French Country Colors

Traditional French

• Traditional French country colors are lively but not too bright or bold. Color washes best describe many of the looks with this typical style. Milk and lime washes give any color a sun-bleached look. Greenish-gray whitewashed walls are pleasing with this decorating style. Sea green, mustard and ocean blue are also colors that look good with a whitewash technique. Subdued colors, such as dusty rose and pale green, are also popular with traditional French décor.

Neutral Colors

• Neutral shades allow you to bring splashes of color into your rooms through accessories. White, gray and cream are the most popular neutral colors with French country styles, and before you think these colors are boring, think again. The key to working with neutrals is using layers and textures to add interest to your rooms. From taupe, stone, slate, antique white, milky white, linen, ochre and straw, there are several variations of the same shade to build an inviting palette. If you go with a shade of ochre on your walls, enhance the look with pillows, window treatments or lampshades with floral, striped or checked patterns. You can introduce color while maintaining a calming mood in your rooms with neutral colors.

Southern France

• If you want to go with warmer colors, the shades of southern France are an option. Colors from this landscape look to the sea for inspiration. Bright and relaxing, shades of blue, white and yellow add charm to rooms. The sea-foam shades of greenish-blue are energetic while soothing at the same time. Complement them with warm colors, such as mustard yellow and pale orange, to bring balance to your home.

Northern France

• A color palette reflecting the landscape of northern France is cooler in tone than traditional or southern French palettes. Gray undertones of this palette create a cool mood in rooms. Think of muted, subdued colors when choosing shades for this style of decorating. Powder blue, sage green and light beige bring charm to your home. Blend beige, gray and white for a pleasing combination.