What exactly is a French country kitchen? It is a beautifully decorated cooking space that feels both homey and elegant. Think kitchen cabinetry that resembles traditional furniture, fancy oven hoods with crown molding or scalloped edges, and charming rustic accents that feel more Parisian shabby chic than rural.
'Traditional French country kitchen designs include arched windows, warm color schemes and patterned designs, while the typical materials used for the facades of the homes are brick or stone. Those characteristics give the French country kitchen a feeling of texture both indoors and outdoors.
Country kitchen style employs a focus on natural materials and fine craftsmanship in an effort to create a warm and comfortable kitchen design where guests will feel welcome and want to spend plenty of time.
French country style is defined as a mix of rustic and refined decor inspired by the homes in the French countryside. It's a popular style worldwide because of its comfortable and casual elegance that's never ostentatious.
Paris kitchens do far more with far less space.
Parisians squeeze everything they can into a tiny room, often one of the smallest rooms in a Paris apartment. There is far less countertop space, but all the typical appliances (fridge, oven, range) and even a washer and dryer miraculously squeeze in under the counter.
French kitchens boast large stone or parquet or terracotta floors. French kitchens almost always have a breakfast table in one corner or another. French kitchens have flowing drapes. French kitchens host big pieces of furniture as their cupboards; large buffets, wood tables, long wood work tables.
The French sofas are embellished with buttons and punches to give a classic royal look to the home interiors. Shabby chic furniture on the other hand is usually created to give a distressed look. Not well finished. Paints are usually faded and worn out.
French Country style is softer while farmhouse style is cleaner and more casual. There are lots of curved lines in French Country style, while farmhouse style may have more defined lines.
A château (French pronunciation: [ʃɑˈto]; plural: châteaux) is a manor house or residence of the lord of the manor, or a fine country house of nobility or gentry, with or without fortifications, originally, and still most frequently, in French-speaking regions.
Bright colors, pastels, floral print, distressed finishes, vintage signage, chunky wood furniture, lace window treatments, wood burning, copper, and large central tables are some elements you may expect to find in a country kitchen.
The classic key elements of a country-chic kitchen are bright and airy spaces with plenty of wood, a hint of farmhouse and some shabby chic style. This style is the perfect selection for those seeking a comfortable, homey aesthetic in their kitchen.
The French country design emphasizes soft earthy colors and tones — such as lavender, sky blue or olive green — to resemble the natural Mediterranean beauty of Provence. Create a blue French country kitchen with blue cabinets, shades and furniture.
Modern French Country style incorporates stone and patina finishes, inviting imperfections, tons of character, and curves galore. The style as a whole plays with vintage elements while still feeling clean, intentional, and warm.
There are many differences between the two styles. Shabby chic is a design that incorporates bits and pieces of antique and old items into a fresh and new design that seems to be an eclectic mix of old and new. Farmhouse style focuses more on simplicity, with less clutter and more natural decor.
Though French country design has been around for several centuries, it seems to have fallen out of favor in recent years. We think this is a huge mistake. Many seem to think this style is synonymous with overly decorated, traditional styles, when in fact it's a beacon for simplistic elegance.
'French country decor never really goes out of style; it is timeless. The interiors reflect a longstanding connection to the land and nature and seasons,' says Louise Bacou, co-founder La Maison London. 'In the French countryside, time moves at a gentler pace.
16. Mix It Up. Lauren Vandiver combined two of our favorite styles, French country and modern farmhouse, into her living space, proving that mixing and matching different looks can most certainly be done in a stylish manner. Once again, we love the presence of the gold ornate mirror on the wall.
The color palette of Country French design reflects the colors of nature: blue, red, green and and yellow.
French country design has a neutral color palette including white, beige, gray and taupe. The French also like to add subtle and faded colors like light green, french blue, pale pink, or lavender. All these shades are timeless and remind of nature.
French Country Blue is a soft, bright, blueberry blue with a wisteria undertone. It is a perfect paint color for a feature wall. Pair it with white cabinetry or marble countertops.
1) Boeuf Bourguignon
There's nothing more comforting and luscious than Boeuf Bourguignon, a classic French beef stew made with red wine, pearl onions, mushrooms and bacon. Once you try it, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular on your menu!
When most people think of a traditional English kitchen, what they're most likely envisioning is a traditional Georgian kitchen: built between 1714 and 1830, characterized by thoughtful, understated embellishments, a restrained color palette, and a focus on function.
Traditional kitchens typically incorporate painted cabinets with or without glass front doors, simple granite or laminate countertops, and hardwood floors. The best traditional kitchens lean on classic elements, while still allowing room for family fun or guest entertainment.