FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

 

 

Darren Palmer has a broad portfolio, having studied fine art & graphic design, originally working in advertising and owning his own graphic design company. After succumbing to his true passion, Darren now operates his own interior design studio and has been a judge on numerous seasons of The Block.


If you adore French Provincial homes and want to apply this style in your own home, select the
most appropriate details.

When some think of French Provincial styling they think of ‘shabby chic’, but the two are not
intertwined. To get a sense of how unshabby French Provincial living can be, look at images of
some of the most luxurious provincial destinations, such as Airelles Gordes La Bastide. Not only
is it a masterclass on 17th and 18th century French Provincial interior design, but it provides a
striking palette variation while staying true to its 18th century architecture.

This luxury hotel, perched on the side of the beautiful town of Gordes, is a perfect example of
French Provincial living.

To create the look, examine the details:

CEILINGS AND WALLS

Some ceilings are graced with cornices, stone walls meet neatly into the smooth plaster,  whereas some spaces have exposed, rustic timber beams, and others have refined and crafted timber panelling. In sum, the looks can vary greatly.

FLOORS

The flooring also varies - terracotta squares lined with red brick borders and or handcrafted
chevron timber, which you can replicate the look with Carpet Court’s GrandOak Herringbone or
Grandoak Chevron ranges. There is no ‘one face’ to French Provincial modern refurbishments,
even when they’re as true to their original state, such as Airelles Gordes La Bastide.

FABRICS AND ACCESSORIES

French Provincial fabrics feature motifs of delicate flowers, presented in geometric patterns and pepetition. Colours within the interiors include olive greens, warm golds, and deep, russet reds. The colours are offset with the contrast of black finishes, such as wrought iron detailing, accent borders or stripes against white and cream. Check out Carpet Court’s Evoke rug in Mist White.

The modern interpretation of French Provincial is almost exclusively focused on white linen and raw or white painted timber. The depth and array of pattern, colour and texture in true French Provincial interiors are grander.

When you translate the style into your own home, focus on details, such as armoires, gold
accents, cabriole legs, flooring and statement island benches. These details can find their way
into classic contemporary homes effortlessly and, in doing so, lend some of their historic style