Country French style traditionally has been a mix of cornflower blues, orange-reds and corn-silk yellow. That is what I think of when I think of classic Country French colors, but today is a new day, and Country French style has evolved. I call my version of updated Country French – ‘Farmhouse French’ style.
CONGRATULATIONS TO Terry Mitchener who won my spring giveaway! Karenann Sharrott won my giveaway on the windows post! Woo hoo!!! The items will be shipped next week!
Let’s break down the colors of farmhouse French style.
There are a mix of neutrals, blues a bit of lavender with a smaller amount of pink and green thrown in.
First start with neutrals for the biggest pieces and the walls. This provides you maximum flexiblity.
I used Sherwin Williams colors for this post so you could find the colors if you wanted to, but it is not sponsored. CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR A COLOR
My favs for walls is Agreeable gray with Eider white trim.
Then the color I use the most is blue. I really like a grayish blue like Notable Hue.
It’s also nice to have a brighter cheery blue like Blue Beyond.
Then a blue-green can be used as well.
And a duck egg blue like Atmospheric.
The color I like to use next is purple. There’s the purple more toward the red family like Enchant.
And the purple more toward the blues like Wisteria.
I like a dash of pink thrown in if I can.
The pink on the bed is very, very pale.
If I use a green, I do love a chartreuse like Lime Granita. I don’t think I have a photo handy of this color, but I love it, and it works so well with blues and lavender.
Finally, the room should have some darks, so a dark gray like Foggy Day can add some weight and drama to the room.
Lastly you can use a black like Rock Bottom.
I hope that is helpful as you select colors and furnishings for your room. Here’s a reference chart for you that you can pin and use later.
Anita, I think you are right – the French Country yellow and red and bright blue of the past is gone in or of more muted colors… and I think actually French Country is borrowing from Swedish/gustavian because the muted colors are favored by Gustavian design. I love the “new” colors!
Thank you for the new colors swatches with names of paint! Love the look of all of them?
The colors you use in your Country French home are beautiful. I am still partial to the reds, blues, yellows and greens for my French Country Style. I am more of a traditional type of gal, lol.
Penny, those are gorgeous too! Excited to see more of your new mountain home.
I love the “new” French Country colors. Was never a fan of the red/oranges or the gold/yellows. The colors you have featured above are perfect. I too love the blue/purple and green/pink. So much more restful and easy on the eye. You’ve used them beautifully.
I think you are right about the French Country colors changing. Love all the colors you shared with us. TY!
Thanks Cathy. I love lavender and blue!
The new French Country colors are so beautiful. I really love this elegant change!
Love the colors on the pallet. Love your pink bed quilt . I also purchased one and I’m so loving the quilt.
I am wondering what type of finish is best for walls and trim. Walls – eggshell? Trim?
Oops, I forgot to ask. Are you familiar with Property Solutions paint by Sherwin Williams? My painter wants to use it to paint the entire inside walls and trim in my home. I want to use the Eider White and the Agreeable Gray.
I absolutely love your style of decorating. I especially love the blue rug in your dining room. Can you tell me where you purchased the rug?
Elena, that is from Dash and Albert. I love it.
Lovely colors, Anita! Great post and lots of inspiration. Thank you!
I love these new colors, though my favorite will always be the red toiles! I wanted to ask about your velvet bolster. I recently purchased some exquisite hand-dyed silk velvet from an Etsy shop. I’m trying to figure what to do with it. Did you leave the ends raw? Thanks
Rebecca, this one is from Bella Notte. I didn’t make it. But I may be making one in the future…
Ok. I’ll be interested to see how you do the ends. Thanks
Did you happen to purchase the standing grandmother clock at Roundtop?
I am in love with your decor style! Your home is just lovely.
🙂 gwingal
These have been my favorite colors since I was a kid! As an adult I’m learning to temper them with neutrals 🙂
I have a collage of pictures that have a muted orange color which pairs well with copper. Can I combine this with any other colors and the French country palette?
Yes Christine. I think there are some lovely green shades that should work for you.
Yes Christine. I think there are some lovely green shades that should work for you.
Can I mix country French style a southwestern rug in one room paired with my bear rug and also incorporate some modern farmhouse? Predominately country French
Lorraine, it really depends. It doesn’t sound like it would work, but if the southwestern rug and the country French rug had the same colors, it might. I hope that helps.