French Style Decorations

Colors

• Selecting a color palette is one of the first steps in any decorating project. With French style decor, you can go in a few different directions. For a rustic French country home, pale pastoral shades such as sky blue, buttery yellow and sea foam green should form the basis of your palette. If your French decor is channeling more of the royalty and aristocracy, use a more complex palette. Try scarlet, gold and deep blue touches paired with dark shining woods; or pink, powder blue and silver with white painted furniture. If you prefer a more sophisticated, modern Parisian look, pair a favorite bold hue such as red or Pacific blue with a plethora of clean, black and white pieces.

Patterns

• The French have adopted a few patterns and designs that will help authenticate this style of decorating. The fleur de lis is a distinct symbol once associated with the French monarchy. For an elegant decorating scheme, a fleur de lis embossed on wall panels or featured on textiles will be a fine finishing touch. If you're going more French country, look for toile de Jouy fabrics. This fancy French moniker indicates a patterned cotton fabric with a pastoral scene. Toile de Jouy is typically found in pastel shades against a white background.

Furniture

• Antique lovers will find much to suit their style in a French decorating scheme. Dark woods polished to a shine can be used with all styles of French decorating. Wrought iron is another material well suited to this style. Look for wrought iron headboards, shelves or café style tables and chairs in solid black or white. Gilded chairs, couches and chaises with plush upholstery and an antique air -- regardless of authenticity -- will give your room a French air worthy of Marie Antoinette.

Accents

• Attention to detail is essential for a cohesive French look. In a formal sitting room, use heavy curtains with elaborate tasseled pullbacks and thick showy trim to complete your decor. Feature china plates, pitchers of flowers and an antique birdcage in a French country home. For finishing touches in a modern Parisian room, add monogrammed black and white coasters, a stunning print of the Eiffel tower and word art featuring French phrases.