All About French Country Architecture Characteristics

French Country Architecture

All About French Country Architecture Characteristics and Style

The domestic architectural style known as French country architecture originated in France’s rural areas.

The French provincial style, in which aristocrats built grand and elegant homes in the country during Louis XIV’s reign, is distinct from French county architecture. Instead, French country homes are rustic, and casual, and have a homey, comfortable, and stylish appearance.

Characteristics of French Country Architecture

French Country Architecture

The majority of contemporary French country-style homes in the United States are more refined than traditional French country-style homes.

1-Exterior Features:

Exterior features of this style includes:

Cladding materials – Natural cladding, such as exposed half-timbers, brick, and stone, is featured in homes constructed in the Traditional French style. The exterior stucco of more recent French country homes may have a rough texture.
Roofline – Dormer windows or not, country French homes have steep, hipped rooflines. Terracotta tiles and wood shingles are traditional roofing materials.
Window design – Tall windows, some with arches, and shutters that open and close are features of a country French home.
Doors – Doors in the French style with glazing are found in some country homes in France.
Exterior colors – The muted colors of French country homes are a nod to the natural setting.
Double chimney – To create a symmetrical appearance, many French country houses have two chimneys.

2-Interior Features:

Interior features of this style are listed below.

Plaster walls – Plaster covered the walls of old French country houses.
Natural material floors – Wood or slate floors can be found in both traditional and contemporary French country houses.
Exposed wood beams – A French country house has an authentic “Old World” appearance thanks to the wooden beams on the walls and ceiling.

Other Types of French Home Architecture

French Country Architecture

One type of French-style housing is the country house. Other architectural styles include French eclectic and provincial architecture.

French Provincial Home

Since the 1600s, French Provincial architecture has existed. It started when Louis XIV’s French aristocrats wanted to get away from city life. They wanted to build their own grand homes and were inspired by the designs of Versailles.

The brick and stone cladding of French Provincial architecture is similar to that of French country homes, but it is more symmetrical and larger in scale. Grand mansions and chateaux are examples of French Provincial architecture.

French Eclectic Home

Beginning in the 1920s, the American version of French provincial and French country styles known as the French eclectic style gained popularity. French eclectic homes will look different, as their name suggests.

French eclectic homes have two stories, steep, hipped rooflines, symmetrical exterior cladding made of brick, stone, or wood, and classical details like columns and pilasters.

French Country Home Decor

Because it is both stylish and inviting, the French country home style is one of the most popular types of interior design.

Natural Textures – Natural materials like stone and wood, as well as soft materials like wool and leather, are used in the French housing style.
Rustic Room Features – The appearance of a home in the French countryside is created by rustic elements like exposed wood beams and interior wall cladding made of stone or brick.
Natural Colors – A soft color scheme with warm, earthy tones is typical of a rural French home. Standard colors include gray, ivory, light blue, sage green, and creamy yellow.
Traditional Furniture – Traditional vintage and antique furniture can be found in a house built in the authentic French country style. Instead of having sharp edges, this furniture will have lines that are soft and flow. The majority of the furniture has rush or cane seating and is upholstered.

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