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French country decorating is casual and comfy, and the rural French family room is intended for relaxation, family gatherings and long conversations near the fireplace. But you don't need to move to Provence to feel the French countryside. You may restructure it by using French country in your family room, and have a gathering place that feels comfortable, warm and inviting.

French country decorating is rustic, yet with an understated style. Color schemes tend to compliment and evoke the gardens and countryside, and space is used carefully to keep things homely, but uncluttered. There is no one right way to make use of French country decor, but here are a few tips to get you on track.

Furniture
Furniture in the French country family room appeals individuals to nestle in and get comfortable. Normally, there will be one large piece, like a gently worn armoire, complimented by smaller items like a table and ladderback chair, storage trunk, or bookcases. Seating is informal, with antique upholstered chairs often mixed with a comfy, more contemporary sofa.

You could re-establish this look by choosing a large, soft sofa in a warm color. You may cover an existing sofa with a plain slipcover, and drape quilts or throws overtop. Fill the sofa with comfortable throw pillows which have French country decor motifs, like bumblebees or toile. Polished, stained or whitewashed wooden frame chairs, with complimentary fabrics, put in additional seating. Add a rustic, low coffee table or an ottoman, and a slightly aged cabinet, armoire or buffet.

Floors
Wall to wall carpeting is usually not observed in French country decorating. Floors are usually wood, stone or natural tile. A combination of old, new, patterned and plain rugs add warmth to the floors and facilitate to define the space. If you do want a big rug or carpet, select one made from natural material such as sisal or coir.

Accessories
Wrought iron chandeliers and lamps add rustic light. Old fashioned items, such as old trunks, may be used as decorative items or as side tables. A large, ornate mirror, hung opposite the window, will reflect the outdoor light into the room and generate a sense of space. Traditional garden tools, multicolored earthenware pottery, candles, wooden roosters, sunflowers and books fill the shelves and add interest. French country decor evokes the things you would observe while strolling through Provence, so think natural materials and outdoor designs.

Most of all, French country decorating is rustic, warm and homely, with relaxation and family comfort in mind. An assorted combination of old and new, attractive and simple, neutral and bright tones and natural textures all combine to create a family room that looks casually graceful and is the perfect backdrop to both curl up and read a book, and entertain family and friends. Relax with it!