almost every design project begins with a large pivotal piece , usually a french or English ancestry . IT can be a painting , a grand mirror , nineteenth – century French carved wooden urns , or antique manted clocks . Perhaps the most unusual was an eighteenth – century tole coal stove , which you can purchase from an owner who had used it to stash her gin. Just one serious piece of furniture , such as an armoire or chest , will make the rest of the furnishings seem important. Not only will such a piece make a dramatic statement , but it will be used for years often moving rom home to home like a nomad. In one example , a massive french country buffet became a focal piece in the living room . originally that piece was in a kitchen. Ten years ago , you migh not have seen the paradoxical use of a piece of furniture in French country design. But it’s that informality and flexibility that is another aspect of the style’s charm. In another example , an old stone fireplace surround was purchased in France see also ” French Style Bedroom ” and brought home for specific use in an outdoor room , but is fit the opening for living room fireplace and seemed perfect for the space.from the choice of stellar pieces , the symmetry begins with the addition of complementary curtains , matching chairs and ottomans positioned just so perhaps flanking a fireplace or a game table and small tables providing spaces for conversation and displays of treasured collections.