Residing high above the bustling cityscape of Strasbourg lies Emilie's captivating family dwelling upon the rooftops.
Photography for this article is courtesy of @lunettesetsalopettes.
In the picturesque landscapes of France and the South of France, as well as the Swedish coast, one can find homes that effortlessly blend vintage aesthetics with modern refinement. These homes draw inspiration from their surroundings, evoking an air of old-world charm, elegance, and natural materials.
French Countryside and South of France Vintage-Inspired Homes
The French Provincial style is commonly seen in homes nestled in the French countryside and the South of France. These homes boast romantic silhouettes, natural materials like wood and stone, and muted, earthy colour palettes inspired by aged plaster walls and faded fabrics. The style strikes a perfect balance between refinement and rustic comfort, often incorporating soft beiges, dusty blues, sage greens, antique golds, and blush pinks. Interiors blend vintage antiques such as curvaceous carved wood furnishings or gilded mirrors with fresh, modern pieces to avoid feeling like a museum, creating a look known as Chateaucore—a romantic interpretation of French countryside living [3][4].
Authentic examples of chateaus and country houses can be found in regions like Limousin, Haute-Vienne, and Midi-Pyrénées. These houses retain historical character through features like luxury kitchens, large land plots, and classic stone façades. They often come with traditional French elements such as French doors, shutters, and balconies reminiscent of those along the Riviera or Paris [2][1].
Characteristic architectural touches that evoke vintage French homes include French doors opening onto Juliet balconies or garden terraces, often framed by rustic shutters in soft colours such as Banksia yellow or white. These details create an indoor-outdoor flow and bathe interiors in natural light, reinforcing a serene, elegant atmosphere typical of both countryside cottages and Riviera houses [1].
French Riviera Vintage-inspired Homes
Villas and chateaus along the French Riviera combine Mediterranean influences with vintage French design, featuring natural stone walls, wrought-iron balconies, and terracotta roof tiles. Interiors often emphasize light-filled spaces with French doors, breezy linen curtains, and a mix of rustic and luxurious finishes, creating relaxed yet sophisticated homes inspired by the region's charm [1].
Swedish Homes in the South of France
While specific examples of Swedish homes in the South of France are not readily available, Swedish design typically emphasizes clean lines, simplicity, light colours, and functionality. A Swedish-inspired home in the South of France might blend this minimalistic Scandinavian aesthetic with French vintage touches—such as natural textures, soft muted palettes, and timber elements—to create an airy, relaxed living space that harmonizes with the local climate and traditional architecture. This fusion would maintain the elegance and warmth of French country style while incorporating the light, crisp aesthetics of Swedish interiors.
A Charming Home in the South of France
In the heart of the South of France lies a home owned by a Swedish photographer and a French milliner. The home exudes charm, blending Swedish minimalism with French vintage elements to create a unique, eclectic space. The interior is characterized by a charming ambiance, with lovely black floors that contrast beautifully with the soft, muted colours found throughout the home [5].
Emilie's Home in the French Countryside
Emilie's home, a relaxed, vintage-style family home located in the French countryside, features black floors and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Unlike the homes in the French Riviera, this home is not bathed in the Mediterranean sun, instead offering a more rustic, countryside charm [6].
In conclusion, vintage-inspired homes in these regions focus heavily on blending traditional, rustic elements with refined details, natural light, and muted, romantic colours, with French doors and antique-modern furniture mixes as signature features. Swedish influences, if present, likely temper the look with Scandinavian simplicity and brightness.
The French Provincial style, permeating homes in the French countryside and South of France, seamlessly unites the elegance of vintage aesthetics with the modern comfort of contemporary refinement [3]. In a Swedish-inspired home in the South of France, the light, minimalistic Scandinavian aesthetic might meld with French vintage touches to create an airy environment that bridges the gap between Swedish serenity and French-country charm [5].
