| French country bathrooms are about beauty, light, | | | | so that they can be pulled aside to reveal the light |
| and most importantly, relaxation. The atmosphere in | | | | streaming through the windows. Shower curtains are |
| a French country home, and by extension, in the | | | | always made of cloth material, though a waterproof |
| French country bath, is not dominated by practical | | | | liner may be used if completely hidden from view. |
| concerns. While many of today's bathrooms feature | | | | Accents can be used throughout the bath to round |
| wall to wall tile, with shiny chrome fixtures and a | | | | out the look. Glass apothecary jars filled with bath |
| antiseptic appearance, the style of French traditions | | | | salts or oils, dried or fresh vases of lavender, |
| includes more natural surfaces such as those seen | | | | wrought iron accents, and vintage towel racks can all |
| throughout the rest of the home. | | | | be used to create a bathroom that evokes comfort |
| Floor coverings are one of the first considerations in | | | | and can become a place of escape after a long day. |
| the bath. These may be wood, or natural stone, | | | | Mirrors have a two fold advantage: first, the mirror |
| travertine, or terra-cotta tile. One must take into | | | | itself, usually framed with painted or distressed wood |
| consideration that if a surface is likely to become | | | | is itself a traditional French country accent; second, |
| weathered in a bath or kitchen area, it is not | | | | mirrors are very useful in creating the illusion of more |
| considered a disadvantage in this decorating genre. | | | | space, more light, and reflecting the beauty of the |
| Certainly, care should be taken to avoid water | | | | room you have created. |
| damage to the structure of your home, and safety | | | | Lighting is another important consideration. Chandeliers |
| should be a concern as well, but when things become | | | | or candelabras dressed with crystals or simple bronze |
| worn or faded, they add to, not detract from, their | | | | or iron wall sconces can be used. The most important |
| usefulness in French country decor. | | | | thing is to avoid the use of florescent light or bright |
| Just as important is color. The dominant color in | | | | and harsh electric bulbs. All man-made light sources |
| French Country baths is white or some variation or | | | | should be filtered with shades or frosted glass to |
| shade of white. Soft fabrics, especially muslin and | | | | preserve the integrity of the natural light. Candles |
| linens, are favored for their simple appeal. Colors are | | | | always have a place in French Country, perhaps |
| normally kept in the pastel range, allowing natural light | | | | nowhere more than in the bath, where it adds to the |
| to filter through the room easily. Some dark woods | | | | visual and sensual aspects of the room. |
| are occasionally used as accents or baseboards, or | | | | Today more than ever, a beautiful bath is needed for |
| wood may be painted with a whitewash or milk paint | | | | a retreat from the everyday stresses of life and |
| effect. | | | | work. Having a well-appointed and well thought-out |
| Window treatments are usually kept to a minimum, | | | | bathroom design is a sure way to create such a |
| since natural light is so highly sought after in the bath. | | | | retreat. Keeping in mind the key elements of color, |
| Sheer panels may be used, or, if curtains are | | | | natural materials, and light will ensure that you have a |
| employed, they always include tiebacks or wall hooks | | | | place to relax and enjoy for many years to come. |