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This post is all about crafting a French Style Kitchen in your home.
Wanting to channel your inner Parisian with a beautiful French Style kitchen? Here are 7 unique ideas to help get you started!
Let’s be real – who hasn’t daydreamed about channeling that effortlessly cool Parisian vibe? There’s something about the laid back elegance of French style that speaks to all of us, especially when it comes to our kitchens.
Whether you’re flipping through a magazine or scrolling through Pinterest, chances are you’ve stumbled upon those dreamy French style kitchens! They instantly make you want to grab a baguette and a glass of wine and pretend you’re strolling along the Seine.
Well, guess what? You don’t have to book a ticket to Paris to bring a little bit of magic into your own home. In this guide, we’re going to dive into seven ideas to help you channel your inner Parisian and create the French style kitchen of your dreams. So, grab a croissant and get ready to sprinkle a little bit of that ‘je ne sais quoi’ into your cooking space.
This post showcases the best and most unique ideas to help you create a French Style Kitchen in your home.
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What is a French Style Kitchen?
A French style kitchen or French country kitchen, embodies the rustic charm and elegance of the French countryside. It incorporates elements such as natural materials like wood, stone, and brick, as well as vintage or antique accents. Key features of a French style kitchen may include open shelving to showcase dishes, farmhouse sinks, Provencal fabrics, and vintage lighting fixtures to enhance the ambiance. Overall, a French style kitchen exudes warmth, character, and a sense of joie de vivre, making it a welcoming and inviting space for cooking and gathering.
How can I make my kitchen look French Country?
Here are some key characteristics and tips to help you achieve the French country kitchen look:
- Natural Materials: Incorporate wood, stone, and brick for a rustic feel. Use exposed beams, stone backsplashes, and distressed wood.
- Soft Color Palette: Choose cream, soft white, pale blue, and sage green for a cozy atmosphere.
- Antique Accents: Add character with vintage furniture and kitchenware like copper pots and pans.
- Open Shelving: Showcase dishes and add visual interest with open shelving.
- Farmhouse Sink: Install an apron-front sink as a focal point.
- Provencal Fabrics: Incorporate floral patterns and ticking stripes for provincial charm.
- Vintage Lighting: Enhance ambiance with wrought iron chandeliers or pendant lights.
- Natural Light: Maximize sunlight with minimal window treatments for warmth.
By incorporating these elements, you can transform your kitchen into a charming and inviting space that captures the essence of French country living.
What is the typical color palette of a French Country Kitchen?
The typical color palette of a French Country Kitchen is characterized by soft, muted tones inspired by the French countryside. Shades commonly include cream, soft white, pale blue, sage green, and sometimes lavender or butter yellow.
These colors create a warm and inviting atmosphere while maintaining a sense of elegance and sophistication.
The best unique ideas to craft a French Style Kitchen
1. Incorporate natural materials
Bring the rustic charm of the French countryside into your kitchen by incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick. Install wooden ceiling beams or expose existing ones to add warmth and character.
Consider a stone or brick backsplash to create a focal point and opt for distressed wood flooring or furniture to enhance the rustic feel.
2. Opt for a Soft Color Palette
Create a serene and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen by opting for a soft, muted color palette inspired by the French countryside.
Choose creamy whites, soft pastels like pale blue and sage green. These soothing hues will evoke a sense of calm and elegance while complementing the natural elements in your kitchen.
3. Copper, Copper, Copper
Infuse your kitchen with the timeless allure of copper accents to add warmth and sophistication. Consider incorporating copper pots and pans, utensils, and decorative elements to bring a touch of old-world charm to your space.
Hang a collection of copper cookware on a wall to create a focal point that doubles as functional decor.
4. Open Shelving
Embrace the casual elegance of French country kitchens by incorporating open shelving to showcase your favorite dishes, glassware, and cookware. Remove upper cabinets or replace them with floating shelves to create a sense of openness and airiness.
Arrange items artfully, mixing practical pieces with decorative accents to add visual interest and personality to your kitchen.
5. Opt for a farmhouse sink
Make a statement in your kitchen with a farmhouse-style sink, also known as an apron-front sink. These deep, wide sinks are both practical and stylish, offering ample space for washing dishes and food preparation.
Choose a classic white porcelain or fireclay sink for a timeless look, or opt for a hammered copper or stainless steel sink for added visual appeal.
6. Provencal Fabrics
Infuse your kitchen with the charm of Provencal fabrics by incorporating them into your decor. Choose curtains, tablecloths, and seat cushions featuring classic French motifs such as floral patterns, toile, or ticking stripes.
Look for fabrics in soft, muted colors that complement your kitchen’s color palette and add a touch of provincial charm to the space.
7. Vintage Lighting
Add a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your French style kitchen with vintage-inspired lighting fixtures. Choose wrought iron chandeliers with intricate designs or pendant lights featuring glass shades for a classic look.
Consider wall sconces with antique finishes to enhance the ambiance and complement the overall style of your kitchen. Position lighting strategically to illuminate key areas such as the cooking and dining areas, while also adding visual interest and warmth to the space.