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Old french country kitchens


19 Most Gorgeous French Country Kitchens

If there’s one type of kitchen that I continue to fall in love with, it’s French country kitchens. I find them super charming and elegant in so many ways. French country decor is known for its vintage elements and old European style. Good news! There are so many creative decorative elements that you can easily copy even if you don’t live in a real “French” country home!

The kitchen is a place where we prepare meals for our family and friends. It’s such an important part of the home, and most of all, it’s one of the most functional spaces we need! Check out some of our favorite kitchens in the French farmhouse style below!

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Let’s talk about design trends in French farmhouse kitchen decor. Here are our favorite French farmhouse kitchen decor ideas and designs.

1. Crystal Chandelier

This is the ultimate kitchen lighting fixture if you’re going for the French farmhouse look. The light will gently reflect off the crystals hanging near the lightbulbs, giving the room an elegant glow.

@simplyfrenchmarket

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2. Checkered Floor Tile

This flooring design is quintessentially French! It works in many rooms, especially the kitchen.

@cat_in_france

3. Fleur de Lis Backsplash Tile

Go for a classic French motif like the famous fleur de lis for your backsplash kitchen tile.

@simplyfrenchmarket

4. French Louis Counter Chairs

The Louis chair is a beloved French furniture design that has stood the test of time. Luckily, a counter chair version is easy enough to find!

@decoratinglife.ca

5. Apron Front Sink

You’ve got to have a farmhouse style, apron-front sink in your kitchen. It’s even better if it has a beautiful engraving on the front!

@somuchbetterwithage

6. Blue Pitcher and Flowers

Ceramic pitchers are handmade in the south of France and sold at markets by artisans. Get yourself a replica if you can’t get an original! Flowers are very welcome as well!

@frenchlarkspur

7. Gray Floor Tile

@white_and_faded

8. Light Blue Cabinets and Chairs

@provencepoiriers

9. Wood and Marble French Island Table

@frenchcountrycottage

10. Wood Ceiling Beams

Leave the wood ceiling beams in your home exposed for a rustic chic look.

@sanctuaryhomedecor

11. Copper Pots

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12. Blue Lacanche Range

Lacanche is a celebrated French range maker to know.

@frenchcountrycottage

13. Marble Top Wood Table Island

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14. Checkered Backsplash Tile

Maison Creative

15. LaCornue Range

Another popular French range manufacturer, LaCornue ranges have stood the test of time. They are shipped around the world, but you’ll need to plan about 6 months in advance for this chef quality range.

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16. Wooden Island

@simplyfrenchmarket

17. Open Glass Shelves

Show off your French china on beautiful glass shelves.

@the_fox_group_

18. Sink Skirt

Brocantelle

19. Open Shelving

Keep the room airy and fresh with open kitchen shelving.

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I hope you found these French country kitchens as inspiring as we did! We’re always on the hunt for the best interior design we know will inspire our readers. You can subscribe to our email list below to be notified of new posts. We love sharing with you popular design style guides, furniture buying guides, and other decorating tips!

More French Country Decorating Ideas

Don’t miss our other room decorating guides to get French country style in your home. We have lots of budget-friendly recommendations that you can easily incorporate into your own home!

Happy curating!

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Curated Interior

We share the best home decor ideas, furniture recommendations, coolest products, and interior design tips for America's most stylish women.

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

Kitchen interior in Provence style (French rustic style)

Home / Information / Articles / Article "Interior of kitchen in Provence style"

but at the same time soothing, harmonious and comfortable, then Provence style is your choice! This is a stronghold of nature against the technogenic background of modern megacities - natural finishing materials, floral ornaments, light shades, a piece of rustic comfort - all this will evoke positive emotions and cheerful associations. This style is preserved throughout the design to the smallest detail - even plates and mugs can be decorated with elegant floral patterns and images of the beauties of nature. nine0005

Distinctive features of the style

Provencal style in the interior has its own characteristics that bring charm and an atmosphere of well-being to the interior:

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Traditional Provence style design reflects the atmosphere of past centuries, so worn surfaces of furniture fronts and countertops are often used, as well as antique elements, including fittings. Textile plays a key role and gives a unique atmosphere of comfort and bliss - beautiful tablecloths, airy curtains, luxurious curtains, as well as towels and napkins add a sense of natural naturalness to the interior of the kitchen. The color scheme is designed to provide the best possible illumination. But the white color is practically not used at the same time - most often you can find beige, delicate cream, calm sand, lavender. They not only allow the room to become lighter and airier, but also have a beneficial effect on a person, giving peace and tranquility. To dispel the uniformity in the color scheme, brighter and more juicy colors are also used, which will help emphasize furniture, zone the kitchen or focus on special pieces of furniture. nine0005

In the Provencal style, you can find mostly natural materials - wood, stone, ceramics, metal, glass. In the spirit of antiquity, surfaces, furniture fronts and various structures are not made perfectly even or straight - traditionally materials are processed roughly, sometimes even resorting to manual processing. Of course, all sharp edges or dangerous elements are removed so that the product does not lose its performance characteristics.

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Walls

Wallpaper is rare, especially in the kitchen. As a rule, plaster or brickwork is used. In a small kitchen, brick imitation can be used to save space. If the walls are initially smooth and straight and there is no need for plaster, wallpaper can also be used - wide wallpapers with floral ornaments and patterns are best, or wallpaper in two colors that are slightly different from each other. Curtains and curtains are sure to decorate the window. As a rule, light transparent tulle and loose curtains of light colors are used for the kitchen, which will easily let sunlight into the kitchen. nine0005

Ceiling

Recently, designers recommend making the ceiling wooden - in a city apartment it looks unusual and very impressive. In the case of a wooden country house or cottage, everything is simpler - the ceiling is usually wooden, and it can be additionally decorated with large beams, they only need to be additionally painted to protect against moisture. In the case of a low ceiling, decoration is very limited - it is best to use plaster so as not to significantly reduce the usable volume of the kitchen. nine0005

Floor

Both wood and ceramic tiles are perfect for flooring. In some cases, a matte laminate with worn and rag effects will be an excellent solution, but a natural board looks more harmonious. For a more elaborate decoration, you can use a mosaic, laying out an intricate pattern or pattern with it.

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Lighting

Provence style light plays a big role - bright lighting, even and natural. Sometimes a truly difficult task falls on the shoulders of a designer - to create a second sun in the interior of the kitchen. nine0005

First of all, it is worth letting daylight inside - in your own house, for this, the window opening is increased and expanded or several windows are installed. In the case of a city apartment, you can use light curtains from ceiling to floor, which will be saturated with sunlight and give it to the room.

Artificial lighting is chosen to match the sunlight. The light coming from lamps and fixtures should be soft, warm, bright, warming. Light sources should illuminate the entire kitchen without leaving dark corners. This is possible thanks to the decoration of the walls in light colors and the use of glossy surfaces - for example, the top of a glass dining table with natural decor and wooden legs will perfectly scatter light and reflect it from itself. The chandelier itself can act both as the main and main source of light (for small kitchens), and as an addition to other light sources (for spacious dining rooms). The chandelier is both elegant and rough, hanging brightly in the middle of the room and with a beautiful lampshade, it will fill the space around it with some kind of magical atmosphere. nine0005

Additional lamps and sconces can be selected from those with wood or wrought iron elements. To find suitable sconces of this kind, you can dig deep in your grandmother's attic or look into antique shops. Even a beautiful candlestick will become a real decoration of the kitchen and will give a warm and pleasant light in the evening, creating a romantic atmosphere at dinner.

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Furniture

Selected furniture is somewhat rough and "antique" - this is the secret of the charm of Provence. The kitchen set, as a rule, has a small number of doors - everything is mostly in plain sight. Open shelves and various jars, flasks and glass containers located on them will only organically emphasize the style of such a kitchen. Forged furniture will look great - for example, chairs near the dining table. The table itself can be massive, made of natural wood, with a worn top and legs. Depending on the room, the furniture can be either light shades (for small kitchens) or dark (for larger rooms), which will play the role of contrasts in the design. nine0005

The furniture is very functional and often has various drawers, shelves, niches, and fittings (handles, locks, fasteners) can be made of brushed metal or finished in bronze, graphite, copper. The dishes also have a decorative function and are always in sight - mugs and plates with ornaments and beautiful patterns adorn the shelves of a kitchen set or individual shelves on the wall. Where to store knives, forks, spoons and other small utensils? Small wicker baskets are perfect, which perfectly complement the overall picture. nine0005

Accessories

Accessories are the most important little things in the style of Provence that shape it and give a complete image to the interior of the kitchen. It is necessary to choose such things that will emphasize the elegant simplicity of the Provencal cuisine:

With your own hands you can build a lot of "little things" to decorate the interior of the kitchen. For example, from time to time to collect bouquets of wild flowers and put them on the dining table in a beautiful ceramic vase. If you have artistic skills, you can master various painting techniques and decorate kitchen utensils. Original Provence-style dishes will only add charm and contribute to the atmosphere of the room. nine0005

Provence-style kitchen - original and light - will not only delight every day with its appearance and functional convenience, it opens up opportunities for creativity and creativity to everyone! In such a kitchen there will always be a feeling of cheerfulness and tranquility!

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Publication date: July 30, 2018 interior ideas

Originating in the south of France, the rustic interior style is now considered one of the most popular due to its recognizable aesthetics and versatility. Let's find out how a modern Provence-style kitchen should look like in order to avoid mistakes when decorating the interior.

Contents:

Distinctive features of Provence

The Provence style in the interior of the kitchen is characterized by elegance, slight naivety, rustic roughness and French elegance. style-forming elements elements will help to achieve this effect:

Technological and modern kitchens in the Provence style should look a little vintage to maintain the atmosphere of rustic comfort and homely warmth.

Colors

Provence are delicate shades of colors burnt out under the bright southern sun. Pastel, or as they are also called “dirty” colors, can be obtained by fairly adding gray and white to natural yellow, green, blue and blue tones. nine0005

Today it is still associated with delicate shades, but the color scheme of the style has significantly expanded and replenished with new solutions, which we will discuss below.

White

The classic color for Provence, white not only visually expands the space, but also gives it an elegant and festive look. To make a white kitchen more interesting, use color and texture accents. Accessories, decor, including fresh flowers, are suitable for this purpose. A stylish accent will be an ethnic carpet or printed curtains on the windows. nine0005

A bright backsplash or textured countertop will help to dilute the white color. Today, countertops made of stone or high-quality imitation are in fashion, and an apron can be chosen to your liking. Tiles, painted ceramics and patchwork tiles fit perfectly into the theme of the style.

You will find more options for kitchens in white here: White Kitchen Interior Design

Olive

Until recently, green colors were not often used in the design of a Provence kitchen. The exceptions were pastel colors, which include mint and apple shades. nine0005

But not so long ago, saturated green tones of warm and cold colors have come into fashion. To warm include olive, mustard and pistachio shades, the color of sage, moss and chartreuse. To cold - emerald green, jade and malachite, as well as all blue-green tones.

Olive and mahogany - a combination that reminds of summer, olive groves and the southern sun.

In spacious rooms, dark olive color looks good in combination with dark wood furniture. For a small kitchen, a light olive color is more suitable in combination with sand, gray, cream and blue. nine0005

Today, a green kitchen in Provence style looks fresh and unusual, especially if you have chosen a complex and multifaceted shade for the main accent.

Do you want a green kitchen? See our rubric: Green color for the kitchen. Living examples

It should be remembered that dark green tones are very active and take up space. Therefore, in a small room, it is recommended to combine them with calmer ones, for example, white, beige and brown.

The pistachio set will be a compromise, which is suitable for small spaces due to the neutral color scheme. Pistachio color is refreshing, combined with white, pink, blue and light wood gives a feeling of eternal summer. In addition, it goes well with both light and dark tones of the floor and walls.

Lavender

The classic color scheme for Provence has been reinterpreted today. Now the most muted, whitish lilac and lavender shades are in fashion, which do not draw attention to themselves. nine0005

Note the cool lavender that turns almost grey, making it look understated and elegant. This shade is suitable if you do not plan to focus on the kitchen set, but want to focus on an apron or unusual accessories.

Sand and brown

In country interiors, wood tones have always played an important role, as they are actually the natural color of the furniture. The wood emphasizes the rustic style and makes the room more comfortable. nine0005

But besides beige and brown kitchens, dairy and sand are in trend today.

Light natural shades can be used to finish furniture, both in monochrome and in color. In this case, the interior will look elegant and only with details and accessories will remind you of the rustic style.

For example sand fronts with glass and brown fittings combined with brown floors and worktops.

Use brown for a simple and rustic feel. Moreover, in combination with gray, a real country Provence is obtained, another fashionable interior style.

Read about the now fashionable country style in our article: Rustic Kitchens

Blue

Blue, like lavender, is considered a classic for French country. But a blue Provence-style kitchen does not always imply that there will be furniture in this shade. Blue can be used in decoration, accessories, decor, and it is best to combine it with white or beige. nine0005

White and blue kitchens are still in trend, although this combination is most suitable for Mediterranean style. To make it more rustic, add warm color accents and accessories.

Shades of blue

Pay attention to turquoise - one of the most popular shades of blue. Great for furniture, referring to the canonical Provence. Artificially aged kitchen furniture in this color looks especially beautiful. nine0005

Turquoise is an active color, but it is recommended to combine it with others, such as white and brown, to avoid oversaturation. Use it in doses, combining with no less expressive textures to get unique combinations. For example, turquoise goes well with gold, which is not quite typical, but it is the place to be in the company of natural wood and aged or truly vintage furniture.

Gray

In addition to olive, interior designers have a new favorite this year - gray. Moreover, it does not mean light melange, but rich graphite gray, which looks noble, but is only dosed suitable for the Provence style. nine0005

Read more about fashion trends in our article: Top 10 Kitchen Design Trends It blends in perfectly with the elegant French countryside setting, and being neutral allows for a variety of color schemes.

In Provence-style kitchens, gray should be combined with white, pastel colors and brown. In this case, it will emphasize the functionality, simplicity and utility of the interior. nine0005

Prints and patterns

Prints, patterns, ornaments are a distinctive feature of the style. Here they are used to the maximum: in colors on textiles and dishes, in patterns on wallpaper and kitchen backsplash, in ornaments on carpets. In addition, the print may be present on the floor covering, for example, on tiles or linoleum.

Patterns should not be too complex, the simplest ones will do, with a rustic flair: check, polka dots, stripes (including multi-colored, as on homespun carpets), small flowers. Ethnic ornaments and traditional painting look good in the interior. But the main thing is not to overdo it with ethnic motifs, it is optimal to use them for an apron in the kitchen or as a print on dishes. nine0005

Find out about the options for using black in different styles in the article: 135 most stylish black kitchen design ideas decor.

Pay attention to details, such as the shape and material of the sink tap, drawer fittings and food storage containers - everything must fit into the original concept of a cute country house. Now let's look at the main design elements. nine0005

Kitchen set and household appliances

Provence style kitchen set is:

  1. Milled fronts made of solid wood or MDF.
  2. Sideboard or cupboards with transparent doors.

In this case, the layout can be straight, corner, U-shaped or with an island.

The main condition is no gloss, bright colors, no handles and extreme conciseness. And, on the contrary, frames, moldings, elegant fittings, carvings, decorative glass, pastel colors are welcome, everything that fits perfectly into the atmosphere of a French village. nine0005

Upper cabinets, as a rule, are made up to the ceiling, facades are all glass or with glass inserts. As for the design of the wooden set, it is either impregnated and whitewashed solid wood facades, or enamel without texture. The color of natural wood is not typical here.

Warm shades of copper and brass in the design of fittings, faucets, handles, vintage appliances. The hood is domed, built-in is allowed only in small kitchens.

A sofa and a kitchenette will fit in a Provence-style corner kitchen.

A sideboard that can be truly vintage and inherited will help express the idea. It can be decorated using the decoupage technique, or you can simply paint it in white or any pastel color.

Appliances must be masked or built in. The first option was in fashion a few years ago, when everyone was striving for the ultimate authenticity. Today, it is not necessary to hide a microwave or refrigerator behind wooden doors, because modern Provence suggests only a hint of country music, which is manifested in the choice of design details. Therefore, the technique can be left as is, the main thing is that it matches the color scheme. nine0005

Walls and backsplash

Walls in Provence are usually plastered and painted, rarely sheathed with light-colored wooden panels.

Wallpaper is generally not used. If it is not possible to level the walls for painting, take a closer look at the textured wallpaper, with a stretched floral or floral ornament.

In the design of the walls of the kitchen of a village house, give preference to plaster with a rough texture or whitewash, in the apartment it is better to use the smoothest possible surface for painting. nine0005

For the backsplash choose patchwork tiles, white boar, painted pottery, tiles or solid tiles that match the tone. In spacious rooms, you can use natural stone or imitation of an aged one.

Floor and ceiling

The ceiling in Provence is usually wooden, painted white. Open beams can give the interior a special elegance, but this is true only for private houses and cottages. nine0005

Natural boards, parquet, ceramic tiles are ideal for flooring. You can also use wood-like laminate and linoleum with a pattern, which should be supported by interior details and decor. A prerequisite is that both the tile and the laminate must be matte and have signs of aging.

Our article will help you decide on the choice of flooring: 8 best floor coverings in the kitchen

Lighting In the dark. nine0005

At the same time, a chandelier is not only a source of light, but also a design element. Choose an atmospheric option with elements of wood or forging and a beautiful lampshade. Don't forget about pendant lamps with shades in retro style.

Small ceiling lamps in combination with spot lighting in the working area are enough to organize comfortable lighting in a small room. But for a spacious kitchen, for example, in a private house, a massive chandelier is suitable, which is placed in the center, complemented by local light sources. When choosing a chandelier, pay attention to bronze products in combination with frosted white glass. They look quite simple and at the same time vintage. nine0005

Instead of a chandelier, you can use two pendant lights above the island or dining area. This technique is great for modernized kitchens.

More options for kitchens with an island in our section: Kitchen design with an island. Use curtains, tablecloths, napkins, rugs and other textile and wicker items to make the interior more cozy and homely. nine0005

It is important that curtains and other textiles are made from natural materials: cotton, linen, wool, canvas, to emphasize the rustic flavor.

Curtains are perfect for tulle or cutwork lace. By the way, white curtains make any interior more elegant. Also use soft blue, purple, orange, pink, pistachio.

Not sure which curtains to choose? Read our article: 70 options for modern curtains for the kitchen

Curtains, tablecloths, towels, napkins and an apron, choose from a checkered fabric or with a floral pattern. Don't forget about handicraft: crocheted tablecloths, soft seats with ruffles on wrought iron or wicker chairs - all these little things create a mood and give the interior a special rustic flavor. nine0005

But it should be said that in modern Provence, textiles are not used so often and serve only as an accent. Therefore, it is permissible not to hang curtains at all if you have a colorful carpet, for example.

Accessories and decor

In a Provence style kitchen, accessories and decor play an important role, as they not only allow you to set accents, but also create an atmosphere on a par with furniture and decoration.

Choose crockery and other kitchen utensils in a classic style, with floral or floral prints, in muted calm shades. nine0005

Decorate with a variety of wicker baskets, metal buckets and jars, wooden boxes for storing spices, cereals or cutlery.

Emphasize the style of Provence will help:

Today, Provence tends to be functional, and therefore the decor has become smaller, but it has become more expressive and large in size, for example, large vases, fruit bowls, wooden bread bins and wicker baskets instead of many small details. nine0005

Small kitchen in Provence style

Provence is more suitable for large rooms, but even on 6 square meters you can create the flavor of a French village. When designing a small kitchen, you should follow these rules:

Also avoid prints, especially those that are too bright and active. In a small kitchen, minor color accents are acceptable, but there should not be too many of them so as not to overload the interior.

You will find more real examples of how to arrange a small kitchen in the category: Kitchens 6 sq. m in Khrushchev

Features of Provence in a country house

In a country house, Provence looks as organic as possible, as it is in its element. Here it becomes possible to use the architectural features of the room to the maximum. For example, leave ceiling beams, decorate a bay window or use window space. nine0005

One of the most interesting and practical ideas for a kitchen in a private house is an island. The design will not only replace the dining table or kitchen drawers, but also fill the central space, which will make the interior more interesting and multifaceted.

In a private house Provence should be as authentic and even rude as possible. Furniture and finishes made of aged wood, natural materials, a minimum of decorative and elegant details will help to achieve the effect. nine0005

Kitchen-living room in the Provence style

Modern Provence differs from the country style by elegance, light naivety and bright southern color.

Learn more