Discover The Eight French Country Elements In Chic Country Cottage Decor

by Esme Addison

If anyone wonders why I’ve suddenly started writing articles about chic country cottage, or shabby chic style… it’s because my mother is obsessed with the style. And I’ve come to love it so much that I decided to create an Instagram feed @EsmesMother to document her ever changing home and garden decor.

It’s really quite lovely, and now I adore it as well. As with anything, I’m a researcher and a reader, and I wondered why chic country cottage has so much in common with French country or French farmhouse decor. So, I did a little digging. Turns out there’s a lot in common. Like literally they are the same.

And I get it. French country decor has its roots in the rural areas of France, where farmers and villagers created homes that were both practical and beautiful. The sensibility of the rural French esthetic is not unlike that of the south. We both love good food and drink, and we love pretty things with character and history. Mix that with the refined elegance of the old south and France’s perpetual love for elegant details and ornate accents… and et voila.

Chic Country Cottage: Shabby Chic Decor In the South

Southern homes have a natural compatibility with French country decor which explains why many homes filled with the charm of chic country cottage decor are also decorated with elements of French country style.

Southerners are known for their love of comfort, hospitality, and beautiful things, and French country decor embodies all of these qualities. The mix of rustic and elegant elements, the use of natural materials, and the emphasis on comfort and warmth make French country decor a perfect fit for southern homes.

Below, you will find images to illustrate the elements below. They are all taken in my mother’s home. If you’d like to see more shabby chic country cottage style, follow Esme’s Mother on Instagram.

The Integration of French Country Decor Into Southern Homes

The integration of French country decor into southern homes can be traced back to the early 20th century, when American architects and designers began to take an interest in European styles. French country decor was especially popular, and it soon became a staple in southern homes, where it was adapted and modified to suit the local climate and culture.

Eight Ways to Bring Chic Country Cottage to Your Southern Home

Today, French country decor is an integral part of southern chic country cottage style. Whether it’s a charming farmhouse in the countryside or a cozy city cottage, homes in the south are embracing the beauty and comfort of French country decor. From the use of weathered wood and iron accents to the incorporation of fresh flowers and soft pastel colors, French country decor has become a beloved part of southern style.

Ways to Incorporate French Country Elements into Southern Chic Country Cottage Homes

Here are eight ways to bring the beauty of French country decor into your southern chic country cottage home:

Use of Provencal Prints and Patterns

Incorporate classic French country patterns such as toile, stripe, and gingham into fabrics and textiles like curtains, throw pillows, and tablecloths.

The use of Provencal prints and patterns is a crucial aspect of the southern chic country cottage style, which is steeped in French country roots. The design style, also known as French country style, takes inspiration from the rural areas of Provence in the south of France and boasts a charming blend of rustic furniture, vintage-inspired accessories, and lively colors.

Provencal prints often incorporate vivid flowers, stripes, and polka dots in shades of blue, yellow, green, and red. These bold prints add a pop of color and charm to textiles like curtains, tablecloths, and cushion covers, as well as decorative objects like plates, serving dishes, and wall art. This consistent use of Provencal prints and patterns creates a harmonious look throughout the space.

In addition to traditional Provencal prints, patterns such as toile de Jouy and gingham also play a significant role in the southern chic country cottage style. These timeless designs add a touch of classic elegance and seamlessly integrate into the overall aesthetic, further emphasizing the strong French country roots of this popular design style.

Rustic Wooden Furniture

Choose furniture made from distressed or weathered wood, such as a farmhouse dining table, armoire, or wooden rocking chair.

This design style is characterized by its use of vintage-inspired accessories, bright and cheerful colors, and, of course, rustic wooden furniture.

Rustic wooden furniture, often made from reclaimed or distressed wood, adds warmth and character to any space. Pieces such as farmhouse tables, armoires, and wooden rocking chairs are popular choices in the southern chic country cottage style. These sturdy pieces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of rustic charm to the room.

In addition to being functional, rustic wooden furniture also serves as a visual anchor in the space, helping to create a cohesive look throughout. Whether it’s a reclaimed wood coffee table or a charming wooden bookshelf, these pieces are integral to the southern chic country cottage style, further emphasizing its strong French country roots.

Linens and Lace

Incorporate linens and lace into your decor, such as table runners, napkins, and doilies, to add a touch of romance and elegance. A the moment, there is not a lot of linen in my mother’s home. But as you can see from the images, there’s lace, lace everywhere.

Linen, a natural fiber made from the flax plant, is often used for curtains, tablecloths, and cushion covers. It adds a soft, organic touch to the room, while its neutral color palette complements the bold hues used in the Provencal prints and patterns. Linen is also durable, making it an ideal choice for everyday use.

Lace, on the other hand, adds a delicate and romantic touch to the space. Lace curtains, doilies, and table runners can be used to create a soft, feminine atmosphere. These delicate elements are a nod to the timeless elegance of the French country style, further emphasizing the strong roots of this popular design style.

Decorative Ceramic Accents

Introduce decorative pieces such as jugs, plates, and vases in a soft color palette that reflects the natural beauty of the south.

Decorative ceramic accents come in many forms, from vases and urns to figurines and wall plates. These pieces add a touch of texture and interest to the room, while their vibrant hues complement the bold Provencal prints and patterns. They also serve as functional objects, such as vases for flowers or wall plates for holding keys and other small items.

In the southern chic country cottage style, decorative ceramic accents often feature charming patterns and motifs, such as florals, roosters, and bees, that are inspired by the rural areas of Provence. These playful accents add a touch of whimsical charm to the space, while also reinforcing the strong French country roots of this popular design style.

Architectural Elements

Consider adding architectural elements like moldings, beamed ceilings, and arches that are typically seen in French country homes to your southern chic country cottage.

Architectural elements, such as exposed wooden beams, stone fireplaces, and arched doorways, add depth and character to the space. These elements are often incorporated into homes in the southern chic country cottage style to give the space a sense of history and timelessness.

In addition to adding character, architectural elements also serve as a visual anchor in the space. For example, a stone fireplace can be the centerpiece of a room, while a wooden beam ceiling can define the overall aesthetic. These elements are integral to the southern chic country cottage style, further emphasizing its strong French country roots.

By incorporating architectural elements into a space, a sense of history and timelessness can be created. These elements not only add character and charm, but they also serve as a visual reminder of the enduring appeal of traditional, handcrafted objects. In the southern chic country cottage style, architectural elements serve as the foundation for the charming, inviting aesthetic that has captured the hearts of so many.

Flea Market & Antique Store Finds

Incorporate vintage and one-of-a-kind items found at flea markets or antique shops to add a touch of authenticity to the space.

Flea market and antique store finds are often unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that add a touch of history and character to the space. My mother (and now I) visit these types of stories periodically – okay, my mother goes once a week. There are so many wonderful items to be found in these shops, a veritable treasure trove of pretty things full of history.

The writer in me looks at these old items and envisions romances and mysteries to be written! These finds can range from vintage vases and frames to antique baskets and textiles. The use of these vintage and antique items helps to create a lived-in, collected feel in the space, while their unique and imperfect qualities reinforce the rustic charm of the French country style.

Incorporating flea market and antique store finds into a southern chic country cottage style space is a way to bring the charm of the past into the present. These finds are often a nod to the vintage and antique treasures that can be found in the charming rural areas of Provence. They serve as a visual reminder of the timeless appeal of traditional, handcrafted objects, further emphasizing the strong French country roots of this popular design style.

By incorporating flea market and antique store finds into a space, a sense of character and history can be created. These finds serve as a visual reminder of the enduring appeal of traditional, handcrafted objects, adding warmth and charm to any room. In the southern chic country cottage style, flea market and antique store finds are the finishing touch that brings the entire aesthetic together.

Aged Metal Accents

Introduce aged metal accents such as chandeliers, candle holders, and wall sconces to add a touch of elegance and rustic charm. 

In the southern chic country cottage style, aged metal accents serve as a nod to the rich history of the rural areas of Provence. These functional and decorative elements bring a touch of character and charm to the space, while also adding a sense of timelessness and durability.

By incorporating aged metal accents into a space, a sense of history and character can be created. These elements serve as a visual reminder of the enduring appeal of traditional, handcrafted objects, adding warmth and charm to any room. In the southern chic country cottage style, aged metal accents are a charming and functional element that reinforces the strong French country roots of this popular design style.

Garden-Inspired Elements

Incorporate garden-inspired elements such as botanical prints, live or artificial plants, and stone or terra cotta garden pots to bring the outdoors in.

Garden-inspired elements can come in many forms, such as fresh flowers and herbs, botanical prints and wall art, and decorative ceramic accents in the shape of flowers and leaves. These elements serve as a reminder of the lush, abundant gardens found in the rural areas of Provence, and they bring a touch of the outdoors into the home.

Incorporating garden-inspired elements into a southern chic country cottage style space is a way to bring the beauty and charm of the outdoors into the home. These elements not only add color and life to the space, but they also evoke a sense of peace and calm, making the home feel like a true haven.

French country decor has had a significant impact on southern chic country cottage style. Its blend of rustic charm and elegant details, combined with its compatibility with the southern aesthetic, make it a natural choice for southern homes. Whether you’re a lifelong southerner or a newcomer to the region, embrace the beauty and comfort