Home » Misc » French white kitchen ideas

French white kitchen ideas


28 Chic and Timeless French Country Style Kitchens

By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 08/12/22

Becca Interiors

The decorating aesthetic known in the English-speaking world as French country style is an homage to the charms of the French countryside. While it may be hard to replicate the beauty of the surrounding landscape or the aged patina of a Provençal farmhouse, a rustic thatched cottage in Normandy, or a provincial chateau, architects, interior designers, and home decorators around the world have long sought to transport a bit of the charm and elegance of the French countryside to their own backyards.  

The resulting mashup known as French country decor emphasizes an easy take on rustic but refined aesthetics and natural materials, and an embrace of timeless everyday objects. Much of what we think of as traditional or farmhouse style interiors that are so ubiquitous today have roots in French country aesthetics, which can add character to a modern interior, easily translating to any room in the house from the living room to the bedroom or bathroom.

Adding some French country-inspired decor to your own kitchen can help you to add a sense of history, timelessness, and simple beauty to your home, no matter where you live. Check out these interiors that demonstrate how to borrow a bit of French style to make your own kitchen design into the warm, charming, effortlessly chic gathering space it was meant to be.

15 French Country Living Rooms

27 Chic French Country Kitchens

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Get that je ne sais quoi just right.

By Hadley Mendelsohn

Bjorn Wallander

Whether we're talking about fashion, food, or interior design, French style is simply iconic. French country kitchens, in particular, make us feel some kind of way. With colors taken straight out of the Provençal landscape, rustic accents, and that general je ne sais quoi, French country kitchens boast effortless elegance. Plus, if you emulate their style in your own home, every day will feel like a vacation in the South of France. Well, maybe not quite, but it's a close second. So take a mental vacation with these 27 French country–style kitchen tips.

Maura McEvoy

1 of 27

Plenty of Blooms

Fill the room with flowers and opt for antique, classic vases for a French-country look. This geometric floor design personalizes the long, narrow galley kitchen.

Emily Followill

2 of 27

Limewashed Cabinets

Custom limewashed poplar cabinetry and paneling, along with an imperial Danby marble backsplash, create an elegant atmosphere in the open kitchen cabinets in this eat-in kitchen designed by Jeffrey Dungan. The dining area brings in just enough contrast and looks contemporary while still channeling the French countryside.

Laura Resen

3 of 27

Retro-Inspired Appliances

Consider an on-trend yet timeless color combination for a bold kitchen statement. Retro-inspired appliances are great way to balance out the more modern elements and give it a French-countryside feel.

House Beautiful

4 of 27

Whimsical Embellishments

This barrel-vaulted ceiling provides the perfect softly curved backdrop for the whimsical lavender and pale peach mural by Michael Duté in this French country kitchen designed by Erin Martin. The hood is also spruced up with an original Duté painting. The laidback materials and topiaries keep the sweet, romantic elements of the space grounded and welcoming (and very much channel Provence!).

Savage Gibson

5 of 27

Dainty Accents

Paint the floors a cheerful color, and then reflect it with accent pieces and linens throughout the space, like a skirted vanityty. We can smell the fresh croissants from here.

Simon Upton

6 of 27

Island Substitute

Instead of an island, opt for a bonus surface space that can function as both a dining table and a prep counter. Wrought iron window frames (with matching pendants), metal grate cabinets, distressed paint, and wicker chairs all contribute to a French country feel.

Paul Raeside

7 of 27

Layers of Neutrals

In this kitchen by Michael Maher in a 1950s colonial revival, several neutral colors and materials are layered for subtle dimensions. Benjamin Moore's Jute is used on the walls while Farrow & Ball's Hardwick White is used on the cabinets and trims. The gilt-framed still life painting and chandelier bring a dressier sensibility.

PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

8 of 27

Eclectic Seating

Mix and match your seating for an eclectic farmhouse feel, and bring in pops of color with antique cabinetry and tableware. The woven pendant lamp adds a coastal flair, too. When it comes to choosing a backsplash, classic white subway tiles will never let you down.

Julie Soefer

9 of 27

Rustic Accents

Everything in this gorgeous kitchen designed by Nina Magon revolves around the existing cobblestone accent wall. Magon knew she wanted to give the kitchen a French Chaeteu vibe, which she accomplished with a Calcutta marble island, modern gunmetal Gabriel Scott pendants, and velvet cornflower blue stools. These glamorous pieces juxtapose with the French limestone floor tiles, scraggly stone walls, and exposed wood beams.

FRANCESCO LAGNESE

10 of 27

Market Bags

The kitchen is also a side entrance to this farmhouse, so designer Tom Scheerer secured hooks to the walls with plenty of reusable bags for fresh farmer's market produce. How French!

Mali Azima

11 of 27

Dramatic Ceilings

Designer Melanie Turner painted the lower cabinets of the kitchen island Midnight Blue by Benjamin Moore to match the upholstered stools and bring a touch of color. A nailhead trim nods to the rivets on the hood, and pale gray natural stone complements the blue tones, which are warmed up by the gold accents.

FRANCESCO LAGNESE

12 of 27

Colorful Tiles

Designer duo Thomas Jayne and William Cullem set out to give this kitchen a European country estate aesthetic. Dramatically high ceilings, whitewashed exposed beams, and custom mosaic tiles that gesture to the adjacent mint green room get the job done.

Bjorn Wallander

13 of 27

Reclaimed and Found Objects

This kitchen is the perfect balance between formal and laidback, thanks to designer Annie Brahler's skillful layering of antiques. The gilt antique mirror, chandelier, and decorative accents on the vintage demilune cabinets add some frill and pomp, while the reclaimed, distressed wood columns ground the room with an air of history and resilience.

Bjorn Wallender

14 of 27

A Regal Range

French country can be formal, too: It's all in the range. The floating kitchen island is a great place to work and also offers extra storage space.

Catherine Kwong Design

15 of 27

High Ceilings

This French-country-inspired (hello, wrought-iron pendant) California kitchen feels like the perfect balance between classic, cozy, and refined. A light blue hue brings in color without overwhelming the senses.

Paige Rumore

16 of 27

Slipcovered Seats

The plaster walled kitchen in Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akinses’ Nashville retreat is what designer April Tomlin calls the "hub of the home." Family members gather around the double islands and get cozy on slipcovered counter stools. Antique light fixtures give it a French country flair. And if you'd rather keep the ceiling space clear but still want in on the hanging cookware trend, take note of this approach and hang them lower in front of the windows instead.

PHOTO: Tessa Neustadt; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

17 of 27

Rustic Bones

If you don't want to call the contractor to customize an island in the kitchen, bring in a long wood table that can double as a dining surface. Opt for open shelves for a casual look (and easy access to cookware) that really puts the spotlight on the rustic bones of your kitchen.

Annie Schlechter

18 of 27

Grand Overtures

A long hanging pendant accentuates the high ceilings and plays on the fancy feel of this kitchen space, yet the farmhouse-style sink keeps it approachable.

William Abranowicz

19 of 27

Exposed Beams

Just beyond the island is a grand dining area enhanced by exposed beams. The long pendants accentuate the high ceilings, giving it an air that's equal parts formal and approachable.

Douglas Friedman

20 of 27

Display Cabinets

Designer and architect Garrow Kedigian gave this NYC apartment kitchen a French country spin with display cabinets stacked with classic china, hanging copper cookware galore, and a cobalt La Cornue stove. And, though you can't see them here, he also tucked two matching blue stools from the Paris Flea under the island.

PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

21 of 27

Large Pendants

Here's a more modern take on the French-country kitchen look. Though it's contemporary and updated, the accents, like the gilt antique frame and simple greenery, introduce quintessential French-country character.

Paul Raeside

22 of 27

Antiques

It's all in the details. Crisp white paint pops against the exposed, aged brick wall. Even the cookware in this nook is perfectly French, as is that framed still life.

Jean Liu Design

23 of 27

Candelabra Lighting

Balance modern living with classic French country style by installing new appliances and settling on an efficient and simple layout, but then add some rustic-meets-dainty details, like an antique candelabra chandelier. This kitchen by Jean Liu is the perfect case study.

Laure Joliet

24 of 27

Exposed Beams

This kitchen by Reath Design leaves the bare bones (exposed beams, brick walls, and terracotta tiles) as-is but adds brassy accents, regal linens, and a gray marble sink with beautiful veining.

PHOTO: Tessa Neustadt; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

25 of 27

Casual Undertones

Keep things casual in your French-country-inspired kitchen. Though there's plenty of order in this space, it looks super low-maintenance and comfortable. The eclectic chairs in this eat-in kitchen introduce a touch of modern style.

PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

26 of 27

Copper Pots And Pans

White painted bricks and stone tile floors are a great starting point for a French-country kitchen. Add wrought-iron hardware and hang copper pots and pans from it to finish things off.

Werner Straube

27 of 27

Labeled Jars and Crates

Labeled jars and an approachable color scheme accented by polished materials give this contemporary kitchen by Corey Damen Jenkins just a touch of French country–style pizzazz. Use vintage containers or label your own found items, like crates, for a similar look and streamlined storage.

Tour a Sleek Black Kitchen Combining Old and New

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

French style kitchen. Ideas for design (70 photos)

A French-style kitchen will look decent in a large house and in an apartment with modest dimensions. It is enough to look at a few photos to fall in love with this amazing lightness, smoothness of lines and an abundance of textiles forever. What do you think of this interior design? Designers of the Decorin project offer you ideas for a cozy kitchen arrangement. Choose!

French-style kitchen: distinctive features

In the article “French-style house”, we have already touched on the topic of kitchen design. Today we will try to dwell on this issue in more detail.

French style in the interior of the kitchen is difficult to confuse with any other. As a rule, these are spacious bright rooms with large windows.

Pastel shades are used for walls, ceiling and floor:

An abundance of appliances in such a kitchen is not welcome. Give preference to built-in varieties of hoods, ovens, dishwashers.

There are several main branches of the French style:

French style in the interior - wall decoration (with examples in the photo)

As already mentioned in the article “French-style house”, wall decoration should be done in discreet colors. The main task is to create a calm "background" for furniture and other decor items.

It can be wallpaper in small patterns. Prints are often chosen, the motifs of which are repeated in furniture upholstery, curtains, chair covers, curtains.

Walls can also be leveled with plaster and painted pastel. Choose a slightly pale tone. It should look like the paint has faded a bit over time.

Sometimes textured plaster is used. Here are design examples where one of the walls is not processed. The “live” energy of bare brick brings fresh, dynamic notes to the interior of the kitchen.

A stone wall looks even more impressive.

Really?

The French style in the interior of the kitchen involves the use of natural materials. What the Parisian spirit does not tolerate is plastic. If you still plan to use artificial materials for decorating walls or ceilings, choose options that mimic natural ones.

Secrets of interior design in French style. How to decorate the ceiling and floor in the kitchen?

In order to maintain the French style in the design of the kitchen, they try to decorate the floor and ceiling in the same way. Sharp transitions and contrasts are not characteristic of this interior direction. The whole design should be formed into a single ensemble.

Ceilings are rarely made plain and white. The palace style is characterized by stucco molding, wide moldings, a coffered ceiling is allowed. Provence often uses rough wooden beams or their imitation.

In a more modern French style, the use of built-in lamps, various lights, two-tier ceiling structures is allowed. Here is a photo of the interiors. Look how interesting this direction is played.

The French style kitchen floor can be made of:

At the same time, the color of the flooring seems to merge with the general interior background.

Furniture - what role does it play in French style kitchen design?

So, the design of the walls and floor is clear. We turn to the choice of furniture. In the French-style kitchen, she plays the main role. Headsets, island tables, open shelves, chairs - sometimes it seems that there is too much of everything. But it is enough to delve a little into the essence of the Parisian style to catch the main point. There is nothing superfluous here. Each element of the decor carries a certain functional and emotional load.

Here are examples of palatial style furniture. There seems to be an aristocratic spirit in the air. Take a look at these noble shades, shapes, exquisite openwork carvings.

Furniture takes up a lot of space and plays a major role. Mirrors are often used. They contribute to filling the space with light (due to reflection). And the mirror inserts are in perfect harmony with the gilding finish.

French country is characterized by tables and cabinets with worn-out (or artificially) paint. In the decoration of facades, you will almost never see flat forms. Only textured surfaces. As a rule, the upper elements of kitchen sets with stained glass. This allows you to flaunt expensive antique dishes.

French country: how to highlight the interior of the kitchen?

What will be the finishing touch in the interior of French cuisine? Sometimes the design is connected, like puzzles, into a single whole completely unexpectedly. It can be:

Here is an advice from the designers of the Decorin project: do not use for design what is alien to you in terms of energy. Focus on decor items that evoke pleasant associations and emotions in you.

What is your vision of a French style kitchen? You went through the basic principles of "building" the design, looked at the photo. Now it will be easy to "collect" your French interior. Take your time, be patient in search of the desired element of decor. Find exactly those lamps, candlesticks or chairs that fit perfectly into the design. A little effort - and you have a trendy, stylish kitchen. And, most importantly - filled with homely warmth.

13 design ideas for tiny kitchens in small apartments from France

Even in small apartments of 15-30 sq.m, the French manage to equip a functional kitchen - we will tell you how

If you think your kitchen is too small to fit in it it was fully cooked, we advise you to look at the experience of practical French people and their Parisian apartments. Believe me, after that you will complain much less. We are considering design projects of tiny French kitchens in order to use the findings of European architects in our own apartments.

Géraldine Laferté

1. Transformers will come to the rescue
Problem and solution
"What can be done on 18 sq.m?" - you ask when you find out that the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthis entire apartment in Paris is exactly that much. But the author of the project, Geraldine Laferte, even with such small resources, fit everything necessary for a comfortable stay and study of the hostess. Due to the transforming furniture, it was possible to save a lot of space, and every centimeter of space here is calculated and used with maximum benefit.

Géraldine Laferté

If you want to fit a full dining table with seating, and when folded it doesn't take up any space at all, take a look at this apartment. Modular furniture is simply indispensable here: the bench against the wall is disassembled into three parts and serves as stools. And the table, equipped with hinges and a leg, is attached directly to the wall and, if necessary, unfolds.

Tip: In addition to this solution, there are many more options for transforming furniture, it can be a table with folding wings or a sliding tabletop, folding chairs that are hung on the wall and do not occupy usable space when assembled. In any case, such transformers will easily accommodate at least four or five people in your kitchen.

Tip: What is also unusual about this Parisian apartment is that the entrance to the apartment actually goes through the kitchen. However, this does not seem like a disadvantage - just look how airy and spacious the kitchen is. And all thanks to the large amount of white, which in the case of tiny rooms is the most win-win option.

If you want to push the boundaries of the kitchen as much as possible, do not limit yourself to a snow-white set. Apron, as well as walls with a ceiling, decorate in the same color, and at the same time make the floor light too. This will help deceive your eyesight, and the room, in addition to appearing larger, will also be filled with sunlight.

Read about the interior with the photo ...
HOOZZ France: the magical transformation of the destroyed Parisian apartment

3. It is possible to remove the walls - remove

The former art workshop, which was near Montmandra, turned into apartment with large windows and high ceilings. The tenants, a creative couple with a young daughter, opted for eclectic furnishings and white walls, which is quite reasonable in a 40 sq. m. Despite its modest size, the apartment has a living room, a children's room, a dining room, a full-fledged bedroom, a dressing room and even a fully functional kitchen.

Tip: If your kitchen is as small as this, there is no point in limiting it to blank walls. So the space will seem even more cramped, and you will not feel comfortable in it at all. Follow the technique used in this bohemian apartment - combine the kitchen area with the living room, leaving only the lower part of the partitions about a meter high. Thus, you can organize an additional surface in the form of a bar counter, which will also help to zone the space.

The main thing to remember is that before you carry out any redevelopment actions, be sure to coordinate everything with housing and communal services!

Read about the interior with the photo ...
HOUZZ France: Bohemia Spirit in the old workshop

Manuel Sequeira Architecte D. P.G 4. Refinitioning surfaces Visually expand the space 0 to Paris, a married couple from Berlin decided to purchase their own apartments in the city on the Seine. The purchase was only 32 sq.m, but the architect Manuel Sequeira even had enough of them to create a full kitchen, living room, large bathroom and even a partially separated bedroom with a real bed.

Advice: Against the light background, which is typical for small apartments, it is the black and red kitchen that sets the tone here. As you know, any reflective surfaces visually increase the space and add depth, but in this project, only a contrasting glass apron and household appliances fulfill this role in the kitchen.

By the way, if you want to make black facades in your kitchen, we advise you to make them matte, otherwise you will be tormented by constantly washing them, getting rid of finger marks.

See the topic ...
Another 31 photo of a small kitchen from this Paris project

Marion Alberge

Marion Alberge

5. For small kitchen - small sink
Problem and solution
m2, designer Marion Alberge managed to create a light and charming interior. The owners of this modest-sized apartment in Montmartre specifically invited a specialist to remake the studio for renting out to visiting tourists. And Marion did an excellent job with the task. Functional space, vintage furniture, boring Scandinavian style - such an environment will certainly not spoil anyone's vacation.

Tip: Pay attention to the compactness of the sink. Why not adopt this simple trick? Before buying a sink, it is important to think not only about how harmoniously it will fit into the interior and fit in shape, but also whether it is generally proportionate to the area of ​​\u200b\u200byour kitchen. A large capacious sink is undoubtedly good, but in a cramped kitchen, every centimeter of the working space must be used rationally. Choose a model of small width - 40-50 cm.

Read about the interior with the photo . ..
HOOZZ France: Citrus Walls of the Paris Studio for guests

Eichenbaum olia

6. Instead of solo-stoves-a hob is an oven there lives an active young actress who is fond of couchsurfing, and she loves not only to stay at someone's house, but also gladly receives guests at her place. In order for 27 sq.m to be enough not only for ourselves, but also for guests, we had to resort to vertical planning and the construction of a multifunctional cube in the middle of the house. According to the idea of ​​the author of the project, Guenael Maurice from PANAM-architectes, space optimization and white color added practicality to this apartment. And indeed, the useful area in the apartment is now used to the maximum.

Advice: According to the hostess herself, by optimizing the usable area, it is quite convenient for her to cook even in such a small kitchen. The standard stove, due to its serious dimensions, was replaced by a compact hob with two burners and an oven. An excellent and very practical solution, because the width of even the narrowest stove starts from half a meter, while the hob can be found from 30 cm in size. If you are not a big fan of baking dishes in the oven, then you can completely refuse it and use this space in as storage systems.

Although this kitchen has a massive oak table, the look is lightened up by La Marie transparent plastic chairs, designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell.

Tip: This kind of invisible furniture with little visual weight can be a real boon for small rooms. It completely dissolves in the environment and does not create a feeling of clutter.

SEE RELATED…
15 more photos of a small kitchen from this project

Lali architecture

Lali architecture

8. Decrease the depth of the lockers
Problem and solution
Walking along St. m. Its owner, Marion Rocher, is a professional decorator; together with the architect Tifen Bennamias, they created cozy apartments for tourist couples. There is a comfortable kitchen, and in general, everything is carefully selected: it is clear that the hostess approached this issue very scrupulously.

Tip: The standard depth of kitchen cabinets is 60 cm, but when the kitchen is very cramped, you can cheat a little by cutting this figure down to 30-40 cm. Keep in mind that this technique is only good for cabinets with shelves and drawers inside.

Look at the photo: where a microwave and an oven are built into the furniture, the work surface has a standard depth. But with the depth of the rest of the cabinets, you can experiment, as a result of which it will be possible to increase the space for movement.

Read about the interior with the photo ...
HOOZZ France: A charming small studio in the center of Paris

Tatiana Nicol

9. Use the place at the window
Problem and Solution
54 sq. the Marais quarter is not so little, especially in terms of money. But in this garconnière there was no place for a spacious kitchen, although the area of ​​\u200b\u200bhousing is not at all small. We can say that the designer Tatyana Nicol has created a balanced functional kitchen for a bachelor - there is everything you need here.

The kitchen turned out to be quite roomy, and the dining table is ready to receive a dozen guests when extended. An important lesson can be learned from this, which is very relevant for small apartments: in no case do not neglect the place near the window.

Tip: When it comes to our typical houses, in most cases the height of the window sill in the kitchen is 90 cm, which is also the height of the kitchen worktop. Why not take advantage of this nice coincidence and increase your work surface with a countertop window sill!

You can place a sink there, as the designer of this French garconnière did. Do not be afraid that the mixer will prevent the window from opening - now you can find folding models that, if necessary, can be laid on their side and then returned back.

READ ABOUT INTERIOR FROM PHOTOS…
Houzz France: Small garconnière in the Marais

Richard Guilbault

10. Favor bespoke furniture
Problem and solution
Another small but very interesting apartment is housed in a Parisian house built in the early 20th century. The shape of the dwelling is very reminiscent of a cube with sides of 5 and 6 m, and from the very beginning, the designer of the project, Richard Guillebaud, divided the space into two main zones: a private one with a bedroom and a bathroom, and a common one with a combined kitchen, living room, dining room and a huge closet. Moreover, the storage system has become the center of the whole house, because not only the dressing room is concentrated here, but also a refrigerator, a wine cabinet and even bathroom accessories.

Tip: To make the most of the available space in a small kitchen, it's best to have custom-made furniture. In this case, you will be able to clearly fit all the dimensions to the available area, while integrating all the necessary household appliances.

Look at the photo: the kitchen set fits perfectly into the room, and the microwave does not take away precious centimeters of the work surface.

READ ABOUT INTERIOR WITH PHOTOS…
Houzz France: Small Scandinavian-style apartment in Paris

Bertina Minel architecture

- Former backyard! Through the efforts of the architect Stephanie Bertina Minel, the original stucco cornices and ancient wooden beams were restored here.

Returning to the kitchen (and here, as you can see, it is quite tiny), it is important to adhere to the principle: do not buy household appliances that you will use only occasionally or not at all.

Tip: In tight spaces, every centimeter counts, so think about whether you really need a food processor, yogurt maker, toaster, and other devices. In this kitchen, Stephanie completely abandoned the oven, leaving only the hob. But if you often bake dishes and are not ready to sacrifice an oven, look at models that combine the functions of an oven, microwave, and sometimes even a double boiler, this will also save space.

READ ABOUT INTERIOR PHOTO…
Houzz France: 20m apartment in the center of Paris

Nuts & Architects

the interior of 54 square meters can be found near the shopping and entertainment center "Bon Marche" in Paris. This location is no coincidence, because the apartment was originally planned to be rented out to tourists. And the design team from Nuts & Architects created a very pleasant and welcoming environment, combining vintage items with stylish accessories and handicrafts. The kitchen, like the whole apartment, also turned out to be bright and cozy, but the point here is not only a large number of snow-white surfaces.

Tip: Notice the warm yellow backlight. Do not think that one ceiling lamp is enough to illuminate a small kitchen. Alas, they won’t be able to limit themselves to it - at least two light sources are needed: the main one (lamp, chandelier) and an additional one in the form of illumination of the working surface. Only if this condition is met, the kitchenette will be functional and visually more voluminous.

SEE RELATED…
9 more0454 31 photos of a small kitchen from this French design project

Estelle GRIFFE

, is simply amazing - only 10 sq.m! Designer Estelle Griff accepted the challenge and seems to have succeeded. Thanks to the high ceilings (3.3 m), she created a second tier where she made a sleeping place, which undoubtedly unloaded the room.

Learn more