Is there a noticeable difference between French Country decor and French Provincial decor as well as Country French decorating? Let us take a glance.
In yesteryear, the overall type of rural France was referred to as French Provincial - the name being related to Provence, where rural life had remained relatively unchanged using its rustic textures, rich colors and almost primitive furnishings, all inspired through the beautiful country. By association all of rural France was known as Provincial.
But there's more towards the French country apart from rural Provence. France has become a country and additional up north the summers are mild and also the winters are cold, unlike the nice and cozy southern region of Provence.
The landscape and play of sun light can also be vastly different between south and north (and east and west). Traveling northwards you will discover paler colors echoing the northern skies, as a whole contrast towards the strong and vibrant colors from the sunny south. These natural differences influence style and color between your regions. Furthermore, historical and regional influences vary through the country.
Besides regional influences, country society too had its influence - ranking homes as whether manor, gentleman's home or middle-class home, using the status of those homes being way across the simple farmhouse or cottage. A manor could fit in with a future merchant, or why not be an owner's country retreat from the city.
It was just natural that Chateau style living would filter right down to these homes. Here the fundamental furniture from the peasant farmer would satisfy the refined embellishments from the chateau; and so the interior of those country homes could be quite dissimilar to the inside of the working farmhouse nearby.
French Country refers back to the style and colours of France's rural regions, from vibrant and sunny Provence within the south, to calm and cool Nord-Pas-de-Calais within the north. From country manor to farm cottage. An informal style having a subtle crossover - in which the beauty and simplicity of rustic France meets the refined living from the French chateau.
Even though regions differ in fashion, color and texture, all have a similar traditional values uniting them as you. It's not merely a style but a life-style. Here are some examples:
- Love and respect for respected traditions and craftsmanship
- Genuine passion for the countryside and it is natural materials
- Re-inventing rather than discarding
- Sophisticated simplicity
- Harmony, scale and balance
In conclusion, today the name French Country is really a 'catch all' decor term for all the rural parts of France, incorporating both rustic farm and also the more refined manor style - such as the term French Provincial or Country French.
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