Provence style kitchen

European styles in interior design are becoming increasingly popular among our compatriots. A special place in this series of stylistic directions is occupied by the warm, cozy and rustic home style of the interior - Provence. It is often called French country. And there is no mistake. Originating in southeastern France, among the coastal towns of the Cote d'Azur, this style has become almost the 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 comfort, should definitely learn about the features of the manifestation of the Provence style in the interior.

Provence style is simplicity and coziness, it is natural materials and home-made furnishings, it is the desire to create a comfortable environment in which everyone is comfortable. Having absorbed the traditions of good taste of the coastal towns of southern France, the Provence style has become a symbol of warmth and coziness for designers and their customers in all corners of the world. It is generally accepted that this style is ideal for a kitchen located in a country house, spacious and bright, comfortable and so “homely”. But even in the framework of a city apartment (even of modest size), you can use the main motifs of the Provence style, intertwining them with design techniques to visually increase the space. We summarize the main features of the style of dwellings in the southern part of France:

• an abundance of light, which is achieved due to 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 be burnt out in the sun;
• the use of antique furniture or new models with specially aged surfaces, patina, scuffs is welcome;
• actively used handmade elements - wood carvings, 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 favorite items of kitchen utensils on display - beautiful dishes, crafts, collectibles;
• the interior in the Provence style is always a bit archaic - there are no clear rules in the arrangement of furniture, household appliances, decor (that is why many housewives who love to cook and assemble the whole family at an elegantly decorated table prefer to design the kitchen based on the French country).

Obviously, not all of these Provence style motifs are suitable for a modest sized kitchen space. But the basic principles, including the use of a bright palette and aged furniture, can be used to create a cozy interior with its own unique charm. Only at first glance it might seem that with this approach to decorating a kitchen with furniture, it is impossible to use high-tech household appliances. Modern technology, executed in retro style, is incredibly harmoniously integrated into the special atmosphere of French country cuisine.

Many of us, with the phrase "kitchen in the Provence style," a picture pops up before our eyes with an absolutely bright room. But do not assume that only white color can indicate that the kitchen interior belongs to the French country style. The palette of colors used is quite wide. But it is immediately necessary to make a reservation that to create an authentic interior in the spirit of the dwellings of the French coast, it is necessary to use colors as if they had faded 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, clear colors can be used as an accent. Absolute taboos in the formation of an interior in the Provence style do not exist for modern kitchen solutions.

All shades of white have a special place in the concept of designing kitchen spaces in the Provence style. White color gives the interior lightness and purity, visually increasing the volume of the room, helping to increase the amount of sunlight. For a kitchen located on the north side, with a lack of natural light or just a small area, a bright image will become the basis for decoration. But do not be too diligent with the white color, using it for all surfaces during decoration and the formation of furniture. Otherwise, instead of a bright, but comfortable image, you can get a strong association with the hospital ward. The colorful natural shade of the flooring, the bright ceramics on the kitchen apron and even a few, but the color decor will become saving accents.

Light yellow, sandy, ocher shades involuntarily remind us of grass burned out under the hot southern sun. In Provence kitchen, such shades will be appropriate as a color scheme for kitchen facades. Against a light background, such furniture will look great. Similar solutions are also suitable for modest kitchen spaces.

Pistachio, mint and olive shades in pastel variations will be an excellent color scheme for wall decoration or furniture. Pistachio color goes well with the snow-white finish of the ceiling and walls, wooden flooring.

At least in the design of kitchens in the Provence style, various shades of blue are used. A light blue hue is used both as a color scheme for facades and for local decoration 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 the heavenly pacification, but this color must be used in dosage. If your kitchen is located on the north side of the building, then it is better to leave all shades of blue for drawing on dishes and other kitchen utensils.

The color of Marsala 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 such a palette are used for furniture located in the lower part of the room. This example, among other things, helps to visually increase the height of the room (provided that the upper part of the room is made in bright colors).

Despite the lack of strict canons when designing a kitchen in the French country style, there are some recommendations that you must follow if you want to get an authentic South French design interior:

• wallpaper is rarely used for wall decoration (if only locally in the dining area), painted walls will look much more natural;
• regular or decorative plaster followed by painting - ideal for the Provence kitchen. The texture of the walls will depend on the size of the kitchen and its location. In a city apartment, it is better to choose smooth options, in a private house, especially in a country house, you can use a rough texture;
• for wall decoration, intentionally aged boards (wall plates in the corresponding version), ceramic tiles, stone and even bricks 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 (a lot of options for choosing plain material or printed products)
• the flooring can be made of ceramic or stone tiles, as well as using a wooden board (Provence style advocates the use of exclusively natural materials, so no linoleum or laminate).

One of the hallmarks of ceiling finishes in any kind of country style is the use of wooden ceiling beams. If the ceiling height allows, then the use of this design technique will be the perfect option to recreate an authentic design with a special charm of a village dwelling. It is difficult to imagine such a finish in a standard apartment, but in a country house with a spacious kitchen, this design will look more than appropriate.

The only colorful 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 color to design the most vulnerable surface in the kitchen space - the work area.

One can safely say that it is precisely by the color and design of the furniture set that one can “recognize” the Provence style among many other country variants. Moreover, it is in this style that it is not necessary to use a furniture ensemble with the same cabinet facades. A variegated furniture, as if assembled from the best models of the long history of the family, can make a difficult harmonious union, but become a key element in the design of the kitchen space.

As already mentioned, in the interior of the Provence style there is no place for artificial materials. Solid wood furniture is an ideal option, in extreme cases, you can use facades made of painted MDF. No glossy surfaces, chrome fittings and decor. If it is necessary to use metal elements, then let it be products from bronze, copper, antique alloyed with patina.

Grandmother’s buffet or cupboard, found in the vast flea markets and flea markets, can not only acquire a second life, harmoniously blending into the cozy atmosphere of Provence cuisine, but also become its main highlight. Aged surfaces (specially or subsequently of 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 the South French dwellings.

In a city apartment with a small kitchenette, it is difficult to imagine the rational use of the space in which a bulky grandmother’s buffet or an old dining table will be placed. In this case, you can resort to design tricks to form a "new" Provence urban type. A compact kitchen with a modern "filling" and artificially aged facades or antique fittings with a patina will be an excellent way out.

Panel and glass inserts, carved elements, wicker and wrought iron decor - all the facade design options are great for the French country style. As an alternative to the upper tier of kitchen cabinets (sometimes partially) open shelves can serve. It is on them that it will be possible to exhibit especially favorite dishes, jars with spices and other kitchen accessories that must be kept “at hand”.

If we talk about the improvement of the dining area, the advantage of furniture made of natural material becomes incredibly significant. No plastic, chrome elements. A wooden table and chairs are ideal. In country houses, you can use furniture that is completely woven from a vine or rattan or having 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 a pleasant company in the circle of households or invited guests, is a visiting card of the Provence style.

Integrating household appliances into a complex of intentionally aged furniture can be difficult. There are enough models of stoves and ovens in wide sale, the design of which goes well with the aesthetics of French country. But if you need to install a washing machine or dishwasher in the kitchen, it is better to hide them behind the facades of kitchen furniture.

The Provence style in the kitchen space gives the hostess the opportunity to show all her skills, apply the skills of needlework, growing indoor plants, making bouquets and other types of applied art. If we talk about the textile design of the kitchen in the Provence style, then we can note several key points (they are not an axiom in modern conditions, but they are urgent recommendations for creating an authentic interior):

• natural fabric of bright colors, using a floral (vegetable) print, it is also possible to use a “check” pattern - a colorful tablecloth made of cotton or linen will decorate not only the dining area, but also the entire kitchen space;
• with the help of lace, knitted napkins, tablecloths and aprons, you can "domesticate" any interior (but it is important not to overdo it with textile decoration, especially as part of a small kitchen room in a city apartment);
• you can use chairs with soft seats and backs (a fabric with a floral print is welcome) or on ordinary wooden stools pull (tie) fabric covers with a soft lining;
• 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 colorful print for decoration).

As for decorative accessories, there is no need to universally use the image and figures of a rooster (symbol of France) to create an authentic interior. It is enough to put a flower vase in the center of the dining table or in other areas of the kitchen space. If there is a wide windowsill, indoor plants can be displayed in bright ceramic or clay pots. You can also use metal pots and small tin cans or buckets, wicker baskets in which strong vessels and even bottles are inserted.

It is in the Provence style kitchen that glasses with sprouted green onions or a long pot of greens that can be served right on the table will look appropriate. Bundles with onions and garlic, beautiful bottles with olive oil, tin cans for spices will not be out of place. Provence style kitchen is a room for housewives who love cooking, have hospitality and love family gatherings and receptions of guests with meals.

Lighting devices can be safely attributed to the decorative elements of the interior. Indeed, in addition to its main function of lighting the space, beautiful lamps made of brass or rough metal forging adorn the image of the kitchen. Some models of Provence-style lighting fixtures are decorated with porcelain, fabric or glass. Even in a small kitchen do not stop at installing only the central chandelier, because the Provence style is always a bright room.

Pay attention to the choice of a mixer for a kitchen sink. A modern chrome accessory can nullify 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.