We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Decor

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a French Country Kitchen?

Sara Schmidt
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 8,202
Share

A French country kitchen is a popular theme used in kitchen design. Inspired by country houses in France, the look is considered warm and inviting, yet lightly elegant, and is well-suited for both a cottage kitchen, as well as a large, stately home. Interpretation of the theme can vary widely depending upon personal preference, though it usually consists of earthy, Provençal colors and rustic decorating elements.

Painted wood is frequently used in a French country kitchen. This is done with the cabinetry in particular, as well as the furniture. Rich, warm colors, such as vermilion and gold, are often used, as well as lighter, earthier shades, including taupe and olive green. The earth tones are often employed as the wall colors of a French country kitchen, while the warmer shades are typically used as accents. Each Provence inspired theme, however, is individually interpreted by the decorator, and his or her own tastes, and the end result can in some cases be surprisingly modern and sophisticated.

The overall space utilized in this kitchen style is not considered important. People can use the French style in wide, open kitchens as well as tiny, cozy units. In larger spaces, the richer colors can be applied more dominantly to help achieve a cozier space if desired, while the lighter taupe and olive shades could be used to help smaller kitchens appear bigger.

Distressed wood, treated to appear weathered and rustic, is often used in French country kitchen design. Tables, lamps, and other pieces of furniture may be purposefully aged in order to achieve a more rural appearance. Furniture should be sturdy and functional, yet still appear very welcoming and inviting to guests. Exposed beams are another popular wooden addition to French kitchens.

Most French country kitchens feature antique metal accessories, such as cast iron pots or tin kitchenware. A kitchen armoire, which often holds this kitchenware, is frequently displayed in this type of kitchen. Floors should consist of natural materials, such as brick, clay, or ceramic tile. Flagstone is another popular flooring material in French country kitchens.

Natural lighting is typically employed when designing a French country kitchen. Rustic iron or brass light fixtures are the most popular choices for this look. Wood is another option used in lighting. Designers using French country decor may incorporate several types of lighting while keeping the look simple yet informal.

Various symbols and designs can be utilized to help further convey a French theme. Roosters are a popular French symbol, as are olives and grapes. Designers use these elements in country fabrics, as well as on the walls or kitchenware.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Sara Schmidt
By Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for HomeQuestionsAnswered, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.
Discussion Comments
By jonrss — On Apr 26, 2012

I love the French country style and I am planning on doing my kitchen in that style when we renovate the house next summer. I have been scouring design magazines trying to figure out how I want everything to look. As simple as this design is it is hard to pull off. It is as much about the way the space feels as it looks.

I have a friend who is an interior designer and she has been helping me a lot. She normally works in a more modern style, but she has such an amazing eye for design that she can make just about anything look the way you want it to.

By truman12 — On Apr 26, 2012
I stayed a a bed and breakfast recently that had a beautiful French country kitchen. The proprietor was french and she told me that she tried to recreate the kitchen that her mother had. I imagine that she came pretty close.

It was a beautiful little place in Maine. The house was lovely and the area surrounding it was beautiful. But the best part was probably the breakfast, as silly as that sounds. The food was simple but elegant, kind of like the kitchen that it came out of.

By Ivan83 — On Apr 25, 2012

I have a lot of French country kitchen decor in my kitchen. It is not exactly like a French country kitchen but I have done the best that I can. I do not have the money to renovate so I have to add things and make minor changes as I can.

I repainted the walls in this bright warm yellow color and I got new curtains for the windows. My big black refrigerator does not help things but what can you do?

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for HomeQuestionsAnswered, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-french-country-kitchen.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.