French provincial style is a reflection of upper class homes in France's provinces in the 17th and 18th century.
Wealthy people who lived in the provinces of France at that time were not usually as well off as the city dwellers, so they were not able to purchase furniture that was as grand or ornate.
People living in France's provinces had furniture that was more functional, but still slightly ornate.
Here are some tips and tricks for decorating in a French provincial style.
photo courtesy of frenchfinds flickr.com/photos/frenchfinds/6240432704/Furnish Your Home with Armoires
Most French provincial homes at this time did not have closets because closets were considered a room and homes were taxed according to the number of rooms they had.
Instead of closets, people used armoires to hold their clothing and things.
Armoires were usually elaborately carved with large hinges.
Hang Mirrors on Your Walls
Mirrors are used to reflect light around a room and are very prevalent in French provincial style.
Decorate your French Provincial home with several ornate gold or carved wood mirror.
You can also make a large mirror out of smaller mirror squares with an ornate metal knob at the intersections.
Select Fabrics with Embroidery
Embroidery is very prevalent in French provincial style since embroidery was a skill all well to do women of that time had.
You can decorate your home with embroidered pillows, draperies, dining chair upholstery, and/or bed linens.
Monogramming would also be a nice option.
Soft Blue Gray Color
Many French Provincial homes are filled with a lovely light blue gray color.
You can have blue gray painted cabinet, a blue gray rug, or blue gray walls.
Update Your Decor For Today
An updated and more modern French provincial style is becoming very popular.
Consider modifying lower quality antique furniture to fit your modern home.
You can replace the hardware on furniture with modern knobs and paint it a bold color or you can paint an antique French provincial chair a metallic color or recover it in a bold fabric.
