HG Openhouse Blog

Lavender fields on the edge of Avignon in Provence.

Welcome to the south of France, famous for amazing weather, cuisine, Roman ruins, vineyards for miles, and olive trees wherever you look. And the south of France is also known for its Country French style of fabrics, ceramics, rustic furniture, and accessories that have long been exported to our shores. The farmhouses (or mas) in Provence have largely been modernized today but the Provencal aura remains.

We opted to focus on one very French color palette–red and gold. Of course, there are other popular color choices that speak of Provence as well–blue and gold, green and cream, brown and tan. But it is this red and gold story that is most evocative of the area around Avignon. You see this color story in the famous hand-blocked cotton prints, in whimsical ceramics, in toiles of farmhouse scenes, in vibrant florals as well. And it is surprising how versatile red and gold can be. The color story can work in virtually any room and blends particularly well with many of the neutrals we all use as background choices of wall and floor.

Multiple fabrics and paint chips to support Provence’s red and gold palette.

Now, let’s look at a reading corner that has instantly taken on Provence style. What elements are most important? First, of course, are the decorative pillows in familiar patterns that have softened a European leather chair. A red wool throw has been added as another element on that chair, too. On the tabletop, a fun Country French lamp (complete with cochon) utilizes a red and gold check fabric for its shade. Paired with that round accessory piece, this vignette now oozes Gallic charm.

Country French reading nook combines disparate elements.

The kitchen is one room that easily takes on Provencal style. There are so many products that can be added easily and quickly to make every cook feel like a French chef du cuisine. In addition, decorative touches are abundantly available to give even a suburban tract house a bit of Avignon. Again, we focused on our signature red and gold color palette for a small setting of Country French kitchen items. It seems like virtually every French home includes a rooster somewhere–and so have we! This ceramic version will be a bit quieter, though, eliminating that cock-a-doodle-do. We’ve paired him with red enamel accessories, a sunflower pitcher, a metal towel rack, simple dish towels, a table runner and some onions and tomatoes. Ready to make coq au vin?

A vignette of a Country French kitchen.

You can easily create a mood like you’ve shopped at an Avignon street market without having to get your passport stamped. Just look for whimsy, red and gold, and those familar Provencal hand-blocked printed fabrics.

Next, onto the spectacular Amalfi Coast.