10 Tips for a Soothing French Country Nursery
Joyous but restful, soft French country style is a natural choice for baby's bedroom
I'm a British born Interior Design devotee and marketing professional living in the USA. I moved from London to Atlanta (via New York) where I work in marketing, co-host a weekly interior design radio show, write (and obsess) about design. Follow me at www.martinelouise.com
I'm a British born Interior Design devotee and marketing professional living... More »
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When you think of French style, the relaxed look of French country often springs to mind: soft, romantic, comfortable and inviting. The look has bohemian undertones; the furniture tends to be antique or reflect older styles. It is characterized by light, airy colors and a mixture of soft, natural, breathable fabrics. This calming palette of soft colors and materials has become popular for nurseries, particularly for its ability to be gender neutral. Take a look at the delicate spaces below and use the ideas to re-create this look for your little one.
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1. Mix in French linens. Add some texture by upholstering a French country Louis XV–style armchair with neutral linen, with a contrasting white framework. Create a gender-neutral space by mirroring the same beige neutrals in other decorative elements around the room — such as rugs, paint, bedding and artwork.
by French Larkspur
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2. Use a vintage changing table. A vintage or antique dresser can be a place to change baby's diaper on as well as give you much-needed storage. Make sure the height feels right for both you and your partner. You don't want a bad back from bending too low, and something too high means you won't have control of that wiggly baby! Also make sure you have enough space for a changing pad and for wipes and creams within easy reach.
Paint the dresser white or soft gray to keep the scheme fresh and neutral.
Paint the dresser white or soft gray to keep the scheme fresh and neutral.
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3. Find an antique-style crib. See if you can hunt down an antique-style crib. Although it's tempting to search for a secondhand crib or use a family heirloom, it's probably safer for baby to buy a new reproduction. However, feel free to select antiques for other pieces of furniture, such as dressers, bookcases and rocking chairs.
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4. Hang a billowing canopy. These sweet canopies look so very French and have a soft, delicate feel. Use a sheer fabric and make sure you take the canopy all the way to the ceiling to create height.
by French Larkspur
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5. Add a little French vocabulary to your walls. Using decals or paint, create a personal and touching message in French on your nursery's walls. When your little one grows older and asks what it says, he or she will feel the love.
by Kasey Buick
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6. Include a chandelier and bell jars. A pretty white chandelier makes a great finishing touch in any French-style room. This one feels particularly appropriate for a nursery, with its small white birds.
Simple glass bell jars are pretty on their own, or you can display something meaningful under them. These ones are high up, safely out of baby's way.
Simple glass bell jars are pretty on their own, or you can display something meaningful under them. These ones are high up, safely out of baby's way.
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by Rikki Snyder
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| 7. Hang a vintage-style mirror. Buy a new one or spend a little time hunting for something original at a flea market. I love antique glass mirrors that have a worn, aged patina. If you can't find a true vintage one, try something from a company that specializes in reproductions. |
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8. Consider an iron four-poster crib. This four-poster iron crib adds a regal touch to the nursery. You can stick to dark iron like this, or something painted white would work just as well. Restoration Hardware carries iron cribs in more distressed finishes. Match the ironwork to light fixtures to pull the look together.
by Michelle Rees
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9. Add pretty decorative touches. Display delicate floral pictures, a feminine lamp, a decorative mirror, vintage photographs or an antique doll on a dresser or shelf.
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| 10. Use a traditional rug in a modern color. Hunt down a traditional Persian-style rug in a modern neutral color, like this chalky gray. The pale colors soften the overall look, but the rug still has a traditional finish. Use the colors and shades from the rug to build the color palette for the rest of the room. This gray rug would work with any washed-out pastel colors, from blues and pinks to lemons and lilacs. For something more gender neutral, stick with grays or beige tones. |
Comments
Becky Harris I can only wish my own adult bedroom was as sophisticated as some of these nurseries!
6 months ago · Like
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Martine Resnick I know Becky, me too! ha! You could go seriously crazy with this stuff...
6 months ago · Like
ivy15 Thank you for the article. These rooms are beautiful!!
6 months ago · Like
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Powell Brower Home lovely
6 months ago · Like
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Lacy I love these nurseries! Everyone of them. Last summer my hubby and I went to work redoing the office into a beautiful nursery. Some of these very photos were my inspiration. The nursery is one of my idea books- Lydia Rose's nursery. It turned out just like I wanted and is a room I wish was my own. 
6 months ago · Like
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mikeandrita Please avoid loose ribbons in an infants room, they are a very serious choking hazard. A baby can tug a ribbon loose causing entanglement or accidental swallowing.
6 months ago · Like
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frenchdecor Beautiful rooms. Love decorate kids room, so much fun and less rules. Becky your dream can come true with one gallon subtle soft color for walls, and soft white for furniture painting, frames, and a sheet of sand paper for distressing edges. Quilt, cushions in pastel tones and light sheer draperies. In total $300 could be enough for DIY.
6 months ago · Like
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Herbal Bohemia Just divine - really enjoyed this collection - some of the cots/cribs are amazing!!!
6 months ago · Like
giggles60 Love the crib in pic#3!
6 months ago · Like
Natalie Canning Interiors Love the natural fabrics used in these beautiful country home interiors. www.nataliecanninginteriors.co.uk
6 months ago · Like
emiliedi Si vous décidez d'écrire en français, assurez-vous d'avoir une bonne structure et que vos propos fassent du sens, c'est tellement plus intéressant!!
3 weeks ago · Like
emiliedi I think you meant to write this : O Jésus ! que ne puis-je dire à toutes les petites âmes combien ta condescendance est ineffable...
3 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook published on Nov. 15, 2012.
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