When it comes to the arena of style, including interior design, the French seem to have a true aesthetic sense. It always looks so effortless. It’s not precise nor is it formal. Nothing really matches, but everything works perfectly together.

When my clients approach me wanting their interiors to have that ‘French Provencal Style’, it’s not easy to provide them with specific guidelines. This style really comes from the heart, the culture, the history and a very personal interpretation of these elements combined  often – maybe surprisingly – with crisp modern style.

To help you understand French Provencal Style, we’ve attempted to show you the essence of what makes these interiors work so well. Photos are from French Style at Home by Sébastien Siraudeau. Check out our own French Provencal Style collection.

Eclectic Flea Market Chic

It’s time to hit the flea markets! Shop for items that look rustic, but not completely worn out. Keep an eye out for French jars and pottery, wrought iron objects and mix-match hand painted ceramic ware. Try raiding your family heirloom closet too – almost all Provencal style houses contain artifacts from the family’s own history.

Notice how historical and vintage items are mixed together. It looks very complex but not cluttered. When mixing antiques, look for an element that ties them together. Do they have the same or complementary lines? What about shapes and colors? Notice that the green marble tabletop and the pink ottoman don’t traditionally match, but are still very harmonious.

Balance masculine elements (old leather bench, wood table, dark tiles) with very feminine elements (pink and green Rococo style chairs, chandlier-candelabra). Nothing is ‘posed’; even the flowers look freshly cut from the garden. Makes you think twice about using those fake flowers doesn’t it?

In the Bedroom

Do we really need the ‘bed set’ where your sheets, pillow cases and covers all match? In this photo, look at the mixture of colors and textures of the bed sheet, pillows and the heirloom quilt. Just thrown together but perfectly complementary.

For your own home, try basic white sheets and pillowcases, then look for a special quilt cover or an unmatched duvet cover (often on great sale). Your mom may even have an heirloom cover hidden somewhere! Under this one of a kind cover, try a sheet in a complementary color and fold it over on top. Just get everything separately and have fun with your colors!

Muted sea-foam green paint reads “country,” but is very chic in interiors. Painting the walls up to the crown molding and the ceiling in white gives the room height.

Not sure about Sea Foam Green for your urban escape? Try a sun-drenched or muted color. Your choice of color depends on the light the room receives. I’ve observed that the French prefer to select one color, then use different shades of the same color in the same room.

Table Settings

Let’s break another myth:  you don’t need to match your table setting.

Something should still tie the elements together – in this case, all the pieces are all hand painted ceramics, with silver accents. I love this setting because each piece is there for a function, not purely as decoration. I’m a huge fan of mixed-matched tableware. Emerald Fish is a great   source for casual Provencal style dishes to buy in pieces.

Tables and Chairs

Find antique pieces that are refined, not shabby. This table ties in with a 1950’s Danish chair to create a mood of tranquility. They work well together because they are similar in proportion; the lines complement each other and the wood color works so well together.

If you live in the Bay Area, you can go antique shopping with friends in Healdsburg (lots of shops) or at the Alameda Antique Faire. You need cash, patience and a good eye. Focus on finding rustic, historical pieces that look elegant and charming. Good luck!