Initially an 18th century style that developed in the smaller metropolitan and rural areas outside of Paris, the French provincial style in many ways emulates the contemporaneous metropolitan style of Paris – but with a higher regard for casual comfort and functionality. Perhaps one of the most recognizable hallmarks of the style is the use of vibrantly colored paint that exhibits a distinctive patina either through age and use, or is manufactured in pieces made today. Durably constructed furniture such as farm tables and chairs are visually countered by simple yet elegant ornamentation: cabriole legs, scalloped trim and country-inspired motifs like sheaves of wheat. Wrought iron is also commonly associated with the style, admired for its durability and capacity to add decorative panache. Today, the style is favored for its livability and lightness, and its rustic yet refined aesthetic.