Provence style kitchen: simple yet cozy Mediterranean interior

Filled with French tones, Provence style conquers with its rustic simplicity, saturated with the grace and comfort of Mediterranean houses. The Provence style kitchen is suitable for those who value family traditions and home comfort. In the decoration of the premises, preference is given to natural materials from which furniture, accessories are made, as well as the walls, floor and ceiling are decorated. The interior of the kitchen assumes the presence of floral arrangements and aged surfaces.

Provence style in the kitchen is simplicity and comfort, natural materials and homemade interior items

Characteristic features of a Provence style kitchen interior: photos of beautiful designs

Provence style in an apartment or country house contributes to the creation of a cozy, but simple home. Designers recommend giving preference to natural materials and decor items that were made on their own. The main goal of this stylistic direction is to create a harmonious and comfortable environment in which every family member will feel comfortable.

In the Provence style, mainly natural materials are used.

It is interesting! Provence is somewhat archaic. There are no clearly defined rules that affect the peculiarities of the arrangement of furniture, appliances or accessories. Any hostess or owner has the opportunity to experiment and decorate the interior, based on personal preferences and convenience.

Initially, the direction was created for the design of country houses, which are distinguished by large space and open windows, but the designers have learned to adjust the characteristic features of the style to the size of modern apartments. The use of some techniques makes it possible to recreate the design of the Provence kitchen, even in the conditions of small apartments. The main design features include:

• a lot of light. If the size of the room and layout allow, this is done through a significant number of windows. In small rooms, sufficient illumination is created using artificial light sources;
• decoration in light colors.A distinctive feature of the style is the use of light shades both for decoration and for the manufacture of kitchen facades and furniture elements. Some items are specially aged to create the effect of a scuffed and sunburned surface;

In the Provencal style, natural materials are used: wood, stone, ceramics and, of course, metal

• the placement of antique furniture and the use of retro-style technology. Shabby sofas and antique-treated bronze surfaces will perfectly fit into the interior of a Provence design kitchen;
• application of handmade elements. The presence of carved chairs and tables, hand-painted dishes, embroidered napkins, rattan wicker furniture and homemade baskets is encouraged;
• compositions from fresh flowers. In the photo of kitchens in the interior of Provence, you can observe an abundance of indoor plants on the windowsills and garden bouquets arranged in vases;
• open shelves and shelves. In kitchens, it is customary to leave dishes, crafts and souvenirs in plain sight.

If the kitchen is modest in size, you should not try to simultaneously implement all the features of the style. The main thing is to adhere to the basic principles, which include the design in pastel colors and the purchase of retro-style furniture. The modern choice of household appliances allows you to purchase high-tech appliances, the facades of which will perfectly fit into the interior of the French country.

The Provence style is characterized by light, calm tones and good lighting in the interior.

Features of the color design of the kitchen in the style of Provence: photo

Many people think that the white kitchen in the Provence style is the classic design. But this fact does not mean that when decorating each kitchen, preference should be given only to white. In fact, French-style kitchens can be decorated in a variety of shades. At the same time, it is necessary that they look slightly burnt out and do not differ in excessive brightness. The most popular colors include:

• blue;
• olive;
• terracotta;
• sand;
• beige;
• yellow and lemon;
• light shades of green;
• mint;
• grey;
• lavender;
• cream.

To ensure that the entire interior of the Provence style kitchen does not seem uniform, brighter colors are also used in textiles and various accessories.

All of the listed colors can be used as the main tone of the walls, as well as to create a color accent. Of course, shades of white take a special position in the design of the kitchen interior, especially when it comes to decorating a small kitchen in the Provence style. White color visually increases the parameters of the space, beats off light well and fills the room with lightness and spaciousness. However, with excessive use of white, the kitchen can be made to look like a hospital room. Therefore, if a white Provence kitchen is being designed, you need to dilute the interior with bright ceramic tiles and beautiful decorative elements.

For the facades of kitchen cabinets, light yellow and sand shades are well suited, which will look especially beautiful against the background of light walls. Pistachio and olive colors are also acceptable wall design options, ideally combined with wood flooring.

Since the style originally originated on the shores of the Mediterranean, you can often see light blue and cold blue shades in the photo of country and Provence style kitchens. Moreover, these colors are appropriate to use for both walls and facades.

The palette of shades used in the Provence style kitchen is quite wide and varied.

It is interesting! Guests and owners of the house will associate the blue Provence kitchen with a sea wave against the backdrop of a clear sky.

Green is often used to fill rooms with natural beauty.In the case when it is decided to design a green Provence kitchen, you need to understand that if a small room is completely executed in this color, then it will look ridiculous. Therefore, it is recommended to create only an accent element using green shades. This could be wallpaper, a kitchen apron, cupboards, or a dining group. Even a large green lampshade above the dining table will make the interior luscious and unusual.

How to properly finish a Provence kitchen

Initially, Provencal-style kitchens gravitated towards high ceilings and walls, which did not differ in bright colors and an abundance of decor. Over time, the style was slightly adapted to the modern era, but, as before, when decorating the space, preference is given to light shabby, and the walls do not strive to make perfectly smooth. Some cracked whitewash only adds charm to the interior.

Design kitchen in the Provence style contains a lot of natural decor, as well as a variety of textiles

If a Provence-style kitchen-living room is created in a country house or a two-story apartment, then the floor beams should not be closed, but rather used as an accent element, although if desired, they can be made in the color of the surrounding walls. In the conditions of the apartment, for the design of the ceiling in the Provence style, imitation of beams is used, which is created using drywall. With a low ceiling height, do not weigh it down with massive elements. It is better to make a light and monochromatic design, and hang an old chandelier from the ceiling as an accent element.

Popular kitchen design solutions include:

1. Classic wallpaper in Provence style. The wallpaper can be decorated with patterns, floral motifs, checks and stripes. Also used cork and liquid wallpaper for the kitchen in the Provence style.
2. Matt paint and plaster. Perfect for decorating a city apartment. Monotony can be diluted with ceramic tiles and decorative stone inserts. The use of plaster with the addition of sawdust is considered popular.
3. Lining made of wood. This option will look good both in the kitchen of a country house and in an apartment. For this purpose, it is better to use light tree species: oak, birch, beech.
4. Brick masonry. Especially useful for finishing large kitchen-living room... All walls should not be masonry - you only need to choose one. If the kitchen area is small, it is recommended either to abandon this option, or to perform brickwork only on a small section of the wall.

Wall decoration is light and monochromatic, but original photo wallpaper can be used as an accent element

Provence style kitchen: apron and flooring decoration

As in many other interiors, the ideal design for a Provence style kitchen apron is tiles, which are considered the most durable material that does not require complex maintenance. Provence-style tiles can be monochromatic, made in sand colors. And also decorating in the form of flowers or semi-antique tiles is recommended.

To create a Provence interior, there is no need to use ultra-modern materials. Natural appearance is preferred. There is no place for plastic and glossy stretch ceilings. Only natural materials are used in the decoration.

Ceramic tiles are used as flooring. It can be either a single color option or tiles that imitate wood or natural stone. The material is very resistant to mechanical stress, it is quite easy to care for it.

Ceramic tiles in neutral shades - the best option for laying on the kitchen floor in the Provence style

Classic natural wood is also considered a popular flooring material, especially in a country house.In the photo of Provence style kitchen designs, you can see the combined use of tiles and wood flooring. In this case, the tiles are laid in the area of ​​the working area, and the tree is used to decorate the dining area.

The main rules for choosing furniture: photo of Provence style kitchens

The choice of furniture should be approached as carefully as possible, because it is the elements of the set that are correctly selected in color and texture that make the interior of the Provence kitchen the most recognizable. When recreating a style, it is not necessary to purchase furniture with the same facades. Furniture items that have been collected from various collections can create a harmonious room and become the main focus of the kitchen.

When choosing a furniture set, the advantage remains on the side of natural materials. Trees such as classic oak, beech, or cheaper pine are considered ideal. With a limited budget, it is appropriate to use painted MDF facades. Glued chipboard is used only as a last resort. Elements that emphasize the authenticity of the style include:

• aged surfaces, which can be achieved through the use of decoupage techniques, special paint and sandpaper;
• cracks on wooden surfaces;
• antique hardware with patina.

Kitchen furniture in the Provence style is somewhat rough and "semi-antique" - this is the secret of the charm of this style

Important! The surfaces of kitchen cabinets should not be distinguished by a glossy finish, chrome elements and an abundance of decor. It is better to use bronze or copper products as fittings and other metal elements.

Often, old grandmother's tables and chairs are used to furnish the kitchen: they are repaired, processed and given new life. In the photo of semi-antique kitchens, you can often see the presence of a massive sideboard, which is also considered a suitable element for this style. Of course, in a small room, it is impossible to install a massive cabinet with open shelves. Therefore, in such conditions, it is appropriate to pay attention to modern compact furniture with many built-in details, the appearance of the facades of which meets the principles of style. Facade design options include:

• glass inserts and stained glass elements;

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The choice of finishing materials, furniture for rooms of different sizes. Stages of the repair and decor features.

• panels in the central part of the doors;
• carved and wicker elements;
• forged decor.

Looking through a selection of photos of Provence design kitchens, you will notice that often the top row of kitchen cabinets is replaced with open shelves on which interior dishes, vases of flowers, cones for spices and the most commonly used kitchen accessories are placed.

In a Provence style kitchen, the use of antique furniture or new models with specially aged surfaces is encouraged.

Selection of elements of a dining group for a Provence style kitchen interior

When arranging a dining area in a Provence kitchen, it is absolutely impossible to use tables made of plastic, equipped with chrome legs or glass countertops. The Provence style table, like other elements of the dining group, should be made only of natural wood or rattan. At the same time, naturalness also applies to items that decorate the table: tablecloths, napkins, baskets for fruits or bread. Kitchen furniture must meet the following requirements:

• made only of natural wood or metal;
• made in colors that match the design of the kitchen and living room;
• characterized by traces of abrasions and cracks.

A round or rectangular tabletop is considered a classic of Provence. When choosing the most suitable option, you should consider the following: a round product looks more elegant, but more guests will fit at an oval table.If the kitchen is small, then you can install a square or rectangular table close to the wall. On the trading floors, transforming tables are available, made of natural solid wood, which not only fit optimally into the interior, but also accommodate more guests if necessary.

Solid wood furniture - ideal for a Provence style kitchen

Important! Natural wood tables should be cared for properly. Firstly, you need to make sure that the table is treated with special solutions that protect against fungus and ticks. Secondly, if the surface is not varnished, it should be treated and coated with oil as it gets dirty.

In the photo of Provencal style kitchens, you can see open countertops, but still, in most cases, they prefer to cover the surface with a beautiful cotton, chintz or linen tablecloth decorated with a floral print. At the same time, covers are often worn on chairs that match the style of the tablecloth. Chairs with a high back and soft seats are preferred.

When choosing a table, it must be remembered that it should look as if it has been in the family for several generations. Therefore, if it was not possible to find a suitable one among the ready-made options, then it is recommended to order an individual production. The table should ideally emphasize the presence of family comfort and be the hallmark of the kitchen and the whole house.

The dining group is most often made in a light color palette, as if pastel shades burned out in the sun

The choice of equipment and lighting in the Provence kitchen: photo

When purchasing electrical appliances for a kitchen decorated in Provence style, it is necessary to take into account the main rule - not to spoil the special charm of the aged interior with newfangled appliances. To solve this problem, many well-known and reliable manufacturers produce whole collections of retro-style appliances, equipped with copper breaded handles and frayed fronts that fit perfectly into the interior and do not stand out from the general background of the kitchen. At the same time, you need to know that often equipment from such collections will cost 10-20% more than conventional options. If the equipment has already been purchased, but it does not correspond to the general style of the kitchen, then such devices can be hidden behind specially made facades, imperceptibly embedded in cabinets, or even hidden behind a light curtain.

A multicooker, coffee maker, bread maker or microwave should not be left on the kitchen countertop. It is recommended that the work area be left empty. Other mandatory rules for kitchen design:

1. Refusal from chrome parts. Even plumbing elements are better to choose made of copper or bronze.
2. Instead of a conventional steel sink, it is advised to install a white ceramic sink.
3. Household appliances that cannot be covered with a facade, for example, a hob, should definitely be selected in a retro style.

When decorating a Provence style kitchen, special attention is paid to bright lighting, they try to bring it closer to natural

High-quality lighting is also considered one of the most important interior decoration details. Traditionally, the problem of the flow of natural light was solved with the help of large windows in the floor. If it is not possible to make such windows, the room is saturated with light due to artificial sources. A massive large chandelier above the dining table area fits well into the interior. Often in the photo of Provence style kitchens in the center of the room you can see a wrought iron chandelier with lamps in the form of candlesticks. Insufficient lighting of other areas is solved by installing a large number of wall lamps.

Basic rules for the selection of accessories and textiles for kitchen design in Provence style

In kitchens made in classic Provence, it is not customary to hide dishes, pots, pans and other pieces of furniture in cabinets and drawers.In most cases, designers recommend adhering to the basics of style and leaving kitchen utensils in sight: in this case, they act as a kind of decorative elements. At the same time, some zones and shelves can be beautifully illuminated with the help of volumetric forged lamps. Other popular accessories include:

• wrought iron shelves;
• rails made of brass or copper;

Tablecloths, air curtains, curtains, towels and napkins create a sense of natural naturalness in a Provence kitchen

• various containers;
• copper souvenirs.

It is customary to arrange wicker baskets, decorative small vases with flower arrangements or bunches of mountain herbs on open shelves and racks. You can add special charm to the kitchen by organizing a stylized wine cellar or fireplace, which can be either real or electric.

When decorating a room in Provence style, be sure to pay attention to the selection of lace and lace frills. Napkins and tablecloths are purchased from linen or rough-woven canvas. Handmade colored carpets or quilted bedspreads, which are used to decorate a sofa in a kitchen-living room or a kitchen corner in a small room, will look elegant. The room can be decorated with vintage clocks, paintings of lavender fields, flowering meadows, sunflowers and prints.

Hand-made details for a Provence style kitchen are important. These can be hand-embroidered napkins, lace towels, which can be found in the attic of the grandmother's house. It is recommended to diversify the monochrome interior with the help of homemade bouquets of dried flowers.

In the Provence style kitchen, chairs with soft seats and backs are often used.

Children should also be involved in the creation of decorative elements, whose applications look beautiful on massive fabric lampshades or on shelves. Even from an ordinary wine bottle, using the decoupage technique, you can make a unique element of the interior. Any kitchen decorated with homemade accessories will become the most comfortable place in the house.

Ideal kitchen curtains in Provence style: photo of design examples

Since elements of the rustic style are characteristic of Provence, in this case you cannot do without curtains. When purchasing textiles, you should take into account the French origin of the direction. As with the choice of other elements, it is necessary to give preference to pastel colors. In this case, it is permissible to use bright shades, but the base of the curtains should still be white or light beige.

Another essential property of curtains is their airiness. Provence does not accept heavy or dense canvases that prevent sufficient lighting from entering the room. Kitchen curtains in the Provence style should not be distinguished by complex cut or multi-level designs, but it is recommended that they be saturated with decorative elements. The most commonly used curtain decorations include:

• beautiful bows;

Window decoration with textiles will largely depend on the level of illumination of the room.

• original ties and knots;
• rope weaving;
• fringe;
• many lace elements;
• unusual pickups.

Useful advice! When decorating curtains, you should not try to use all the elements - it is better to limit yourself to one detail, for example, a large bow or paired garters.

It is very important that the drapery of curtains is combined with other textile elements of the kitchen - upholstery of chairs or upholstered furniture, decoration of tablecloths, decorative pillows or napkins. When organizing the first houses in the Provence style, preference was given only to natural fabrics. Modern interior designs can be decorated with more practical and easy-care materials such as:

• organza;

Curtains must be combined with other textile elements of the Provence style kitchen

• crepe chiffon;
• polyester combined with cotton or rayon.

Curtains made from these materials are much easier to clean when dirty. They retain the juiciness of shades longer, absorb odors less and, in comparison with natural fibers, do not so quickly become covered with a greasy coating.

The most typical print used for Provence style kitchen curtains is floral. This can be a pattern in the form of small wildflowers of various shades, large roses in buds, sunflowers, lavender and lilies. Floral ornament can be complemented with abstract images of stems, vines, large or small leaves. Other popular designs include:

1. Cell. Most often, preference is given to a white-red or light blue shade. If the window is large, then a large Scottish cage is also suitable as a decor.
2. Strip. The nautical origin of the style can be accentuated by using white and blue striped curtains.
3. The image of birds and animals. The most popular are the curtains with images of the inhabitants of the village courtyard. Most often these are chickens, chickens, roosters, turkeys, ducks and geese, sheep and cows.

Floral print on curtains is the most popular in Provence style

Features of the design of the Provence style kitchen in a small apartment: photo

Even in a small kitchen, you can recreate the main features of the style. More often, only light colors are used to decorate a small-sized kitchen. At the same time, in order to visually increase the height of the room and make the room more voluminous, the ceiling is made several tones lighter than the surrounding walls. Usually, a combination of light and warm shades such as pink, cream and milk chocolate is used to create a small interior.

To decorate a kitchen apron, small square ceramic tiles are most often purchased, which are harmoniously combined with the overall color of the room. Instead of closed cabinets above the work surface in a small room, it is better to organize open shelves on which important kitchen items are placed. A color accent can be made by beautifully arranging bright and unusual spice jars.

Furniture should be selected based on the area of ​​the room so that it is convenient to sit at the table and move around the kitchen. In a very limited area, a window sill is used as a table, which is made of solid solid wood. If there is a living room or a loggia next to the kitchen, then combining these premises into a single room is considered a good solution to expanding the space.

A small Provence style kitchen will only benefit from a light color - it seems visually larger

Provence style kitchens are ideal for people who value family traditions and strive to make their home cozy. The interior is popular both among the owners of small apartments and among the owners of country houses.