FRENCH COUNTRY KITCHENS: YOUR GUIDE TO ACHIEVING THE LOOK
Grand yet reassuringly homely and liveable, French country kitchens appear to embrace the best of all worlds. Undeniably rustic, they introduce something more unique and enticing to the home due to incorporating classic fittings and effortlessly splicing the old with the new. Fundamentally, it’s about presenting a comforting cooking environment that embraces traditional elements of sophistication that are quintessentially French.
Achieving the look of a French country kitchen should be an evolutionary journey. So, let’s take those steps together to embrace French country interior design to bring a greater depth of character and distinction into the kitchen.
THE FOCAL POINT OF A FRENCH COUNTRY KITCHEN
It’s perhaps unsurprising that the table should sit centre stage in any culinary space, and particularly in a French country kitchen. It’s the central hub for all culinary activities and consequently should serve as the main focal point.
The key to capturing that unmistakable rustic authenticity is to go for raw and honest handcrafted designs. However, that’s not to say other designs can’t be incorporated
Also, to enhance that French country kitchen aesthetic, why not provide some focal intrigue with your accessories. Keep it natural à la chopping boards, wicker baskets, bunches of fresh herbs, spices, and copper pots and pans.
MODERN FRENCH PROVINCIAL KITCHEN
The key to a modern French provincial kitchen is revealing as opposed to concealing. Accessories shouldn’t be hidden away but presented proudly to enhance rustic aestheticism and to convey a sense of strength and decorative honesty.
Consider hanging your pots and pans rather than tidying them away in cupboards. Invest in some hanging racks and hooks so any copper colours can contribute to your space brilliantly. It’s all about laying it bare in a French country kitchen. This also goes with the shelving – why not consider open shelves to make your kitchen completely transparent and bring that french feel into your home. It will also ensure your cookware is easily accessible too.
FRENCH COUNTRY DECOR
To help enhance that vintage French country look, you need to embrace the space-transforming possibilities of decor. Sometimes it’s all about creating contrast. Even if in an urban environment, you can often evoke a rural ambience with a bit of open-minded French country interior design imagination.
Retro-inspired appliances are a great way to invoke that rustic finesse when modern devices threaten to overwhelm your space. Wrought-iron pendants are perfect for introducing an antiquated element, and so too are terracotta pots or any antique trinkets. Also, don’t forget the positive benefits of bringing the natural world into your design too.
FRENCH COUNTRY INTERIOR DESIGN
By its very nature, French country interior design encourages an eclectic back-to-basics approach that can be deeply inspiring with its mismatch of styles that reward intriguing contemplation.
Original architectural features such as bricks and beams are clearly a bonus in a French-style kitchen due to the echo of history and rustic authenticity that they organically convey. So, if there are any beams, brickwork, or stone exposed, these will all contribute significantly to the kitchen’s character.
However, if these aren’t part of your natural space, you can always introduce the rustic feel in a number of ways. Consider the timeless appeal of a Henley Double Fluted Farmhouse Sink or even a Belfast Farmhouse Kitchen Sink, both of which help to evoke classic country character into your space.
HELP WITH YOUR FRENCH COUNTRY KITCHEN
To bring classic French character into your kitchen with a time-honoured aesthetic, speak to our friendly team. They can help you select the best fittings and fixtures that will work effortlessly into your space.
Consider a free design consultation that implements a selection of ABI products into your space. Click here to book your time.