Decorating with vintage French decor

4. Kitchenware

Kitchen is often the favorite room in the house among the French. We love to sit and enjoy lovingly prepared meals with our family and friends.

And we like simple and practical kitchenware which shows charm like ironstone dishes, copper cookware or pottery.

You can’t even imagine how many different types of French country kitchen antiques you can collect!

And as they’ve been used in the past, these old treasures often show a little chip here and there, or a crack. That’s what make them unique and will give personnality to your home (I can resist when an ironstone piece that shows a well-worn patina!).

Ironstone

I absolutely love ironstone! I think that’s my favorite dinnerware.

The flaws tell its story and increase its beauty, especially this so charming discoloration!

You can look for soup tureens, sauce boats, pitchers, bowls or less common pieces!

Transferware

Transferware also mixes beautifully with French country interiors.

I tend to favor floral and geometrical patterns more than elaborate scenes.

Copper

It’s surprising how easily a kitchen can transform with just a few copper elements.

There are so many lovely old pieces, that can either be flat displayed or wall hanged.

This adds to the decoration possibilities. And that’s why copper has become one of my favorite kitchenware!

Pottery

I believe that no object evokes Provence better than their glazed pottery, with a yellow, green or blue enamel part.

These pots are just beautiful and obviously fit in perfectly with the French country style.

But we can also find more classic terracotta pots just as charming and perhaps easier to integrate into the decoration because of their neutral colors.

Silverware

I’m less drawn to silverware, but it’s part of the array we like to have here in France.

5. Accessories & Accent Decor

While new accessories can sometimes offer a flair, vintage ones do it without even trying.

Even adding just one or two statement vintage pieces, like a stack of old books surrounded by a pretty lace or a few porcelain door knobs, can instantly give a French country feel to any home.

Old Wood Decor

Think about wooden architectural salvage, bowls, crates, bread boards, sculptures…

You can look for chippy paint and patina.

Metal accessories

There are so many metal accessories you can get for a French country look: lanterns, candle holders, sculptures, balance scales, planters, wire baskets, trays… The list is endless!

Don’t worry if they show some flaws or rust, that’s part of their story.

Rattan / Wicker accessories

The basket, an undying object! It has been around for hundreds of years.

For a French country look, favor old rattan sneakers or straw market bags. They’ll add a rustic touch to your home, while remaining elegant.

Iron accessories

I LOVE antique iron pieces.

The French like iron in the form of planters, antique balance scales, architectural salvage, sculptures…

6. Wall Art

Whether it’s a mirror or an oil portrait frame, almost everything in a French country home has an aged look that adds history and charm to the space.

The French like to hang antique mirrors, oil paitings, or old portraits on their walls. To be honest, we don’t necessarily like to put pictures of our face on the walls (I don’t!). We prefer to show art, collections or one of a kind pieces.

The most creative also like to highlight single frames within which they can let their imaginations run wild!

That’s not hard to decorate your home with French wall art. A few pieces are enough. You just need the right frames in the right place.

7. Repurpose and reuse

The French like to reuse objects, even damaged or incomplete, to do something else. It’s a nice way to stand out. Here’s some ideas:

• Salvage the cloche from a cheese dish to showcase small items or flowers.

• Add herbs, plants or flowers in your vintage canisters

• Put old distressed doors behind your bed to create an headboard.

• Use an old bottle holder found in a wine cellar to display bottles but also tea cups, ball of string, bouquets, or whatever you want.

Possibilities are endless!