European styles in interior design are gaining more and more popularity among our compatriots. A special place in this series of stylistic trends is occupied by the warm, cozy and rustic home style of the interior – Provence. It is also often called French country. And there is no mistake about that. Originating in the southeast of France, among the coastal towns of the Côte d’Azur, this style has become almost a hallmark of French design. Everyone who would like to design their kitchen space not only with high functionality, but also with the warmth of the southern French latitudes, with a special flavor and coziness, should definitely learn about the peculiarities of the Provence style manifestation in the interior..
The main features of the Provence style
Provence style is simplicity and comfort, it is natural materials and home-made interior items, it is a desire to create a comfortable environment in which everyone is comfortable. Having absorbed the traditions of good taste of the coastal towns of the south of France, the Provence style has become a symbol of warmth and comfort for designers and their customers in all corners of the world. It is generally believed that this style is ideal for a kitchen located in a country house, spacious and bright, cozy and so «home». But even within the framework of a city apartment (even of a modest size), you can use the main motives of the Provence style, intertwining them with design techniques to visually increase the space. Let us briefly note the main features of the style of dwellings in the southern part of France:
- an abundance of light, which is achieved through the spaciousness of rooms with large windows or skillfully placed local sources of artificial light;
- light color palette for decoration and furnishings, the use of pastel tones that seem to have faded in the sun;
- the use of antique furniture or new models with specially aged surfaces, patina, scuffs is encouraged;
- handmade elements are actively used – wood carving, hand-painted dishes, lace napkins and tablecloths, wicker baskets;
- an abundance of fresh flowers – garden plants in vases, indoor plants on window sills and other surfaces;
- open shelves with your favorite kitchen utensils displayed for everyone – beautiful dishes, crafts, collectibles;
- the interior in the Provence style is always a little archaic – there are no clear rules in the arrangement of furniture, household appliances, decor (that is why many housewives who love to cook and gather the whole family at an elegantly decorated table prefer to decorate the kitchen based on French country music).
Obviously, not all of these Provence style motifs are suitable for a modest kitchen space. But the basic principles, including the use of light palettes and aged furnishings, can be applied to create a cozy interior with its own unique charm. Only at first glance it might seem that with this approach to decorating the kitchen with furniture, it is impossible to use high-tech household appliances. Modern technology, executed in a retro style, incredibly harmoniously integrates into the special atmosphere of French country cuisine.
The color palette is the calling card of the style
Many of us have a phrase «Provence style kitchen» a picture with an absolutely bright room pops up before my eyes. But do not assume that only white color can indicate that the kitchen interior belongs to the French country style. The palette of used shades is wide enough. But immediately it is necessary to make a reservation that in order to create an authentic interior in the spirit of the dwellings of the French coast, it is necessary to use colors that seem to have burnt out under the hot southern sun. Pastel shades are ideal.
Not only all shades of white, but also blue, sand, olive, beige, mint, cream and gray – each of these tones can be used both as a basic and auxiliary color scheme. Unbleached, pure colors can be used as an accent. There are no absolute taboos in Provence style interior design for modern kitchen solutions..
All shades of white have a special place in the concept of interior design in Provence style. White color gives the interior lightness and cleanliness, visually increasing the volume of the room, contributing to the increase in the amount of sunlight. For a kitchen located on the north side, with a lack of natural light or just a small area, a light image will become the basis for decoration. But do not be zealous with white, using it for all surfaces when decorating and shaping furniture. Otherwise, instead of a light but cozy image, you can get a strong association with a hospital ward. A colorful natural shade of the floor covering, bright ceramics on the kitchen backsplash and even a few, but colored decor will be salutary accents.
Light yellow, sandy, ocher shades involuntarily remind us of the grass burnt out under the hot southern sun. In the Provence kitchen, such shades will be appropriate as a color scheme for kitchen facades. Such furniture will look great on a light background. Similar solutions are also suitable for small kitchen spaces..
Pistachio, mint and olive shades in pastel variations will be a great color solution for wall decoration or furniture set. Pistachio color goes well with the snow-white finish of the ceiling and walls, wood flooring.
At the same time, various shades of blue are used when decorating Provence style kitchens. The light blue shade is used both as a color scheme for facades and for local finishing of vertical surfaces. Symbolizing the blue southern sky, this color is in perfect harmony with other natural shades – white, brown, sand. In the blue tone, the coolness of the sea breeze and heavenly pacification, but this color must also be used in doses. If your kitchen is located on the north side of the building, it is best to leave all shades of blue for painting on dishes and other kitchen utensils..
Marsala color with the addition of white, ripe grapes and plums – all these natural shades can be used as an additional color together with neutral basic shades – white, light beige, sand. Most often, colors from this palette are used for furniture located in the lower part of the room. Such an example, among other things, helps to visually increase the height of the room (provided that the upper part of the room is made in light colors).
Finishing for the kitchen in the style of Provence
Despite the absence of strict canons when decorating a kitchen in the French country style, there are some recommendations that must be followed if you want to get an interior that is authentic South French design:
- wallpaper is rarely used for wall decoration (if only locally in the dining area), painted walls will look much more natural;
- Plaster or decorative plaster followed by painting is ideal for Provence cuisine. The texture of the walls will depend on the scale of the kitchen and its location. In a city apartment, it is better to choose smooth options; in a private house, especially in a suburban home, you can use a rough texture;
- for wall decoration, deliberately aged boards (wall slabs in the appropriate design), ceramic tiles, stone and even brick can be used – most often these types of finishing materials are used as an accent, locally;
- ceramic tiles are ideal for decorating a kitchen apron (there are a lot of options for choosing a single-color material or products with a print)
- the flooring can be made of ceramic or stone tiles, as well as using a wooden board (the Provence style advocates the use of exclusively natural materials, so no linoleum or laminate).
One of the hallmarks of ceiling finishes in any variety of country style is the use of wooden ceiling beams. If the height of the ceiling allows, then using this design technique will be the ideal option to recreate an authentic design with a special charm of a country home. It is difficult to imagine such a decoration within a standard apartment, but in a country house with a spacious kitchen, this design will look more than appropriate..
The only motley spot in the interior of a bright room can be a kitchen apron. Bright ceramics with original ornaments will stand out against the background of light, shabby kitchen facades. With the neutrality of the general palette, you can choose any colors to decorate the most vulnerable surface in the kitchen space – the working area.
Kitchen furniture for Provence style
We can safely say that it is precisely by the color and design of the furniture set that you can «discover» Provence style among many other country options. Moreover, it is in this style that it is not necessary to use a furniture ensemble with the same cabinet facades. The variegated furniture, as if collected from the best models of the long history of the family, can form a difficult harmonious union, but become a key element of the design of the kitchen space.
As already mentioned, there is no place for artificial materials in the Provence style interior. Solid wood furniture is ideal, as a last resort, you can use painted MDF facades. No glossy surfaces, chrome fittings and decor. If it is necessary to use metal elements, then let it be products made of bronze, copper, alloys aged with patina.
Grandma’s sideboard or pencil case found in the vastness of flea markets and flea markets can not only acquire a second life, harmoniously fit into the cozy atmosphere of Provence cuisine, but also become its main highlight. Aged surfaces (specially or after many years of use), antique fittings, even cracks on wooden surfaces will not only not become an obstacle, but will also help to convey the authenticity of the interior of southern French dwellings.
In a city apartment with a small kitchen space, it is difficult to imagine the rational use of space in which a bulky grandmother’s sideboard or an old dining table will be placed. In this case, you can resort to design tricks to form «new» Provence urban type. Compact kitchen set with modern «stuffing» and artificially aged facades or antique fittings with patina will be an excellent way out.
Panels and glass inserts, carved elements, wicker and forged decor – all facade design options are perfect for the French country style. As an alternative to the upper tier of kitchen cabinets (sometimes partially), open shelves can serve. It will be on them that you can display your favorite dishes, jars of spices and other kitchen accessories that must be kept «at hand».
If we talk about the improvement of the dining area, then the advantage of furniture made from natural material becomes incredibly significant. No plastic, chrome elements. A wooden table and chairs are ideal. In country houses, you can use furniture completely woven from vines or rattan or with inserts from these materials. Wicker furniture creates a special mood. An atmosphere in which you don’t want to rush anywhere, but just enjoy delicious food and pleasant company in the circle of households or invited guests – this is a visiting card of the Provence style.
Integrating home appliances into a set of intentionally aged furniture can be tricky. There are enough models of stoves and ovens on the wide sale, the design of which is perfectly combined with the aesthetics of French country. But if you need to install a washing machine or a dishwasher in the kitchen, then it is better to hide them behind the facades of the kitchen furniture..
Kitchen decoration in the style of French country
The Provence style in the kitchen space provides an opportunity for the hostess to show all her skills, apply the skills of needlework, growing indoor plants, making bouquets and other types of applied creativity. If we talk about the textile design of the kitchen in the Provence style, then we can note several main theses (they are not an axiom in modern conditions, but they represent urgent recommendations for creating an authentic interior):
- natural fabric of bright colors, using a floral (plant) print, it is also possible to use a pattern «in a cage» – a colorful cotton or linen tablecloth will decorate not only the dining area, but the entire kitchen space;
- using lace, knitted napkins, tablecloths and aprons, you can «domesticate» any interior (but it is important not to overdo it with textile design, especially within a small kitchen in a city apartment);
- you can use chairs with soft seats and backs (fabric with a floral print is welcome) or pull (tie) fabric covers with soft lining on ordinary wooden stools;
- window decoration with textiles will largely depend on the level of illumination of the room, the location relative to the cardinal points and the size of the room itself (you can use translucent tulle, cotton or linen curtains with a variegated print for decoration).
As for decorative accessories, there is no need to widely use the image and figures of a rooster (the symbol of France) to create an authentic interior. It is enough to place a flower vase in the center of the dining table or in other areas of the kitchen space. If you have a wide window sill, you can display indoor plants in bright ceramic or clay pots. You can also use metal pots and small cans or buckets, wicker baskets with sturdy containers and even bottles..
It is in the Provence style kitchen that glasses with sprouted green onions or a long pot of herbs that can be served directly to the table will look appropriate. Bunches with onions and garlic, beautiful bottles of olive oil, tin cans for spices will not be superfluous. Kitchen in Provence style – a room for hostesses who love cooking, have hospitality and love family gatherings and receptions with meals.
Lighting devices can be safely attributed to decorative elements of the interior. Indeed, in addition to its main function of illuminating the space, beautiful lamps made of brass or rough-forged metal adorn the image of a kitchen room. Some Provence style lighting fixtures are decorated with porcelain, fabric or glass. Even in a small kitchen, do not stop at installing only a central chandelier, because the Provence style is always a bright room.
Pay attention to the choice of mixer for the kitchen sink. A modern chrome-plated accessory can negate all your efforts. There are many antique faucet models on sale – with curved taps and cross-shaped valves. There are beautiful mixers made in bronze or painted with white acrylic.
