Lately I’ve become somewhat obsessed with the French Country style of decorating. Why, you ask? This style is so warm and inviting. It is also so easy to create with used items, which is great for those of us who frequent thrift stores!
Many items can be transformed into a French Farmhouse look when you paint or strip them for a weathered look. Common consignment shop items like lamps, baskets, and ladders can be used in your decorating scheme. Here’s how.
Lamp With White Fabric Shade
Turn a lamp of any color or style into a “French Country” lamp by painting the base. It is best to use a lamp with a neutral-toned shade so that all you have to do is worry about the base. Remove the shade and spray on a dark base later. Then, top with milk paint or use a regular matte paint with a scratchy brush.
Galvanized Tin Bucket
Fill a regular old tin bucket with fresh flowers, and you’ll immediately create that just-in-from-the-fields vibe. This is simple to pull off, and so charming to look at! Your home will smell delicious, too!
Rustic Wooden Laddar
If you ever find a simply fashioned, antique ladder as you dig through second hand items, snatch it up. It will look great in the bathroom, holding folded white towels. Keep it in the living room for blanket storage, or in the kitchen to hold your herb garden. Whatever way you use it, it will add an element of down-to-earth, rustic charm.
Toile… Anything and Everything
Toile is a type of fabric that was used in the south of France centuries ago. A light colored, cream or white background is printed with provincial scenes, flowers, or even Asian-style designs. Buy any and all toile that you find at thrift shops. Use it to refinish chairs, create throw pillows, or as a table runner.
Wooden Chair
A simple wooden chair can work wonders in your decorating scheme. It can soften up a bare corner, or be used as a table top for decorative items. The trick is to strip off any and all sealant that is on top of the wood. You want the chair to look rough and weathered, not polished.
Wicker Basket
Wicker baskets can be filled with flowers, used on shelves for organization, or hung up on the wall. Because wicker is a natural material, it fits in perfectly with your French Country theme.
Tea Cups
Do you drink tea with a saucer? If not, now is the time to start! Pick up some dainty tea cups and saucers. Display them on a shelf to give your kitchen a lovely, sweet mood. In addition to being decorative, your guests will feel that they’ve stepped into the peaceful countryside of times gone by when you serve them a hot cup of tea!
Wool Or Cotton Throw Rug
A wool or cotton throw rug will add an element of comfort into your room, while still sticking to the simplicity of this style. Throw rugs are easy to wash, so you can feel comfortable buying them second hand. If you want to use the rug as an accent piece, go with a vibrant color like red or sky-blue.
Hands-On Tools
Country living includes lots of hard work! Hang collanders, strainers, sifters and mashers on your kitchen walls. Antique items are fun to look at, and even more fun to use!
An Abundance of Flowers
The last item won’t be found at second hand stores, but I had to mention it! Your french country interior would be incomplete without lots of flowers in every room. Pile them up as a center piece, or throw a bundle into a vintage milk pitcher.
Are you as in love with French Farmhouse style as I am? Leave a comment below!