Provencal Style

French Country has become synonymous with the traditions and colors of Provence in southern France. There is a quality of light there that exists nowhere else. Cézanne and van Gogh recognized its beauty and richness and instilled its character in their work.
The Romans left their mark as well and 17th and 18th century craftsmen and trends from Paris have resulted in a unique regional style. The fabrics, architecture, tiles, furniture and gardens are timeless.

A quaint, rustic cottage feeling results from not matching but mixing color, texture and light. Old family hand-me-down furnishings coexist with chunky pottery, brightly printed cottons, worn flagstones, whitewashed brick walls, rush-seated chairs and antique baskets overflowing with fruit. French doors and shutters, embellished with ironwork, open to balconies covered with vines. Exposed-beam ceilings are typical with thick heavily textured plaster between beams and on the walls. Floors are tiled with terra cotta and decorative tile work is used on countertops, walls and tables. Massive carved armoires look splendid with their doors painted in faded, 18th century floral designs.

Favorite colors are cobalt, mustard, ruby red and green. Small scale, overall print fabrics mix and match with large florals, stripes and plaids to create a bright, cheerful atmosphere. Put seat cushions on delicate carved chairs and harmonize them with a different fabric in the same colors on window coverings. Trim both with contrasting ribbon ties. Pottery in the same bright colors makes an inviting table setting and sets off a baker’s rack or hutch.
Fill a stoneware pitcher with sunflowers and enjoy the warm, comfortable charm of the French countryside. It’s perfect for family living anywhere.

by Jacque Ramsey