Decorating: French Country

In Louisiana the "Old World" is France. We have inherited the French love for cooking, but seem to have lost the French flair for decorating. The differences in climate and resources made it difficult for early French settlers to replicate French homes.

With modern air conditioning we are not so at the mercy of the heat. And most of us aren't chopping down trees or making our own bricks from mud. So perhaps its time to re-look at French country decorating ideas. They're easy and economical!

Colors

Natural colors or earthtones are part of the heritage of French country decorating. Or maybe it was the lack of decorating. Traditionally, many walls weren't painted or fabrics not dyed. There's too much life to live to spend it coloring possessions!

Also, the French are great collectors. They buy things because they like them. They save family items. They pick up mementos of places and events. They do not collect items because they "match" a decor. Therefore, neutral colors make a nice background for what can become an eclectic collection of possessions.

Where you do choose to use color, use bright reds to show your passion for life. Or choose earthtones and use the rag-rolling technique to get an aged wall look.

Floors

Simplicity is a theme in French country decorating, and this is best illustrated by their idea on floor covering - don't cover the floor. Show off your beautiful wood. Or if you must cover the floor, use a natural tile that will last you for years.

If wood or good tile aren't good options for you, feel free to use a floor covering with a wood or tile pattern to get that French country atmosphere.

Windows

Another place for simplicty. If at all possible, don't cover your windows. Show off the architectural details of your home and its outside views. In bedrooms where privacy is desired, use semi-sheer panels.

Where you do choose to use window coverings for privacy, use simple tailored curtains or drapes. No ruffles or excessive swags allowed!

Walls

How do you arrange your favorite paintings and family pictures? Gather your wall decorations into groups, sorting them by similar frame colors. For example, group your black framed items together and your gold framed items together. It doesn't matter if the pictures have different themes, as long as the frames coordinate.

Take each group and arrange the items to fit in an imaginary square or rectangle. Rearrange the items until you get your display just right. Then transfer your arrangement to the wall, making the top of the display just above eye level. It's no fun if you have to strain to see something, and children will enjoy a display more on their level.

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