Do Cream-Colored Distressed Kitchen Cabinets Match a French Country Theme?

About French Country Decor

• French country décor utilizes colors, textures and themes of the natural environment of the farms and fields of the French countryside, according to the AccentsofSalado website. This décor features a relaxed and uncomplicated atmosphere, with materials found locally. French country avoids the heavy gilded look and lush fabrics of traditional French décor, and focuses instead on the simplicity of rural life, its patterns and pace, its functional pieces that provide utility and beauty for everyday use. Colors reflect the hues seen in rural life, such as soft blues, golden yellows, medium greens and dark reds. Wrought iron, brick and copper are often used for accessories. Patterns are softly colored and may feature farmyard animals, floral patterns and landscape scenes.

French Country Kitchens

• The French Country kitchen is the center of the house, where people gather for food and intimate conversation. The relaxed quality of the décor is highlighted in this room where work and socializing intermingle. Comfortable seating, large wooden work tables, pottery and implements are not only decorative but also functional, with simple lines and sturdy construction. French Country décor avoids fussiness and ostentatious ornamentation.

Cabinets for French Country Decor

• French Country uses natural materials, so wood grains in both light and dark colors are frequently found in this style. Cabinetry of all kinds is an important feature of this look, from armoires to kitchen shelves featuring simple country pottery in muted colors, with farm and rural imagery, according to the FrenchCountryDecorShop site. The distressed look of cream-colored cabinets fits in with the well-used, time-honored feel of many French Country décor themes. Avoid excessive gilding or other ornamentation that detracts from the natural textures.

Integrating Existing Pieces Into French Country Decor

• Using what you have is the essence of the French Country decorating philosophy. Decorating around items by adding country colors and rural-themed accessories help to integrate these pieces into the general look. First, putting away extraneous articles is a good start to simplifying the room. Then, carefully add textiles in muted colors, farmyard-themed decorative items and simple metal hardware. You can then add country pottery, brickwork and simple pieces of furniture to enhance the rural theme.