If you're looking to create a warm and inviting kitchen space that combines the rustic charm of the French countryside with elegant and stylish design elements, a French Country Style kitchen might be just the thing for you. The French Country Style kitchen is designed to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, focusing on natural materials, warmth, and a sense of charm and nostalgia. Here are some tips on how to create a French Country Style kitchen designs that's both cosy and elegant:
What Is a French Country Style Kitchen?
French Country Style is a design aesthetic that is characterized by its rustic and warm elements. In the context of a kitchen, a French Country Style design often includes natural materials such as stone or brick, wood, and wrought iron and incorporates warm colors such as earthy tones and soft pastels.
French Country Style kitchens often feature cabinetry with a distressed or aged finish, open shelving to display dishware and other kitchen items, and natural materials such as butcher block countertops or stone flooring.
Other common features of Cozy Kitchen design may include vintage or antique accessories, such as farmhouse-style sinks, decorative pottery, and rustic light fixtures.
11 Ways To Design A French Country Style Kitchen
1. Use Glided Finishes
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your French country style kitchen, consider incorporating gilded finishes into your design. Gold or brass finishes can add warmth and sophistication to your kitchen while still maintaining a rustic and cozy feel.
You can use gilded finishes on cabinet hardware, light fixtures, faucets, and other decorative elements. Consider adding a gilded mirror or picture frame to your French kitchen décor to further enhance the elegant feel.
For example, you could use gold leaf to highlight the edges of your cabinetry or add a gilded border to your kitchen backsplash. For instance, you could pair a brass faucet with a natural stone sink or use gold cabinet hardware on wooden cabinetry.
2. Adding a Kitchen Sink Window
A window above the sink can provide natural light and ventilation, while also serving as a focal point for your kitchen design.
To make the most of your kitchen sink window, consider adding decorative elements like window treatments or shutters. You could also use the window sill to display potted herbs or other decorative items that complement your French country style design.
In addition to adding aesthetic value, a kitchen sink window can also improve functionality by providing a clear view of the outside while washing dishes or preparing food. This can help to create a more enjoyable and efficient kitchen space.
3. Add a Statement Oven-hood
An eye-catching oven hood can serve as a focal point in your kitchen and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.
A copper or brass hood with decorative details can add warmth and depth to your kitchen, while a distressed wood hood can create a rustic and charming feel.
The size and placement of your oven hood can also impact the overall design of your kitchen. In addition to adding aesthetic value, a statement oven hood can also improve the functionality of your kitchen by helping to remove smoke and cooking odors from the space.
4. Whimsical Embellishment
Whimsical embellishments are a fun and playful way to add character and charm to your French country style kitchen. These decorative elements can include anything from unique knobs and handles on cabinetry to colorful tiles on the backsplash.
You could use hand-painted tiles in bright colors or with playful designs on your backsplash or add decorative glass knobs to your cabinetry.
You could also incorporate vintage or antique pieces into your kitchen design, such as a chandelier or light fixture with intricate details or a unique shape. You can also reclaimed wood to create open shelving or incorporate natural elements like stones or shells into your backsplash or countertops.
5. Opt For Butchers' Block
A butchers' block can be a practical and stylish addition to your French country style kitchen. Traditionally used as a work surface for cutting and preparing food, a butcher's block can also serve as a decorative element in your kitchen.
Consider using a butcher's block made of reclaimed or distressed wood to create a rustic and charming feel in your kitchen. You can use decorative elements like brass or copper accents to highlight the natural beauty of the wood. A butcher's block can also be used to display decorative items like fresh herbs, fruits, and flowers.
6. Decorate With Vintage Tools
Vintage tools like old-fashioned cooking utensils, antique pots and pans, and vintage scales can be used to create a rustic and authentic look. Consider displaying your vintage tools on open shelves or hanging them on the walls for easy access and as decorative pieces.
Another way to incorporate vintage tools is by repurposing old items, such as using an old milk jug as a vase or a vintage colander as a fruit bowl. The key is to select items that are functional, timeless, and add to the overall aesthetic of your French country style kitchen. By incorporating vintage tools, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that pays tribute to the kitchen's rich history .
7. Hang Cooper Pots and Pans
Collecting copper cookware can be a stylish and practical addition to your French country style kitchen. With proper care and maintenance, copper cookware can last a lifetime and add timeless elegance to your space.
Consider installing a pot rack or hanging your pieces from hooks on the wall to display your copper cookware. This not only creates a practical storage solution but also adds a decorative element to your kitchen. You can also use your copper cookware as decorative pieces on open shelves or as part of a vignette on a kitchen island or countertop.
8. Use Industrial Light Fixtures
Industrial light fixtures often feature materials like metal, exposed bulbs, and minimalistic design elements, which can create a contrast with the warmth and coziness of a French country style kitchen. Consider incorporating industrial light fixtures in the form of pendant lights above a kitchen island or dining table, or as a statement piece above the kitchen sink or stove.
To further enhance the industrial feel of your light fixtures, consider using Edison bulbs, which have a vintage look and provide a warm and ambient glow. Mixing and matching different types of light fixtures and bulbs can also create a unique and eclectic look in your French country style kitchen.
9. Incorporate Bistro Bar Stools
Incorporating bistro bar stools into your French country style kitchen can add a touch of Parisian charm and elegance. Bistro bar stools can also add functionality to your kitchen by creating additional seating space for guests or family members. They can be used at a kitchen island, a breakfast bar, or a bistro table, allowing for casual dining and entertaining.
To further enhance the bistro atmosphere, consider pairing your bar stools with a small table or a set of matching chairs. This can create a cozy and intimate space for dining and conversation.
10. Install Farmhouse Table
Farmhouse tables are typically made of wood and have a simple, yet sturdy design that can withstand everyday use. Pairing the farmhouse table with complementary chairs can further enhance the rustic charm of your French country style kitchen.
Consider using chairs with a similar wood finish or incorporating chairs with a different texture, such as wicker or metal, to create a cozy and eclectic feel . You can decorate the table with fresh flowers, candles, or other seasonal accents to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere.
11. Highlight Ceiling Beams
To highlight your ceiling beams, consider painting them in a contrasting color to your ceiling or leaving them in their natural state. This will draw the eye upwards and create a focal point in the room. You can also add decorative elements, such as corbels or brackets, to further enhance the look of your beams.
Pendant lights, chandeliers, or track lighting can all be used to showcase the beauty of the beams and create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. If you don't have existing ceiling beams in your kitchen, consider adding faux beams to create the look of a traditional French country home.
The Wrap Up
Creating a French country style kitchen that exudes both coziness and elegance can be an exciting design project that transforms your cooking space into a charming and inviting retreat.
Warm, natural colors and textures are the backbone of a French country style kitchen. Gilded finishes and vintage tools lend a touch of whimsy and a rustic charm, while copper cookware and industrial light fixtures add a sophisticated edge. Bistro bar stools create an intimate ambiance, and a statement oven hood sets the tone for a luxurious culinary experience. A butcher's block adds a practical touch, and a farmhouse table brings everyone together for meals.
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