Happy Spring! Well…kind of. This Winter has been a rough one for many people in the Northeast and here in Ohio we have had a lot more snow, ice and cold weather than normal…not as bad as some, but still a hard winter. I can’t help but to LOVE some of the beautiful French Country decor with all the flowers, greenery, and the thought of a golden sunset over a countryside…Ahhh…

Last week I had the pleasure of delving into the French Country vs. Tuscan style of decor for my client. I think it is a bit confusing for the average person. The 2 styles have originated geographically side by side. One in French and the other in Northern Italy. They are neighbors.

There are several items that distinguish “real” French Country style. One is the use of lots and lots of different fabrics. In one room you can have between 7 and 11 different fabrics. One of those will have to be a “toile” and most of the time the colors are reds, greens and yellows. Another is to make sure your walls are either white, or very light cream paint. Floors are mostly wood floors with area rugs. Accessories are everywhere! Plants, baskets, picture frames, clay pots, 2 table cloths, pillows, pillows and pillows, and if you really want to scream French Country you Have to have a Rooster in the room too.

So, what exactly is Tuscan??? Tuscan style is basically the same color scheme but just more rustic in nature. Tuscan walls can be bold colors, “Venetian Plaster” finishes…(remember, we are in Italian style now) Weathered Iron furnishings and accessories. Lots of Golds throughout. Grapes, Wine racks, wine bottles, old buckets…For those of you who have never been to Tuscany they have rows and rows and rows of vineyards, and last but not least…Sunflowers!

As you can see there are a lot of similarities but some distinct differences also. I absolutely LOVE both of these styles. As an Interior Designer, they are the most complicated styles to design with because there are so many layers and details involved. It is very challenging and very rewarding as well.