When it comes to furnishing styles, the French have made a health contribution. French provincial furnishing styles are certainly a big part of this contribution.
France - Provincial Furnishing Styles
A French provincial home can best be described as a very formal French farmhouse. It has the country feel but with much more of an ornate look to it. The style originated in the 1600s but has taken on a whole new look since then. The furnishings have always been very aesthetic, but they have evolved to appeal to all French decorating styles.
In general, French provincial furnishings are very cozy, rustic, and warm, while carrying the elegance and opulent look that you don’t find in the French country look, although they have many of the same traits. The colors are rich, dark, and use many of the same hues such as the rustic reds, bronze, grassy greens, and gold. French provincial is more regal but comfortable, using the different patterns in the furnishings to show sophistication and comfort. You can also mix and match the different types of wood and metal to get true French provincial furnishings. In fact, that is part of the charm when you have pieces that don’t match exactly.
The main component to the French provincial look is the attention to detail in every piece. Embellished tables, tiny double drawer pulls, ornate carvings on the headboard, and simple but elegant desks are just a few of the pieces that can put together this look. Adding wrought iron or anything characteristic of the 17th or 18th century is considered to be authentic French provincial.
Another facet that makes French provincial pieces unlike any others are their durability and sturdiness. They are very forgiving pieces, usually made of the best quality wood, such as local timbers of oak, beech, and walnut, and the thickest of fabrics. Most of the authentic pieces come from Normandy and Bordeaux, where they are highly regarded because of the unique carvings.
Buffets, armoires, and large kitchen tables are very popular in French provincial. The reproduction market for these types of furnishings is huge because of the popularity. The prices for the authentic furnishings have risen greatly in recent years which lead to many more reproductions being put out. Reproductions can be similar in look but not always in quality. If you want excellent material and carvings you will still need to spend a good deal of money to acquire the piece of your choice, but for this wonderful look, it is well worth it.
