In the southeastern part of France is the province of Provence, where in the 17th century. In the bourgeois environment, the style of the same name appeared in interior design. The design of a room says a lot about a person, so for romantic natures, travelers or people who love the regularity and tranquility of rural life, a Provence style kitchen is most suitable.
Kitchen decorated in French Provence style.
What is the Provence style?
Provencal style has different directions and can be combined with other design styles. The options that are most harmonious and in demand for the kitchen interior are the classic Provence style, as well as combinations with shabby chic, Scandinavian design, loft, and modern style.
Classic French Provence
Provence in its purest form is a French style that is unlike any other. He is able to captivate at first sight with his graceful rural flavor of France, romantic mood and even some naivety. Today, kitchen areas in the classic French Provence style are often chosen by those who live in a noisy and constantly rushing metropolis, and only at home can they afford to relax for a while and take a deep breath. If you are planning a kitchen renovation in the Provence style, here are a few features that are typical for it:
| Characteristics | Details |
| Warm colors and calm tones | The walls, ceiling and other furnishings are made in muted shades, giving the impression that they have faded under the bright warm sun. Preference here is given to beige, sand, mustard, wheat and other unobtrusive colors. The furniture in such a kitchenette is also not bright: blue, lavender, turquoise are the most suitable tones. At the same time, white will never be superfluous - this color is neutral and calm, it can be both the main and diluting one. Dark-colored furniture is also acceptable, but in extremely small quantities. |
| Natural materials | Furniture, kitchen units, kitchen decor elements made of wood, metal or stone are what distinguishes the Provence style from others. Since in our case this is a kitchen space where surfaces need to be protected from moisture, you can use ceramic tiles for the work area and the floor of a Provence-style kitchen, and mosaic for the apron. A stove or other cooking equipment is often the center of a kitchen, as it symbolizes the hearth - the soul of Provence. |
| Natural lighting in a Provence-style kitchen | The more light the better. It’s good if the interior of your Provence-style kitchen area has large, wide window openings. However, glossy surfaces, mirrors, and lamps (for example, chandeliers made of crystal or other transparent and reflective material) will also help to attract more sunlight into the room. |
| Antique furniture | Natural materials are necessary for a Provence kitchen to match the style, so furniture for this room is often chosen from wood. Irregularities, cracks, aged areas in this case will not be a defect, but will be beneficial. You can find antique furniture, with a natural touch of antiquity, or you can age new items. A special element of the Provence style in the kitchen are open wooden shelves with collectible or simply beautiful dishes. If you prefer practicality, simply use glass doors |
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in light shades
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with wood furniture
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in country Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in French Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style - interior for adults
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style - real interior
Beautiful, stylish, elegant kitchen in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen, unusually decorated in Provence style
Shabby Provence
The union of Provencal style with shabby chic looks especially gentle and harmonious. This direction implies aged furniture and vintage details, elegant accessories, often non-ferrous metals, crystal, paintings in generous frames, large lamps, objects of art, and hints of luxury.
Provence-modern
The symbiosis of Provence with the design style of modern kitchens can be called very eclectic - a kind of junction of eras. Spaces in this substyle turn out to be spectacular, bold, and characteristic. They combine furniture with the silhouettes of kitchen sets from the Art Nouveau era - and textiles in the Provence spirit of the French countryside, bold decor - and traditional accessories, unexpected organization of space - and classical composition techniques.
Modern Provence
One of the most popular is the union of Provençal style with contemporary style. As a result, the design environment of a modern Provence-style kitchen (judging by photo examples of interiors) turns out to be cozy, but not too overloaded; ergonomic, but sincere. Such spaces are characterized by furniture and accessories of laconic, neutral silhouettes - and elegant little things in the French country style.
ADVICE. Provence kitchens in a style mixed with classics or modern classics, neoclassics have similar characteristics (see photo of the interior below).
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style
Provence loft
Combining industrial style and notes of Provence in one area is a bold decision for lovers of fusion in the setting. A Provence-style kitchen with loft elements is brutal and delicate at the same time.
Country Provence
Provence cuisine itself belongs to rustic styles. If you like a little more simplicity and a little less emphasis on lightness, airiness and decorative components, choose the rustic country Provence kitchen style. This substyle gravitates more towards a pure country style - and includes only some elements of the French village.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in light colors
Scandi Provence
Scandinavian and Provencal styles are very close in spirit. It is not surprising that the union of these two directions is one of the most harmonious. Both styles love light shades, a cozy atmosphere, varied textiles and splashes of retro details. Scandi brings practicality and ergonomics. And Provence adds femininity, airiness, and helps to get away from the excessive mundaneness of the interior.
ADVICE. To choose the appropriate design for a kitchen area in the Provence style, not only read the descriptions, but also look at real photo examples, photo galleries and take into account new trends - 2022. Cozy pictures with examples of apartment interiors in the Provencal design style will sometimes give more than all the designers' recommendations combined.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style
Color palette for Provence cuisine
Provence, judging by the photo, offers a wide selection of furniture color palettes, finishes and decor for kitchen interior design. What to choose?
Beautiful kitchen with stylish furniture in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish, blue-gray kitchen in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with unusual textiles
Beautiful, stylish dining room in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen with an island in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with vintage furniture
Light colors
The most organic option is light shades. Both simple tones (beige, light gray, light brown for a Provence-style kitchen interior - see photo) and complex ones (old lace, cream, caramel, cappuccino).
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with accents
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style, top view
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with a sitting area
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with dining room
Dark colors
Dark tones for Provence-style kitchens are less common, but in the form of neat inclusions they can come in handy. Also, dark shades have the right to life in one of the colors of a two-tone Provence kitchen.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in fashionable Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in the style - Provence shelf
Beautiful, stylish, dark kitchen in Provence style
White set
Pure white is less common in Provençal spaces than light shades. At least he rarely plays leading roles.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen - solution in Provence style
But in the interior of a kitchen in the Provence design style, judging by the photo examples, white-blue, white-blue, gray-white and wooden and white furniture will come in handy. Also, snow-white is a good choice for corner sets, small rooms and areas near the window.
ADVICE. The best option is a white set surrounded by other light shades. Or, for example, white Provence wallpaper for the kitchen - and furniture in other light tones. Or the chairs and table are white, and the rest of the furnishings are in shades of light colors.
Black color
Black for Provence kitchens is typical only as point contrasts.
Two-color set
The fashion trend - a set in two colors - has found its place in Provence style. However, most often the shades are chosen quite close, trying to avoid sharp contrasts (for example, a two-tone Provence-style kitchen lavender + olive).
Shades of pink
Pink tones, so popular several seasons ago, have lost ground a little. But pastel versions of this color are, in principle, characteristic of Provence, so pink Provence-style kitchens will definitely never lose relevance.
Beautiful, stylish, pink kitchen in Provence style
Green halftones
Ecostyle has made green undertones especially popular for kitchens. Moreover, judging by the photo, the trend is both light tones - say, pastel green, and more complex ones - for example, dusty emerald color for a Provence-style kitchen.
Beautiful, stylish, soft green kitchen in Provence style
Beige interiors
Kitchens in beige tones are experiencing another peak in popularity. This time, the most complex shades are in fashion: gray-beige, beige with a cold undertone, antique white. Look how impressive the straight set in Provence style and beige color looks in the photo.
Beautiful, stylish, sophisticated kitchen in Provence style
Blue gamma
Blue is another color that is extremely organic for Provence-style kitchens. The trend is pastel blue, gray-blue, mother-of-pearl options, and blue patina.
Take a look at how impressive the sophisticated blue corner kitchenette looks in the photo example below.
Gray halftones
Mouse gray color is unlikely to fit into the interior of a Provence-style kitchen, but lighter, airier options do.
Fashionable pistachio
Pistachio, pistachio is one of the most delicious flowers of the season for kitchen design, and, judging by the photo, it is an extremely good choice for Provence spaces.
Beautiful, stylish, free kitchen in Provence style
Deep blue
Provence style rarely chooses darker, deeper shades. But the color of the year according to Panton still appears in the works of designers. More often - as an auxiliary or accent.
ADVICE. The blue color in the kitchen-living room-Provence looks especially interesting in the photo in conjunction with the marine style (you can choose blue wallpaper, textiles, accents, etc.)
Olive shade
Olive is a fashionable, soft, sophisticated olive color for Provence-style kitchens (see photo example), which will appeal even to lovers of the most neutral palettes.
Beautiful, stylish, large kitchen in Provence style
Brown options
Brown is back in fashion - and in almost any variant (except, perhaps, wenge in large quantities).
Yellow tones
Bright yellow in Provence kitchen interiors is used only sporadically, but pastel versions of yellow Provence kitchens are a common choice.
ADVICE. Bonus: a kitchen with lots of yellow tones will always look sunny in summer.
Beautiful, stylish, yellow kitchen in Provence style
Lilac kitchen
For many, the soft purple shade of lilac is literally associated with Provence style. Indeed, lilac will fit perfectly into the chosen direction, successfully complementing the Provence-style kitchen.
Beautiful, stylish, lilac kitchen in Provence style
Juicy light green
Alas, fashionable light green is rarely used in the design of Provence kitchens: this design style does not like bright colors too much. But in a muted, pastel version or as focal accents, a light green Provence-style kitchen still has the right to life.
Sophisticated lavender
It is worth mentioning the lavender color for the kitchen: after all, the tone of lavender is literally the Provence style! The downside is that it’s difficult to call it neutral; it’s quite specific (can be used for wallpaper, headset, decor).
Turquoise Provence cuisine
Another trendy shade that will not leave anyone indifferent. By the way, sometimes in turquoise-colored Provence-style kitchens, turquoise is used even in quite bright versions.
Trendy mint
The same can be said about the fashionable mint tone: this is another exception to the rule, found in Provence-style kitchens in a bright mint color.
Kitchen areas with additional functions
Often the kitchen room performs additional functions. Which spaces are most comfortable?
Beautiful, stylish kitchen and dining area in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen with textiles in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with elegant serving
Beautiful, stylish, homely decorated kitchen in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with soft chairs
Kitchen-dining room
The most logical and practical combination of zones, dictated by ergonomics.
ADVICE. A fashionable move is the design of a Provence kitchen-living room with a round table.
Kitchen-living room
If the area allows, you can combine the kitchen with the living room. This is also a pretty convenient option. The only point is that, judging by the photo examples, it is important to think through the zoning of the kitchen-living-dining room in the Provence design style, so that you don’t get the feeling that you are receiving guests in the kitchen or cooking in the middle of the living room.
ADVICE. You can design a living room combined with a Provence kitchen both in an apartment and in a country house. Such interiors look modern and incredibly cozy in real life and in photos.
Kitchen-bedroom
Not the most convenient option, but due to lack of space or configuration features, it is not uncommon. It is important to provide an obvious demarcation of zones - and to hide the bedroom area from prying eyes as much as possible, separating it from the cooking area.
Kitchen studio
A kitchen studio is an excellent option for combining all public areas in one room. The main thing is to provide for zoning and conveniently place the functional parts relative to each other.
How to choose the shape, size and configuration of a headset
Provence is not too picky about the shape and size of the set. But he still puts forward some demands.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in white and blue tones
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with tiles
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in a rustic Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in rustic Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in a gray-beige palette
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with white furniture
Small set
It is important to avoid clutter and overload of the environment: for a Provence kitchen, a feeling of some lightness is important. Therefore, small, compact headsets are often chosen for tiny spaces.
Large set
If the space allows, they usually organize a spacious cooking area: this is still more typical for the style.
Corner and U-shaped kitchen
Corner and U-shaped headset configurations are found quite often in the Provencal style. These options look organic and allow you to conveniently organize a “work triangle.”
ADVICE. Corner kitchen sets in the interior design style of Provence kitchens, judging by the real photos - 2020, are appropriate in small apartments in Khrushchev-era buildings, and in small, compact apartments, and in large studio kitchens.
Linear set
But the linear headset is a little less ergonomic in this sense. But it helps out in elongated narrow rooms. And also in a situation where you need to disguise the set in space, designing it in the style of a storage system.
Kitchen island
Techniques borrowed from the classics look great in Provence interiors. So, a kitchen island will be very useful.
Tips and tricks from experienced designers
The unity of all features: color, decorative elements, the use of natural materials will help create a real Provençal interior. Often the incorrect use of color leads to a different style. So much red in the decoration is typical of English country.
You shouldn’t get carried away with textured surfaces in a small kitchen, as it will look cramped and uncomfortable.
If there is little light in the room, then you need to pay attention to light colors in the furniture and a minimum of decorative elements. It is necessary to expand the space by opening the windows and making the ceiling higher.
Features of placement in different houses
Depending on where exactly the Provence kitchen is located, you can use different design techniques.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with a touch of classics
Beautiful, stylish, white kitchen in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with rustic motifs
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in a rustic style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in gray-beige
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in gray-beige tones
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in gray and beige
In Khrushchev, in a small apartment
In miniature apartments you can rarely find spacious kitchens. Perhaps the best option would be redevelopment - for example, combining it with a balcony or corridor.
ADVICE. In a tiny Provence kitchen combined with a balcony, you can get by with curtains only on the balcony windows. This way you will get protection from the sun - and at the same time maintain visual lightness.
At the dacha, in a country house
In country, private, village houses (especially log, wooden, timber) they pay special attention to the color scheme: judging by the photo, decoration and interior design should not distract attention from the pictures of nature outside the Provence-style kitchen window, if the dacha located in a picturesque location.
ADVICE. Provence-style kitchens in the interior of a rustic private house or cottage are often combined with dining rooms, living rooms and fireplace areas.
Summer cuisine
In addition, outside the city they often set up an additional summer country kitchen in Provence style. Wicker furniture, flowing fabrics, and living plants are especially appropriate in such spaces.
Results
Provence is a gentle and slightly original style that will evoke memories of a summer spent in the countryside and serve as a breath of fresh air for a city dweller. If desired, anyone can create a similar atmosphere in their kitchen, filling it with warmth and comfort. Thanks to the techniques and nuances described above, this will be quite easy to do.
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How to choose furniture
Provence style is very picky about furniture. Stylized furniture or options in a classic, rustic style are suitable. Sometimes you can fit Scandi furniture or laconic modern models into the Provence setting.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with a rustic dining room
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with stone walls
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style - snow-white with wooden floors
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in a vintage house
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with wooden floors
Dining group: chair, table, bench
The Provence style is not so picky about furniture in the dining area. Of course, it must match the style and color scheme, but otherwise there is room for maneuver: chairs, stools, benches are equally appropriate as furniture for a Provence-style kitchen, judging by the photo. Similarly, there is a choice between a table, a bar counter and a kitchen island (although the first option is still more traditional).
Storage: buffet, closet, chest of drawers
In addition to the set, judging by the photo, furniture for storage in a Provence-style kitchen can be a closet, a sideboard, or a chest of drawers. They also sometimes organize a pantry - this is an even more common option than a kitchen design with Provence-style chests of drawers.
Racks, display cases and shelves
Racks, display cases, wall shelves and mini-shelves, as well as all kinds of accessories for a Provence-style kitchen (baskets, boxes), will help organize additional storage.
Sofa in the kitchen
If there is a sofa in the Provence-style kitchen (corner sofa, sofa-bench), as in the photo, make sure that it is as easy to care for as possible (for example, models with removable covers that can be washed in a machine are suitable).
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with beige and green
Textile
Textiles play an important role in creating a unique and cozy atmosphere of the French countryside in the kitchen. It is distinguished by:
- pastel, slightly faded colors;
- monotony combined with plant motifs;
- naturalness of materials;
- uncomplicated simplicity of finishing.
A unique aura of provincial serenity is created by curtains made of linen, cotton or chintz. Light tulle adds special tenderness.
A spacious room will be filled with romance with multi-layered compositions. However, too heavy and voluminous draperies are inappropriate here. The curtain motif is necessarily duplicated in other textile elements: furniture decoration, tablecloths, numerous towels, napkins and potholders. Decorative finishing is usually simple. These can be ruffles, bows, frills and garters.
Provencal decor
In the design of a Provence-style kitchen, great attention is paid to the decor. Textiles, accessories, wall decoration - this direction does not deny itself “decoration”.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen with details in Provence style
Beautiful kitchen in Provence style - an example of stylish decor
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style, very beautiful decor
Beautiful, stylish kitchen work area in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen, organized in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish, cozy, homely kitchen area in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style, home-style design
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with coffee machine
Beautiful, stylish table setting in the kitchen in Provence style
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style - cozy details
Curtains, tulle, curtains: how to choose window decor
Window decoration in a Provence-style kitchen, judging by the photo, should be not only stylish, but also practical. Some tips:
- If the cooking area is close to a window, choose the most easy-to-care, wear-resistant materials.
- Short Provence-style curtains (a modern trend that has been around since 2022) may also come in handy.
- Provence prefers natural fabrics.
- But sometimes their high-quality analogues can be much more practical.
ADVICE . In the Provence interior style, tulle, Provence curtains, roller blinds, Roman curtains, curtains with a lambrequin in the Provencal design style, short curtains, and linen draperies (from Tomdom or other markets) are suitable. Judging by the photo, almost any curtains can look organic in this style.
By the way, curtains can serve not only for window decoration. They can also replace facades. A kitchen with curtains instead of a set of doors is a trend. In the Provence style, such a move with curtains looks modern and, judging by the photo, very stylish.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with modern decor
Towels, tablecloths and other textiles
In the interior of a Provence kitchen there is a place for almost any textile: towels, rugs, runners, tablecloths and much more. It is quite difficult to overdo this issue.
ADVICE. Only frankly synthetic fabrics and fur would not be entirely appropriate.
Panels, posters, paintings
To decorate the walls, it is better to choose traditional options - paintings, panels, stylized posters are suitable for furnishing the interior of a kitchen in the Provence style.
ADVICE. Paintings with classic scenes will fit perfectly into the interior of a Provence-style kitchen.
Other decor and accessories
Clocks, mirrors, functional wall accessories for Provence kitchens, pots with indoor plants and much more will also fit into the decor.
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence design style
Main features
It cannot be confused with others, as it has its own unique charm. Among the characteristic features are:
- Abundance of light. If the windows in the room are not large enough, the lack of natural light can be compensated for by well-designed artificial lighting.
- Soft pastel colors for decoration and furniture. They look like the colors have faded in the southern sun.
- Natural finishing materials. A skillful imitation of wood, stone or brickwork is suitable as a budget option.
- Ceramic tile. It is used not only for floors and walls, but also for aprons. It is distinguished by characteristic plant patterns.
- Various textiles. These are curtains on the windows, pillows on the sofa in the kitchen corner, tablecloths, napkins, chair covers.
- A touch of antiquity. Scuffs and chips on furniture, items from “grandmother’s chest,” antique watches, in short, things with history are welcome.
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French country looks good in spacious rooms. Therefore, often in small apartments where there is no free space, the kitchen is enlarged, combining it with the living room. Thus, you can even place a bar counter here.
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Lighting: Key Points
A Provence-style kitchen loves light, including artificial lighting. What should you consider?
Chandeliers
A classic ceiling chandelier will be more appropriate in a Provence-style kitchen setting than spotlights or modern pendant lights (see photo).
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in light colors
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style in delicate colors
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style with airy colors
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style for a woman
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style for a girl
Beautiful, stylish kitchen in Provence style for living
Lamps in the work area
Traditionally, of course, in Provencal design there was no lighting built into the set. But modern rules for designing comfortable kitchen areas provide for high-quality countertop lighting. Neat, inconspicuous lamps and spotlights are ideal.
Sconces, floor lamps and other lamps
If the room provides the functions of a dining room, living room and others, sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps are often used in the design of a Provence-style kitchen.
ADVICE. But garlands and fancy LED lamps will not be very useful here.
Using patterns and prints
The nature of Provence can be seen in the design of the walls and the selection of decorative elements. Tablecloths and curtains with floral and plant patterns are used. Images of sunflowers, lavender, roses, and wildflowers are preferred.
Traditional is the use of patterns where checks and narrow stripes predominate.
Features of kitchens of different sizes
Depending on the size of the room allocated for the kitchen area, you may need to resort to various design hacks.
Tiny spaces (5 m2 or less)
What will help you design a miniature Provence-style kitchen up to 5 sq.m (square meters):
- refusal of additional zones (it is better to move the dining room to another room than to get an uncomfortable room);
- compact furniture and appliances;
- custom-made storage systems and fittings;
- U-shaped placement of the set (sometimes in tiny rooms this is the only opportunity to arrange a comfortable cooking area);
- minimizing non-functional decor (including walls, judging by the photo) in the Provence-style kitchen.
Small kitchenettes (6, 7, 8, 9 m2)
If you have a little more space at your disposal (you are thinking about the design of a kitchen area of 6, 7, 8 square meters or 9 square meters in Provence style), in addition to the previous points, also use techniques for visually expanding the space. For example, it will help:
- light palette;
- mirrors;
- glossy surfaces;
- point placement of accents;
- good lighting.
Medium-sized kitchen areas (10-12 m2)
In medium-sized kitchen areas (these are Provence-style kitchens of 10-12 sq.m.), a dining group is usually equipped. How to save space in a situation where there is still not enough space?
- Turn to folding tables.
- Take a closer look at folding, transforming furniture.
- And also for stackable chairs and stools
- Perhaps the table should be replaced with a bar counter or kitchen island.
- And the chairs are placed on the bench (a Provence-style bench for the kitchen is an ergonomic move).
- Use a window seat.
- Sometimes it makes sense to move some of the storage into an adjacent room (on the balcony, in the corridor).
The space is slightly larger than average (13-16 m2)
A Provence kitchen of this size (13-16 m2) can comfortably fit a set, a dining group, and there may also be room for additional areas. For example, you can place:
- home mini-office;
- playroom for the baby;
- utility cabinet;
- mini pantry;
- pet corner.
Large spaces (17-20 m2)
Larger kitchen spaces rarely serve solely as kitchens. They often combine the functions of a kitchen-dining-living room, kitchen-living room-bedroom, kitchen-living room-office-library.
