I've decided that I want my 60's ranch to be a cottage. That's the great thing with ranches. Sure, they can be boring, basic, and blah. But they have no style....meaning you have the freedom to do what you want! You can't exactly give a victorian home a prairie modern twist and you can't really give a craftsman home the Scandinavian treatment. I mean, sure, it's your home, you can do whatever you want. But you don't want to do a disservice to your home or throw people off! Don't worry, I'm not someone that thinks you can't mix styles...I just think it's important to know which is which!
I've said on here before that my style is French Country mixed with cottage and as we've been planning out our exterior makeover, I wanted it to match the inside and be cohesive with the style that I've chosen...except...well, French Country and cottage can be very different things. So I started to get confused and doubt everything I thought I knew about design as well as feel a little stupid if I had it all wrong. I mean sure, I pick what I like and my style is pretty consistent anyway and rules are meant to be broken...but still. If I was going to assign my house a style I wanted it to be as cohesive as it could be!
As an example, here are some exteriors that really inspire me:
But what category do those pictures fall under? Have I been using these words incorrectly? Do I say French Country and mean cottage? Is farmhouse supposed to be in here somewhere? Or am I just a hot mess and off the map completely??
I'm no interior designer and never have I claimed to be, so it's very likely that I'm using these style terms incorrectly, but still, I was curious!
I decided that instead of just doubting it all I should educate myself. So to books and the internet I went and this post is what I came up with.
If you're curious to know if I've been using these words wrong, what the differences between these styles are, or curious to know if you've been thinking of them wrong, well then, keep reading!
The Difference Between French Country, English Cottage, & Farmhouse Design
When I search French Country exteriors and cottage exteriors, I get very different things.
If you were to google search a French Country home, you'd get this:
That looks a little American to me, but the design inspiration had to come from somewhere I suppose. So is French Country style big and grand? Like this?
No, because that is a chateau! French Country is not the same as these grand, luxurious houses.
Oh, and if you're wondering what made me an expert all of a sudden, I'm getting these photos in the most authentic places I could think of: french real estate for sale websites. I mean, genius, right? 😉
If we were to search for what's for sale in the outskirts of Provence right now, we'd find this:
Pretty different than what America would call a French Country home, right? And no, it's not titled "French Country" of course, as I believe that would be people in China calling their food "Chinese food" when it's just, you know, food.
But it is a country house in France and well, that's about as French Country as you can get! That looks a lot closer to what I thought French Country was, not like this huge place that got built in Minnesota:
I think the American version of these French homes is a lot grander and more magnificent than what is actually french country. If anything, American's version is closer to chateaus, estates, and manors. So when you search "French Country" and see big, grand homes, I believe that's what's wrong!
According to this source, French Country style is inspired by the country (not really a lightbulb moment...but kinda!), specifically Provence. French decor can be super elegant and over-the-top, but when you mix it with "country", it's a lot more warm, laid-back, and simple. French Country originates from the "rural valleys of southern France" (source), so if you think French Country is grand and ornate, you are probably thinking of Parisian styles, like this.
According to this article, "French Country" is a catch-all term, but it can split into even more specific categories, with French Provincial being the more elegant style and Country french being more rustic.
Here's a guide I created to what French Country style is in a nutshell, feel free to pin!
So, we've got all that figured out. We know what French Country style is!
But now are you (we, me) getting French Country and English Cottage confused?
At first glance, no. Because this is what comes up when you google search an English cottage:
This English cottage seems to have a hobbit/Lord of the Rings feel. Though there definitely are similarities, at first glance, it seems pretty different than French Country.
But can Google be believed? Let's check out some English real estate sites to see.
So while I see a lot of the same styles between French Country and English cottage, I don't think they can be used interchangeably. I mean first off, the name + origin, but also, English cottage has more of a Tudor style to it I think.
Cottages originated in England, which is why "English cottage" comes to mind first when you think of cottages.
As far as interiors, cottages usually have a lot more mixed prints, wallpaper, patterned upholstery, animal prints, and general things that would make you think "grandma". Not hating, I do love this style...
But cottage style is too broad a word to nail down just one style. Overall it's a home type, not necessarily a design style, and it symbolizes warmth, comfort, and natural materials. But you could have an English cottage style, coastal/beachy, country cottage, etc. Cottage style is the "traditional take on shabby chic" (source), and it's a big umbrella for many different styles under it. So there isn't a big chance you were using that term incorrectly because it could mean a lot of different things.
So now how does the farmhouse style fit into all of this?
Well, that one is a little difficult to explain because just like cottages, there are farmhouses all over the world so it could be anything! But most people are thinking "Fixer Upper" farmhouse, so we'll call that classic/modern farmhouse.
For example, if you were to google search farmhouse style, you'd get this:
That is probably what we'd all expect, right?
But an actual farmhouse for sale in England looks like this:
Pretty different, right?
That example goes to show that when an American says their style is "farmhouse", they do not quite literally mean "farmhouse". They mean modern farmhouse, like this:
So of course, with a modern farmhouse style, you'll see more new and modern things, making it different than the country/cottage look.
The basics of rustic and cozy are still there, but it's mixed with contemporary pieces and sleek lines.
French Country style is softer while farmhouse style is cleaner and more casual. There are lots of curved lines in French Country style, while farmhouse style may have more defined lines.
I read that somewhere, but I can't remember where to cite it. No, I'm not that intune to lines when it comes to decorating haha.
Do you feel like you get the differences now?
After browsing what authentic homes in the French countryside were like, I felt relieved that I was after the same style that I thought I was. I'll stick with saying my style is French Country inspired with cottage elements (just not English cottage) or I'll say French Country Cottage. Though I haven't seen that term used all that much, there is this whole blog based off of French Country Cottage style, so it must be a thing!
I think there are a lot of similarities between all of these styles. I think cottage can mean so much and you can use them interchangeably, but I can't say the same for American (modern) farmhouse. French Country and English Country can also not be used interchangeably. This article describes those two well.
Whewww did I lose you?
I'll admit, this post was more for myself than anyone. I know I needed to figure it out in my head, but I hope it did help someone else. With that being said, feel free to disagree with me or add some info that I don't know. I'll be happy to hear it!
Thanks for trying to sort out the different styles. The French Country style exploded with Pierre Deux and their offerings of furniture, fabrics, and antiques. But I think their approach was way too upscale. To me French Country refers to a more primitive kind of living, with plenty of rustic, even shabby furniture, copper, wrought iron, and mixed print fabrics. I have traveled to many regions of France and don't believe we have to limit ourselves to Provence for inspiration. There are books in existence which delineate distinctive regional styles. For example, Normandy has a heavily Tudor look, and Brittany has its stone houses, blue shutters, and lace window curtains.
In my own attempts to decorate in French Country style, I have tried to incorporate elements from many different rural areas in France. So I have stone, copper, wrought iron, baskets, hydrangeas and roses, worn linens and laces, collections of keys, and comfy old furniture - sometimes with painted and weathered finishes. It's so important to remember that the look we are trying to emulate is that of ordinary, country people.
p.s. I was a French major, but I bet you guessed that!
Wow! So much terrific insight. Thank you for sharing!
I've been wondering and struggling with this same issue of terms. Thank you so much for clearing up some of the noise. I think its interesting to see what Americans term French vs what French really is. I'm with you and Gigi; relaxed, worn, country, rustic, lived in but impeccable taste is what I think of as French Country.
So glad this helped a little! It can be confusing but at the end of the day, I think you should decorate however you want! Relaxed, worn, and country is so up my alley!
My husband and I just bought a 1930 English Tudor. It still has most of its original details ie, unpainted trim work, wood floors and original lighting. However it has a Art Deco bend. I want to do this house justice. To me Art Deco is a bit...... formal. I love more casual/country. What a conundrum!! What to do, what to do?
I bought a book about Brocante which is a combination of English and French Country. You can mix the two or keep to one or the other.
Fhew. I've literally been looking for answers myself and im so glad to come across this article. I feel much better and I never comment on blogs. I also started following you on IG for ur efforts🤣
Thanks for the explanation. I’m currently trying to figure out my style and I guess it’s not as “cottagey” as I thought. I love the outside look of cottages, but the inside is a little more old fashioned to me. Can I mix the look of the outside (cottage feel) with the inside (modern farmhouse style)? In the middle of designing a house and that’s definitely the way I’m going with it! ??♀️
Thank you so very much for this informative article! And thank you for not being afraid to come up with the style that fits you. I am currently decorating in what I refer to as "Quaker French country". I want the French country look but I want it simple and uncluttered! Thanks again for the article it was really informative and I enjoyed reading it
Quaker French Country sounds great. I love that you are owning your style and finding what works for you!
I began building a new home with what I believed to be the french country cottage style about a year ago. During the process I visited Paris, London, and Amsterdam. I returned to the US believing even stronger that I was on the right track. Although I may be missing something, I believe that all of Europe has some sense of the same great style. Tudor details were very present in all 3 countries I visited. I say keep your eyes pealed and repeat beautiful things and you will never go wrong. My home has soft curvy lines, tudor exterior triming, and a sense of the formal and casual mixed together, and I love it! If you try to hard for one certain style it will feel way to intentional. If it is in the same basic region of the world just have fun and do what you love!
I agree that there are a lot of similarities in Europe and they all have some type of the same style. Thank you for sharing all your insight! I'm sure you had an amazing time traveling to Paris, London, and Amsterdam. Congrats on the house too! One day I would love to build a custom European home!
Yikes!!!!
My daughters are happily married to Frenchman and I have had the opportunity to visit them and their in-laws in Versailles, Paris, Champagne, and many other regions in France in many occasions. The American concept of French style is very different from the real thing but thank you for enlighten us with your research.
Merci!
So happy for your daughters and how cool that you get to go visit them. I'm sure you've seen lots of different styles and have lots of insight to share! And yes, I agree that the American concept is very different too!
Hello bonjour’
Yes I agree... with you... I went on abroad research inquisition on Art/ classes... and lived amongst the wonderful diverse French. Our version even from propaganda here in the states is very different than true French perspectives... better to say: “ my interpretation of the beauty of French styles..... is where I use these unique avante’ guard concepts with my own American twist...( I heard many times from French bred Parisians.. they detest many of the articles and designers... taking credit from influences and deeming them labels. So I adore French people... and am passing forward all their strong communications... let us all show respect for another culture... while doing amazing research as our blog host is.... with the cherry on top being full respect for the unique French heritages. Which we humbly interpret with beauty and honor. 💙
I just found this from April 2020 but it looks like it's still garnering comments so I'll add mine. Caroline, I told you previously that I had fallen down the rabbit hole following your fashion posts and now I'm having fun branching out from there.
You did a marvelous job on your own house and I really like the unusual shade of green that you chose for your door and shutters. The bench is just like one in my grandparents yard years ago and that made me nostalgic.
It seems as if your talents to design and create are multi-dimensional..... stay inspired and keep sharing!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Wren! I'm glad you fell down the rabbit hole. The bench is one of my favorite parts of my exterior!
My husband and I are in the process of remodeling an old ranch style house. I too lean more towards the cottage style. Do you have photos that you can share of your home?
Hi, Donna! So exciting that you are remodeling your house. I have an exterior reveal https://www.mychicobsession.com/my-french-country-cottage-inspired-exterior-reveal/ and more house projects under my "home chic home" tab!
Unfortunately I love parts of all these styles and can never seem to pull off what I really like!!!!!
It can definitely be hard to do sometimes. At the end of the day I think you just have to do what you like!
Thank you for your research. My husband and I bought a 1901, small 900 square foot home recently and I've been trying to determine what style I am after. Like you, when I searched farmhouse or cottage I was confused; cottages were huge homes and farmhouses looked like the new tract homes in town. I now think that my style is French country as I'm so drawn to those components. Thank you again.
I'm happy this helped give you some clarity! At the end of the day, I think you can do what you want, but it is helpful to have some styles defined. Your house sounds adorable. Good luck with moving and any changes you may do!
When I think of French Country style, I think of tall slender lines and curves; common items have a touch of elegance and sophistication; and although it leans more towards a feminine feel, it is welcoming to masculine tastes as well.
Love that! You have a great interpretation of it.
I have been wondering this very thing as I love elements from all three and am trying to figure out how to work them all together.
It's tough but I think the best things come through trial and error! At the end of the day I think it's all about creating a home you love.
Thanks so much for your research and insight! I too have been saying for years that my style dream is “French Country Cottage” while still wondering the differences/similarities between those three styles. Like you I am excited to see that calling my style “French Country Cottage” was exactly what I wanted it to be! Yay! Thanks for doing the work and sharing it!
Yay! So glad this post helped you, Sarah!
I love it all! Thanks for the great info!
Very helpful! Thank you!
So glad you found this helpful, Eunice!
Hi Carolyn, I loved reading your article. I work for http://www.antiquefarmhouse.com and I work with various interior styles from Farmhouse to French Country, Vintage, Cottage & Shabby Chic... You taught me a thing or two and I will be sharing them with my team. Your terms you used for each look will help when we are defining items for our categories and Curated Events! Thanks you for your research!
So happy this helped, Kimberly! I definitely want to check out your site now!
Great article! This is my first visit and I came over from Pinterest. I look forward to exploring more of your archives to see your unique cottage style implemented. I also vacillate between French Country and English Cottage. My "cottage" is an 899 square foot tract home from 1951 that was originally a flat roof home! It has beamed wood ceilings that I just adore and most of the homes in our Sacramento neighborhood received traditional roofs in the 70's and 80's so they look more traditional now. I love exploring the all the cottage themes and have settled into what I think of as English/European Cottage (mostly!) Thank you for such a thought-provoking article.
Thank you for the kind words! Your home sounds so cool and unique. I've always wanted beamed wood ceilings! I too love all cottage themes as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Yes! My family looks at me like I'm crazy when I say I have a french country/old farmhouse style because they are thinking of yellow/blue combined with roosters. Ahhhhhh! I'm talking about aged terracotta, copper pots with herb bundles everywhere, and furniture that looks like it's been collected and passed down through generations. I'm so happy to find someone delineated it so well!
Yes, yes, and yes! Loving the sound of your style, Melissa!
My house is a French Country Cottage which is what I have referred to it as for the last 10 years. French Country Cottage is a more relaxed and cozy version of the French Country Style. The different regions of France are influenced by other countries. For instance, the Provence region in Southern France is influenced by Mediterranean and Italian Styles, the northern areas of France around Brittany are influenced by England and their Tudor and Cottage Styles. There is also some Scandinavian influence in Country French. I think that is the real draw of French Country, it’s an eclectic mix of many styles.
Your house sounds wonderful, Tasha. Thanks for sharing all of your great insight!
So what is American cottage style including beach homes?
Great question, Rebecca. Sounds like a whole nother post to me! I'm no expert, but off the top of my head, I would think that falls under a coastal style.
Our home is definitely an American farmhouse. But I'm not crazy for the Farmhouse style. No real farmers have white upholstery! I lean more towards rustic English and French interiors. I use a lot of family peices and shop in resale and antique stores. Fortunately the house has all its original bead board walls and ceiling so I won't need to wallpaper!
Original bead board and ceilings? That sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing more of your style.
This article was very helpful! I love several different country styles. French country is my favorite, probably because of my visits to the Champagne region in France when I was younger. American Country is a more informal look and one that is easier to pull off with American antiques. When I started to re-style my kitchen as ‘farmhouse’ I realized I already owned over half of the accessories and accents I needed, many of which were passed down to me from my grandmothers. I’ve done my bedroom in French country, having purchased several well made French provincial reproductions a few years back, supplemented by things I purchased (framed artwork, mostly) when I traveled to France. I used to own two antique French chairs, which I foolishly gave away during a move ten years ago. I hope to visit my sister-in-law in Texas this Spring and attend the Round Rock market with her. We’ll see what I can find there!
I think that is so cool that you have accents passed down from your grandmother. It sounds like your home is amazing. And going to that market would be so awesome too! I'm definitely itching to thrift and visit flea markets more.
Great article, thank you, I also think architectural elements play a part with showcasing differences in styles, old corbels, windows, doors, mirrors, pediments, planters, pieces of fence, pillars, etc as well as gardens and plants surrounding the house and entries. I think there are many items that cross over easily and can be used in either of the styles.
Thank you again,
Brigid
So many good points here. Thanks for sharing, Brigid!
Thank you for writing this! We are building a new house but I want old world feel and this gives me such wonderful inspiration! I look forward to devouring your blog. 🙂
Thank you for this delightful article. I have been creating an English cottage home. I find that it has a lot to do with an English cottage garden, which has an overgrown, natural look of organized chaos. Combining different shades of green and accented with tall flowers, a garden provides a balance of repose and industry. A light-filled conservatory and lots of wooden antique furniture, artwork featuring horses and landscapes complete the interiors. The property should exude warmth, charm, and coziness. If there’s any elegance, it is understated and casual.
Your home sounds simply divine! I've been working on the garden myself lately, trying to achieve that organized chaos. Thank you for your insight!
Thank you for clearing up the confusion. I’m working on a total remodel of an old ranch style home, and my mind has been spinning! I would love it if you would share photos of your remodel. I sure could use some inspiration.
I'm glad this helps! I have photos of my remodel under the "home chic home" tab 🙂 Good luck on your remodel! It's a lot of work but rewarding at the same time... as I'm sure you know.
Thanks for breaking this down!
While I agree that "it's your home, do as you wish" I think it's important for people to understand what comes from where. We closed on a plain, blah, open concept house in June and I tell you it's hard to figure out how we want it. I also enjoy the French country, English cottage, as well as farmhouse style with a bit of industrial in there as well. I grew up on a horse farm smack in the Heartland of ol US, so am used to what that farmhouse was -rather plain and simple but comfortable (and the only thing that was white were the walls and the exterior). My 4th Great Grandfather built his homestead in the 1860's and became a cattle and crop farmer, that homestead still stands and I finally got a chance to see it. The rooms were smaller than expected but it makes sense as smaller rooms are easier to heat. The floors were wide plank, hand sawn, from trees on the property which also makes sense as wide planks ment less cutting. The hand sawn beams, hand made cabinets were gorgeous in their plain style. It was clear to me that this house is what actual farmhouse style is. Efficent, hand made, comfortable, able to stand up to time and easy to add onto.
I think it's important to consider the lifestyle included with these homes. Up from sun rise to beyond sunset, working hard to provide, while also enjoying the little things of life and family also being proud of what you have and being able to pass it on to your children.
Perhaps that might be while these styles speak and bring comfort to so many, because it's something we all can relate to.
I agree that it's important to understand where your house "came from." The floors, beams, and handmade cabinets sound amazing. Thank you for this wonderful comment and for sharing your great insight!
It reminds me of the issue with queen anne style. If you search Queen Anne style house, American sites will give you pics of a very distinctive type of home that has no similarity whatsoever to early 18th century English buildings. Which goes to show that house styles today could have very little in common with their name sakes. ☺️
Oh I will have to search Queen Anne style and learn more about that. Thanks, An!
As someone who grew on a farm and whose house was 100+ years old, modern farmhouse style is laughable. Not a single family member had a house that was white on white on white which is what you see in magazines or on Pinterest. The only place that was like that was the milk house bc they cleaned the walls to make the building as sterile as they could. Housewives didn’t want their houses to
Look like the milk house. There was wood cabinets stained to see the pretty grain in the wood and towels that were stained from canning tomatoes and other veggies. Farmhouses were not showpieces. They were in constant chaos depending on the season. I think most people who pick farmhouse style have never spent one day picking from the garden and putting up food for the winter.
I definitely get that, Gail. On that note, rustic these days seems to be more "modern rustic"...not real rustic! I think people should say their house is inspired by, instead of the exact style. At least that's what I try to do!
Loved this post. Thank you. You can also try Cottage Style by BH&G for a reference. They touch on different styles of cottage decor including English, French and Farmhouse.
Thanks for that idea, Robin! I'll have to remember that.
Can you show me how you changed your 60's ranch into a french country home? I'm struggling with this same dilemma.
We are in the middle of fixing up our current home and we aren't finished yet, but check out the posts below to see what we have done so far!
https://www.mychicobsession.com/styling-your-home/
https://www.mychicobsession.com/french-country-kitchen/
https://www.mychicobsession.com/my-french-country-cottage-inspired-exterior-reveal/
https://www.mychicobsession.com/cute-small-entryway/
Thank you for this unique research. I enjoy your writing style too. Hopefully soon I will have my own modern farmhouse style House and Barn to call home! Following you now and want to include more of your pins on my brand new site, The Evolving Company. Dubbed myself The Evolving Mother as I am in the empty nest phase of life with husband that just retired. (cute blog about this new adventure). Cheers!
Thank you for your kind words! I'm going to go check out your brand new site!
Stumbled across this post! I am born and bred in Warwickshire, a country side county in England. My grandparents both sides were born in English farmhouses and your insight fascinates me.
There's a post above talking about farmhouses being homes, practical and clean, and that's what I remember. It fasci ates me these modern takes on an ideal that never really existed yet is a fantasy of what actually was "if that makes any kind of sense"
Authentic English country homes are a mishmash of life, past and present, Inherited odds and sods and modern peices. I think to truly recreate you need to wipe your minds eye of thr ideal and get stuck in second hand shops. Not antique shops.
Thag being said I have many old pictures and memories should you want to draw on my English heritage.
Great Post!
Hi, Lucy! Thank you for offering your help and I love your insight. I think it's so interesting how Americans have taken what was originally practical into something completely different! Of course, to each their own. Once again, I love the insight you have.
Loved this article. You referenced Tudor style in one of the picture examples but I would identify that as a “half timbered” home which can be found throughout not only England, but France and many European countries.
Thanks, Mary, for adding that!
Great that's what is called Brocante. Its how I am going.
This is great! Just earlier this year (2020) I realized my style is totally French Country. I was so pleased to read your bullet points for the style because it was everything I'm aiming for and love. Seriously. But where I'm stuck right now is exterior lighting. I also sought the help of French real estate sites to find real French houses and I think I've discerned the difference between English and French lighting. You see, the lighting that I currently have picked out is Quoizel (even a French name!) style: Corrigan. I liked the curl detail but in person I think the frame is too thick and it just looks kind of bulky. I think a lantern style that's more linear and maybe wide on top and narrower toward the bottom would fit better. What do you or anyone else reading this think? Thanks for the post!!
Hi, Danielle! I looked up the Quoizel lights and I think they look really cool! I'm no expert and it's hard to really say without seeing the full exterior, but I guess you can't go wrong with picking something that's meant to be in that style/theme, but once again, I don't know how it would all look together!
Thank you so much for the research you did. In reading your article I realized my decorating style is not French Country but French Provincial, which is more elegant. I never could incorporate the "country" part into my decor and now I can see why. Again, thank you.
So happy to hear it helped, Letty. I love that you found a style that works for you!
Well here's a bit of a twist. When I was visiting with my French born friend who lives in Brittany, France, she was confused by the term "French country". This is what she told me:
We don't use terms like that. In fact I had to look it up to find out what you Americans mean by French Country! We simply refer to the styles of the period. For example Louis XIV, or Louis XVI, Louis-Philippe, etc.
As a person who grew up in authentic American farmhouse of the 1950s-60's I can tell you not one single home I was in EVER looked like what designers today are calling farmhouse style! At that time, no one in their right mind would have brought in galvanized & rustic items from the barn to be used as "decor". Nor did anyone have white interiors...it was simply too hard to keep clean with larger families coming and going and often small farm animals had to be in the house too (eg. if a calf was born and needed attention..it was brought into the house where it was warmer).
As a former interior decorator myself, I never had much use for style terms. I'd ask my clients what they wanted it to look like, things they'd disliked, things they had and wanted to use again, and we'd work from there. When they were happy with the look, regardless of a term denoting style, then I was happy too.
As for me, I have elements of French, some country, even a piece here and there that's rather contemporary/modern. When asked what style I decorate with my reply is "It's me!" 😀
Wow, so much great insight here! Thank you for sharing. I find it all so interesting.
Also, I love that your reply is "it's me!" I think at the end of the day we should always have a style that we love. Thanks for that reminder!
I had been looking for an answer to the question 'what is the differnce between French country and English cottage'. I had come to the same conclusion that you have and had decided that the style I am creating in my new home is French Country Cottage. I am currently downsizing from a real American farm house. I plan on having a cottage garden but most of the styles I like are usually labeled English cottage garden. I lean towards the English cottage gardens because they are filled with roses. It will probably be a mix of Fench and English cottage garden styles. Maybe that should be called American cottage garden.
I loved reading this article. Thanks for sharing this. You made good point. As a French woman, from the South of France (Provence), I have to explain the difference between Provençal and Privincial. Provincial is ALL France except Paris and Provençal is natif of Provence ( je suis Provençale).
I bought an old farmhouse in the south central PA and try to mix some of the French country « cottage » and it’s possible. Since my husband family is Irish Italian of origin. I brought my stuff from France and incorporated them in some decor that blend it all.
Bright pâle colors, stones, Wood, and curtain panel. Everything has a purpose.. my stuff are not to decoration purpose, but my American friends that visit, just love the « French country »
deco .. each room has a fonction and used. The outside ditto. Plant around are for a purpose , lavender, sage, thyme, rosemary at the front porch garden. Mint and geranium at thé back garden deck.. etc... i could tell a lot on why we do all that, that some see it only for deco purpose.
I love my new house here (since 2019) before that I was in the fancy Northern VA with all those fancy large homes, well groomed, perfect driveways, perfect greeneries, trees... everything was to be « perfect » for the HOA. I have put up 10 years w/this. Today am free in my wild surrounding French country cottage style farmhouse.
We dream about having a farmhouse in French country style in the wild. It just sounds so wonderful. We're not big fans of the HOA life either! Thank you so much for your sharing your insight and story!
Great article! I have a degree in interior design but there’s a big difference in designer terms and normal human design definitions! The other day I sent a photo of my in-progress dining room to my friend and she said “cute! Very English cottage...but not”. I was curious what she was thinking. I think my home decor is somewhat in between Parisian Apartment (mixing in modern furnishings) and French Country. The house I’m renovating has a more country/cottage exterior and the old 90’s Tuscan inspired interior.
So cool that you have a degree in interior design! I bet your home decor looks so cool. Sounds like we have a lot of the same styles!
Thank you so much for your article it was very inspiring. I also have the feeling french country has more colors in the same spectrum and these are often rather on the cool side or somewhat pastel or washed out. While english cottage has many, sometimes also very clear colors with diverse prints. English cottage can lean towards a direction of "preppy" style I feel. Also I find you can have asian antiques, vases and persian rugs in english cottage. Its almost a must I guess. Those pieces make it very british in my opinion, going away from french country since the French just didn't have colonies in east asia (or not that much). Sounds awful I know but one has to consider that when thinking about traditional english cottage styles. In english design styles many pieces were "inspired" by east asian art or were even original furnitures that have been passed on within the families and eventually ended up in the country estates.