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While kitchens need to be
functional and organized, they should also awaken the senses and be a room
in which you actually want to spend time. One classic kitchen design theme
to seriously consider is the French country look. The hillsides of rural
France are the inspiration for this classic and traditional look. This look
can be found in the most elegant chateaus along with the humble rural
farmhouse.
So many images come to mind when you consider the French country kitchen,
fragrant lavender fields, pastoral settings, quaint farmhouses set amidst
the French countryside and the region of Provence. You get a sense of the
uniquely French lifestyle with a French country kitchen which warm and
rustic.
One of the hallmarks of the French country kitchen is the use of large
furniture pieces. This furniture is usually constructed using a light wood
and often has ornate carvings.
Color & French Country Kitchen Design
The design of your new kitchen could quite easily start with your choice of
colors. The paintings of the French impressionists like Monet, Van Gogh, and
Renoir are a great place to start. Some of the most popular colors used in
French country décor are bright red or rust, soft gold or sunny yellow,
cobalt blue, soft ocean tones, and grass green. Many people choose to punch
up their French country theme with the use of bright colors such as meadow
green, sunset purple, bright blue, poppy red, and sunflower yellow. Good
color choices for your walls and large furniture pieces include taupe,
ivory, white, and light beige. You can leave your cabinets in a natural wood
shade or brighten up the room by painting them a bright white. You should
stay away from strong colors, as you are creating a bright airy feel. When
it comes to choosing fabrics consider adding in prints such as stripes,
paisley, and floral.
Natural Materials
Another important element in French country décor is the use of natural
materials on walls and for the construction of cabinets and furniture.
Tumbled marble, granite, and stone are all materials that are commonly
incorporated into the French county room. You can find these natural
materials around the room, on floors, walls, and ceilings. Beamed ceilings
can be either wood painted in natural colors, rough stained, or plaster
painted. Floors are often constructed from either brick or stone and feature
wool or cotton accent rugs. Windows are often covered with wooden shutters
while fireplaces are often covered in stone. You will see a rustic or
distressed look to the furniture and cabinets in a French country kitchen
and countertops are often done in either stone or ceramic tile.
Accent Pieces
This style makes extensive use of tile, hand painted European ceramics,
pottery, and rustic urns. You will find terra cotta pottery and ceramic
tiles used extensively. You will get a sense of the real look and feel of a
French country kitchen as soon as you hang a few copper pots around the
room.
Kitchens need to shine with personality in addition to being highly
functional and very organized. The French country kitchen is a classic
design theme that can really add style and beauty to your kitchen. This
traditional look incorporates natural materials, muted colors, and well
placed accent pieces. If you are looking to create a beautiful space you
will love working in think about installing a French country kitchen.
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