Dan's Papers - August 17, 2007

Throughout my European travels, I have always enjoyed the immersion of each country's specific culture and heritage as experienced through the people, cuisine, language, art and city/neighborhood planning. One of my favorite design styles I appreciate through such experiences is that of French Country. Although this style at its best can truly be seen through the winding streets of Southern France with that je ne sais quoi feeling, we can simulate some of that beauty in our own beach houses on Southern Long Island.

French Country style has achieved global recognition as one of the most sought after interior and exterior design concepts. So how can you cultivate that charming, casual, and inviting look into your beach home? Simply by employing key design elements with a c'est la vie flair. The basics - a rustic feel through furniture and accessories with an array of color.

No matter what your budget is, this style is easily adapted for all to enjoy a vacation paradise inside your own home. Following is a brief guide of your beach house transformation. The most important considerations are colors, fabrics, furniture and accessories. And you're on your way - bon voyage!

Using nature as your color inspiration, a French Country palette is most famous for its uses of soft greens, sunny golden yellows, rust and red, with blue, pink, and lavender pastels. Just imagine you're looking out the window to find swaying lavender fields tickled by the sun. Find color combinations that suit your personal aesthetic and will enhance the wooden rustic and rusty metal looks of your furniture and accessories.

Fabrics play a major role in capturing the true French style. Most popularly is Toile - a fabric that depicts a repeated scene taken from everyday life. Scenes can include miniature illustrations of people, birds and farm life, nature and flowers, and seascapes for example. Traditionally, toile has a white or beige background with blue or black images, yet a whole range of colors and patterns are at your disposal. Depending on your choice of color combinations, you may as well find a golden fabric with dark red imagery. You can also mix plaid and floral patterns to your fabric choices.

As for the furniture, you have many options. Spend the day antiquing in beautiful Southampton, re-vamp your own furniture, or of course, make a trip to a furniture store that specializes in French Country design. Focus on acquiring furnishings that are rustic and darkly wooded - low gloss and natural. If dark wood isn't your taste, look for "shabby chic" styled furniture in which the wood has been stripped down and re-painted and stressed with a soft color. Wrought iron and distressed metal pieces also express the French Country furniture style - keep an eye out for table and lamp bases as such along with pot racks and clocks. If the metal is rusted, even better as it helps create a warm glowing feeling.

Now for the application and accessories. If you're the adventurous type, you may enjoy putting up plaster walls with rough paint and stains, the addition of wooden beams along with ceiling, lining the floor with stone tiles and creating a stone fireplace, or carving details into wooden furniture. If you'd rather subtle additions, buy a wool area rug and purchase wooden carved wall hangings. As in any design project, accessories tie everything together. Remember to keep your additions natural. One of the most popular French Country design motifs is the rooster. It can be found in nearly everything ranging from wallpaper, fabric, to salt and peppershakers. Depending on your liking, I'll leave the rooster to your discretion. As for final treasures, look for glass jars and vessels, light fixtures, and French signage.

This process doesn't happen overnight as your beach cottage will become a work in progress. Bon chance!