French Provincial Style

The French Provincial Style, also called French Provençal Style or French Country Style, is a popular room decoration style that originated in the more rural regions and towns of Provincial FranceIn France, the term "Provincial France" refers to every French region except Île-de-France or Paris. This is because Île-de-France has always been the richest French region, compared to the rest. Nowadays the term "Provincial France" is almost obsolete and is only used in very specific contexts. Similiarly, most people nowadays use the terms "Metropolitan France" or "L'Hexagone" to refer to mainland France, excluding its overseas territories, which are less wealthy. during the 17th and 18th centuries. It mixes traditional elements of the French regions with inspiration and motifs from Île-de-France (or the Parisian Region). Due to the economical and cultural situation of the time, this style balances luxurious characteristics with rural simplistic styles. This style uses rustic characteristics to create a warm, simple and natural style and reflect the more culturally relaxed lifestyle of Provincial France. The term "Provincial" is derivated from the region of Provence (Latin translation: "province"), located in southeastern France, where the style originated.
==History==
===Background===
The French Provincial style originated during the 1600s in Provence, and later spreaded to other lesser developed regions of France at the time, such as Brittany, Normandy and Burgundy. This style was created for wealthy families from those regions, which despite their wealth or social class, still couldn't afford designs associated with the royalty of Paris, such as Rococo or Baroque. So basically, the rural regions of France had a more modest way of life, with people living closer to nature and agriculture, so this distinct aesthetic originated in the countryside, contrary to the richer regions such as Île-de-France. However, this aesthetic quickly skyrocketed in popularity due to its welcoming rustic vibes and timeless style.
===In the United States===
This room decoration style became popular in the USA after World War I, since French Provincial-style homes became a popular choice again and underwent a revival during the 1920s and the 1960s. This style was picked by American soldiers who returned from Europe and took inspiration from the soft and elegant styles of the French countryside.
==Decoration & Visuals==
Some elements commonly used in French Provincial decoration include:
*Rustic elements
*Cultural elements originating from the historically rural regions of France
**Provence, Occitania, Brittany, Normandy, Burgundy, etc.
*Elements inspired by the Parisian high class the the French royalty
*Floral patterns
*Toile patterns
*Ornate details and carved motifs
**Mythological creatures and garland
*Natural materials, fabrics and colours
**Colours: beige, white, cream, gold, bronze, earthy brown, soft green, soft blue
**Materials: wood, stone, clay
**Fabrics: Linen, cotton
*Plants, herbs, dried flowers, lavenders and flowers in general
*Arendahl mirrors
*Simple, yet elegant ornaments and decorations
*Chairs and tables with Cabriole legs
*Gold accents
*Wrought Iron
*Armoires (Medieval French wardrobes)
*Exposed Beams
*Antique Furniture
==Media==
Some media that have used or referenced the French Provincial Style include:
===TV Shows===
*Fixer Upper (2013-Present)
*Outlander (2014)
===Movies===
*The Beauty and the Beast (1991)
===Videogames===
*Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)
*The Sims 4 (2014)
*Assassin's Creed Unity (2014)
==Gallery==
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==References==
Category:French
Category:1600s
Category:Design Aesthetics
Category:Architecture
Category:Simplistic
Category:Wealthy
Category:Fields and forests
Category:Location-based
Category:Locations
Category:Mutes
Category:Beige
Category:White
Category:Brown
Category:Gold
Category:Grey
Category:Cream
Category:Occitan
Category:Breton
Category:European
Category:Romance
Category:Tradition