Farmhouse French, French farmhouse. (Tomayto, Tomahto.) However you say it, it’s a style many people love. Something about the finer things of life intermingled with chippy, rustic elements in décor brings out an elegant yet comfortably familiar aura. As for myself, I find the whole composition of farmhouse French style intriguing and quite lovely. Who doesn’t love a little lace mixed in with lumber? Some peeling paint amidst the china at tea time? (As long as the paint stays far away from one’s snack, of course!) Let’s examine this fascinating décor concept a little closer, shall we?

This laundry room corner is utterly charming with its timelessly aged and rustic look. The hanging apron and lacy sink skirt merge a sweet feminine vibe with a vintage edge, seen in the whitewashed hanging peg board, wire cleaning basket, and sink hardware. The wainscoting and decorated shelf bring out a detail-oriented personality, while the overall white space emphasizes organic simplicity.

Again, a charmingly creamy and dreamy living room evokes French farmhouse in many ways. First, the color scheme is fresh yet muted. Mismatched furniture pieces, such as the piano bench and desk, are delightfully combined. Accessories and furniture alike are comfortably chippy and distressed (look at that heartwarming aqua pitcher, for example), yet they are not short on intricate details and curves. Wooden elements are paired with classy (and classic) linens for a highly textural and earthy experience. I could sit quite a long time enjoying a room like this.

A corner breakfast nook has been carved out here, perfectly comfortable in its distressed finery. Antique chairs are unmatched but coordinate in their ivory coloring. And the slender metal of some is a perfect pairing with rattan and wood of others. A simple white linen tablecloth, complete with blue rubbed candlesticks, promotes a sense of sophistication amid the humbly finished pieces. There is a lovely sense of formality and hospitality amidst the creamy rawness. (I especially love that linen grainsack throw pillow on the bench, adding minimal color and complementing texture.)

The bright airiness of this space with a French farmhouse feel is utterly refreshing and inviting. The contrast between an elegant crystal-bedecked chandelier and a scrawny metal folding chair (not to mention that perfectly antiqued chunky-framed mirror) is delightful and inspiring. True to style, plenty of textiles are incorporated, but naturally they’re all crisply white so as to not overwhelm. And, thinking of details, did you notice the ornate white ceiling tiles? They belie elegance amid the understated furnishings. Just beautiful.

Because French farmhouse style is relatively void of color, the burden of visual interest comes to rest heavily on texture. This bedroom does not disappoint! Notice the rough-hewn bench at the foot of the bed, the bedside table baskets, the linen-covered chandelier. Of course, although the textures are earthy and organic, the details of the style (e.g., curved pale green headboard, thick luxurious mouldings, quality bed linens, etc.) show that the lived-in feel is intentional. A pair of substantive brass reading lamps also provide a grounding force to the sweet space.

Picture sources: 1,2, 3, 4 and 5.