Fabulous French Country Interiors

French Country isn't just for rustic farmhouses or old chateaux in France. This charming interior decorating style, with it's use of rich colors and pretty prints, can be found in homes all over the globe.

Warm reds, golden yellows, rich blues and vivid greens are some of the characteristic colors used in this decorating style. Bursts of brighter colors are usually paired with softer pastel hues to give a sense of warmth and comfort.

There are some popular motifs in the French Country style, mostly of things that would be found in a rural, farmland setting, such as roosters, olives, sunflowers, and lavender. Toile prints are also frequently used.

Natural elements are also emphasized in the French Country interior, such as stucco, wood, warm-toned metals, and stone. This combines in a style that is elegant, yet cozy and inviting, and oh so indescribably French.

French Country living room mixes different prints in a red and white color scheme
(by Lola Watson Interior Design)

Kitchen uses copper and earth-toned ceramic flooring for a natural, rustic look
(by Marie Meko, Allied ASID)

I usually don't show exteriors, but this stone covered porch with ceramic pots is perfect French Country style
(by Don Ziebell)

Romantic bedroom with patterned wallpaper and a draped crown canopy
(by Cabell Design Studio)

More photos after the page break

Black and White Rooms - Classic Elegance

While use of colors adds character and personality to a space, so too does the absence of color. A black and white scheme is a very classic choice, and is generally perceived as being elegantly simple. It suits both formal spaces, as well as modern ones, and is particularly well suited for the use of geometrics and bold patterns.

It also provides a unique canvas to which you can add small, bold splashes of color, which create quite a visual impact.  This is a great color combination for those who admire classical interiors, or simple, stark minimalism. It is also good for those who want to get the popular, mostly white "Euro" style effect, but with a little added kick.

A traditional black and white kitchen is complemented by warm cherry wood floors
(by Sutton Suzuki Architects)

Black and white is a good palette for this eclectic living room
(by Dawna Jones Design)

Black and white tile floors and dark, aged wood make this traditional hallway look welcoming
(by mark pinkerton - vi360 photography)

White, black accents, and rich wood give this room an art gallery feel
(by Rikki Snyder)

Black paneled walls give this bathroom a classy, traditional feel
(by Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.)



More photos after the page break

Red Rooms - Vibrant and Passionate

As we've established, the use of color in a room can contribute to the overall mood of your surroundings. Blue can produce a soporific effect, yellow can contribute to a feeling of sunshine and warmth. 

Today, we will look at the use of red in a room.

Red is traditionally known as the color of love, life, and passion. It is the color of our blood, the foundation of our beings. Ranging from vibrant crimson to the deepest, richest maroon, this typically warm color is bold, the very antithesis of quiet pastels.

Used to varying degrees, it can compliment a wide variety of interiors, from traditional farmhouses to formal mansions and contemporary homes. However, since it is a bold, dark shade, I usually recommend it in spaces that have a lot of light, and larger rooms. When a room is too poorly lit, or small, red can actually make the room feel closed in.

Red can also be a splashy focal accent color, from painted cabinets in a kitchen to art and throw pillows in a living room. Red also makes a fabulous single accent wall color.

Let's examine the use of red in a variety of spaces. 

Red is a wonderful color in a traditional interior

(by Dona Rosene Interiors)

It also works well in contemporary, modern decor

(by Peg Berens Interior Design LLC)

It provides a bold, warm accent color...

(by Adi Tatarko)

... and also works well as a single accent wall

(by Marie Burgos Design)

It blends nicely with wood also, as seen in this rustic-style kitchen

(by Native Trails)

As always, more photos after the page break!

Yellow Rooms - Happy and Sunny

The other day we explored the calming effects of using the color blue in a room. Today, we'll look at the color yellow. I'll do a few more color series in the coming days.

The color yellow gives a room a feeling of warmth and happiness, as it reminds us of the color of sunshine. Personal anecdote, my kitchen was originally a drab and chilly white. We painted the walls a very soft yellow, the color of rich buttermilk, and immediately the room felt brighter and more inviting.

Yellow can range from bright to very soft and subtle, and blends nicely with most other colors. It can add a touch of warmth and brightness to a predominately cool-toned room (think blues, purples, greens), pairs well with other warm hues (orange and red) for a fiery appearance, and also works with natural materials like wood and stone.

I usually like to recommend shades of yellow especially in cooler climates that tend to be overcast frequently, as the color fools the eye slightly into thinking it is sunny, and thereby makes the room feel more inviting on cloudy days.

Very bright yellow works particularly well as an accent color, as opposed to a wall paint color. If you want to paint, a soft pastel yellow is usually best.

A yellow ceiling makes this enclosed porch glow
(by Group 3)

Yellow accents warm up this home library
(by Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.)

Cupboards painted a yellow-beige hue bring cheer to a country kitchen
(by Superior Woodcraft, Inc.)

Small splashes of bright yellow liven up this black and white bathroom
(by De Meza + Architecture)

More photos after the page break

Lofts - Fun In Small Spaces

Forgive me for this being a sort of short posting... I think I'm getting a cold. About all I want to do right now is have a cup of tea and sleep for two or three days. The cold and snow has finally hit Southern Germany... and with it, have come the sniffles.

So I will leave you all with a brief posting on lofts. Not huge, industrial loft living spaces (although I love those, and they will be coming in a future article), but small, second-story (or higher) spaces with open fronts, and often peaked, vaulted ceilings. Due to their open nature, these airy aeries can take a very small space and it make it feel much larger and open.

Tiny space combines a mini-kitchen with a loft bedroom above
(by Koch Architects, Inc. Joanne Koch)

An open loft library looks down onto a two-story living room
(by Summerour Architects)

An open loft with amazing windows is used as a 2nd story family room
(by Robert Hawkins)

An open loft is located above the living room in this carriage house
(by Carl Vernlund)

More photos after the page break

Textures and Colors - Accent Walls

Accent walls are a great way to add color or texture to a room. They can add interest above and beyond the traditional four walls, same color decor. And, if your home features a nice architectural feature - an unusual wall, a nice window - an accent wall can really draw attention to this.

You may not want to do your entire room in bright red or navy blue, but one wall can give the room a burst of color without being overwhelming. A darker colored wall in an otherwise light room can add drama to the room. Choosing a color in the same family as the other three walls, but in a deeper or lighter hue, can add depth. You can even choose to paint patterns in contrasting colors - stripes are a good choice and add a modern elegance to many spaces.

Material accent walls, such as adding a stone or brick facade, can also alter the feel of a room, lending a classic of rustic air to even the most contemporary of spaces. Wallpapering one wall can be very versatile, depending on the paper, and can add anything from a subtle texture to a bold, eye-catching print.

A stone accent wall adds a rustic touch to this contemporary wood hallway
(by Philpotts Interiors)

Black wallpaper with a subtle pattern makes a bold statement in this modern dining room
(by Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.)

Crisp black-and-white stripes are a great accent in this classic room
(Courtesy of Flickr user army.arch)

An interesting, angled wall is painted a darker shade in this living room
(by Molly McGinness Interior Design)

More photos after the break