The secret to farmhouse French style is very simple. But first, let’s talk about what farmhouse French style is and isn’t. Farmhouse French style is the term I use to describe my style, so this is my definition of that style.
It’s very simple. It’s French style but not exactly country French style. Country French style has lots of bold colors, yellow, cornflower blue, reds, and oranges. Farmhouse French style is more muted, more like the colors of Gustavian decor, grays, whites, and off-whites with a bit of blue thrown in and some subtle color here and there.
Really there are 3 very important key elements of Farmhouse French style
1. First you need to have something French OR at least French inspired in the room, or we can’t really call it French. N’est–ce pas? (Isn’t it so?) So you can add something curvy, a chair, a candlestick, mirror, artwork, clock, figurine. You get the idea. This miror, desk, chair, and light sconces all fit into this category. The desk, chair and mirror are all French. The wall sconces actually look more Italian to me, but they are curvy and lovely.
2. Next comes what I call ‘rusty, crusty, chippy.’ This means adds something old or old looking. Again it doesn’t have to be the real thing, just look like. So this would include rustic fabrics, anything old that looks like it might have been on a farm, like simple dishes (ironstone) simple wood pieces (like bread boards, tote boxes, or dough bowls) and utilitarian pieces like a string holder.
This rusty lamp is just perfectly yummy.
3. And lastly, you need some blingy-bling, which is something shiny and fancy like silverplate, or crystal. It can be vintage or new, shiny or tarnished. Below I have a silver tray, teapot and toast rack.
This crown (new but it looks old) is loaded with little crystals.
The vintage candelabra below is a vintage find.
On another note, your outpouring of support has truly humbled me. I’m really amazed by the number of you that have purchased my book even before I have it in stock. I’ve been misty-eyed all week thinking of you. I have formed deep friendships here with really wonderful people. Some of you I have gotten to know very well, and I hope to get to know you if I don’t already.
The books are on their way from the publisher to my house, and should arrive sometime this week at my house. When I get them, I am going to work very hard to get them out the door as quickly as possible to you. If you are waiting on a package from my shop, chances are it will ship this week.
So as a thank you, I’m having a sale on select items. So thank you for being my friend. SALE
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this post. I really adore your French inspired vignettes.
Best,
Michelle from simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com
The intro paragraph on your email made me smile. I have a few drafts written when a good idea strikes, but sometimes when I look back through them, I didn’t write enough to remember exactly what that great idea was 🙂 So happy about your good luck with the book, and I love how beautifully you present the pieces in your shop!
Anita,
I l o v e anything French Country. . .
but I fall into the later category with muted shades!!!
I adore when you do a post on the contents of French decor!!!
I was thrilled to see several decor pieces in this post
that I, too, have in my home!!!
Again, congratulations on your book!!!
I’ll be “looking” for mine. . .under the tree!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Always love your great advice Anita!…Your book will be a big hit!!
Anita,
Thank you for these decorating tips, I surely needed them, definitely going to help me in decorating our home. You really clarified the difference between French Country and Farmhouse French.
Congrats on your book and shop, you are great inspiration for us in many ways!
Jemma
Congrats! On your book thanks for the decor tips.
Have a great day.
Thanks for all the information i was wondering about the differences in looks and now i know i like the farmhouse style better, i am just a classy but simple person.I am pretty excited to get your book. Thank you so much for being the person you are and for all your help.