Country country life is created for a leisurely flow of time, breakfasts and dinners on an open terrace, daydreaming with an open book in your hands in a wicker chair or hammock, walking along country roads. Provence style is the best suited for decorating the interior and exterior of a country house.
Fed up with modern technological artificial plastics, modern contemporary style acrylics and laminates, the cold sheen of high-tech glass and chrome and the sterile lack of decor in minimalism, people are increasingly turning to cozy country style. Provence is one of the most popular country style destinations, especially for decorating a country house. Many in country life want something different than the usual interior of a city apartment. Sweet homeliness, pastorality - all these qualities are inherent in the Provencal style in interior design. Let's take a closer look at the ideas for decorating a country house in the style of rural life in the southern provinces of France.
Provence style house exterior The Provence style got its name from the historical Latin name for the southeast of France. In those days when the Roman Empire stretched along the entire Mediterranean coast and occupied half of the European continent, the lands on the northern coast of the Mediterranean, which today are part of the territory of France, were called “Provincia Nostra” - “our province” in ancient Roman literature.
The wonderful climate of the Côte d'Azur, the sea, the sun, magnificent landscapes - all this makes up the charm of Provence. Impressionist artists admired the splendor of colors and the peculiar, piercingly trembling from the hot sun air of the southeastern regions of France. The generous colors of Provencal nature - purple lavender fields to the horizon, the azure sea, bright yellow sunflowers, green groves on the hillsides are forever imprinted in Van Gogh's Starry Night, Paul Cezanne's Houses in Provence, in the works of Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Sulfur.
The measured life of the Provencal peasants was reflected in their way of life. Small houses on narrow cobbled streets, where more than one generation lived, tiled roofs, whitewashed walls and bright wooden shutters - these features of village life became popular in the 18th century, when not only representatives of the aristocracy, but also the French bourgeois, got the opportunity to have country houses, and emerging capitalists. In the design of the interiors of their villas, they used rustic simplicity, complementing it with Parisian elegance.
Provence style features for implementation in the modern interior of a country house
To feel the spirit of Provence, you should go there to see with your own eyes what the paintings of artists or the lines of famous writers and poets convey, to breathe in the hot air filled with the aroma of Provence herbs. Of course, not everyone has the opportunity to plunge into the serenity of a holiday in Cannes or Nice. But thanks to the Internet, you can admire the colors of Provence to your heart's content. With colors, we will begin to consider the features inherent in the Provence style.
The colors of Provence are gentle and pale Color range
Provence style is characterized by natural colors: the color of unbleached linen, milky white, ecru, shades of beige. Bright colors are also used: purple, turquoise, yellow, blue, ocher, green. But all of them are not saturated tones, as if burnt out in the hot Provencal sun.
Advice. If you like bright colors, do not deny yourself: any color is suitable for decorating a Provencal interior, except for frankly synthetic, acidic shades. Choose pastel shades of bright colors.
materials
If you are planning to finish your country cottage in the style of Provence, then you should abandon artificial materials - plastics, laminated coatings. It is best to use natural wood for flooring, natural stone, terracotta tiles.
The walls are decorated with plaster and paint. Wallpaper is also suitable, but it is better to choose paper-based materials, rather than vinyl or non-woven. Wallpaper pattern, preferred for the Provence style - light shades in a small "chintz" flower or a thin strip.
Often the walls in Provence-style interiors are simply painted white. The wooden floor boards have also been whitewashed, as well as the ceiling beams and wood paneling of the ceilings.
Avoid synthetic materials in interior decoration The interior of any room in the Provence style has a lot of textiles: curtains, tablecloths, napkins, bedspreads, chair covers. It is better if these things are handmade, decorated with embroidery or lace.
Advice. When choosing fabrics for the interior, stop at linen and cotton materials. Linen, chintz, coarse calico, muslin will be ideal in the interior of a country house in the Provence style.
Furniture
Although Provence and rustic style, it is distinguished from other varieties of country by sophistication in furniture. Most often, wooden furniture is painted in light colors. Cabinets and sideboards are decorated with carvings or paintings.
Wicker furniture, or metal, forged, also painted in light colors, is suitable for a Provence-style interior.
But, perhaps, the main distinguishing feature of Provence is its comfort and fullness of home warmth. When choosing finishing materials, furniture or decor items in the Provence style for a country house, be guided by this: create a house where it is pleasant to be with the whole family, indulge in bliss and relaxation.
Furniture for Provence is suitable for antique or semi-antique Don't Forget About Landscaping
When choosing a Provence style for a country house, do not forget to follow the chosen style not only in the interior of the house, but also outside. Well, if your country house from the outside will also resemble the houses of Provence. Create a rustic landscape design using characteristic small architectural forms - gazebos, terraces, fences and gates, garden furniture and street lamps.
Flower beds made up of discreet, simple flowers, walls and arbors twined with grapes or climbing roses, blooming lilac or wisteria bushes will decorate the site.
Anyone can create a cozy corner of Provence in their country house, you just need to follow your understanding of beauty and comfort, carefully select the details.
Country house in Provence style: video
Many people, not even related to design, have at least once heard of the Provence style in the interior. But not everyone is able to distinguish it from the classics, choose the right furniture, and even more so properly decorate the room. Meanwhile, it is filled with incredible romance and charm of the French villages, which can bring life to even the most gloomy apartments. And our tips will help you with this!
Style Features
The style came to us from France, that part of it that is known to people who have ever traveled outside the capital. One has only to look at the endless lavender fields, refreshing azure shores, endless blue sky - and it immediately becomes clear what inspired these light pastel colors, unobtrusive patterns, smooth lines, as well as love for everything natural in Provencal interiors.
The confusion with the classical style among ignorant people is not accidental - Provence really has similar features. You should not think that the rural origin makes the direction provincial. The simplicity of Provence gives it a feeling of comfort, and its complexity lies in luxury and sophistication.
The style loves space and freedom, so for small spaces it is better to choose a different solution or to enter only a few elements, simplifying the design. It is desirable that all the premises of an apartment or house be decorated in a single theme, creating a holistic composition.
So, when planning a design, you should rely on a light, pastel range, in which white is present. It can be a bouquet of pink, light green, lavender, blue shades, "seasoned" with a variety of patterns or textures of natural materials. The latter are an indispensable companion of Provence, which, having originated in the bewitching French nature, does not tolerate artificial options.
Furniture filling has a classic sophistication and beauty, often painted white. According to the style rules, the space should be filled mainly with antiques bought at auctions, but few can afford such a luxury. To avoid unnecessary expenses, the necessary Provence-style furniture can also be purchased at a flea market or ordered from a craftsman using the effect of artificial aging.
To create a cozy atmosphere, the interior should have as many details as possible - which is why a large area is an important requirement. Drawings, figurines, forged elements, soft fabrics and, of course, plants are the perfect combination for Provence. The completion of this composition will be a large abundance of natural light.
Finishes and materials
But before filling the room with objects, it is necessary to create the right “frame” for them. Provence, although a simple style, puts forward clear rules for each part of the space.
Floor
The floor covering for the interior in the Provence style should be plank, wooden, with paint applied on top. Ideally, if it contains small, but safe for movement, irregularities or defects that have arisen from the effects of time.
If the authentic option does not suit you for a number of reasons, choose a more budget-friendly wood-look laminate. It does not look so spectacular, but to divert attention, the floor can be covered with a carpet.
Walls
Interior partitions can also afford not to be perfect - bumps, scuffs and bare brickwork are held in high esteem, but only if it looks neat. A layer of light, often white, paint is applied to such a coating.
The best materials for wall decoration are gypsum, plaster or molding. Wallpaper is also characteristic of Provence, but only if they are decorated with floral patterns.
Ceiling
The ceiling beams brought to the fore can not be hidden - they will become the highlight of the Provencal interior. But if your home does not have such elements, the ideal option is a smooth white coating with decoration in the form of an elegant chandelier.
Provence style furniture
Provencal furniture bears the imprint of history, singing the beauty of classical antiquity. This is predominantly wooden, less often wicker furniture, which is often decorated with forging elements. Objects are painted in white or pastel shades, through the paint of which a colorful, worn texture appears. Drawings or upholstery with floral patterns act as decor.
The furniture set is not limited to standard items necessary for life. You can't do without low chests of drawers, sideboards or elegant sideboards. In general, mundane objects on legs, which seem to be bent from gravity, are typical for the Provence-style interior, and are also used not only in the living room, but also in other rooms. Small sofas and stools throughout the house seem to remind you of the importance of relaxation, measured contemplation of the surrounding beauty.
Forged openwork details traditionally decorate the bed, but can also be used for stairs or smaller items, such as lamps. Only they should not create a feeling of pomposity, but on the contrary - French playfulness.
Textile and decor
The most interesting part of the design that will “breathe” life into the Provencal interior is the decorative details. And although they are limited by the rules standard for style, the variability of application fascinates even experienced designers.
Firstly, the curtains are light, airy, not preventing the penetration of natural light. Depending on the room and the size of the windows, you can purchase classic, Austrian or cafe curtains. In this matter, an important role is played by the material - cotton, linen, always something natural.
The fabric can be plain, in a "flower" or "cell", but this choice should harmonize the interior. Approximately the same criteria apply to bed linen.
Art lovers can fill the room with their collections of impressionistic or realistic paintings - they will look appropriate here. Graceful gilded frames stand out brightly in pastel Provence.
Classic fragile chandeliers and candelabra will help create a romantic atmosphere. And don't forget the wooden framed mirrors.
Numerous shelves, tables and tables can be decorated with cute trinkets: painted vases, caskets, fruit bowls, photographs, all kinds of figurines or napkins. The main thing is to be able to stop in time without overloading the composition.
Provence in the interior - photo
And although the listed rules are universal, Provence-style interior design will differ slightly depending on the type of room. But a few tips and photos are sure to give you a good idea!
Provence style kitchen design
The Provence-style kitchen is spacious, bright, often combined with a dining room. The cooking area is separated from the dining area by a countertop or an island bar counter. Designers are faced with a difficult task, because it is necessary to harmoniously fit household appliances into a classic, rustic interior so that it does not look out of place. To do this, modern items are often hidden in lockers or disguised as antique ones.
When choosing dishes and other kitchen utensils, do not forget that they are part of the decor, displayed in plain sight. Painted plates, wooden spatulas or herb jars will look very cozy. It is better to hang “cafe” curtains on small windows.
Provence style living room design
The traditional living room includes a sofa, several armchairs, a table, a wall and, if space permits, ottomans or bedside tables. Such furniture suggests that in addition to watching TV, you will spend time reading books, and maybe knitting.
Speaking of the TV, it is unlikely that you can hide it, but you can choose a minimalist model that will not attract undue attention.
It would be appropriate to look at a small rug with a burlap effect, floor lamps, as well as pots with plants.
Provence style bedroom design
The bedroom, as a resting place, can be furnished with fewer items. Authentic for Provence looks like a bed with a wrought-iron headboard, painted white and covered with snow-white sheets. For a change, textiles can be with a floral pattern or lace inserts.
A grounded chest of drawers opposite the bed will fit perfectly into a large bedroom. Girls can please themselves with a dressing table - as in the houses of noble ladies. Airy classic curtains complete the overall composition.
Provence style bathroom design
The canonical Provence style bathroom is a work of art. And if in other rooms you can still somehow deal with a small area, then here you simply cannot do without free space.
The presence of a window, although inconvenient for apartment owners, is a very important detail. It allows you to get closer to nature, creating the most natural atmosphere for hygiene procedures. For the same reason, natural materials are used, despite the high humidity in the room.
Ceramic tiles should be matte. It can be finished, for example, only the lower section of the walls. The rest is decorative plaster or painted brickwork.
A traditional clawfoot tub is considered a must-have. But it is better to forget about the shower stall. Otherwise, the filling of the room can meet the needs of the owners.
A homely and romantic Provence style in the country is the embodiment of a dream of a quiet and measured life. After reading the article, you will get acquainted with the varieties of French provincial country music and its adaptation to modern conditions. Your attention is invited to information on the features of the use of finishing materials, on the choice of furniture and accessories, as well as on the methods of landscape design of the garden and backyard territory.
Classics of the genre
Origins and varieties of style
The style that was finally formed in the eponymous region of France in the century before last belongs to the rustic styles. His original principles in architecture and design were appreciated in other countries; today it is chosen with pleasure for decoration not only of private houses, but also of city apartments. The French themselves believe that there are three areas of provincial style in suburban housing construction, which are successfully combined with each other.
Classic Provence style home
A small rectangular building, built of brick or stone (often limestone), surrounded by a garden. In the Provence house, there are from one to three floors, inside you can find a spacious living room and 3-4 bedrooms; The design is characterized by the following features:
Facade. Differs in refined simplicity thanks to a choice of laconic architectural forms. The building is distinguished by a low plinth (garden path leads to the front doors); the porch is most often absent or consists of two or three steps.
France, modern Provence styling
Roof. Mostly simple, with small overhangs and dormer windows; a cozy attic is often hidden under it. Classical roofing - motley tile.
Window. To match the style, the windows are made small and decorated with shutters (or their imitation). The modern trend, neo-Provence, allows the use of panoramic windows or window openings from floor level.
Entrance door. Solid, decorated with forged fragments; an indispensable addition is a viewing window. In modern cottages, options with glass and stained glass inserts are popular.
wall decoration. For her, plaster of delicate shades (beige, coffee, purple, milky) is chosen. Also, the walls are sheathed with wooden clapboard or lined with stone, both natural (slate, limestone, sandstone) and artificial.
Decorating a modern front door
Chateau
Initially, the chateau buildings served as country estates for French aristocratic families. Today, they remain the most spectacular (and costly) expression of rustic style. The building can hardly be called a village house, it is a luxurious mansion, in the external appearance of which signs of provincial housing and castle architecture are intertwined. The chateau can be described in the following details:
Building area starts from 600-700 m 2 , it is necessarily surrounded by a large well-groomed garden.
Facade. A complex and majestic combination of arches, balconies, bay windows, columns and ledges. The exterior is decorated with decorative plaster and stone, there are bas-reliefs and medallions. The facade is decorated with French (from floor to ceiling) windows.
front door. Usually decorated with a high (up to 3-4 meters) niche, often with columns; A wide staircase leads to the door. A front flower bed is being designed in front of the main entrance.
Roof. Multi-pitched, covered with tiles; it is complicated by chimneys, a spacious attic with lancet windows, towers and spiers.
Ground floor. From the outside it is invisible, as it is not emphasized by the lining.
Chateau
House in the Norman style
This direction was influenced by buildings from the north-west of France, which, in turn, borrowed a lot from the architecture of the Scandinavian countries. This explains some of the austerity of the architecture and the emphasis on gothic elements. The direction remains very popular in modern suburban construction; Provence-style country house with Norman touches is distinguished by the following features:
Buildings are often erected based on fachwerk techniques(in France it is called collomage), the walls are decorated with vertical and cruciform wooden posts. In a modern interpretation, the use of polyurethane beams with imitation of aged wood is allowed. A characteristic architectural element of the Norman house is balustrades enclosing stairs, balconies or terraces.
Color palette. It is varied; natural shades of sand, gray and brown are popular. They are diluted with pink, purple and ocher color.
Windows and doors. Such housing is characterized by windows with semicircular arches. The doors are preferably massive, they are preceded by a porch decorated with wrought iron railings.
A spacious attic hides under the hip roof
Classic Norman buildings inlaid on the facade geometric or floral ornament, get off with rustication. In a modern interpretation, facade plinths are protected with rusticated panels, the facade is laid out with decorative bricks or fireclay ceramics.
Roof. The house is topped with a hip roof with wide gables, conical turrets and wrought iron elements, a tribute to the Gothic past.
Provence: application to modern conditions
A centuries-old style is easy enough to adapt to modern realities (perhaps this is part of its worldwide popularity). If the classic version requires the use of only natural materials (which not every budget can withstand), then modern Provence is ready for a compromise. In this case, the spirit of elegance and simplicity is preserved through attention to detail and the use of modern materials.
The windows are traditionally decorated with flowers.
When decorating a cottage in the Provence style, the following techniques and recommendations are used:
Facade finishing. Natural finishing stone is successfully replaced by artificial one. A worthy replacement for rustic stone (expensive and heavily loading load-bearing walls) will be an artificial stone made of architectural concrete or polyurethane.
Decorative facade elements are reduced to a minimum, the emphasis falls on doors and windows. Wooden parts should not be allowed to look freshly painted; they are artificially aged, achieving the appearance of an old, worn and cracked surface.
stone finish can be replaced by plastering; in this case, it is also important to achieve the effect of natural wear. A variant of a non-plastered surface with protruding butt joints and whitewash is possible.
Expensive wooden windows it is allowed to replace with modern double-glazed windows with wood styling. If you wish, you can order hand-forged decorative details for the front door and neat porch.
Ceramic tiles is successfully replaced by a suitable material (cement-sand, bituminous or metal tiles).
Video description
About Provence near Moscow in the following video:
Interior: finishing works
The interior in French country style attracts with its relaxing atmosphere. The key design idea is associated with the simplicity of rural life and closeness to nature, so the interior design is based on natural materials (and here Provence intersects with eco-design techniques). The following techniques and finishing methods will help to give the walls a spectacular touch of antiquity:
The choice of plaster with a rough texture, large or medium grain; it is applied unevenly so that brickwork shows through the finishing layer. For painting it is better to use the colors of natural stone: gray, beige.
wall painting. Matte water-based paints are chosen in muted, faded colors. Suitable beige, olive, blue, gray, lavender, ocher. The paint is applied unevenly, as if carelessly, while several close shades can be combined.
Whitewash. It is applied in different ways: without plastering, on ordinary or textured plaster.
Warm olive hue is perfect for the kitchen
Finishing brick, stone. All walls are lined with these materials, or only one is singled out. Natural stone masonry is successfully replaced with artificial panels that reliably imitate the texture and color of the natural counterpart.
Tile. Suitable for finishing all rooms, from the living room and bedroom, to the kitchen and bathroom. A popular option is white tile with small floral ornaments.
Wood paneling. In other styles, wood surfaces are left with a natural color. In the interior of a Provence-style house, the wood is painted in light shades, which is especially suitable for the design of the hallway and living room. Walls are often decorated with plastic wall panels with a wooden texture; they are easy to care for, they are affordable and resistant to moisture.
Video description
About the choice of furniture and accessories for the Provence interior in the following video:
Wallpapering. One of the easiest ways to create a harmonious and cozy environment is to choose wallpaper (textile, non-woven, paper) with a simple natural motif. To give housing a sense of habitation, you can opt for textured wallpaper with scuffs and bumps. Provence-style wallpapers always have a light background, and images (flowers, birds, landscapes, all kinds of utensils) are made in gray-blue, lilac, pink and turquoise shades. Suitable options would be wallpaper with a vertical stripe or a cage, as well as an imitation of a barn board or old, cracked, plaster.
The following design techniques will help maintain the style:
Ceiling. It is best to paint it white. In another option, floor beams (or their imitation) are preserved on the ceiling; it is better to forget about the stretch ceiling.
Floral wallpaper in Provence style
Window frames and doors. Wooden windows and doors painted in pastel colors with an aging effect look great. You can make your door the centerpiece of your decor by painting it in lavender, coffee, or turquoise.
Floor. The flooring characteristic of Provence is a wooden board (both painted and untreated). The floor can also be finished with laminate or parquet; in all cases, the coating should look pretty worn, as if from long use. For the kitchen and bathroom, matte tiles are best; it can be uniform or patterned, with a small floral or geometric pattern.
Video description
About a Provence-style country house in the following video:
On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer service of landscape works, design and construction of small architectural forms. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".
Interior: furnishing accents
Knowing the features of three directions - classical, Norman and chateau - will help you choose the right furniture for the interior in the Provence style in a wooden house. For the first two, it is preferable to choose wooden furniture painted in light shades; wicker furniture is also suitable, as well as items with forged decorative details (for example, a bed or a bookcase). Despite the rustic origin, the pieces of furniture are distinguished by elegance (which cannot be said about other types of country music): a sideboard can be decorated with carvings, and a wardrobe can be skillfully painted.
Cozy garden view
To maintain the chateau style, you will need more intricate furniture with the following features:
Exquisite upholstered chairs with armrests, tables, sofas and armchairs with curved legs. These items are decorated with carvings, high-quality fabrics with a characteristic floral pattern are used for upholstery.
Cabinet furniture takes on a more elegant look. Dressers, wardrobes and sideboards are inlaid, decorated with pilasters and carved cornices. A mix of objects with different surface finishes always looks original.
Exquisite furniture is selected for the interior of the chateau
Small pieces of furniture(shelves, dressing tables, sofas) are often decorated with forged elements with the addition of a noble patina.
Small pieces of furniture. To complete the look of the house, you need details: mirrors in openwork frames, elegant hangers and functional umbrellas.
Powdery pink shades in the design of the bedroom
Interior design in Provence style is based not only on color and the use of natural materials. A large role is given to the choice of accessories; the right decor will help revive the romantic French style. For interior decoration use the following items:
Textile. To make the bedroom or living room look cozy, you will need to take care of tablecloths, sofa cushions, napkins, bedspreads, blankets and curtains. Don't be afraid to overdo it with lace and floral patterns - it will benefit the style.
Textiles: the more the better
Small decor. In the Provence-style kitchen there is a place for a variety of pots, pots and tureens, ceramic and porcelain. The living room and hallway will be decorated with vases, figurines, caskets, dried and fresh flowers. You can not do without photographs and paintings in simple (or, conversely, openwork) frames.
Lighting. Floral motifs are found not only in decoration and textiles, but also on the lampshades of lighting fixtures. To harmoniously complement the interior, you will need laconic and elegant chandeliers, lamps, floor lamps and wall sconces.
Hallway Ideas
Landscaping in Provence style: 5 design ideas
To enhance the impression, one of two types of landscape project is chosen for a country house in the French provincial style:
Classical. Geometric (regular) style includes a clear layout of the garden and a neat view of all green spaces.
Rustic. A less formal style with lush fruit trees, overgrown flower beds and winding paths.
Timeless classic
If you want the area surrounding the house to match its internal content, you should adhere to the following design recipes:
The image of the French hinterland is easy to emphasize with the help of small architectural forms- gazebos, terraces, arches and fountains.
Relaxing in the garden will be more comfortable if you take care about garden furniture and street lighting.
The decoration of the garden will be flowerbeds and flower beds, planted with variegated flowers, as well as garden sculptures and potted flowers placed on the terrace and at the walls of the house.
The feeling of comfort will be supported by a gazebo and a fence, entwined with climbing plants, lilac bushes surrounding the recreation area.
Provence-style backyard is wooden fences And paths paved with natural stone.
Modern interpretation of provinciality
Conclusion
Provence style is steeped in tradition; he does not tolerate modern gloss, flashy colors and brand new, only from the store, items. It is chosen by those who appreciate the naturalness and simplicity of everyday life. For help in the design of the ex- and interior, you can contact the specialized companies, whose employees are always up to date with fresh design ideas. They will help give your home and yard the charm of the French province.
Provence style is French country. In my opinion, this style has a lot in common with Russian country (as opposed to English and American). This style is very close to me, I like its simplicity and sincerity. I hope that the details of the Provence style described in the publication can inspire you to interesting solutions in the interior design of a country house or a country house.
The Provencal style was named after the region in the south-east of France, which has picturesque landscapes. The beginning of this style lies in the 17th century, its popularity gradually grew, in the 19th century the new style became widespread throughout Europe, especially among bohemian artists and writers. Until now, the Provence style has many fans around the world.
Anyone can create a cozy corner of Provence in their country house, you just need to follow your understanding of beauty and comfort and at the same time try to observe the main features of style.
The main features of Provence or French country style
Near the entrance doors and on the veranda or terrace, you can arrange flowers in pots or boxes, put a wrought iron or wooden bench with pillows and a coffee table. Street forged lanterns and lamps will look very appropriate. On the site, plant flower beds of discreet, simple flowers, you can put a gazebo, entwined with plants, with wicker furniture.
The walls inside the room are usually plastered, while you can not pay much attention to the alignment of the walls. The application of plaster with bulges and irregularities, with visible brickwork, as well as the application of various textures to the plaster (for example, with varying degrees of graininess), is welcome. The plaster is painted in white or light, muted color. There may be wallpaper with a floral pattern, or stripes, as well as fragments of a decorative “stone” tile.
Another type of wall decoration is possible - sheathing with boards, followed by painting in white or pastel color. Boarding is very reminiscent of Russian country, but the difference is that in the Russian style they try to preserve the color and texture of the wood, while in the French, as a rule, the boards are painted in white or pastel colors.
Walls can be decorated with pictures of rural landscapes, herbariums, small tapestries, embroidery of flowers, bouquets, various garden items, kitchen utensils, and cute pets and birds.
Ceilings are painted with light-colored paint, decorative ceiling beams are used - dark tones or whitewashed against a darker ceiling.
The floor is decorated with a parquet or floorboard with a pronounced texture, cracks and potholes, if ceramic tiles are used, then beige-terracotta or grayish tones, the surface is rough or imitating stone.
Provence style doors are mostly white. It is not necessary to buy pure white new doors, you can use existing ones. Ordinary wooden doors can be painted with white paint and artificially age the surface, as well as decorate them with floral ornaments. There may be some minor glazing on the doors.
The windows are large with light, preferably wooden frames in white or warm pastel colors. From the inside, Provence-style windows are decorated with light curtains made of natural fabrics (linen, cotton, chintz, muslin) in light colors, plain or with a floral pattern. The best option is two straight panels, with tie-backs in the form of ribbons.
Furniture in French country style of simple forms, upholstery of armchairs and sofas - plain fabric, or with a floral print, or striped, despite its simplicity, looks elegant. The surfaces of tables, shelves, chests of drawers can be painted with light colors and artificially aged. The facades of cupboards and sideboards are sometimes complemented by paintings on floral or animal motifs.
The Provence-style interior should not contain monotonous furniture sets, furniture trimmed with curlicues and gilding, nickel-plated parts, and plastic furniture. Instead, mix wood, wicker, or wrought-iron pieces of furniture with different surface finishes that give the interior a vintage touch. The design welcomes the use of sofa cushions with a floral pattern or embroidery (made by hand), as well as crocheted doilies with a simple pattern. Blankets for beds are most often quilted, made from natural materials. It is in country-style interiors that hand-made decor items and accessories look very appropriate.
In a style that reflects longevity and tradition, new furniture and flamboyant, frilly accessories will seem foreign. Provence requires a little rust and dust, objects should look as if they have served man faithfully for many years. Forgo shiny metal in favor of wrought iron, bronze or tin, it's great if metal objects have dents and other signs of antiquity. It is not scary if the house has slightly worn bedspreads or pillows with scuff marks.
Another, integral feature of the Provence style is the presence of flowers, in all forms. Not a single French country style interior is complete without flowers, whether they are placed in a ceramic vase, or stand in a pot on the window, whether they flaunt on a linen or painted on a picture.
Various accents will complement the interior decoration, according to your taste (figurines, flower vases and pots, planters, decorative plates, and so on). These can be images of rabbits, ducks, children, sheep, roosters.
Chandeliers and wall lamps, candlesticks, it is desirable to choose forged ones, painted either in white or in dark colors to give the interior a contrast. Lampshades of floor lamps and table lamps can be made of fabric with a light floral print or plain.
The colors of the interior design in the French country style are soft and tender and evoke a feeling of comfort. White is, rather, not even white, but shades of ivory, cream or pale beige. Other colors are borrowed from the surrounding landscape - sunny yellow, sky blue, brick red, mint, peony, sage and lavender, usually muted shades, as if sun-bleached.
If you are a lover of rural romance, antiques, comfort and sincerity in the interior, then the French country style can inspire you with new ideas in interior design. In this style, you can decorate not only a country house, but also a city apartment, or part of it (kitchen, bedroom, nursery, balcony, loggia and even a bathroom).
All materials are freely available on the Internet.
Sincerely, Lana
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