How To Create A French Country Farmhouse Family Room!

First of all welcome to our third installment of our “Designing Woman Tell All” series that I’m happy to be participating in with three other designers. Be sure to click their links at the end of this blog post and see what they’ve done to their own family rooms.

So many styles out there to choose from...right?! And, so many that we like! I wish I could be like Barbara Streisand and just have multiple homes on multiple acres so I could have every style I like and enjoy each one of my choosing when I wanted…..depending on my whim at the moment. Don’t you? But, most of us don’t have that option. I certainly don’t! I’ve lived in my home for thirty years this month and I’ve changed my overall style three times over the course of that time. (Of course with continuous tweaking along the way.) I would say there is a similar thread linking the three different styles together though. The first few years we lived here I had a distinctly more English Country look to my home; the next phase took me into a very Old World Style; and my current style is French Country Farmhouse. Do you see a continuous, steady thread here? I LOVE numerous styles and if I could have them all I would, but deep at heart, when it comes to my personal home – where I spend most of my time – I clearly have a bent toward a European style. However, each one of these styles is different from the other. There are subtle nuances and details that take a space from one of these looks to another. So today, while I’m going to share many of the transitions that have taken place here over the years, I’m going to concentrate on how to create a French Country Farmhouse family room.

When creating a French Country Farmhouse ambiance you need to consider patterns, textures, color, florals and furniture style.

Of course this statement is true with basically any style. Right? All these details play a role in creating the style you’re trying to create. Whether it’s Asian, Modern, Boho, Country, Shabby Chic, etc.. these details matter. When thinking French Farmhouse you’ll notice in the picture above the French toile fabric on the drapes, the French Bergere chairs to the right, the distressed farmhouse coffee table with drawers and the French style chest in the corner to name just a few. Now, I don’t have pictures unfortunately, but if you can look at this space and envision what it originally looked like with with its burgundy walls, navy blue floral sofa and loveseat, navy blue balloon curtains, hunter green carpet, cherry wood English style coffee table and end tables you might see the English vibe that took place here thirty years ago. A completely different look, feel and vibe to this space. When my style changed to “Old World”, there was a transformation to heavy textured tan walls, soft green velvet drapery panels with a fringed tapestry valance across the top of the windows to match the heavy tapestry fabric on the new sofa; a heavy French carved oval wood table with cabriole legs, hardwood floors, a red oriental area rug and a three panel screen divider with a leather insert on each panel tucked in the corner by the door. Dark, warm, cozy and inviting for so many years…..but eventually felt heavy, oppressive and overdone. When the time came to lighten and brighten I couldn’t get it done quickly enough. As a retired interior designer I have a theory about the sudden nationwide desire that took place years ago to rid itself of the heavy, dark, “Old World” wave that had swept the nation for so long. The world had become so dark and oppressive and overwhelming (and still is) I think we felt a strong desire and need to breathe a fresher, newer, brighter look into our homes. Some did that with a more modern look and geometric prints, other did it with an all white farmhouse look. But the point is…..it was all about a lighter, brighter, fresher look in our homes to escape the dark and challenging times facing the world. (Yes, a different style of “dark and moody” is back into play now, but that’s a story for a different day.)

Greenery and warm woods on an aged or German-schmeared fireplace lend itself to French Farmhouse textures and European charm.

Once upon a time in my English country days this was a red brick fireplace with a Victorian print hanging over a much smaller, more English traditional mantel instead of a TV. When I transitioned to Old World a thick, much more ornate, heavy picture frame with an oil painting in it replaced the burgundy Victorian picture. An antique gold – almost mid-evil style fire screen cover replete with candle holders for around a dozen votives – replace the fireplace screen. Heavy florals in ornate vases flanked each side of the oil painting on the mantel.

When I transitioned yet again to my French Country Farmhouse look I made this mantel to create more of a rustic farmhouse-y, chippy vibe. It was made out of inexpensive ply wood that I stained in Minwax English Chestnut stain. It was created with a top “shelf” piece that sits directly on the original mantel, a front “apron” piece that covers the front of the mantel, two side pieces to hide the sides and an open back, much like a shelf and was simply placed over the original mantel. At each end I framed it out in picture frame style to give it a finished look.

If you can get your bearings straight here looking at this picture – what you are looking at is the underside of the DIY mantel. You can see it has an open back and open bottom and just has the top, front and two sides to it. That way it slips right over the original and creates a much longer mantel. A much more rustic, simple French farmhouse style that I wanted here. It could be removed at any time.

To create this aged, distressed German-schmeared fireplace surround I applied pre-made joint compound from a box with a spatula. Yes, a cake spatula from the kitchen. LOL. Who knew? But, I’m telling you that’s what I did. I spread it on like I was icing a cake. I realized – after trial and error with my technique – that I wanted some more of the red to peek through so after some experimenting with a lighter touch, verses a heavier touch, I got the technique right. In the areas that were too heavy I just got a thick scrubbing brush and a wet rag and wiped it off until it looked the way I wanted it to. It really wasn’t hard at all. It’s a scary project to tackle at first, because you’re literally changing the entire look with no going back, but once you get your technique down it’s really very quick and easy. I didn’t do a blog post on this, but I do have every intention of adding it soon. This as well as the DIY mantel.

Selecting appropriate accessories for your French Farmhouse look is important.

Remember to add warm textures: Like baskets, florals, handmade wooden ladders or props

Again, textures in a French Farmhouse look are key. This is a perfect example: A wooden hand-made ladder with a wicker basket filled with flowers has all the texture and detail that compliments a French Country Farmhouse space and adds a bit of country charm. Somewhat subtle, but affective.

Distressed furniture with an aged or crackle patina, chippy finishes and curved shapes “speak” French Country Farmhouse

Furniture with an aged patina and slight curves are decidedly French, like this chest. I actually purchased this for my commercial office when I was still working, then decided I’d much prefer it here in my home. So I traded my Old World chest that I originally had here for this and put it in my commercial office where this originally was. I love this piece. It’s one of my faves.

Again, notice the curved legs, the curved shape to the front and back of these chairs and the fat, fluffy cushions with a slight pouf? Again, all decidedly French. I actually got these chairs back in my Old World days, because they suited that style as well and the cushions had become flat and lifeless over time. A few months ago I took them into my upholsterer and had them re-stuffed to create the French pouf. This gave them such new life and luxe. So a quick tip for you: If your furniture is in good shape, but the cushions have lost their luster consider getting them re-stuffed. This is a total game-changer in the appearance of your furniture.

These high back, sort of deconstructed looking chairs with the straight lines and open sides, nailheads, burlap accent and distressed wood frame are a fun fresh take on the old fashioned wingback. I had my eyes on these Uttermost pieces for a couple of years before I finally bit the bullet and purchased them. I love the way they look in my French Country Farmhouse family room. I added the runner to each chair to protect them from the oil from hair products. This is actually a table runner that I cut into two pieces. Perfect style and color for this space.

Again, you’ll notice here the wooden table with a combination of a crackle and distressed finish tucked in between the chairs. Feels a bit like something you might find in the attic of your French grandmother’s house. And the same with this small foot stool with a French print.

I actually purchased this at a thrift store for just a few dollars. It was in a boring brown stain with ugly, dated fabric and I painted and distressed the legs and recovered the top with this fabric that I had on hand.

And I love the added bonus of the extra storage here. Perfect for our remote controls. Never underestimate what you’ll find at a thrift store.

A chubby little club chair is always a nice addition to a French Farmhouse look. Add a cushy pillow and drape a throw over it to give it a wallow-y, inviting look and there you go. We love this chair, but we would really like to find a nice chair and a half so hubby and I could snuggle up together in it when we’re watching TV in here. In my English Country days this was a loveseat that matched the sofa in navy blue floral fabric. We could sit together there which was nice.

Remember I said earlier that woodsy tones and textures were a great addition to a French Country Farmhouse look? Well I wanted an ottoman here to go with my chair and couldn’t find one that would work so I made this one by using an authentic coffee bean bag from Columbia as the fabric and built the base with inexpensive wood. This is another DIY I never blogged about, but I do have plans to add this as well. Making it myself I was able to customize the size and shape and give it that lived in, textured look that’s perfect for French farmhouse.

Accessorize table and shelf surfaces with colorful dishware or pottery mixed with wood pieces, baskets, antique books, greenery.

Blue and white toile pottery and dishware is always a nice addition to a French space. Adds a lively, happy French touch. I have a nice collection of it throughout my kitchen and family room. My sister finds a lot of it for me at thrift stores. I never seem to find it at thrift stores here, but I randomly collect it when I find pieces I like at regular retail stores. I’m now running out of room though!

Here you see the mix of textures I mentioned earlier: a basket, wood beads, greenery and a wooden terrarium turned candle holder on my distressed farmhouse coffee table. In addition to these items is a stack of French Interior Design books.

Toile fabric is always a safe bet for drapes and pillows in creating a French Country Farmhouse space.

And of course last but not least – toile fabric is always the perfect French touch. I have toile in my master bedroom as well. You can check that out here. I admired this multi-colored toile fabric for years, before I changed my look and had these custom drapes made. And I added two toile pillows to my sofa to tie it in. You may not know this, but this fabric is now famous thanks to the series Yellowstone. Yep. In a scene where Beth goes nuts and bashes up a dress shop because they were mean to her sister-in-law my fabric is hanging on the dressing room doors. LOL. True story.

Recap of French Country Farmhouse details.

So to recap how to create a French Country Farmhouse Family Room here’s a list of do’s:

• Aged, distressed or German schmeared fireplace
• Large rustic mantel
• Greenery and wood touches and/or textures on the fireplace hearth and mantel
• Add accessories like florals, baskets, wooden ladders and boxes, antique books and colorful toile pottery
• Distressed furniture with an aged or crackle patina, chippy finishes and curved shapes “speak” French Country Farmhouse
• Chubby club chairs with pillows and throws
• Deconstructed, modern style wing backs
• Cushy ottomans and footstools with interesting fabrics and finishes
• Toile drapes and pillows

I’m not sure how much longer we’ll be living in this home or if this is my last change in style. I’m still loving all the changes we’ve made to create the look and I have no interest in changing anytime soon. But, never say never. Time will tell!

Don’t forget to check out my fellow designing women below to see their beautiful designs:

Crystal with Sweet Valley Acres: An artist and dreamer since birth, Crystal loves creating beautiful spaces in her home and garden for her family and friends to enjoy. She also loves pushing her builder husband, Bentley to his very limits when it comes to building and renovating. After 33 years of marriage and taking on 11 homes that were the worst house on the block and turning them into show stoppers along with three new builds later, Crystal has a wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition, she has won many awards for garden design and used to own a home and garden decor store for many years.

Lynn with Living Large In A Small House: I was the owner of a full-service interior design studio for over 10 years. Specializing in high-end residential new build and renovation interior design, working as a team member with architects and contractors. Since 2000 I have consulted exclusively for friends and family.

Kristy with At Home With Kristy: Homebody at heart and very passionate about creating a warm & welcoming home environment for family and friends BS Interior Design Interior Designer with 35 years experience specializing in Residential Interior Design, perfectionist, & big picture thinker, but also loves getting lost in the weeds perfecting every detail Love sharing my knowledge and expertise to inspire, encourage and empower others.

Happy Decorating and Happy Life By Design!