It shouldn’t be a surprise that the French country design comes from the actual French countryside. Specifically, though, it comes from Provence. These country homes had a relaxed approach to decorating. They'd combine ornate traditional elements with more subdued and distressed decor pieces.
You’ll see touches of classic elegance typically seen in Paris and the castle region, just less abundantly. Paneling, molding, and gilding are all present in a more humble way. Everything has a lived-in feel that results in the welcoming of worn areas and imperfections.