated with stucco elements. A classic chandelier is usually used, with numerous crystal pendants. Tension and suspended structures do not fit into such interiors. But if you cannot do without them, preference should be given to monochromatic canvases without gloss.

Walls in French interiors, in most cases, are decorated in white colors. Other shades, for example, delicate lavender, are more typical for the Provencal direction. Wall surfaces can be painted with matt or semi-matt paint. Glossy textures and laconicism are incompatible concepts.If it is necessary to create a romantic setting, the walls are covered with wallpaper similar to old chintz fabric.

French design can be not only luxurious, but also budget. One of its features is the windows, which are translucent structures, with the base of the window module resting on the floor and combining the function of a glass unit and a door. If this is possible, panoramic glazing is performed in the premises. Large windows, which can be opened fully or partially, flood rooms with natural light, making them visually more spacious.

The French try not to flaunt their wealth. This applies to all areas of life, including interiors. But this rule does not mean that they choose cheap furniture for their homes. The living room, bedroom and study are usually furnished with vintage items or their high-quality imitation. A characteristic feature of the furnishings is eclecticism, a combination of elements from different styles and eras. This kind of mixing contributes to the creation of a unique atmosphere. They are looking for sofas and armchairs at flea markets and antique shops. Modern furniture, for example, a dining group, can also fit into the interior, but it will have to be aged.

The presence of strong abrasions is not required, because this is not pure Provence. A couple of traces of antiquity are enough to preserve the charm. The upholstery of the sofa in the living room may be slightly faded, and there may be a slight patina on the forged products. The classic furnishings include recognizable elements: a wardrobe with dishes, an inconspicuous table with graceful legs, a low armchair, a bed with a headboard decorated with forged details. Furniture with carved legs is preferred. In one room, furniture can be assembled from various materials, differing in color. But the modern interpretation of the style emphasizes unity. Forged products are often found in French interiors, but lacquered items and furniture covered with shiny leather should be discarded.

Lighting plays a significant role in French interiors. The living room must have a large chandelier located in the center of the ceiling. Its presence is also welcome in the kitchen and even in the bathroom. It is advisable to choose a lighting fixture with numerous crystal pendants.

The favorite color scheme of the French is white, it is used as a background color. It is in this color that the chic of French interiors is manifested. Against a white background, all elements look as advantageous as possible. Cream shades and ivory are also popular.

The rest of the palette includes soft and pastel colors that subtly emphasize interior details. In addition to white, beige, chocolate, pale yellow, wheat shades are used. There is a place in such interiors and green color. In the Provencal version, the color range includes delicate pink, mint, lilac, lavender, blue. Gray is used in dosage, usually a pearl shade.

Decor elements should be imbued with the spirit of history. Look for items with a glossy finish and gilding. In such interiors there is a place for decorative glass elements. The presence of authentic things is obligatory, for example, an old casket or a mirror. Rare items will add a special charm to the interior.

Cozy French decor cannot be imagined without textiles. Choose complex textures, fabrics that refract light rays. Hang silk or organza curtains on the windows.Complement them with curtains with numerous draperies attached to the wrought-iron cornice. Of the ornaments, floral patterns and stripes are popular, the main thing is not to overdo it with them. They can be present on sofa cushions, tablecloths.

Entire houses and apartments are decorated in the French style. It is chosen for different premises.

The interiors of French bedrooms attract with soft forms and graceful lines. Furniture should be streamlined, install a bed in the room with a wide bed, with a headboard made of wood or upholstered in fabric. The furniture set will include a dressing table equipped with an antique mirror in a volumetric frame, a nice pouf, a comfortable armchair. Avoid bulky items that eat up space.

The main thing in the interior of the living room is space and lightness. This impression is created by the finishes in light colors. The interior mixes elements from different eras. An antique magazine table is combined with a plasma TV and a classic bergere armchair. A rare fireplace will also fit into the interior concept. When decorating a living room in the French style, always remember the sense of proportion, do not clutter up the space.

The atmosphere of French cuisine breathes with coziness. In the room, it is imperative to install a set made of natural wood. When using furniture with unpainted facades, give preference to light-colored species. A sideboard with glass doors can become a highlight of the interior. If the kitchen is small, give up wall cabinets, replace them with niches or shelves.

When decorating a nursery in the French style, they most often give preference to the Provencal direction. This design involves the use of pale pink, blue and lavender shades. The room is furnished with wooden furniture with traces of scuffs, its surfaces look as if they were burned out in the sun. The walls can be decorated with wallpaper with a delicate color pattern.

When decorating a bathroom in French style, preference should be given to moisture-resistant materials. Walls and floors are usually decorated with tiles. If the bathroom is small, choose a light finish.

In the French style, you can decorate not only living quarters, but also a balcony. At the stage of creating the finish, be guided by the key features of this direction: do not clutter the balcony area with furniture, boldly combine objects from different eras. On the balcony, you can put a comfortable chair on low legs and a low table - create an area for tea drinking, during which you will be able to admire the view.

The hallway is a visiting card of any home, so its appearance can be made truly luxurious. And the French style will help with this. Place a sofa bought at a flea market in the lobby. Furniture upholstery should be discreet. Use white-framed mirrors and metal sconces as decorative elements.

The French style makes it possible to create a cozy yet sophisticated environment. It is quite simple to recreate it in the interior of a city apartment or a country house, and this does not always require large expenses.

For information on how to decorate a room in French style, see the next video.