8 Budget-friendly Ways to add Farmhouse French to Your House

What is Farmhouse French?  That's what I call my style; throw in something chippy, rusty, casual, and French, and voila, you've got Farmhouse French.  I know a lot of people who want the look, but don't know where to start.  And most are on a budget and can't redo their entire house.  So how do you add the look without breaking the bank? 

French chair from auction, $40

The good news is that it's easy to add some small touches here and there that really make a difference. I remember when I first began adding these accents to my home. I just had a very few things here and there, but they somehow took center stage. I was so surprised to hear friend describe my style as French, when I only had a few pieces of French furniture.  

So what I found out is that if you have a few well-placed  accent pieces, that is what guests will notice, rather than the so-so leather sofa in my study.  I used to think that French meant lots of Fleur de Lis, or roosters, but there's much more to it than that.  I think I would describe a Farmhouse French style as one that incorporates lots of natural elements and textures, with a little rust and chippy paint thrown in, curvy furniture, with some elegant items like silver and crystals.  Yes, I think I just described the house on Green Acres, and had never thought of it before, but perhaps Lisa Douglas was the original Shabby chic lady, don't tell Rachel Ashwell.  

I'm no Lisa Douglas, but here are my 8 Tips for adding Farmhouse French to your home.

1. Add rustic elements like wood bowls or trays or totes.

Silver from eBay and thrift store

Tote box was a gift, thanks Peggy!

2. Buy some items with French graphics or make your own.

French tote boxes, set for $32 Antique Farmhouse

 

Burlap memo board from Decor Steals $9.75!

3. Add some silver.  

Silver trophies from auction $30 something each, greenhouse $20 World Market, French drying rack Decor Steals

Silver tray and pitcher from thrift store 

4. Add textured fabric to the room, like burlap, linen, grain sacks, or drop cloth fabric.   

Linen slipcovers, I made them, fabric from Interior Fabrics

Linen slipcvoers, I made them, fabric from NY Fashion Center Fabrics

5. Add ironstone to the room

Ironstone from The Farmhouse Porch

Ironstone soup tureen, inherited

6. Add baskets, especially vintage big ones.

Extra large basket $100 Hobby Lobby

Large vintage basket about $75 at auction

7. Find something with peeling/chippy paint to the room. I"m not sure it even matters what it is.

Very large antique gesso and wood framed mirror, $50 Craigslist

French enamelware pitcher  about $50 eBay

8. Add French furniture, one piece per room adds an amazing amount of Frenchiness.  Yes most French pieces are more expensive than non-French furniture, but if you can find something at an auction, estate sale, consignment store, thrift store, or yard sale, you can usually find it for a reasonable price.  For example, I found the table ($25) and the chair ($40) below at auction.  French furniture for less than $100 what's not to love!!  I adore going to the auction, but I know some people have auction-phobia.  If you have a fear of auctions, check out my post on how to attend an auction like a pro.  

French chair $40 from the auction

Large basket $50 Hobby Lobby

I'll be sharing my top 15 French bargains that you can buy on the internet in an upcoming post.  All of the items will be less than $500, and 7 of them are less than $100. 

How do you add Farmhouse French to your house?

Here's a list of the parties that I visit on a regular basis.  I might have shared this link at any number of these.