A heritage furniture brand focused on timeless design

Celebrating 35 years of providing homewares and furniture throughout Australasia, the family-owned and operated local brand has always had a focus on products that don’t date.

“We can look back on a lot of our original products and they’re still relevant today,” says Vanessa Bramley, French Country Collections’ managing director and daughter of the company’s founder, Sonia Watts.

“We really look to a long-term, sustainable outlook for the product rather than having just in and out, seasonal products – some of our products we’ve been providing for over 20 years.”

The latest collection is no exception. Informing French Country Collections’ Summer 23 range are two key themes: health and wellbeing; and nature. It’s a collection that draws inspiration from the relaxed and easy-going style of Californian interiors, while finding connection with the traditional and rustic elements of French country style.

Colours drawn from nature can help us to relax and unwind. Blues and earthy, warm neutrals such as mustards and beige tones are often associated with tranquillity and restoration – an environment ideal for spaces such as the bedroom.

“There’s a beautiful new bedding collection with a pretty Iris flower pattern on it. This layers up with other textured bed covers and cushions in linen and silk, offering plenty of opportunities for light-weight, natural bedding options through the summer months.”

Outside of the bedroom, the brand’s Dume Sofa has been introduced in a warm coffee colour. Handcrafted, hand-dyed silk and wool textiles bring a level of sophistication while the new season of summer cushions balance a relaxed aesthetic.

“There’s a whole palette of mix and match cushions which are really fun for the season. There are a lot of layers and textures in different colours that all go together, but they’re all in tones that sit back beautifully with all the natural textures of the collection.”

French Country Collections has always drawn inspiration from the natural world, says Vanessa – something the Summer 23 collection certainly has no shortage of. Already seen through the collection’s Iris patterning, this connection with the natural environment is echoed through the use of organic materials for furniture, lighting and decor: wood, wicker and terracotta.

Combining wicker and wood, the Java stools are a beautiful addition to the entertainment area, paired with the Java Occasional Chair in the sitting area.

With its frame constructed with solid oak, the Elenor Chair has been given an update for the season with pale blue upholstery – a piece that will remain a favourite in the home for years to come.

These pieces add to the collection’s warm and inviting aesthetic that seeks to balance and restore with simple, organic forms and natural fibres and textures.

While each piece in this year’s summer collection is intended to stand the test of time, some are also perfect for adding visual impact to a space.

“There’s a great range of statement mirrors and some beautiful statement lighting, which always really helps to change up a room,” says Vanessa.

With dozens of antique wooden beads complemented by a brass structure, the Coco chandeliers are stunning suspended over the oak Lewis Dining Table with its parquetry-style top. The same can be said for the Edmond Chandelier – a sophisticated ceiling pendant with six candle-style lamps.

“We’ve got some beautiful big statement jars on stands which would be amazing in a hallway.

“It really depends on what you’re looking for and what the problem is that you’re trying to solve. There are lots of pieces in the range that could easily freshen up an interior quite quickly and easily.”

Curating collections such as this has certainly become a specialty of French Country Collections over the years, and understanding that the industry is constantly changing is something Vanessa and her sister Stephanie, who brings together each new collection, are always aware of and considering.

“We are doing a lot of work at the moment on ensuring that our whole supply chain is as efficient and has as little damage to the environment as possible. We’ve always bought products that we believe have a long life and are the types of products that you’ll have forever. So, we feel that really dovetails into our sustainability goals.”

As for what to expect in upcoming seasons?

“There are some really amazing, show-stopping tables and sideboards coming through – statement pieces that you just wouldn’t find anywhere else, with natural tones, but also with darker accents coming through for winter.

“Of course, we always love to add in a punch of colour, too.”

Explore furniture and home decor from French Country Collections.