subject: How to decorate a bedroom in contemporary French provincial style [print this page] How to decorate a bedroom in contemporary French provincial style
During the 17th and 18th centuries the French bourgeois middle class stimulated the emergence of a simpler French style. This style became known as French Provincial. Just as popular in the city as in the country. It is still a very popular style today.
The elements of the Louis styles were simplified. Little or no carving was used on furniture. Window treatments were simple printed linen toiles with pastoral scenes becoming the hallmark the French Provincial style.
How to create a French Provincial bedroom
Parquetry or plain timber floors covered with Aubusson Rugs - in delicate florals or tapestry carpet. Louis upholstered bed head in walnut or painted finish frame or head board with cane insert or a sleigh bed. Place the bed in an alcove or against the wall and add a canopy of gauzy white cotton or toile de Jouy fabric attached to the ceiling or bed posts.
A feather quilt or hand worked lace bedspread or a brightly colored coverlet of Provencal design should dress the bed. Kelsch a French linen plaid cloth in combinations of white, red and blue would be an authentic addition.
Bedroom curtains of cotton or linen plain or with a small scale pattern with a white or light background and one color would work well. Toile de Jouy will give the most authentic look. The most common colors used in French provincial style; blue and white, red and white.
Furnish the room with an armoire (cupboard with full length doors), bonnetiere (tall narrow cupboard usually in oak with a single door) chiffonniere (tall chest of drawers). Or you can create a closet with shelves in a niche with a curtain used instead of a door. Another option; replace the doors of a modern unit with fabric or remove the panel in a door and replace it with toile de Jouy fabric. Also use bedside tables in simplified Louis styles with a top of marble or timber. You can find examples at http://creativebuzzing.wordpress.com
Add a farmhouse style chandelier, wall sconces or French style table lamps. There you have it an elegant yet comfortable French Provincial style bedroom .
