| Is there a difference between French Country decor | | | | It was only natural that Chateau style living would |
| and French Provincial decor or even Country French | | | | filter down to these homes. Here the basic furniture |
| decorating? Let's take a look. | | | | of the peasant farmer would meet the refined |
| In the past, the general style of rural France was | | | | embellishments of the chateau; therefore the interior |
| known as French Provincial - the name being | | | | of these country homes would be quite different to |
| associated with Provence, where rural life had | | | | the interior of a working farmhouse nearby. |
| remained relatively unchanged with its rustic textures, | | | | French Country refers to the style and colors of all |
| rich colors and almost primitive furnishings, all inspired | | | | France's rural regions, from vibrant and sunny |
| by the beautiful country side. By association all of | | | | Provence in the south, to calm and cool |
| rural France was referred to as Provincial. | | | | Nord-Pas-de-Calais in the north. From country manor |
| But there's more to the French country side other | | | | to farm cottage. A casual style with a subtle |
| than rural Provence. France is a huge country and | | | | crossover - where the beauty and simplicity of rustic |
| further up north the summers are mild and the | | | | France meets the refined living of the French |
| winters are cold, unlike the warm southern region of | | | | chateau. |
| Provence. | | | | Even though regions differ in style, color and texture, |
| The landscape and play of natural light is also vastly | | | | all have the same traditional values uniting them as |
| different between north and south (and east and | | | | one. It is not only a style but a lifestyle. Here are a |
| west). Traveling northwards you will find paler colors | | | | few examples: |
| echoing the northern skies, in total contrast to the | | | | - Love and respect for time honored traditions and |
| strong and vibrant colors of the sunny south. These | | | | craftsmanship |
| natural differences influence color and style between | | | | - Genuine love of the countryside and its natural |
| the regions. Furthermore, historical and regional | | | | materials |
| influences vary throughout the country. | | | | - Re-inventing instead of discarding |
| Besides regional influences, country society too had | | | | - Sophisticated simplicity |
| its influence - ranking homes as either a manor, | | | | - Harmony, scale and balance |
| gentleman's home or middle class home, with the | | | | In conclusion, today the name French Country is a |
| status of these homes being way above the simple | | | | 'catch all' decor term for all the rural regions of |
| farmhouse or cottage. A manor could belong to an | | | | France, incorporating both the rustic farm and the |
| aspiring merchant, or perhaps be an owner's country | | | | more refined manor style - including the term French |
| retreat away from the city. | | | | Provincial or Country French. |