Not only is the selection vast and the prices reasonable, but lately, Hobby Lobby has started to stray from the ever-so-popular-but-losing-steam-farmhouse-style and has ventured into designs that look like they could be sold at Anthropologie and Arhaus. Shopping here can give you the same look as higher-end stores all the while saving you hundreds- if not thousands!

However, though the selection is great, it doesn’t mean everything you may potentially select is great. The right decor pieces from Hobby Lobby can make your home look cozy, full of character, and even a little high-end.

The wrong pieces could potentially make your home look like a carbon copy of everyone else. (Remember when that metal star was everywhere?)

To add character and style to your home, these are the things to get from Hobby Lobby and also what to avoid!

*Keep in mind that this is all just my personal opinion and the best type of home decor is the decor that you love, regardless of what anyone says or thinks.

1. What to Avoid: Obviously Distressed Picture Frames (Or Anything Else)

One of the best ways to add character to your home is with vintage and antique pieces. There’s nothing quite like a distressed piece to make your home feel cozy and collected.

However, you want pieces that look like they tell a story- or ideally, actually do! (Well, not literally, but you know what I mean.)

When a decor item looks perfectly distressed (like this picture frame example), it takes away the authenticity and it’s these items that look like reproductions of what’s meant to be a type of vintage piece.

What to Get Instead: Wood Picture Frames

Wood has the same effect of a home exuding warmth without risking the cheesiness of an obviously distressed piece. (Though distressing isn’t bad, it should just look organic.)

Places like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Crate & Barrel fetch a pretty price for their wood frames, but you don’t have to spend the high price tag at Hobby Lobby. Picture frames can be used as a stand-alone decor piece or incorporated into a gallery wall.

Regardless of your home style, wood frames can add to the character of your home, whether you lean towards a farmhouse, traditional, bohemian, or even eclectic look.

2. What to Avoid: (Some) Word Art

I know a lot of people that have word art in their homes and they make it work for their overall aesthetic, but generally, 1-2 phrase word art with simple sayings like “together” “live simply” or “kitchen” can come across as cheesy, commercialized, and reproduced.

If you love the idea of word art, try to find something that is more meaningful and personalized to you. No, this doesn’t mean you have to have your last name plastered all over your house! Maybe it’s wall art featuring different typography of your favorite city or a greeting in another language.

Related: What is French Country Style? | The Difference Between French Country, English Cottage, & Farmhouse Style

What to Get Instead: Oil (Inspired) Paintings

Vintage landscapes and oil paintings are having their moment, thanks to designers like Studio McGee using them all over their projects and even in unexpected places, like the kitchen.

These natural paintings of fruit, nature, and sometimes even people tend to be pricey. But if you’re okay with the inspired version, you can easily find some beautiful budget-friendly options at Hobby Lobby. Place in any room that you want to add some character. Yes, even the kitchen or bathroom!

Whereas word wall art can look too trendy, paintings have been dated back as far as 42,000 years ago-when nomadic people drew in caves with charcoal. You can be sure that paintings that look natural will instantly add character to your home and never go out of style. And hey, if it’s good enough for the cave dwellers then it’s good enough for us!

3. What to Avoid: Overdone and Colorful Flower Arrangements

What do you do if you don’t have a green thumb? Easy, you fake it. And that means strategically opting for faux flowers and greenery. When going faux, the more realistic the flower or plant the better.

“Funeral home” arrangements or too bold flowers can look cheesy and well, fake.

What to Get Instead: Dried Florals, Greenery, Natural-Looking Flowers

If you have a hard time keeping things alive, go with dried florals. They’re already dead…ish!

But the main reason to choose dried florals and natural-looking greenery is that they can complement your space and add an organic and natural feel, instead of taking all the attention (in a bad way).

Natural looking flowers and plants add life, warmth, and style to a variety of home styles, whether you’re going for Scandi or Parisian.

4. What to Avoid: Word Graphic Throw Pillows

Just like word signs, word graphic pillows have the potential to make your home look a little generic. Of course, be proud of whatever you have if you love it!

However, designers these days are using throw pillows in a variety of sizes, colors, and even prints (not words) for a look that is collected, homey, and stylish.

What to Get Instead: Natural, Neutral, and Classic Throw Pillows

Though throw pillows are worth it for the comfort and the way they can complete a space and tie it all together, they are notoriously expensive. Thankfully, you can get some budget-friendly options at Hobby Lobby.

Instead of going for the common word pillows, look at their other options, such as farmhouse-inspired grain sack, European style ticking, or traditional sage green stripes that can fit a variety of styles.

From checks to even velvet, pretty much all of their other pillows will be great options! For a look that oozes character, mix and match the prints for a look that is uniquely you.

Tip: Consider getting down feather inserts and buying covers separately if you’re someone that likes to switch up your home decor quite often!

Related: Parisian Living Room Decor That Will Elevate Your Space

5. What to Avoid: Farmhouse Furniture

Now take this suggestion with a grain of salt (especially if you love farmhouse style), but Hobby Lobby takes farmhouse style a little too literally at times. Furniture that hits all the farmhouse notes (barn door, distressed, “X” paneling) is a little too exact.

For farmhouse style, you are better off having some of the characteristics and embodying the essence of this design choice instead of having it all in one piece.

What to Get Instead: Cane Furniture

Caning on furniture is really in right now, but it never really left. These organic materials never do! Not to mention cane weaving is an ancient craft.

Cane furniture style is very natural and simple. Though perhaps frequently seen more in beachy and boho spaces, this type of furniture can be the backdrop for different decor styles while also adding some interest and texture to your space.

6. What to Avoid: Letter Decor

Though there’s nothing offensive about a letter of the alphabet (or any of these points by the way), the purpose of this post is to help you add character and style to your home, and filling up wall space with the alphabet can look a little generic.

What to Get Instead: Mirrors

#Lifehack-Get your mirrors at Hobby Lobby. With styles reminiscent of Anthropologie and Arhaus (and with price tags that aren’t), you’ll save hundreds of dollars.

And sure, though a mirror is “generic”, the style it will add to your home isn’t.

7. What to Avoid: Knick Knacks

Unless it’s a very meaningful memento, knick knacks and tchotchkes just take up meaningful space. The word tchotchke itself is partly defined as “miscellanous”.

Unless you have a strong attachment (I’d never say throw out something deeply personal), there are better things you can have that add style to your home!

What to Get Instead: Vases, Lanterns, Mini Lamps, Brass Candlesticks, Wicker Baskets, Knobs

Looking for small to medium items that can add style and character to your home? You have so many options!

Vases, especially in a neutral hue like amber or wood, are a practical decor piece. Not only can they look good by themselves on a shelf, but you can house your fresh flowers in them for the week too. Or better yet, your dried florals!

Borrow from European style and find a way to incorporate a lantern into your home. The end result is unique and collected.

Brass candlesticks and wicker baskets all add layer and interest to your home as well.

Have a basic furniture item? Jazz it up by switching out the hardware. There are so many fun options that can elevate it!

Not everyone has a high-end budget when decorating their home, but guess what? You don’t need one! After all, what adds the most character and style to a home?

It’s a collected look, which, taken literally, are pieces you collect over time that have meaning to you. From yard sales to vacations to Hobby Lobby and even supposedly high-end places like Rejuvenation (though my opinions on them are a whole other story), you can create the look you love on a budget you love.

For more tips on decorating your home on a budget, check out How I Gave My Bed a European High-End Look on a Budget!

The post What to Get From Hobby Lobby That Can Add Character and Style to Your Home (and What To Avoid) appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

Before we get into the brooch outfits, it’s important to do a quick overview of the type of best brooches to use.

I was lucky enough to find my vintage Chanel brooch used at an agreeable price (birthday present to myself), but it certainly does not have to be designer to be chic.

The best type of brooches to use would be ones that look a little bit more current. Perhaps they are subtle or maybe even sparkly, but they aren’t cheesy. Below are the styles I personally would avoid. But I’d say wear whatever makes you happy!

Proceed With Caution:

• Cameo Brooch- Some would argue that it’s timeless, but this style has a tendency to lean more towards old-fashioned. Though there are updated versions of this style that can look chic.
• Animals- Though I think bees and beetle brooches are cool, other animals and insects like a hummingbird, owl, or butterfly can tend to be a little bit cheesy.
• Anything Gaudy/Overdone- Anything too literal (wearing a snowflake brooch in winter) or over the top (a rainbow sequined daisy) can lean towards old-fashioned and miss the chic element.

Chic Designer Brooches

Chic Brooches Under $25

1. On a Coat Lapel

If in the fall and winter you find your cold-weather outfits missing that certain something, consider adding a sparkly brooch to your coat lapel.

It’s a subtle way of completing your outfit and since coats with a lapel/collar are generally classier, well, a brooch was just made for coat styles like these!

purse (similar) | coat | jeans | heels (similar)

2. On a Beret

This easy-to-copy outfit consisting of a striped sweater, black pants, ballet flats, beret, and brooch, is the perfect way to add a bit of French flair to your outfit.

Coco Chanel was frequently photographed wearing a brooch on her beret so copying this style tip is perfect for those that love the chic inspiration of iconic Chanel.

sweater (similar) | pants | flats

3. With Leather Shorts

No one will confuse you with looking outdated while wearing a pair of leather shorts! Mixing classy with trendy is a great way to add a current look to these otherwise timeless accessories.

A black and white color combination certainly doesn’t hurt to add that chic element to your outfit as well.

cardigan | shorts (similar)

4. Pinned to a Silk Scarf On Your Bag

For a unique way to wear your brooch, why not style your accessory with an accessory (or two)?

Pinning your brooch to an effortlessly tied silk scarf on your purse is a subtle way to showcase your new favorite accessory.

scarf | pants

5. On a Cardigan

Cardigans are a wardrobe staple, ensuring a spot in almost every woman’s wardrobe. And since this staple item gets worn a lot, it’s easy to think of it as boring.

Banish any doubt of a cardigan being a boring wardrobe piece by adding a brooch to it! There’s nothing quite like a sparkly accessory to make this versatile piece feel new again.

leather pants

6. Pinned to Your Shirt Collar

A brooch pinned to the opening of your shirt collar has the same effect as a necklace while being a touch more unique.

7. Holding Your Scarf Together

Silk scarf, linen scarf, cotton scarf- oh my! Because of the vast scarf styles and ways they can be tied, there is no limit to how you can style this look.

A brooch pinned to a scarf is a stylish way to wear both of these classic pieces.

loafers | pants | scarf

Additional ideas include pinning it to a denim jacket or a graphic tee. Mixing styles (casual and classic) is a great way to update your look and this timeless piece.

With these brooch outfit ideas, now you can style this accessory in new ways- no more just pinning it to your shirt and leaving it at that!

To become a style expert on elevating your outfit with accessories, it can be helpful to learn the basics first. Keep reading for How to Accessorize and Complete Your Outfit (for Beginners)!

The post 7 Chic Ways to Wear a Brooch (That Aren’t Old-Fashioned) appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

France has long been considered one of the world’s fashion capitals, due to the country’s persistent influence on the fashion industry since the 17^th century. As a result, many French fashion brands and styles have become the standard for those who take looking good seriously. Of course, France is also known for coining the colloquialism “faux pas,” to discourage certain missteps one might take with one’s outfits. As we move into a new chapter of fashion history with the new year, the fashion standards (even in France) have begun shifting. Fortunately, some do’s and don’t’s of fashion remain static despite the progress we have made. So, if you want your 2024 fashion to be on point, read on to see how French women handle their fashion statements.

French Wardrobe Philosophy

First, French women know that looking fashionable isn’t always about following the latest trends. They don’t obsess over short-lived styles for too long, and instead, they stick to tried-and-true classics while picking only from a few trends to try out and add to their wardrobe.

Tailored blazers, good-fitting jeans, ballet flats, and cashmere sweaters are styles French women will not abandon for fleeting trends.

Even though Paris is the epicenter of the best designer fashion houses, French women are not obsessive about wearing flashy designer clothes like their American counterparts. Most French women are not fans of adding excessive extras to their looks.

And when it comes to styling tricks? They do not overcomplicate it! Whether a simple tousle or a tucking in of the shirt, the French girl follows a quality-over-quantity approach to putting together a look and doesn’t try too hard.

Related: 12 Ways To Nail a Classic French Style Clothing Look

As the legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” This philosophy of simple yet chic is one that most French women apply to every look.

All these French-style philosophies make us so obsessed with the French style and why many women want to nail this effortless French girl style. Still look great while keeping it simple? Sign me up!

Mastering the French girl style comes with trial and error. But the quickest way a beginner can learn is to know what French women don’t wear. By being aware of this, you will avoid wasting your money and time on clothes and styles that a Parisian chic girl would never* wear.

*Speaking in general terms here- every woman is different!

Things French Women Don’t Wear

1. Tons of logos

One quick scroll through Instagram or a fast flip through a fashion magazine, and you have most likely seen a lot of “it girls” donning head-to-toe logo monogram outfits.

This “logomania” craze does not seem to slow down anytime soon as designers keep splashing their signature monograms on coats, bags, heels, and more.

French women, on the other hand, avoid this logomania trend. They are incredibly subtle about their looks. However, that’s not to say that you will never see a French woman wearing anything with a designer logo.

What they wear instead:

Instead, they tastefully wear a few designer logos. A YSL, Christian Dior, or Chanel bag or belt is used to accessorize their classic outfit, but they will not add so many logos that can make their outfit look flashy.

We can all agree that this silent luxury is way more elegant than the “Hey, look at how expensive my outfit is!” styling.

2. Fake designer pieces

French women don’t attempt to wear fake designer pieces to look stylish. The French philosophy is that having nothing is better than a fake one!

The pressure of owning something designer sure doesn’t help with the surge in the “rich woman” aesthetic on Instagram, showing your followers you have a luxury fashion lifestyle, whether you do or not.

French women, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. Former French model Ine de La Fressange told the Guardian in an interview, “You should dress to feel good, not to show off.”

It can take a lifetime to learn that.

What they wear instead:

French women do not feel pressured to wear fake designer pieces because they are too focused on spending their money on classic wardrobe staples! They favor timeless clothes that do not shout for attention and instead complement their overall appearance, instead of being drowned in it.

3. Cheap fabrics

One of the things French women don’t wear is cheap fabrics. They obsess over the quality of clothing rather than the logos or names on bags, dresses, and footwear.

What they wear instead:

Natural fabrics are the name of the game for French women. The clothes in their wardrobe are made from organic cotton, cashmere, linen, and leather, to name a few. They try to avoid cheap fabrics like polyester and acrylic.

4. Sweatpants and Leggings

These cozy clothes are fine to wear to the gym, conference calls, and on lazy weekends, but usually not outside of the house to look chic.

Sweatpants and leggings, though popular with the athleisure trend, are generally not thought of as sophisticated and chic, and this is why they are just some of the things French women don’t wear.

What they wear instead:

When it comes down to it, French style is all about looking polished. Even when they are wearing casual outfits, French women will put an effort into how they look. This includes wearing fitted jeans, white sneakers, and a simple yet elegant top.

5. Ugg boots

Ugg boots may be cozy, but they can be more difficult to dress up. Though this style of shoe looks comfortable, they don’t exactly look chic!

Related: 7 Ways to Elevate Your Style (And What You May Be Doing Wrong)

What they wear instead:

Instead of reaching for ugg boots when heading outside, French women wear ballet flats, ankle boots, sneakers, or loafers. These options are chicer and can still be comfortable. These types of elegant footwear make an outfit look put together immediately!

6. Blingy jeans

Y2K fashion has been making waves in the fashion world again. However, as you already know, French women do not make following fashion trends their lifestyle.

French model Julia Roitfeld told Vogue, “Please do not ask me about trends. I am only into buying clothes that make me feel pretty and flatter me. I have never cared about having the latest things.”

What they wear instead:

French women tend to stick to jeans that do not have busy designs, bedazzling, or have lots of rips. They also prefer jeans that have straight-leg silhouettes and a high waist. The most common washes they opt for are neutral or blue. Usually, they never wear bright-colored jeans!

Related: How to Wear Jeans Like a French Girl

7. Rainbow colors

A French girl will usually never be seen wearing Crayola-hued clothing head to toe. They tend to avoid bright colors because they are harder to mix and match and don’t usually come across as classic. However, that’s not to say a French woman never wears color.

What they wear instead:

An outfit color palette that they tend to follow is neutral. Colors such as black, white, beige, grey, and navy are what you will typically find in a French girl’s wardrobe. These colors can be easily mixed and matched with other minimal shades.

When a French woman does wear color, she tends to add a pop of color to her outfit instead of wearing Crayola colors head to toe.

8. Ill-fitting clothes

French women avoid wearing clothes that do not flatter their bodies. This means it is too tight or too big. Though an oversized fit is typically okay, they rarely get dressed up in skin-tight and revealing clothing.

What they wear instead:

French fashion is discreet because they carefully consider how their outfits fit. For instance, if they wear a dress to a special event, it will usually not have a bodycon fit and, instead, be tastefully elegant.

Mastering the French woman’s style is not something you can learn overnight. It takes practice, and most importantly, you must be aware of things French women don’t wear to achieve their effortless looks.

Besides knowing what French women don’t wear, it is also important to have the right classic pieces in your capsule wardrobe. Keep reading to find out what they are!

Up next: 17 Items You Need for Your Classic French Capsule Wardrobe

The post 8 Things French Women Don’t Wear (And What They Wear Instead) appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

Ways to Elevate Your Style

It is not my intention to offend anyone with this list. These are my personal opinions and it doesn’t mean everyone has to agree. Fashion “rules” are changing all the time, and at the end of the day, wear what you feel most confident in and what works for you! That’s what truly matters.

1. No exposed bra straps
Personally, I think exposed bra straps look a little tacky. Especially when it looks like you’re trying to “hide” them with nude or clear straps. That does not make it invisible! Furthermore, going for a bright red bra under a racerback tank does not say chic.

There’s no reason to have exposed bra straps when there are a ton of different bra options these days. Strapless, convertible, one shoulder, etc. You name it! These can all work with different outfits to help create an elevated look.

On the flip side, I have seen “pretty” bra straps exposed and I think it works as long as it looks like it was done on purpose.
Instead…bralettes, sheer/lacy bra straps

Related: Upgrade Your Style With These 8 Pieces

2. Consider swapping out your tanktops as layering pieces
I certainly have nothing against tanktops. They definitely have their place as a basic piece in your wardrobe and can look casual-cool when worn by themselves in summer. If you’re looking to elevate an outfit, however, try upgrading your basic tank top that’s used as a layering piece and try a nice lace cami or silk/satin one instead! The luxe material and added lace detail make all the difference.

3. Retire your flip flops
There are so many shoe options out there, especially when you want something comfy and easy to put on. I really don’t think cheap flip flops need to be in your wardrobe unless you’re slipping something on to go take out the trash or you’re taking a shower in a dorm room.
Instead…upgrade your flip flops to a nice leather (or leather looking) slide. Just as easy to put on and one thousand times classier.

4. No socks with sandals
Socks with sandals are something you’d maybe see in high fashion magazines or people that just got done playing sports, but I don’t think it translates well to a chic everyday look. Personally, I think socks with heels look kind of runway chic, but I know many will disagree with me.
Instead...socks with loafers, socks with tennis shoes, and socks with heels (if you feel like taking a risk)

Related: 5 Combos That Will Always Look Like Expensive Outfits

5. No bandage bodycon dresses
Are you auditioning for Jersey Shore? Hitting the clubs? No? Then you really don’t need a bandage bodycon dress in your closet. There are other ways to look chic and elevated while also highlighting your body’s best features.
Instead… A form-fitting dress that picks one body piece to highlight. You don’t want something short, tight, and low all at the same time. Low v neck? Opt for length and/or long sleeves. Mini dress? Look for one with a higher neck and/or sleeves. Super tight? Close to knee length may be best. Generally, darker colors read as chic while brighter colors can come off as more “party girl”.

6. Don’t buy platform heels (or toss them out if you have them)
I love a little bit of height as much as the next girl. Not to mention certain heels can seriously elevate your look. However, platform heels don’t exactly scream chic and elevated. Now not all platform heels are “bad”. These are cute and boho chic. I’m talking more specifically about the ones with extreme thickness and height (pictured below). That being said, there are some better heels options out there that will elevate your look.
Instead…stilettos, pumps, etc. Something streamlined and preferably with a pointy toe.

7. Keep your Uggs as slippers only
I know many people will agree to disagree with me here and that’s okay! That being said, I’ve personally never been able to get behind the Ugg train. Frankly, they’re shapeless and they look like you forgot you were wearing your slippers while you went to the grocery store. They don’t add to your outfit at all and instead, they take away from it. To be fair, Ugg has some boot styles out that I think are pretty cute (like this one and this one). I bet the standard uggs are comfy but there are more elevated ways to have a cute outfit in fall & winter.
Instead…boots that have a heel and/or some sort of shape to it

Next up: How to Always Look Timeless

The post 7 Ways to Elevate Your Style (And What You May Be Doing Wrong) appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

But what category do those pictures fall under? Have I been using these words incorrectly? Do I say French Country and mean cottage? Is farmhouse supposed to be in here somewhere? Or am I just a hot mess and off the map completely??

I’m no interior designer and never have I claimed to be, so it’s very likely that I’m using these style terms incorrectly, but still, I was curious!

I decided that instead of just doubting it all I should educate myself. So to books and the internet I went and this post is what I came up with.

If you’re curious to know if I’ve been using these words wrong, what the differences between these styles are, or curious to know if you’ve been thinking of them wrong, well then, keep reading!

The Difference Between French Country, English Cottage, & Farmhouse Design

When I search French Country exteriors and cottage exteriors, I get very different things.

If you were to google search a French Country home, you’d get this:

That looks a little American to me, but the design inspiration had to come from somewhere I suppose. So is French Country style big and grand? Like this?

No, because that is a chateau! French Country is not the same as these grand, luxurious houses.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what made me an expert all of a sudden, I’m getting these photos in the most authentic places I could think of: french real estate for sale websites. I mean, genius, right?

If we were to search for what’s for sale in the outskirts of Provence right now, we’d find this:

Pretty different than what America would call a French Country home, right? And no, it’s not titled “French Country” of course, as I believe that would be people in China calling their food “Chinese food” when it’s just, you know, food.

But it is a country house in France and well, that’s about as French Country as you can get! That looks a lot closer to what I thought French Country was, not like this huge place that got built in Minnesota:

I think the American version of these French homes is a lot grander and more magnificent than what is actually french country. If anything, American’s version is closer to chateaus, estates, and manors. So when you search “French Country” and see big, grand homes, I believe that’s what’s wrong!

According to this source, French Country style is inspired by the country (not really a lightbulb moment…but kinda!), specifically Provence. French decor can be super elegant and over-the-top, but when you mix it with “country”, it’s a lot more warm, laid-back, and simple. French Country originates from the “rural valleys of southern France” (source), so if you think French Country is grand and ornate, you are probably thinking of Parisian styles, like this.

According to this article, “French Country” is a catch-all term, but it can split into even more specific categories, with French Provincial being the more elegant style and Country french being more rustic.

Here’s a guide I created to what French Country style is in a nutshell, feel free to pin!

So, we’ve got all that figured out. We know what French Country style is!

But now are you (we, me) getting French Country and English Cottage confused?

At first glance, no. Because this is what comes up when you google search an English cottage:

This English cottage seems to have a hobbit/Lord of the Rings feel. Though there definitely are similarities, at first glance, it seems pretty different than French Country.

But can Google be believed? Let’s check out some English real estate sites to see.

So while I see a lot of the same styles between French Country and English cottage, I don’t think they can be used interchangeably. I mean first off, the name + origin, but also, English cottage has more of a Tudor style to it I think.

Cottages originated in England, which is why “English cottage” comes to mind first when you think of cottages.

As far as interiors, cottages usually have a lot more mixed prints, wallpaper, patterned upholstery, animal prints, and general things that would make you think “grandma”. Not hating, I do love this style…

But cottage style is too broad a word to nail down just one style. Overall it’s a home type, not necessarily a design style, and it symbolizes warmth, comfort, and natural materials. But you could have an English cottage style, coastal/beachy, country cottage, etc. Cottage style is the “traditional take on shabby chic” (source), and it’s a big umbrella for many different styles under it. So there isn’t a big chance you were using that term incorrectly because it could mean a lot of different things.

So now how does the farmhouse style fit into all of this?

Well, that one is a little difficult to explain because just like cottages, there are farmhouses all over the world so it could be anything! But most people are thinking “Fixer Upper” farmhouse, so we’ll call that classic/modern farmhouse.

For example, if you were to google search farmhouse style, you’d get this:

That is probably what we’d all expect, right?

But an actual farmhouse for sale in England looks like this:

Pretty different, right?

That example goes to show that when an American says their style is “farmhouse”, they do not quite literally mean “farmhouse”. They mean modern farmhouse, like this:

So of course, with a modern farmhouse style, you’ll see more new and modern things, making it different than the country/cottage look.

The basics of rustic and cozy are still there, but it’s mixed with contemporary pieces and sleek lines.

French Country style is softer while farmhouse style is cleaner and more casual. There are lots of curved lines in French Country style, while farmhouse style may have more defined lines.

I read that somewhere, but I can’t remember where to cite it. No, I’m not that intune to lines when it comes to decorating haha.

Do you feel like you get the differences now?

After browsing what authentic homes in the French countryside were like, I felt relieved that I was after the same style that I thought I was. I’ll stick with saying my style is French Country inspired with cottage elements (just not English cottage) or I’ll say French Country Cottage. Though I haven’t seen that term used all that much, there is this whole blog based off of French Country Cottage style, so it must be a thing!

I think there are a lot of similarities between all of these styles. I think cottage can mean so much and you can use them interchangeably, but I can’t say the same for American (modern) farmhouse. French Country and English Country can also not be used interchangeably. This article describes those two well.

Whewww did I lose you?

I’ll admit, this post was more for myself than anyone. I know I needed to figure it out in my head, but I hope it did help someone else. With that being said, feel free to disagree with me or add some info that I don’t know. I’ll be happy to hear it!

The post What is French Country Style? | The Difference Between French Country, English Cottage, & Farmhouse Style appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.