Mel Carpenter
I originally did the graphic below until a kind reader told me it was misspelled. The good news is that it’s easy to add some small touches here and there that really make a difference. So what I found out is that if you have a few well-placed accent pieces, that is what guests will notice, rather than the so-so leather sofa in my study. I used to think that French meant lots of Fleur de Lis, or roosters, but there’s much more to it than that. I think I would describe a Farmhouse French style as one that incorporates lots of natural elements and textures, with a little rust and chippy paint thrown in, curvy furniture, with some elegant items like silver and crystals. Yes, I think I just described the house on Green Acres, and had never thought of it before, but perhaps Lisa Douglas was the original Shabby chic lady, don’t tell Rachel Ashwell.
I’m no Lisa Douglas, but here are my 8 Tips for adding Farmhouse French to your home. Add rustic elements like wood bowls or trays or totes.
Buy some items with French graphics or make your own.
Silver trophies from auction $30 something each, greenhouse $20 World Market, French drying rack Decor Steals Silver tray and pitcher from thrift store Very large antique gesso and wood framed mirror, $50 Craigslist
Yes most French pieces are more expensive than non-French furniture, but if you can find something at an auction, estate sale, consignment store, thrift store, or yard sale, you can usually find it for a reasonable price. I’ll be sharing my top 15 French bargains that you can buy on the internet in an upcoming post.
