French Country Style – The Salle, a Historic Open Floor Plan

French Country style is warm, comfortable and easy to live with. And, surprisingly, it works great in an open floor plan.

“The one room that these homes were sure to have was the salle, which served as a sort of kitchen-cum-living room. All the activities of a household – from cooking and eating to gathering around the fire… took place in the salle.”

Architecture and Design Library: French Country
by Barbara Buchholz (Author), Lisa Skolnik (Author)

This doesn’t mean your whole house has to look like a kitchen.

“Yet despite the limited number of rooms, many newly restored cottages and farmhouses in France sport stunning living rooms, loaded with architectural details and striking pieces of furniture that reflect the provincial style.”

Architecture and Design Library: French Country
by Barbara Buchholz (Author), Lisa Skolnik (Author)

Mixing elegance and simplicity, French Country style is comfortable and approachable. It works with any rustic home or farmhouse. With a little imagination, it can even work in a small apartment! And this casual style is great for a family!

“The architectural elements of these rooms – beamed ceilings, timbered fittings, and stone floors – have been somewhat refurbished to ensure structural safety but have been left primarily intact to retain their rustic charm.”

Architecture and Design Library: French Country
by Barbara Buchholz (Author), Lisa Skolnik (Author)

How to add Classic French-country charm to your home?

“Achieving this look in a contemporary room can be as simple as incorporating a massive provincial armoire, some lace curtains, or a few Louis XV-inspired banquettes into the décor… fabulous matching decorative elements as… torchieres, sconces… gothic revival lamps…”

Architecture and Design Library: French Country
by Barbara Buchholz (Author), Lisa Skolnik (Author)

Get the look with antique reproduction style lighting.

Antique Reproduction Style Lighting >

Antique Reproduction Small Chandeliers

• Small scale Antique Reproduction Chandeliers bring elegance to many interior design applications. Use a single small chandelier suspended next to a sofa in place of a table lamp. A Series of small chandeliers can be used over a bar or kitchen island for a more traditional or historic interior.

Antique Reproduction Chandeliers

• Antique Reproduction Chandeliers draw from historic sources. They work with a variety of formal or traditional interiors. Look for iron, gold or silver finish in patinaed metal or painted finish.

Antique Reproduction Crystal Chandeliers

• Antique Reproduction Crystal Chandeliers feature crystal bands, pendalogues and drops in clear, amber or colored jewel-like crystal. Displayed against softened metal finishes, these look like family heirlooms.

Antique Style Pool Table Lights, Island Lights and Oval Chandeliers

• Oval chandeliers are ideal for a long dining room table or over a bar. These oval antique reproduction chandeliers bring a rich tradition of style elements drawn from history.

Antique Style & Traditional Ceiling Fans

• These ceiling fans coordinate with a traditional or historic interior.

Antique Reproduction Brackets

• Drawn from historic sources, these wall brackets work with a variety of formal or traditional interiors. Look for iron, gold or silver finish in patinaed metal or painted finish.

The quotes in this article came from this book. It is part of a series of books. It is not at all a text book. Just lots of great photos and a little information. Buy it new or buy it used for as little as 39 cents plus shipping.

Architecture and Design Library: French Country
by Barbara Buchholz (Author), Lisa Skolnik (Author)