You will find excellently rendered French Country bar stools to fill your order either by shopping on-line through one of the many web-dealers, or by checking with any furniture retailer that offers bar furnishings and accessories. Since the French are known for hospitality, I am sure your bar will look most welcoming in this style, and that look will not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

The flooring in the French Country bathroom can be tricky. Many people prefer wood flooring throughout their home when embracing this style, but real wood flooring can create potential problems in a high use bath area. Many of today’s “wood look” laminates are surprisingly authentic, come in a variety of color choices to match with your real wood floors, and are very affordable. Another choice is tile. For this look, you’ll want to choose a low shine, light colored tile that has the look of soft and porous stone. This tile can be filled with a grayish white grout and sealed to maintain its integrity.

What about large bathrooms that can accommodate a tub? One of the best things about a large bathroom is that a tub can be used as a beautiful and inviting focal point. Antique claw foot tubs, complete with antiqued fixtures and hardware are great finds for a French Country bathroom. For the most authentic approach to a shower, use an old fashioned diverter and riser, and surround the tub with a round, ringed shower pole. The linens for your shower curtain can be lace, soft white muslin, or a light and airy print that coordinates with the rest of the room. Be sure to purchase enough material to tie the curtain back or gather and puddle the material behind the tub when not in use, allowing your beautiful tub maximum exposure.

Guests and family alike will enjoy the surrounding of a well-appointed powder or bathroom that has been created with care and planning. The bathroom is a great place to begin or complete your French country home decor.

It is traditional that a French Country dining room have an armoire or chest for storage. This can be used for extra table linens, silverware, or serving pieces. The armoire should complement the style of the table. Armoires can be styled in many ways. The traditional wooden doors will feature carvings or perhaps even farmhouse motifs, or the panels of the doors may be replaced with fabric or fine mesh wire. Hardware should help to complete and warm the look- dark iron or bronze handles and pulls should be strongly considered.

Fabrics and lighting are the final considerations in the dining room area. A chandelier is usually placed over the table. Chandeliers used can vary in style. For more formal rooms, the chandelier will be made of bronze accents and lots of glass with several tiers. In more casual dining rooms, the chandelier will be simpler, with bronze or iron work arms and small mini-shades that coordinate with the other colors in the room. Keep in mind that the size of the chandelier should be relative to the total room size and the size of the dining table so it does not overpower or get lost in its setting.

Great meals are given their foundation in a well planned room with a comfortable decor. You can anticipate many years of service and memories from your French Country dining room.

Mantel : A mantel is a great place to start the discussion of the French Country living room, since it is often chosen as a major focal point. Mantels in French Country decor can be very austere and imposing, or extremely ornate. Material are usually wood, but one can find mantels made of stone such as limestone. Stone mantles usually have a “bleached” appearance, and look almost like an old world hearth. Many wood mantels have ornate carving. These heavily carved mantels benefit from simpler displays so that the focus can remain on the intricacies already present in the piece.

Seating : Choosing the seating that will be incorporated in the living room is the most important choice for the rooms’ use and look. In a very formal living room, which will be used less often, or for more formal settings, French sofas and love-seats may be a consideration. These pieces are delicately formed around wooden and steel frames and then covered with fabric and edging materials such as cording. They are usually raised on high legs, and the upholstery is patterned or floral. For a more typical living room, couches and seating need to be comfortable and long lasting, but beautiful at the same time. Leather couches and sofas are a great way to fulfill both of these desires. Leather can be purchased with a distressed patina, giving it the appearance of age. A rich dark leather is usually chosen and warmed with the addition of wooden supports and brass hardware. Many French country couches feature upholstery tacks. The same description apply to single chairs found in the living room. They should mimic the design of the couches. Usually the chairs found in the center of the seating area are oversized and roomy, sometimes accompanied by an ottoman. Smaller accent chairs can be used against walls or windows, in a small reading nook, or with a desk.

Coffee Tables : Coffee tables came from the tradition of moving with your guests to another area of you home after a meal in the dining room. In the French Country look, coffee tables can be used to display items while remaining functional, since these tables are usually quite large. The traditional coffee table is rectangular, and there are many choices of woods and finishes. A large square coffee table is an interesting alternative. In any case these coffee tables tend to be low lying. They may have plain tops, be knotted and distressed, or even be hinged with brass eaves that drop down to adjust size. In a more formal living room, a coffee table can still be used. You may want to consider a glass table with wrought iron, bronze, or gilded frame for the more delicate appearance of formal living room furniture.

Your French country living room is a place for the family and your guests to gather and relax. Be assured that all of your decorating efforts will pay off in years of enjoyment of this vital area of your home.

French Country bedrooms are usually set in a background color of white or pastels. Using white and light colors allows the use of many accents, without the room becoming too heavy or appearing crowded. Be sure to use a soft white, as that is the traditional French country look and will coordinate much better with the “shabby chic” appearance of French country furniture and accents than a stark white.

White or light colors should be considered throughout the bedroom, from the flooring, which is traditionally wood, to accent rugs, bedding, and draperies.

Furniture :

Two pieces of furniture are key to making a bedroom with a country French theme. First, the bed. Beds in French Country decor are large and sturdy, and usually made of iron or wood. If wood is your choice, the exposed wood needs to be weathered, painted, or distressed. Iron work will be softened by the room’s accents. In French Country bedrooms, the bed is the centerpiece of the room, so consider investing in this piece as well as the bedding that you will use.

Secondly, the armoire. Armoires for the bedroom come in a variety of styles. The armoire is multi-functional, so even if your room contains closets that are used to store clothing, the armoires can provide additional storage, or even serve as an entertainment center. Armoires provide hanging space, or can be configured with drawers or shelving to accomadate seasonal clothing. Storage of bedroom linens and towels is also a consideration, and many people like to leave the doors of the armoire open to reveal an westheticdsiplay of color coordinated linens. Armoires, like any French country piece, will be ornately designed but have a shabby appearance and look old. Armoires for the bedroom can also be softened with the use of draperies in the door panels, or even draped with sheeting, lace, or linen.

Lighting :

French Country bedrooms must be illuminated softly so as not to disturb the ambiance of the rural countryside appeal that the look is known for. Natural lighting is key, so sheer window treatments should be used to allow the filtered sunlight to come through. For wired lighting, chandeliers or sconces are the traditional choice. An antique or antique look chandelier should be chosen; one that features delicate details. Traditional lamps are also acceptable, but harsh or plain shades should be softened with fabric. All lightbulbs should be frosted or low wattage to avoid any harshenss from the artificial light.

Accents :

Accenting the French Country bedroom is the easiest part of assembling this look. The possibilities here are almost limitless- just stick to soft fabrics with traditional toile or farmhouse prints, pretty but light draperies and sheers, and soft chairs and pillows. If you have room, a small vanity table with a padded chair is a great focal point for a room corner. In addition, accents such as bed pillows and small rugs can be used to soften the look.

A well-appointed French Country bedroom can be one of the most inviting and comfort-filled rooms in your home. Make it your own, and you’ll be sure to enjoy the surroundings for years to come.

While many armoires are used for storage of winter woolens or other seasonal items, armoires can also feature an open look, whether with fine mesh or chicken wire panels, clear glass panes, or open shelving. These areas can make a great place for displays. In the kitchen, an armoire or shelving area can be used to display dishes or plates. Most French Country decorators favor an eclectic collection of plates that are tied together with a common color scheme. In the bathroom or bedroom, small armoires can be used to display folded linens, bath soaps, and other bath supplies. Dining room armoires, of course, feature serving dishes and table linens.

Shelfscaping :

Shelfscaping is a term for decorating the exposed space on top of cabinets or pieces of furniture, as well as shelving itself. Areas near the ceiling that would otherwise remain untouched can be used to add visual interest to the room and unify the rooms’ decor with color and texture. It is important to cary the heights and types of objects used in shelfscaping and to create lines that promote interest and variety, rather than bland predictability.

Here are some ideas for shelving displays in various areas of the house:

• Bookshelves : Old books are an important part of the French country look. They definitely bring a feeling of age to any room and can be stacked vertically or horizontallyto create varting diaplsys. Objects such as small plants, mirrors, frames, and even lamps can be used along with book displays for a beautiful effect.

• Above cabinet areas : Use larger objects in the background and against the wall to set the tone for these areas. You want the objects used in such prominent display areas of your home to truly stand out, so this is not the place to display a collection of figurines. Instead, think about larger mirrors, frames, pottery, copper, or even small trunks that you can use behind other pieces. Mirrors in displays always reflect the visuals, creating a deeper appearance to the area.

• Shelving : Traditional shelving areas may contain books or dishes, but think outside re box when considering shelving displays. In the kitchen, you can store dry goods such as flour, rice, and beans in large glass containers with airtight lids. With both form and function, these food items can be places within easy reach of the main cooking area. Pot racks can display traditional copper and cast iron pots and pans.

• End Tables : A great place for a display o smaller items, end-tables provide a canvas for showcasing some of your favorite pictures and pieces. It’s important to create visual interest on your end-tables, which can be accomplished by mixing heights, textures, and shapes. Be sure that the arrangement is asymmetrical, and that the end-table height is correct in relation to the seating, You don’t want the end-table to be justly slightly higher than the adjacent seat, but slightly lower or at seat height.

Displays can draw attention to your custom furniture pieces and bring a continuity and enjoyment to a room that your guests will enjoy each time they visit.

The lifestyle in Provence tends to be more casual and so the look matches this which is invariably welcoming, warm, and decidedly unfussy. Think about brightly colored wooden shutters to keep out the blazing midday sun on windows which are often narrow and deep set. The furniture tends to be rustic with a worn lived in and comfortable look. Imagine copper pots strategically placed next to old stone fireplaces, or the dark wooden beams contrasted against the paler rough plastered walls. The scope is endless so there is plenty of variety to cater for any taste. The following ideas may help to inspire your own interpretation of French country style.

Colors

Colours that fit in with the French country style include warmer shades of bronze, gold, yellow and rust to match the hot Mediterranean climate as well as the cooler ocean colors in different shades of blues and greens, however, bright and vibrant colors do not go amiss either such as strong purple, bright red, and shocking pink. It is the way they are combined that helps to create the final look.

Fabrics and other materials

Probably the most popular fabric associated with the French country style is toile. Toile is generally a repeated pattern on a fabric with a pale background. It literally translates to cloth. However, fabrics in different textures, colours and prints go well and you can include anything from plain cloths to stripes and floral prints to fabrics depicting motifs. Motifs can be found not only on fabrics but also on wall coverings, paintings and ornamental and practical pieces in the home too. Popular motifs include roosters, grapes, lavender, and insects such as bees and the famous Cigale, whose song can be heard throughout the summer in Provence.

Use natural materials as far as possible and consider stone floors and walls, untreated wood, plastered walls that are not perfectly smooth, ceramic tiles, clay, brick, and metals such as copper and wrought iron. The key is to go for the old, the natural and the lived in look.

Furniture

The furniture has a definite rustic look to it, often in darker woods. Don’t forget to include the Amoire, a tallish cabinet with drawers, shelves or cupboards used for storage or for decorative purposes. For example, you can use it to display pots, for hiding the television or storing linen and other items. Use your imagination, it is an extremely useful piece of furniture and helps to convey that authentic French look in your home.

Flowers

Flowers are essential for capturing that southern French look in your home. Hanging baskets on patios and balconies, window boxes, pitchers, pots or vases of flowers inside and outside the house help to create that distinctive French atmosphere. Of course any blooms will suffice but lavender is abundant in the south of France and as it is so deliciously fragrant, make use of potpourri, sachets of lavender and bunches of lavender to give your home that final ooh la la.

Bonne chance!

Take into consideration the following steps when preparing your plan for the room:

1. Focus on the desired functionality of the room. Use this as the foundation for which you will build upon with furniture, artwork, accessories, etc.

2. Choose furniture and decorative items such as custom area rugs by size and position, to ensure that the room is not cluttered and remains organized.

3. Find furnishings that serve multiple purposes, which will help improve your storage capacity (such as end tables with drawers, sleeper sofas, etc.) and increase the functionality of the room as a whole.

4. Place accent pieces in areas that highlight your room’s color theme, such as corners and around windows. Avoid placing items directly in front of the wall, but rather accent the outside portion of the room, making it seem bigger.

5. A small room must have plenty of lighting because this really helps to visually open up space. If it is possible, consider a built-in lighting structure such as track or recessed elements. If this is not a possibility or is overbudget, use small accent lamps to light up the corners.

Coordinate your palette and the room will come together by itself. Keep in mind the above mentioned techniques and just have fun with it!

Creating Illusion of Space in Interior Design

There are several tricks at doing this though most have to do with how you play with light and lighting. The principle is light colors tends to make a room look larger while darker hues give the appearance of spaces being limited. So let in as much natural light as possible. If the room is small color it in brighter lighter hues. Use freely artificial lighting. An old age trick is to use mirrors especially in small rooms to create the illusion in the interior design that the space is larger than it actually is. Accessories that seem to float, chairs with longer legs, the use of transparent/translucent objects helps further the creation illusion of space.

Creating a focal point in Interior Design

Focal point is the item or furniture in a room where you want the attention set. It is very important to create a focal point in a room or a space from which every design consideration, every artwork, and every piece has to revolve. Without a focal point, the room will not have a solid feel to it. Without it, unity and coordination of design will be lost no matter how beautiful or expensive the pieces are. Focal points could be a fireplace, a painting, a view from a room or just a precious beautiful thing where you would want the attention focused on. When highlight is created, it is much simpler to design the entire room or space.

Do not over stuff

One of the most common errors in decorating is the temptation to display all the beautiful stuff collected over the years. Space really is very expensive. When there is too much detail and decorations in an interior design, living space is compromised aside from making the room look heavy, stuffy, and uncoordinated and when unchecked, even the most beautiful pieces losses its luster and position of importance. A good interior design practice is to avoid cluttering up a space. When accessorizing, choose only those that coordinates very well with the entire concept, experiment with doing with less and you will be surprised by the effect that it will make aside from saving you a lot of spaces.

An easy way to inject some French style into your home is through use of accessories. Venetian glass is a decorative choice not just for wall mirrors but for candle stands and picture frames too. Typical French country style accessories include wall paintings and adornments which are often painted white, crystal chandeliers or simple potted lavender plants. Roosters are a favourite in French country design and can be found on everything from cushion covers to wallpaper.

Parisian apartments have a different feel to their country counterparts and the decorating styles found in Paris span over several periods, including baroque, rococo, and neoclassical. Contemporary Parisian apartments frequently incorporate art deco and old world. Whatever style you are basing your look on, mirrors can play a key part. Popular within all types of French interior design there are many different types of mirror to suit the overall mood you are creating. French mirrors range from freestanding to large antique wall mirrors, antique painted versions as well as gilt and decorative options so you shouldn’t have any problem locating the right one for your home.

Furniture is another straightforward way to introduce some French style. French country style tends to use upholstered furniture with carved wooden frames, carved legs and upholstered seats and backs. Wrought iron and distressed metal are an important element of the country feel. Look for wrought iron or distressed lamps, tables, and clocks. You could also shop around for items of furniture such as four poster beds, dressing tables, wardrobes and chests. Antique or heirloom furniture is commonplace and a rummage at an antique fair or even the local flea market can reap handsome rewards.

When it comes to wall colour you can opt for rich, strong hues which are reminiscent of the sun-drenched Mediterranean. The softer, more muted shades which are also very popular include lavender, ivory, pale shell pink and dusty lilac. Your choice of colour will depend on what the room is used for as well as the amount of light that filters in.

Flooring is important too, especially if you are trying to create a continuous look throughout the home. Limestone flooring is frequently used in French style homes. In true Parisian style, hardwood flooring could be stained dark and covered with old Oriental carpets.