French provincial style is a type of furniture and interior design that takes its cues from 18th century French countryside homes. It takes its cues from the furniture of provincial peasants from the provinces of Normandy, Burgundy, Provence, and Brittany.
These pieces traditionally feature carved elements such as cabriole legs, scalloped edges, and floral motifs. They are usually made of various woods such as walnut, cherry, oak and maple. Pieces are often painted in light, muted hues and can feature textiles such as toile, stripe, and plaid.
Pieces are designed to be inviting and welcoming, often featuring deep, comfortable upholstery and beautiful details. French provincial style continues to be a popular choice in home design today, offering an elegant and timeless look.
What are the elements of a French country kitchen?
The elements of a French country kitchen typically feature distressed woods, stone countertops, traditional tile backsplashes, antiqued hardware, whitewashed cabinets, and built-in breakfast nooks. It is to create a space that is welcoming and cozy yet distinctly European.
The colors used in French country kitchens traditionally lean toward warm earthy tones such as deep reds, taupes and creams. Additionally, natural materials such as wood and stone are popular elements to bring in a traditional yet rustic flair to the kitchen.
Ornate designs with intricate details in ornamental door and cabinet hardware, light fixtures, and tile give a nod to the French tradition of craftsmanship.
Storage is an essential element in any French country kitchen as any traditional French kitchen has plenty of shelves or cupboards to hold the variety of dishes and accessories. Wall-mounted baskets and hangers are also popular storage options.
Farm-style sinks and heavy wooden cutting boards are two other common pieces for a French country kitchen.
In the corners of French country kitchens, one can find classic furniture pieces such as armoires, hutches and buffets. This piece of furniture will add a nice touch of French country design to any kitchen and is perfect for storing utensils, dishes, and any other necessary tools.
Adding touches of vintage pottery, copper pans and terracotta jars will also add the conventional French touch to any kitchen space.
What is a French style kitchen?
A French style kitchen is a type of kitchen that incorporates traditional French elements such as wood cabinetry, ornamental molding, intricate shutters or curtains, and a variety of textures. The focus is on creating a kitchen that looks beautiful while still functioning as a practical space to prepare meals.
French kitchens often include traditional touches such as painted cabinets in whites, blues and other creamy pastel shades, brass door knobs and handles, weathered finishes, graniteware, and ironwork accents, combined with modern amenities to make day-to-day tasks easier.
French style kitchen typically include a large central island with counter seating for additional dining space, multiple sinks for food prep, a combination of ovens, and ample storage for ingredients and supplies.
The space also tends to have a unique layout, with some cabinets and appliances tucked into alcoves and other nooks so that everything has a place and the layout is efficient. An overall feeling of light, airy air is also important, with plenty of windows and natural light.
What is the difference between Hamptons style and French provincial?
Hamptons style and French provincial design share some similarities—both employ neutral colors, natural texture, and clean lines—but there are distinct differences between the two. Hamptons style originated in a coastal region of Long Island, New York known as the Hamptons and has a relaxed, beachy feel to it.
It typically has white walls, natural wood accents, and rattan or wicker furniture, plus light airy colors used in accents and decor. On the other hand, French provincial style originated in French countryside towns outside Paris and has more of an elegant, formal feeling.
It’s characterized by neutral colors, curved furniture pieces with ornate details, and delicate accents such as gilded frames and mirrors. Fabrics can range from damask to toile, and colors are generally muted blues, pinks, and yellows.
In contrast to the Hamptons style, French provincial decor often includes painted furniture, with colors often inspired by peasant dress. Therefore, the key difference between the two is the atmosphere that each style produces; Hamptons is airy and casual, while French provincial is warmer, more formal, and comfortable.
How can you tell if furniture is French provincial?
French provincial furniture typically has a rounded shape, with curved lines and decorative flourishes. It often has an antique or vintage finish and is crafted from high-quality materials such as walnut, mahogany, or cherry.
The furniture may be painted or gilded, or left unfinished to showcase its natural beauty. French provincial furniture often features intricate carvings and delicate metalwork on the legs and arms, as well as carved medallions, scrolling patterns, floral motifs, and cabriole legs.
Other common elements are oversized tufted chairs, ornate armoires, and marble tops on tables and dressers. The furniture is typically smaller and more delicate, as compared to heavier, more traditional-style furniture.
An air of elegance and sophistication is present in all pieces of French provincial furniture.
What colors are used in French country decor?
French country decor generally incorporates a lot of warm, muted colors, such as muted yellows, creamy whites, pale blues, and earthy greens and oranges. Grays, whites and creams are combined with mustard yellows, creamy apricot and bright greens to create a color palette that expresses coziness and liveliness.
Deep blues and reds may also be included as accents to warm up the color scheme. Metallics such as gold and bronze can also be used to add a luxurious touch to the decor. Floral fabrics can be used in upholstery, window treatments, and throw pillows, as well as wallpaper.
To finish a French country style, furniture pieces such as armoire, hutches, side tables, and farmhouse tables are used.
How do you make French provincial furniture look modern?
Making French Provincial furniture look modern can be achieved in a number of ways. To start, consider painting the piece of furniture. Primarily, we would suggest a lighter, neutral tone like off-white, taupe, or beige.
This allows for a more timeless look, which is a great way to promote a more modern aesthetic. Additionally, for a more rustic French Provincial look, consider using a muted tone such as sage green, eggplant, or powder blue.
Another way to make French Provincial furniture look modern is to replace the hardware. Opt for brass, chrome, or steel hardware, rather than the typically ornate looking bronze handles and knobs. Industrial pulls and handles work especially well for a modern French Provincial look, as does creating a two-tone color scheme.
If you’re looking for a contemporary feel, pair bright and bold colors, like yellow and navy blue.
Opting for simple lines, rather than intricate designs, is also a great way to modernize French Provincial furniture. You can do this by removing accent elements like cabriole legs, curved chair arms, and adornments.
Additionally, incorporating modern-looking cushions, or replacing the fabric or upholstery altogether (allowing you to choose an updated pattern and color of your choosing) should help achieve a modernized French Provincial look.
Making French Provincial furniture look modern is an easy task. With a few simple design changes, you can create a timeless piece that will last for many years to come.
What are the characteristics of a French Provincial house?
The characteristics of a French Provincial house refer to a style of home inspired by those artistic and architectural traditions found in the many provinces of France. Generally, these houses have a symmetrical and formal shape, with a front-facing gable, an entry door in the center, and tall windows.
Additionally, exterior features typically include shutters, curved window details, and hammered shutters, while there is usually a steeply pitched roof covered in slate and clay. The interior of a French provincial house will typically include ornate details, decorative plasterwork, and intricately designed fireplaces.
The use of luxury materials is common, such as marble, brass, orveneered mahogany, or cherry and walnut woods. Additionally, you may find influences from other architectural styles such as Italian Renaissance, Spanish Revival, or Greek Revival.
Overall, the French Provincial style is characterized by elegance, grace, and traditions from many French regions.
What does provincial furniture look like?
Provincial furniture is characterized by a classic and timeless style. It typically has rustic elements, such as carved detailing, harkening back to the traditional European designs of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
It often utilizes a mix of lighter wood shades like teak and beech, as well as darker woods like oak and walnut. Provincial furniture has a distinct “antique-look” to it, giving it a timeless, elegant feel and further contributing to its popularity in the home.
Some common elements and styles of provincial furniture include: Vintage French Country designs, Queen Anne chairs and tables, Farmhouse styles, and natural woods. Provincial furniture also often includes features such as inlaid detailing, cabriole legs, rolling casters, and a mix of different finishes.
This furniture style works great for creating a warm, welcoming environment in any home, making it the perfect option for those looking for a timeless design that will remain classic and stylish for many years to come.
How can I make my kitchen look French country?
To achieve a French country look in your kitchen, start by introducing antique, rustic furniture and decor pieces such as an enameled farmhouse sink, distressed wood cabinets, or an old-fashioned wood-burning stove.
Embrace an aged, weathered look by painting your cabinets and walls with light colors such as dusty blue, rustic red, and yellow ochre. Utilize toile fabrics, ginghams, and plaids in your curtains, tablecloths, and chair covers.
Hang vintage pieces like old wooden cutting boards and copper cookware on the walls. Bring in pottery and earthenware, as well as wrought iron decorations, to give the room a timeless feel. Then, accessorize with fresh flowers, dried herbs, and woven baskets to complete the French country vibe.
What do kitchens look like in France?
Kitchens in France vary greatly depending on the region and the type of residence they are in. In the countryside and small towns, traditional kitchens tend to use a mostly neutral palette of colors, such as whites, taupes, and light beiges, that create a cozy and inviting feel.
Wood or white cabinets, terra-cotta or stone floors, and exposed wooden beams can all be found in these spaces. In larger cities, however, kitchens tend to be more modern and contemporary. These spaces usually feature bold colors, such as bright blues and reds, and materials like stainless steel, glass, and contemporary cabinets.
Many French kitchens also feature classic French pieces, such as a large armoire, a classic dining table, or a wood-burning stove, to add a traditional touch. No matter what type of French kitchen you’re in, it’s almost guaranteed to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere along with good food.
What is the difference between French country and farmhouse style?
The French Country and Farmhouse styles have a lot of overlap, but they do have some differences as well.
French Country style typically has an elegant, rustic feel with natural materials like wrought iron, distressed wood, and stone. Furniture pieces often have cabriole legs, and accessories like antiques, crystal chandeliers, and oil paintings can be used to complete the look.
Colors tend to be light and airy, featuring whites and muted tones.
Farmhouse style, on the other hand, is more laid back, rustic, and homey. Natural materials such as wood, metal, and burlap are commonly used, and pieces are often casually distressed with a distressed wood finish.
Furniture pieces tend to be more simple and practical, with less ornate designs. Colors tend to be more muted, like blues and browns, with accent pieces in brighter colors like blues, reds, and yellows.
Common accessories used include natural elements like plants, baskets, and wicker baskets, as well as vintage and antique items. overall the goal is to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.