The Provençal kitchen is a small paradise with a simple yet elegant look: bleached wood furniture, stone floors, pastel colors... A daydream!
After all, who wouldn't love living in Provence? Imagine being able to go out into the French countryside every day: stroll through fields of lavender, return home with a bouquet of freshly picked wildflowers, and arrange them in an antique enamel jug...
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Okay, let's get back to earth! Of course, packing your bags and moving to the South of France isn't an option. But nothing stops us from traveling with our minds and transforming our home!
The kitchen is the most lived-in room in the house, and we can start there to recreate the welcoming, rustic atmosphere of the French countryside: let's discover together how to design a magnificent Provençal kitchen.
The identity of a Provençal-style kitchen: how can you recognize it?
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What are the characteristics of the Provençal style? Take the refined atmosphere of shabby chic, mix it with the country chic simplicity of country homes, and add a touch of old France: floral wallpaper, printed cushions, bunches of dried flowers hanging from the ceiling... These are the general rules that apply throughout the home, and if you want to discover all the secrets of Provençal decor, we refer you to the complete guide to this style.
In Provençal-style kitchens, all these characteristics are not only present, but even amplified to the nth degree. The kitchen was once the beating heart of old homes, the room where everyone gathered to eat together. For this reason, it was perhaps not the most elegant room, but it was undoubtedly the most lived-in and the one with the greatest warmth.
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Therefore, every self-respecting Provençal kitchen should have a large table with many chairs (not necessarily all the same!), like those around which large families gathered in the past. For materials, always opt for natural: terracotta or stone floors, stained wood, wrought iron accessories.
When it comes to colors, favor soft hues: dove gray and pearl gray if you want to stay neutral; powder blue, lavender, and sage green if you want to add a touch of vivacity.
Now that you understand the style, let's delve a little deeper and discover the furniture that should never be missing from a Provençal-style kitchen.
Furniture for a Provençal Kitchen: How to Choose the Right One
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Okay, we've chosen the walls and floors. Now let's get down to business: which furniture should you choose for a Provençal-style kitchen?
This style is all about having a soul, a past. Used and reclaimed furniture, if well chosen and tastefully combined, will give your kitchen a truly unique and special look. Vintage furniture tells a story: that's what makes it so special! A striking idea, for example, is to omit (or limit) wall cabinets in favor of antique plate racks and open shelves. Of course, you'll need to pay close attention to your tableware, which will become an integral part of the decor. But the effect will be worth the effort!
If you already have a kitchen and can't afford to renovate, here's a DIY trick to create a stunning Provençal atmosphere: remove the cupboard or cabinet doors, paint everything with two coats of pickled paint (preferably white, ivory, or pastel shades), and finish with dark wax in the corners for a very chic antiqued effect. Get some vintage ceramic knobs (even different ones, why not!) and the room will be completely unrecognizable.
A Provençal-style kitchen can play on color harmony and have cabinets and cabinets in the same color. Or you can mix two different colors, a neutral and a pastel: even more original! A Provençal blue kitchen with touches of ivory, for example, is an unusual and striking idea.
Another popular combination, always a surefire success, is white and aged brown. If you have a wooden kitchen, try painting only the cabinets and leaving the rest intact: you'll be amazed by the result.
To tell your story in a truly personal way, try pairing vintage elements with new (but themed) furniture: you'll create an irresistible space, with a style all your own. A Provençal kitchen unlike any other!
Complete the decor of your Provençal kitchen with decorations and accessories!
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When it comes to decor, attention to detail is essential. The design of a Provençal kitchen is no exception: walls, cabinets, and floors aren't everything! And, especially in such a distinctive style, it's the decorations and accessories that make the difference.
The first rule is: place flowers everywhere. To give your kitchen the bucolic atmosphere typical of the French countryside, try hanging bunches of dried flowers on the wall (or even from the ceiling, if you're lucky enough to have exposed beams!). Otherwise, if the idea seems too extreme, just fill the kitchen with vases.
But be careful: for a Provençal-style kitchen, you can't settle for just any vases. Have fun repurposing everyday objects: glass demijohns, ceramic jugs, metal buckets, and even old pots. Seeing is believing: everything is more beautiful with flowers! For the second and third rules, take a look below...
Fabrics for decorating a Provençal kitchen: rustic vintage charm!
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You'll have a blast choosing curtains for your Provençal kitchen: this style relies heavily on fabrics!
Simple Provençal curtains in linen gauze, light but textured, will be perfect if the kitchen is already rich in unique details and you don't want to risk overcrowding the space. Otherwise, go for lace, crochet, and delicate floral patterns. But remember that the pinnacle of Provençal style is the so-called "toile de jouy," the classic French fabric in a light-colored fabric with those distinctive prints reminiscent of porcelain.
If chosen well, curtains will transform the look of your Provençal kitchen. So don't rush to buy them right away: instead, hunt for vintage fabrics at flea markets, where you might find some real gems at very attractive prices.
Modern Provençal kitchens: the perfect mix of "new" and "old"
As you can see, achieving the Provençal kitchen of your dreams is definitely within your reach! If this simple, bucolic, and chic style has stolen your heart, all you have to do is get to work bringing a bit of Southern France into your home.
Always remember that Provençal kitchens par excellence are neither too new nor too modern: this would make them cold, lacking the warmth and romance we aim to recreate. However, if you love playing with furniture and decor styles, you can give the space a more "personal" feel by adding a modern Provençal touch to your kitchen!
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Modern Provençal kitchens retain the French atmosphere we've described so far, despite having a much more contemporary feel. In this case, mixing new furniture with vintage elements, choosing the right colors, and lavishing flowers and decorations is the secret to success.
Otherwise, there's always Plan B: pack your bags and move to Provence!
