A Designer’s Guide to French Country Interior Design

It seems like all we hear about anymore is AI and technology. Your interior décor deserves to be at least one place that offers some retreat from the buzzwords and screentime. That’s why designers are turning to interior design styles that incorporate notes of the past. They’re muted, soft, and quiet. When paired with the right paint colors or window coverings, they can also be quite versatile.

This is why we’re loving French Country right now. Amid a busy city and work that seem to follow us everywhere, French Country reminds us of simpler times and summer getaways.

Here is how NYC designers are making the most of this style:

While NYC isn’t the Old World, it certainly has hints of it that still permeate the architecture. If you live in a pre-war apartment, then you’ve already got a solid foundation for leaning into the French Country aesthetics.

Rich, earthy palettes work great for evoking the Old World. There’s a world of Earth-toned palettes out there – and if you decide down the road to change up the vibes in your flat, then neutrals like Chocolate Mousse 1025 and Herb Bouquet 460 are sure to outlast the French Country era.

Light and airy florals remind us of the vineyards and rural villages of the French countryside. Take inspiration from Giverny and Valensole with custom wallpapers. Floral wallpaper, like collections crafted by Cole & Son (which have designed wallpaper for historic locations like Buckingham Palace) and Seabrook, adds a refreshing vintage touch while allowing you to keep the décor more minimal, which is perfect for those of us prone to creating visual clutter.

While modern interior shutters are typically associated with the long porches of the Deep South, shutters were actually brought to America by Spanish, French, and British colonists. Hardwood shutters in light colors like creams and whites are perfect French country window treatments. They can be easily swung wide open for full sun and fresh air, and they come in several shapes, including patio, bay, and corner windows, as well as French doors, making them an elegant choice for balconies.

Your window treatments are a simple yet effective way to blend the old and new. Polysatin™ interior shutters feature a robust hybrid construction that withstands prolonged heat and moisture while also offering motorized operation. Program your shutters to open and close throughout the day in step with your routine so that you always have a well-lit apartment without the fuss. And, motorized shutters mount without any visible batteries, wires, or cords, so you get that relaxing French Country interior design feel while enjoying some added modern luxury.

Ready to refresh your apartment’s interior with some elements of French Country interior décor? Our experienced team is here to help. For decades, we’ve been helping our NYC neighbors strike the perfect balance between color and light in their spaces. Whether you have some colors in mind already or just have a few inspiration photos, we’re here to help bring your design dreams to life.

Book a free in-home consultation today to get started, or visit one of our New York City paint and window treatment stores. We are located throughout the New York City area, including Manhattan, SoHo, Chelsea, Long Island City, Gramercy Park, Hell’s Kitchen, Lower East Side, Throgs Neck, The Bronx, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Uptown West, and Yorkville.