[ ]styleguide

Discover French Provincial St yle by OSWALD HOMES

“Rustic elegance”

www.oswaldhomes.com.au

T he French Provincial design style dates back to the late

1600s when French noblemen built beautiful country manor

houses, or châteaux, during the reign of King Louis XIV.

Although less ornate than the Baroque style of the Sun King’s

famous Palace of Versailles, the provincial interpretations

were still exuberant and elaborate, and they emphasised a

pleasing sense of balance and symmetry. Inspiration came

from far and wide, including Moorish in�uences from Spain,

fabric printing blocks from India and the Chinoiserie patterns

of China. The proximity of France to Italy and the rest of

Europe created additional design diversity.

Often more informally referred to as French Country, the

French Provincial design style has been translated into

homes large and small, from grand châteaux, to the more

modest French family farmhouse. A design classic, it is a

rustic, yet elegantly re�ned decorative style that can be

found right across the picturesque French countryside. Think

wrought iron, antique brass, oak, beautiful big kitchens,

�agstone �oors, romantic bedrooms and Juliet balconies. It’s

not surprising that we often associate a French Provincial

home with the peace and tranquillity of a rural idyll where

we can pause awhile and enjoy the simple things in life.

Making it our ownTastefully relaxed and inviting, a home inspired by French

Provincial design has always been a comfortable �t for Perth’s

established suburbs, especially where heritage considerations may

come into play. Bringing a sense of substance, stability and

understated prosperity to a streetscape, the style easily resonates

with people looking for classic lines, traditional features, and a

pleasing sense of balance and proportion. Rooms are spacious,

light and airy, and while traditional spaces such as a library may be

incorporated, today’s �oor plans also make sure there’s still the

all-important indoor/outdoor connection Western Australians love.

The traditional slate roof has been replaced with modern roof tiles.

Design detailsA steeply pitched dark-coloured hipped roof is one of the

hallmarks of a French Provincial home. Typically built using stone

or brick, the façade sometimes features rendered sections and

subtle mouldings. Windows, which are traditionally tall and

multi-paned, will often open out in the style of traditional French

doors. They sometimes feature arched tops, but are always well

balanced to give the front elevation its vital sense of symmetry

and proportion. Colours are natural and muted, a balcony is

commonplace and shutters are sometimes added for extra country

charm. At the heart of a French Provincial home is a big, beautiful

kitchen, often with open shelves to display pretty items used every

day.

Finishing touchesThe French Provincial look is e�ortlessly elegant, yet it has an

earthy quality that ensures it remains grounded, functional and

sincere. The mantra is ‘mix, don’t match’. Aged and worn surfaces,

waxed timber, curves, scalloped shapes and ornate detailing

feature prominently. Key furniture pieces include a decorative

bu�et or armoire, and personal touches, such as a pitchers of

casually arranged �owers, are a must. Chairs, tables and even beds

feature cabriole legs, fabrics are textural and include linen,

tapestry, toiles and over-sized gingham. The colour palette

includes creamy yellows, rich reds, and soft blues and greens.

Weathered pieces and cherished e�ects handed down through

several generations never look out of place, wearing their

imperfections with pride. Salvage and vintage �nds work well, as

do traditional arts and crafts, and objects made by local artisans.

If you like this style, you may also like...The coastal elegance of a Hamptons-inspired home or the more

formal, traditional lines of a Georgian-style design.

www.oswaldhomes.com.au

French Provincial

[ ]to get the look, we love- Chaps Interiors, Leederville, chapswa.com.au

- Trilogy Concept Store, Claremont, trilogyfurniture.com.au

- Corner Store, Claremont and Fremantle, cornerstore.net.au