Whitewashed walls add to the charm of French country kitchens.
Rustic charm is one way to describe the French Country style of decorating. The graceful mood of a French chateau coupled with pastoral elements makes for some of the most comfortable kitchens. To make this style work, you need to start with the right colors along with the right balance of old and new pieces. Once you figure it out, you'll have a kitchen that is as chic as it is relaxing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose soft colors for your kitchen palette. You can decorate with any color on the color wheel as long as you keep it muted or whitewashed. A good way to think of colors in this sense is sun-bleached. Put a whitewashed green color on your walls for energy or a pale blue for a cool tone. Yellows and reds are warm and with subdued shades, they generate a welcoming aspect to your kitchen.
2. Decorate with fabric that brings texture to your kitchen. Linens, toile and paisley prints offer something different in that they look and feel different. A linen table runner draped over a curtain rod and linen placemats add charm with very little effort. Toile gives your kitchen another look entirely, with an emphasis on color. Cover barstools and seat cushions with fabric to add interest throughout the room.
3. Select a mix of modern and antique or reproduction furnishings to decorate your kitchen. Shop antique malls and bazaars for items that are distinctive and will add to your style. An odd assortment of barstools or dining room chairs is pleasing. Look for candlesticks, bowls, decanters and canisters that create a one-of-a-kind kitchen.
4. Decorate your walls with pieces that add interest. Wrought iron adds contrast to French Country kitchens. Hang pictures of rural French provincial scenes. Another option for pictures is animals, such as the rooster, or fruit. Sconces and chandeliers put the rustic in this style. Antique plates, cookware and clocks also enhance this look.
5. Use rugs to bring the look of your kitchen together. For a more rustic look, simple wool and jute rugs add the right amount of charm. For a look that is more formal, select a rug with a floral pattern.
Tags: your kitchen, French Country, kitchen Decorate, this style, with fabric
