31 Days of French-Inspired Style Day 14: Natural Materials

One aspect that really seems to set the French design style (especially French country) apart is the use of natural materials. The French just have a way of mixing in variations of stone and wood and fabrics that make their spaces feel warm and inviting.

You can add stone in a very grand way like in this room with its limestone mantel and stone niches…

or in a smaller way, like with these stone planters…..

Wood can also be a main focal point like with these ceiling beams…

And of course you should use both painted pieces and stained pieces of furniture in your French-inspired rooms.

But how about furniture that is stained and painted, like this whitewashed chair……

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All kinds of stone are used in French spaces, but especially marble…

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This marble bust is so pretty….

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An easy way to add some natural materials into your rooms is to use  linen and cotton fabrics…

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I love these coverlets!

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I really need to start saving for some good bed linens or get to sewing!

How about including glass, like these French demijohns…..

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Another natural material that can be used to give some French flair is zinc….

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Don’t you just love this zinc table?

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You can also add in some wrought iron like these sconces….

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or maybe some beautiful wrought iron cabinet handles and hardware….

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And finally, there are natural fibers like rush seats and baskets….

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I made this seagrass shade to give this sconce a little natural texture….

See you tomorrow!