Able to create a very warm and comforting atmosphere, French country decor is perfectly suited for traditional homes or cottages that want to capture that relaxing and rustic feel of a French countryside draped in sunshine and lavender fields. If your home needs a touch of inspiration from this region of the world and you're not really sure where to begin, consider some of these decorating and style tips from PiazzaPisano.com:

Colors
French country decorating focuses on a wide variety of colors including soft yellows, lavender, ocean tones, blues, reds and rich greens to achieve a look that is both weathered and vibrant. Inspired by colors found in the lavender fields, dried herbs, and warm days, French country decor draws from nature to achieve a look that's unique, calming, and intimate.

Textures
In terms of textures, look to natural materials to anchor your look. Things like rough stained or painted plaster walls, delicate carved woods, woven chairs and fabrics, natural stone, toile, and clay can help to add dimension to your home in this style and offer a more simplistic, organic approach to decorating. An ideal fit for the minimalist.

Motifs
When shopping for fabrics or accents to furnish your French country inspired room or home, focus on motifs like roosters, olives, sunflowers, grapes, lavender, bees, vines, and the Fleur-de-lis.

Decor
Once the foundation of your room is laid in both colors and textures, look to your furnishings to pull the look all together. Furniture pieces made from natural materials or in rustic styles can work to add a touch of country charm while curved accents and feminine furniture shapes can help to round out the look. Accents should have a very natural and simple look and celebrate the motifs found in this style of decorating. Also, be sure to have lots of fresh herbs and flowers! These are two important elements in this style of decorating and can help to add beautiful scents, color, and texture your rooms.

When shopping for French Country Decor and other accents, try the selection of door toppers and wall plaques from PiazzaPisano.com to start out with. These beautifully crafted pieces of French Country Decor lend style and flair to just about any room. Not to mention, they can be personalized to suit your family, your tastes, and your love of French Country Decor. Remember, each piece sold on PiazzaPisano.com is created by Al Pisano, handcrafted and handpainted in the USA.