French Provincial Home Designs – Top Exterior & Interior Style Features

French provincial home designs offer a timeless and luxurious style that can transform any space into a refined oasis.

With its focus on natural materials, symmetrical proportions, and attention to detail, French provincial style has become increasingly popular in Australia.

In this article, we’ll explore the top exterior and interior style features of French provincial homes, and why this style has become a new benchmark for elegance and beauty in home design.

What is French Provincial Style?

French provincial style is a classic design style that originated in the French countryside. It features refined elegance, natural materials, symmetrical proportions, and antique furniture.

This style is all about sophistication and grace, with a focus on creating inviting spaces through attention to detail.

History of French Provincial Home Design

Classic French provincial style home design dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when French peasants in rural areas began to create their own unique style of home decor.

They utilised natural materials and antique furniture to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

The style then became popular among the French aristocracy, who want to incorporate the charm of the simplicity of the rural life into their own homes.

Today, French provincial style continues to become a popular choice for those seeking a classic and elegant design aesthetic. You might want to consider custom homes in Sydney with the idea of living the French lifestyle.

How do you modernise the French Provincial style?

In modern architecture, French Provincial style is often modernised by incorporating contemporary elements such as clean lines and minimalist design.

Natural materials such as wood, stone, and wrought iron are still used, but often in more subtle and understated ways.

This creates a balance between traditional elegance and modern simplicity, resulting in a sophisticated and inviting space.

Exterior Design Elements of French Provincial Style

Rendered Walls

Rendered walls are a common exterior design element in French provincial homes, providing a smooth and polished finish to the home’s façade. The render is typically painted in neutral tones to complement the natural elements of the surrounding landscape. A custom home package in Sydney with walls rendered in french provincial homes style will surely elevate and stylized your new home. 

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Choose a muted colour palette that complements other exterior elements of the home
• Highlight the texture and colour of your rendered walls at night using lighting fixtures
• Add climbing plants to soften the look and add natural beauty

Corbels and Mouldings

Corbels are a type of bracket that protrude from the wall, while mouldings are decorative trims that frame doors and windows. These elements add a touch of refined elegance to the exterior of the home, while also providing architectural interest and dimension.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Emphasise key features by placing corbels and mouldings nearby
• Use corbels and mouldings to polish overlooked areas
• Create a sense of hierarchy with varying sizes and placements

Dark Roof Tiles

Dark roof tiles are typically made from materials such as terracotta or slate, and are used to add depth and contrast to the overall aesthetic of the home. They’re also practical, as they absorb heat and help to keep the home warm in colder weather.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Complement other exterior elements with dark roof tiles
• Use natural materials like terracotta or slate
• Enhance with landscaping, such as complementary trees and shrubs

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is often used for gates, railings, and light fixtures, and can add a touch of elegance and refinement to the exterior of the home. The intricate details of wrought iron can create a sense of artistry and craftsmanship, a characteristic of French provincial style.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Add dimension with decorative gates or railings
• Enhance lighting with wrought iron light fixtures
• Create symmetry on either side of the front entrance with railings or fixtures

Interior Design Elements of French Provincial Style

Rustic Wood

Rustic wood is often used for flooring, ceiling beams, and furniture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The natural textures and imperfections of rustic wood add character and charm to the home, all while providing a sense of durability and longevity.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Use rustic wood for flooring, ceiling beams, and furniture
• Choose aged or distressed finishes for a warm and inviting look
• Incorporate carved details for a more ornate aesthetic

Natural Colour Tones

French provincial style homes incorporate muted earthy tones such as beige, cream, taupe, and gray, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These colours are often paired with muted materials such as rustic wood and stone to create a cohesive and elegant look.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Use muted earthy tones like beige, cream, and grey
• Pair with rustic wood and stone materials for balance
• Add depth with sparingly-used accent colours

Carved Kitchen Cabinets

Carved kitchen cabinets are often made from wood and feature intricate carvings and details, such as raised panels, ornate mouldings, and decorative hardware. They create a sense of refinement and elegance in the heart of the home while providing ample storage space.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Choose carved cabinets that complement the overall style of your home
• Use carved cabinets as a centerpiece to create a focal point in the kitchen
• Balance out ornate cabinets with open shelving or glass-front cabinets

2PAC Paint

2PAC paint is a type of polyurethane paint that’s durable and hard-wearing. Available in a wide range of colours, it provides a smooth and flawless finish. 2PAC paint is often used for cabinetry, trim, and other interior woodwork, and can provide a polished and refined look in any room.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Use 2PAC paint for cabinetry and trim with muted colours
• Apply the paint with a gloss or satin finish for interior woodwork
• Use 2PAC paint for interior doors and windows for uniformity

Stone Flooring

Stone flooring, often made with limestone, travertine, or marble, provides a durable and elegant flooring option. It provides a neutral backdrop for other design elements, all while adding timeless elegance to any room.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Choose natural stone like limestone, travertine, or slate
• Opt for honed or tumbled finishes for a rustic look
• Consider a herringbone or Versailles pattern for added elegance

Pendant Lighting

Pendant lighting is often used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. It’s available in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes, and can be used as a focal point or to create ambient lighting.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Choose wrought iron or rustic styles for pendant lighting fixtures
• Hang pendant lights above kitchen islands or dining tables
• Select fixtures with warm, muted tones to complement your natural colour palette

French Provincial Doors and Windows

French provincial doors and windows are often made from wood and feature intricate details such as decorative mouldings, divided panes, and arched or curved tops. They can create a sense of refinement and elegance while simultaneously showing off the beauty of the great outdoors.

How to incorporate it into your home design

• Use arched or curved top windows and doors
• Choose wooden frames with decorative details
• Install shutters for a classic French look

Tips for Decorating French Provincial Homes

Decorating a interior french provincial homes can be both challenging and rewarding, requiring a careful balance between tradition and modernity. Let’s explore some tips and tricks for decorating a French provincial home, including how to choose the right furniture for the right rooms.

Kitchen

• Kitchen cabinets. Choose cabinets and islands that feature decorative details such as carved mouldings or raised panels.
• Neutral colour palette. Use a warm and neutral colour palette for the kitchen, such as cream, beige, or grey.
• Natural materials. Incorporate natural materials such as stone or wood into the kitchen design, such as stone or wood flooring, or using wood countertops for the kitchen island.

Living Room

• Soft furniture. Choose furniture with soft lines and curves, such as a camelback lounge or a bergère chair.
• Natural materials. Use natural materials such as wood or stone to create a sense of warmth and texture in the living room, like a wood accent wall or stone fireplace.
• Decorative elements. Use decorative elements such as antique mirrors, chandeliers, or oil paintings to add a touch of refinement and sophistication to the living room.

Bathroom

• Freestanding bathtub. Choose a freestanding bathtub with a clawfoot base or ornate feet to create a sense of French elegance and grandeur.
• Decorative tiles. Incorporate decorative tiles or natural stone throughout the bathroom to create visual interest.
• Accents and decor. Use decor such as antique mirrors or ornate towel racks to add a touch of refinement and luxury.

Bedroom

• Statement bed. Choose a statement bed with an ornate headboard and footboard for the master bedroom to add a sense of grandeur.
• Neutral colour palette. Use a neutral colour palette for the bedroom, such as cream, beige, or grey, to provide you with a neutral backdrop for other design elements.
• Decorative elements. Use decorative elements such as crystal accents, antique mirrors, or ornate nightstands.

Outdoor Entertainment Area

• Natural elements. Incorporate natural elements such as potted plants, flowers, and big bushes to create a lush and inviting atmosphere in your outdoor area.
• Wrought iron furniture. Choose wrought iron furniture such as a bistro set, chairs, or a bench to add elegance and sophistication to the space.
• Outdoor decor. Use decorative elements such as vintage lanterns or an ornate fountain to add luxury to your outdoor entertainment area.

Designing your own French Provincial home

French provincial home design is all about creating a sense of refined elegance and natural beauty.

From the exterior rendered walls to the interior rust wood elements and carved details, every aspect of this style is designed to impress and invite.

Whether you’re working with an interior designer or taking on the project yourself, incorporating timber elements, wrought iron, and natural materials can help you create a stunning French provincial home that will stand the test of time.

So, why not take inspiration from this classic style and start creating a luxurious space that you’ll love for years to come.

French Provincial home builders

If you’re looking for more information, or you’re ready to get started on your own French Provincial interior design plans, New South Homes is at your service.

We service the Central Coast of NSW, Illawarra, and the Sydney Metro region. You can get an obligation-free site assessment and quote. Simply contact us today for more information!

Our experience, expertise, and long-term commitment to high-quality homes give our clients the opportunity to build their dream custom home. We can’t wait to work with you!