Decorating with Lavender - Rustic Country or French Chic?

Decorating with lavender but don't know quite where to start? No problem! Stick around and we will show you how to decide whether you want a rustic country style, an elegant French style and what colors go with lavender once you have made your decision.

Introducing lavender-themed elements into your home decor is often referred to as lavender chic or Provencal style, as the lavender fields of Provence, France, are famous for their beauty. Textiles like cushions, curtains or bedding, and accessories like mugs or wall prints with lavender sprigs add to this atmospheric charm.

And there are two ways of going down this path of decorating with lavender. The first way is to embrace the more casual country style that you can easily create with country-style lavender accessories and soft furnishings in natural fibers like cotton and linen that can offer that touch of rustic charm.

Two cotton lavender printed cushions next to some lavender bushes.

Cushions, curtains and duvet covers are often used in a farmhouse or country cottage decor scheme, lending a pastoral feel to your home, comforting during any season.

People who opt to decorate with lavender chic are likely those desiring a calming retreat from their busy lives. They may be attracted to the country chic aesthetic or have a love for the French countryside. The beauty of this decor style is its versatility; it can easily fit into a modern minimalist home without seeming out of place.

A double bed with white cotton duvet and pillow cases decorated with lavender

The other way to go is to adhere to the more elegant Parisian chic style. Elegant furniture, wainscoting, pale lavender walls accented with heavy creams, pale yellows or even a deeper gold-yellow lend themselves to this style.

By now you will have realized that a lavender chic decor can either give a more casual style or add a touch of elegance but still be combining nature with tranquility for the home, making it a lovely choice for someone looking for a relaxing environment but also seeking a charming home ambiance.

Whichever path you take will all depend on the furniture style you like, the fabric choices your make and the accessories to pull it all together.

Either style, when decorating with lavender as a color,using dried or fresh lavender, or even lavender sprigs printed on soft furnishings, will all help establish a serene atmosphere which is ideal if you lead a busy and hectic work life.

A beautifully chic Parisian living room with elegant furniture, columns, yellow walls and vases of fresh purple lavender

How to Decorate with Lavender as a Color

Let's dive into the enchanting world of lavender hues and how they can transform your home into a charming Provence-style haven.

Mixing lavender-themed elements with other neutral colors, like whites and creams, or even pastels, helps to maintain a soft feel while still adding a pop of color. Alternatively, pairing it up with bright yellows or greens can create a more vibrant and energetic space.

French country decor using creams and neutral tones with a splash of lavender

Starting at the entrance, picture soft pastel lavender shades creating a welcoming vibe. Combine these with creamy whites and subtle grays to capture the serene essence of the French countryside. Imagine a lavender front door setting the tone, while a cozy weathered wooden bench, dressed with lavender throw pillows, invites you to relax and kick off your shoes.

Now, let's cozy up in the living room with richer lavender tones, adding elegance and warmth to the space. Layer these with earthy sage greens and dusty rose accents to evoke the natural beauty of Provence. Envision a plush lavender velvet sofa stealing the show, adorned with floral cushions in complementary hues. For a rustic touch, imagine a reclaimed wood coffee table and a vintage-inspired rug in muted tones.

In the dining room, deeper lavender shades paired with soft blues and sun-kissed yellows create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Picture a lavender-hued dining table surrounded by mismatched chairs painted in sunny blue and yellow hues. Complete the scene with delicate floral china, linen napkins, and a centerpiece of dried lavender in a vintage enamel pitcher.

A French style country kitchen with destressed wooden furniture, mismatched chairs and a color combination of pale blue, yellow and lavender

Now, let's savor the warmth and aroma of Provencal cuisine in the kitchen. Soft yellow walls paired with crisp white cabinets and butcher block counter-tops create an airy but feel. Add accents of olive green and terracotta for a Mediterranean flair, while vintage ceramic pitchers and woven herb baskets filled with dried lavender, or lavender and other bunches of herbs hanging from wooden beams enhance the rustic charm.

In the bedroom, create a serene retreat with lavender shades ranging from pale lilac to deep plum. Layer these with soft whites and subtle grays for a calming atmosphere. Picture a lavender-colored bed frame draped in crisp white bedding, inviting you to sink into luxurious comfort. And don't forget floral curtains adding a romantic touch.

A Provencal kitchen with butcher block counter tops, pale yellow walls, white cupboards, and lavender pot plants

In the bedroom, create a serene retreat with lavender shades ranging from pale lilac to deep plum. Layer these with soft whites and subtle grays for a calming atmosphere. Picture a lavender-colored bed frame draped in crisp white bedding, inviting you to sink into luxurious comfort. And don't forget floral curtains adding a romantic touch.

Lastly, let's indulge in relaxation in the bathroom—a timeless and elegant space. Soft lavender walls paired with white wainscoting provide a classic backdrop. Add hints of pale blue and seafoam green to evoke the tranquility of the Mediterranean Sea. Vintage-inspired fixtures and accessories add a touch of old-world charm.

A French style bathroom with wainscotting, a claw foot bath, lavender walls and fresh lavender

In every room, from the entryway to the bathroom, lavender hues paired with complementary colors and rustic accents transport you to the laid-back luxury of French country living. It's all about creating an elegant and inviting space that reflects the timeless beauty of Provence.

In every room, from the entryway to the bathroom, lavender hues paired with complementary colors and rustic accents transport you to the laid-back luxury of French country living. It's all about creating an elegant and inviting space that reflects the timeless beauty of Provence.

Decorating with Lavender Flowers

Decorating a house with lavender flowers is like bringing a slice of Provence into your home - a fragrant, calming, and utterly charming touch. No one likes a smelly house, and when you decorate with lavender flowers, dried or fresh when you step through the door, the air is suffused with the soothing scent of lavender. It's not just about the visual appeal; it's about creating an atmosphere that's both welcoming and serene.

Let's embark on a journey to explore how to infuse your home with the enchanting essence of lavender, from the entryway to the bathroom, shall we?

Starting at the entrance, set the tone with a lovely lavender wreath adorning the front door, exuding a subtle fragrance and delicate beauty. Inside, a small table or console adorned with a vase of freshly cut lavender stems adds a touch of elegance to welcome your guests.

a lavender and wheat wreath on a lavender-pink background

In the living room, sink into a plush sofa adorned with lavender throw pillows, inviting you to unwind and relax in style. A lavender-scented candle flickers on the coffee table, casting a warm glow as you curl up with a good book. Adorn the walls with botanical prints featuring lavender to add a whimsical touch of charm.

Move into the dining room, where a rustic wooden bowl filled with dried lavender blooms steals the show as a stunning centerpiece. Paired with crisp white linens and lavender-colored napkins, it sets the stage for delightful meals shared with loved ones.

Now, into the kitchen—a space infused with the warmth and aroma of Provencal cuisine. Hang dried lavender bouquets from rustic hooks, infusing the air with their sweet aroma as you prepare culinary delights. Lavender-filled sachets nestled among linens and tucked into drawers add a fragrant touch, enhancing the cooking experience.

Drying lavender hanging upside down in an old French kitchen

In the bedroom, create a sanctuary of calm with lavender-scented bedding, ensuring peaceful dreams all night long. A bouquet of dried lavender adorns the bedside table, adding a romantic touch to the room.

Lastly, the bathroom—a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. Dried lavender bundles hanging from towel racks fill the room with their soothing scent, transforming every bath into a luxurious spa experience. Lavender-filled sachets placed in baskets and on shelves add a touch of elegance, creating your own personal oasis. And don't forget lavender potpourri, so easy to make from the seeds and distilled lavender oil.

In every room, from the entryway to the bathroom, decorating with lavender flowers adds a sense of tranquility and beauty. Whether fresh or dried, it's about creating a home that nourishes the soul and soothes the senses, embracing warmth and tranquility at every turn. So let the gentle allure of lavender bloom throughout your home, and revel in the enchantment it brings to your everyday life.

An elegant French-style living room with deep yellow walls, elegant sofas with lavender

What Color goes With Lavender?

When it comes to decorating with lavender and color combinations, lavender pairs well with soft, clean colors such as white, gray, and silver, with all three enhancing the softness and sophistication of lavender.

Mint green and soft pink offer refreshing contrasts and complement lavender's soothing qualities.

Pair lavender with warmer shades like taupe or pale yellow for a cozy ambiance, or go bold with striking contrasts like navy blue.

For a touch of glamor, team lavender with gold or silver.


In essence, there are countless ways to incorporate lavender into your living spaces, whether you're going for a fresh, sophisticated, warm, or bold look. With these suggestions, fill your home with the soothing and elegant ambiance that lavender provides.

Hi! I've planted some lavender in pots and now I'm wondering if they are going to grow too big for the containers they are in. Just how big does lavender grow?

Lavender can be grown very successfully in pots, as long as you are growing varieties that are known as 'dwarf' lavender that won't grow more than 12 inches or so. We have an article entitled: How big will lavender get? that covers your concerns. Happy gardening!

Do you have a recipe for lavender sugar?

Yes, we do actually. We have a great recipe with step-by-step instructions on how to make it and how long it will store for. Have fun making it. You can find the recipe here: How to Make Lavender Sugar.

Is Lavender Easy to Grow?

Luckily, the answer is yes, it is! It is one of those plants that you can pretty much neglect in your garden and it will bloom year after year. Lavender is easy to grow but there are some conditions that should be met to make your lavender growing success.