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French Country, really?

2 years ago

First question is do you really think this could be made to look like French country? That was the dream of the person who started the house. The windows that the Builder used are what he had on hand and we will be replacing, rearranging and perhaps adding more. Just looking for design ideas since we just bought it and I have no idea what to do with it

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Comments (18)

palimpsest
2 years ago
The essential shape is not incorrect:
tookien
Original Author
2 years ago
How do you think shake siding would look with a 4’ high rock at the foundation?
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French Country / Country French (?) decorating
Q
Comments (14)
Hi Sharon, I LOVE French Country decorating and there are lots on this board who also love FC. Parma42 is also a huge FC decorating fan. I agree with what the other posters have said about following your own vision. The blue you are describing for your cabinets, along with the SS appliances, and the dark hard wood floor would be sensational, IMO. It does beg the question though of what you would do about your countertops to make everything work together? But that is something that can be determined later. I can't tell you the number of times I've said "I'm going to do X" to my house and my extended family stares back at me as if I'm crazy. Half the time whatever I planned looks fabulous and and a quarter of the time, it's so-so and a quarter of the time it's disastrous. I'm okay with those odds! Not everyone (not even a designer) can get everything 100% right every time. Decorating and designing a home takes practice and a willingness to try things and sometimes make a mistake. It's the best way to learn about what really works for you in your home. I'm dying to see a picture of your room and a picture of the blue finish you are putting on your cabinets! Please post pics if you can!
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French Country/Tuscan Decorating
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Comments (17)
Those of us who enjoy decoration all suffer from liking a million different looks or styles. Unfortunately, to pull together a successful design, even an eclectic one, you have to have a plan. I've recommended a book, The Meghan Method, to many first-time homeowners. I think the book is pretty comprehensive when it comes to thinking about what you want and like in a design and how to put together a plan. Another new decorator, like you, talks a little about the book in the thread from this site that I've linked below and other experienced decorators have chimed in on other ways to think about inspiration and planning. It's tempting to try and make your decorating a one-stop shopping trip or a replication of someone else's design, but if you will think through what you really want and need, put together a budget and take your time, I think you will be able to pull together an interesting room that you can enjoy inhabiting. Here is a link that might be useful: Inspiration?
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Comments (33)
Just saw this and haven't read all the comments in case I say the same thing. Love the chest especially nice in the entry. I would turn the mirror and push it to the left side even with the side of the chest, put a taller lamp to fill in on the right side and add a decorative bowl or container for keys, mail etc. It is a perfect place for a mirror to check hair and lipstick before leaving. I would not use the iron detail there and perhaps you could use one print on a stand on the chest. I agree with other suggestions of a rug and maybe something in the corner. Its a great looking chest and love the prints as well.
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French/English country, French/English cottage, cottage, shabby chic
Q
Comments (26)
I just wanted to chime in to say that I've seen pictures of homes with doors and window sashes that are unpainted wood paired with trim work that is painted, and I thought it looked beautiful. Basically, anything that opened/closed/moved was unpainted wood, and the rest was painted. So that's something to consider as an option. I wished I'd thought of that option before we went with all wood trim and doors in our main floor living areas and all painted trim and doors upstairs (bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry room). We have lots of stained wood (trim, doors, built-ins, etc.) on our main floor, so I understand the challenges of decorating around it and finding colors that work with it. But when you find the right colors to bring out the best in your wood AND give you the vibe you want, it's worth the challenge. There were times (after spending too much time looking at trendy design magazines or web sites) when I second guessed our decision to go with so much wood, but I've come to love it more over the years because of its character and richness. I grew up in a house that had unpainted fir paneled walls in every room (even the bathroom, though the walls in there were varnished), so for a long time I just longed for light, bright, painted walls. After having those for years living on my own, I guess I finally came around to appreciating natural wood again.
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PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
2 years ago
"we just bought it and I have no idea what to do with it"

Would you like to buy a bridge or swamp land in Florida?
tookien
Original Author
2 years ago
Ha, I’m talking about how to finish it. What elevation will look best.
palimpsest
2 years ago
One finish top to bottom. All stucco or all stone or all brick.
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
2 years ago
Perhaps hire an architect?
palimpsest
2 years ago
scout
2 years ago
It’s a really interesting house. Could you post the plans if you have them?
just_janni
2 years ago
I would definintely do all brick veneer if you could - it would look solid and stately.
chispa
2 years ago
Definitely needs more windows.
tookien
Original Author
2 years ago
I agree about more windows and you’re all correct, it really would look best with one finish. We should have the floorplan shortly.
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Here's a great article on a real French country farmhouse in Sarthe, France:

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/a-french-farm-gets-fixed-up-for-a-family-of-14-stsetivw-vs~113885389

And another:

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/houzz-tour-charming-bright-country-home-in-france-stsetivw-vs~2117212

And some gorgeous examples from a Houzz search:
Glencoe Residence7 Front Elevation · More Info

French Country Home · More Info

Country French - Havenwood · More Info

French Country Estate · More Info

It's all in the details. Common features include steep hipped roofs, arched (not round-top) windows/dormers, stone/stucco exterior finish, shutters, copper gutters, French doors, and muted colors (gray/French blue/taupe). Make sure the window arrangement makes sense--what you have now is not great. It is not aesthetically pleasing from the outside and will not allow enough light on the inside. Do your own search and show your architect what you like. It could be an awesome home!
tookien
Original Author
2 years ago
Wow, thanks so much! I’m in absolute agreement about the windows. I dislike what we are starting with. They were in when we bought it. I’m really leaning towards stucco.
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
2 years ago
You're welcome--good luck and keep us posted!
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
2 years ago
I think a moat with a drawbridge would give a nice authentic look.
worthy
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Just don't wait too long to decide. Zip Sheathing and tape has a 180-day exposure rating.

Forget brick veneer without expensive retrofitting as there appears to be no brick ledge.
scout
2 years ago
I can’t wait to see what you do with this house. It’s so unique and has a lot of potential. If you can’t do brick, I found photos of french style homes in what look like stucco. They look great!
tookien
Original Author
2 years ago
Worthy, thanks for the info! Important to know
Scout, Got a quote for siding today and getting a quote for stucco later this week. I’ll keep you pasted

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