The French provincial decorating style is reminiscent of 17th and 18th century Provence homes in the South of France. Remaining one of the most popular interior design aesthetics in the world, the French provincial kitchen and interiors can be integrated into any home.
Inspired by rustic landscapes, soft colour palettes, parquet floors, rough plastered walls and intricate cabinet mouldings combine elegance with functionality — so, it’s no surprise we can’t get enough of classic French architecture and décor.
About the style
French provincial kitchens integrate warmth and elegance with an incredible level of detail. This style of kitchen is incomparable to other styles and is the ultimate design that combines tradition with modern flair.
A French provincial kitchen gives character to the room with variable colour schemes, unmatched cabinetry and limited straight lines. In truth, the contrast is what makes this type of kitchen so distinctive. This French style of kitchen comes from the provinces of France where contemporary Paris panache is fused with Old World country.
Features
A French provincial kitchen design includes a variety of unique features that never goes out of style:
- Intricate carvings
- Hand painted finishes
- Framed end and back panels
- Kick plates and dentil cornices
- Mantel style obscured range hoods
- Country style white porcelain sinks
- Kitchen island as a prevailing feature
- Glass cupboard doors with glazing bars
- Various columns, cabinet flutes and corbels
- Wrought iron handles and hand forged brackets.
Cabinets
Most French provincial kitchens have freestanding cabinetry instead of the typical fixed type. However, you can also accomplish the same look by stacking the cabinets or keeping them low. Avoid floating cabinets that are eye height.
Colour
The colour schemes in a French provincial kitchen coincide with the French paintings of Monet, Renoir and Cezanne. The colours are soft, vibrant and reminiscent of the countryside. Use of antique whites, creams baby blues and neutrals focused on subdued coffees. These colours are artistically used to accent the many intricate design elements.
Extras
If your finances allow, adding a hand painted finish will complement the charming modish style of a French provincial kitchen. There are various techniques that can be applied to your cabinetry or furniture. In fact, hand painted finishes give that “wow” look that everyone adores.
Fine Points
The majority of French provincial kitchens are rather detailed. Primarily, it is the details that give the kitchen a traditional feel. However, the “new” French provincial kitchen is more simplified. For a more modern look you can keep the design modest. In effect, you can be as detail oriented as you desire, for both the old and new French provincial kitchen is trendy (Champagne Finish).
The Modern Twist
The modern twist on the French provincial style is reimagined by simplifying and stripping the look right back. Where classic French style is quite ornate, these days it’s all about clean lines with good quality materials. The modern French provincial kitchen may use black to instantly feel contemporary and when used with high ceilings and loads of natural light, feels very open and fresh. The unfussy, back-to-basics attitude of French provincial style is what makes it so beloved around the world. Modern takes on the French provincial style feel very rustic but still ornate in their execution.
Whether you prefer a traditional or modern take on this sophisticated style, here’s some images we have collected for you to get inspiration for your French provincial kitchen design.
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