The popular styles of modernism, minimalism, and hi-tech are being replaced by calm, cozy, bright interior preferences. For example, the Provence style, combining homely warmth, delicate shades of lavender, young greenery, and blue sky. A sliding wardrobe in Provence style – an atmosphere of comfort, tranquility, unobtrusive luxury with elements of antiquity. What to look for when choosing, what kind of finish distinguishes Provence, how to place a closet in different rooms - this article will answer these questions.
Modern wardrobe in the French old style
DIY furniture decoupage
Decoupage of cabinets in the Provence style involves the same set of preparatory work as for stencil painting. As a motive for the design, you will need several napkins, fabric, postcards or book/magazine pictures with a floral print. Or purchase a special blank for decoupage.
The simplest material for self-use is a napkin. When working with it, it is enough to separate the top layer of paper covered with a pattern. Other materials will require pre-soaking to allow the image to peel off. If the bottom layers are not separated, the end result will be sloppy and require a lot of varnish to even it out.
In addition, you will need a standard set of tools and materials:
- decoupage glue (special mixture or diluted PVA);
- tweezers;
- several brushes;
- thin, well-sharpened scissors;
- acrylic varnish for fixing.
Then, using tweezers so as not to tear the material, the cut out fragment of the design is pryed off. The material is applied to the selected point on the surface and leveled with careful movements of a dry brush.
You need to make sure that there are no air bubbles left under the picture, and that the picture itself does not have folds. After this, excess glue is removed from the surface, and the composition is left to dry completely.
The final stage is the application of acrylic varnish. This way the composition is fixed and leveled. You will need several layers of varnish. Moreover, each subsequent one should be applied only after the previous one has completely hardened.
Design options
The laconicism of the forms is diluted by the rich decor - cabinets in the Provence style are in no way similar to the strict and sometimes even boring furniture of the classical and minimalist trends. Various methods are used for registration:
- The paintings are often floral motifs (mainly images of lavender generously covering French fields, but also depict roses and wisteria). You can paint the facades, the frame - any available surface.
- Mirrors are more often found on the facades of wardrobes or hallway furniture. In addition to their practical purpose, they serve an aesthetic role - with them there is visually more air, even a compact space seems spacious.
- Stucco molding - curved smooth lines to match the color of the facade.
- Decoupage is one of the techniques that you can reproduce yourself. To apply a design to the surface of the cabinet you will need paper pictures. The image is chosen arbitrarily, and in order to maintain style, preference is usually given to colors or a rustic theme.
- Wallpapering - rolls with small floral patterns, checkered patterns or stripes are suitable. Such models are usually not completely pasted over, only in the center - otherwise the light and airy Provence turns into a heavy Empire style.
- Artificial aging - a patina that imitates abrasions adds a sense of antiquity and adherence to tradition, as if this furniture has already served more than one generation and will serve many more.
Provence is unthinkable without textiles. You can choose a cabinet model with transparent doors and hang French-style curtains on them. Some models have a curtain included.
Decoupage Mirrors Artificial aging
Stucco molding
Wallpapered Painting
Decorating different rooms of an apartment in Provence style
Modern Provence style in the interior of an apartment photo is ideal for the design of all rooms in the house. You can embody the atmosphere of a French village with light aristocratic notes in the bathroom, nursery and even on the balcony.
A fireplace is considered an important element of an interior in the Provence style.
Each room has its own design rules, as well as professional secrets, armed with which you can create a stylish and unique environment in a room of any size and layout.
Bathroom
When creating a design project for a country house, provide a window in the bathroom if you want to decorate this room according to all the canons of Provence. Furniture and accessories in the bathroom should look in accordance with the old rustic style: scuffs, peeling paint, gilding, rough wood processing are welcome. Use natural textures: wood, stone, ceramics, yellow metals.
Thematic accessories are suitable for decorating a bathroom in Provence style - vintage watches, wicker baskets, decorative boxes
When choosing a bathtub and other plumbing fixtures, pay attention to models with carved legs and gilded fittings. Brass taps and mixers are preferred, as they look aristocratic and vintage
For more authenticity, choose a mirror in a beautiful frame, wicker baskets, translucent, light curtains and fresh flowers in clay pots and vases.
Kitchen
Provence is especially popular in the kitchen, as it helps create a warm, homely atmosphere, which is important for this room. Elegant country style is suitable for a small kitchen in a city apartment and a spacious kitchen in a country house.
The ideal option would be a kitchen combined with a living room.
When designing, the following expert ideas will be useful:
- carved wooden furniture painted in pastel colors;
- wall cabinets with glass;
- sets, porcelain and ceramics as decoration;
- brickwork;
- wicker baskets and clay pots with flowers;
- containers with spices and herbs;
- glass bottles with oil;
- abundance of printed textiles;
- pendant chandeliers and lamps with metal elements.
It is recommended to choose built-in appliances so that they look as organic as possible in a vintage interior.
Bedroom
A bedroom in romantic Provence looks gentle and sweet. Choose bed linens with ruffles and frills made of linen and chintz, floral curtains, mirrors in metal frames, elegant rugs and vases with flowers. Furniture should be elegant, with curved legs, carved backs in light colors.
Romantic bedroom decoration in Provence style is often chosen by young girls
A mandatory element is a dressing table with an armchair, as well as chests of drawers and consoles. Suitable lighting options include pendant chandeliers and sophisticated lamps with thin, metal elements. For finishing, you can choose plaster, paint or wallpaper with a floral print.
Living room
In the living room it is necessary to create a feeling of being filled with light and sun. Here you need to use vintage furniture, covers, decorative pillows, figurines, vases with flowers. Paintings, mirrors, family photos are suitable as interior decorations. A heavy chandelier with forged elements or exquisite sconces made of brass or bronze is a must.
A living room in Provence style should be filled with sunlight as much as possible
Light curtains are needed on the windows, and a small, homespun carpet on the floor.
Entrance hall, corridor
In a Provence style apartment you can’t ignore the hallway
The walls of the hallway should be decorated in light colors; a spacious vintage wardrobe is perfect as furniture.
Here you should abandon large wardrobes and give preference to a light clothes hanger, a beautiful carved chest of drawers with legs and a wall or floor mirror in an elegant frame.
Children's room
It is customary to decorate a nursery in light colors, and therefore you can add a few elements of Provence to make the interior even more refined and unique. Floral curtains, a tea table, storage baskets, white furniture, lavender trim and textiles - all this will make the children's room unique and stylish.
The children's room can be decorated in a soft blue or pastel pink palette depending on the gender of the child
The cozy atmosphere in the apartment will be complemented by a balcony, which must be decorated with flowerpots with fresh flowers, plants, and spices. You can install wicker furniture on the balcony to create a kind of relaxation area.
The gentle and elegant Provence style in the interior of the apartment is an opportunity to create an atmosphere of comfort and lightness in which all household members will be pleased to be.
Wardrobes in the bedroom
People usually want to create a romantic mood in the bedroom. Light colors of the floor and walls emphasize this interior. The bedroom will have a spacious two-door wardrobe or wardrobe in Provencal style. It is better to purchase a high chest of drawers, which is typical for this style; you can place stylish wooden frames with photographs on it.
White wardrobe
A white cabinet is a piece of furniture that evokes positive emotions and associations for many of us. For some it is romantic, for others it is synonymous with luxury, elegance and French chic. Provencal furniture is characterized, however, mainly by subtlety and simplicity. This wardrobe for a woman's bedroom is reminiscent of lavender fields and sunny beaches of the Cote d'Azur.
It should be admitted that stylish white furniture is increasingly appreciated by men. Many men are much more likely to choose white wardrobes and white beds. This is not surprising, especially considering the main advantages of white furniture. White furniture is very practical and fits into most interior styles. If, after a few years, you want to change the style of your bedroom, a white wardrobe will fit well into many other styles - it will look great in a Scandinavian interior, in a classic and minimalist design.
Such a wardrobe can be made from high-quality laminated chipboard in white. The wardrobe can be quite large: one part is a rod for hanging coat hangers, and the second part has shelves.
Provence in the interior - photo
And although the listed rules are universal, interior design in the Provence style will differ slightly depending on the type of room. But a few tips and photos will definitely give you a good idea!
Kitchen design in Provence style
A Provence style kitchen is spacious, bright, often combined with a dining room. The cooking corner is separated from the dining area by a countertop or an island bar counter. Designers face a difficult task, because they need to harmoniously fit household appliances into a classic, rustic interior so that they do not look out of place. To achieve this, modern items are often hidden in cabinets or disguised as antique ones.
When choosing dishes and other kitchen utensils, do not forget that they, displayed in plain sight, are part of the decor. Painted plates, wooden spatulas or jars with herbs will look very cozy. It is better to hang cafe curtains on small windows.
Living room design in Provence style
A traditional living room includes a sofa, several armchairs, a table, a wall and, if space allows, ottomans or bedside tables. Such furniture suggests that in addition to watching TV, you will also spend time reading books, and maybe knitting.
Speaking of the TV, it’s unlikely to be hidden, but you can choose a minimalist model that won’t attract too much attention. A small rug with a burlap effect, floor lamps, and pots with plants would look appropriate
A small rug with a burlap effect, floor lamps, and pots with plants would look appropriate.
Bedroom design in Provence style
The bedroom, as a resting place, can be furnished with fewer items. A bed with a wrought-iron headboard, painted white and covered with snow-white sheets, looks authentic for Provence. For variety, textiles can be with a floral pattern or lace inserts.
A mundane chest of drawers opposite the bed will fit perfectly into a large bedroom. Girls can treat themselves to a dressing table - just like in the houses of noble ladies. Airy classic curtains will complete the overall composition.
Bathroom design in Provence style
The iconic Provence style bathroom is a work of art. And if in other rooms it is still possible to somehow deal with a small area, then here you simply cannot do without free space.
The presence of a window is, although inconvenient for apartment owners, a very important detail. It allows you to get closer to nature, creating the most natural atmosphere for hygiene procedures. For the same reason, natural materials are used, despite the high humidity in the room.
Ceramic tiles should be matte. For example, only the lower section of the walls can be finished with it. The rest is decorative plaster or painted brickwork.
A traditional clawfoot bathtub is considered a must-have. But it’s better to forget about the shower stall. Otherwise, the filling of the room can correspond to the needs of the owners.
Children's room design in Provence style
A children's room in Provence style is ideal for a girl - both a baby and a teenager. After all, what little princess hasn’t dreamed of a bedroom from fairy tales? A delicate palette of colors, soft fabrics, floral patterns, neat furniture - such a room will be the key to a happy childhood.
But you can also arrange a suitable space for boys if you need to adhere to a single style in your home. To do this, you should choose a blue or green color scheme, combining it with cold shades. Checkered textiles will help diversify the monotony, and a more restrained furniture design will give the bedroom a strict “masculine” character.
Hallway/corridor design in Provence style
The hallway is a room that welcomes guests and forms the first impression of the house. Therefore, it is imperative to create the right atmosphere even in this non-residential space.
It is better to use darker colors for decoration and furniture, otherwise street dirt will quickly stain the “pastel softness”. Even if it doesn’t match the style, you can fit a wardrobe with a mirrored front to save space. Based on practical purposes, it is also recommended to minimize the amount of decor in a Provence style hallway.
Don’t be afraid to install more light sources, because natural light rarely reaches the corridor area.
Furniture placement rules
The main piece of furniture is the bed. Products with high headboards are installed close to the wall, so that there is a convenient approach from two or three sides. The classic option is to position the bed in the center of the room. The remaining pieces of furniture are selected to match the design of the bed. If space allows, then a banquette, ottoman or chest is placed close to the foot. Depending on the area of the room, choose a cabinet model.
In small Provence bedrooms, you should give preference to sliding wardrobes with graceful legs. They have good capacity, but look neat and elegant. A good solution for small bedrooms would be a corner wardrobe model.
A dressing table with high legs and a mirror extension will help to visually increase the space of the room. If you need to provide more space for storing things, then choose a chest of drawers with an extension. The table is placed near the window so that sunlight is reflected from the mirror. The room will become brighter and more spacious.
At the head of the bed, on one or both sides, small bedside tables are placed for storing small items. Models with open bottom shelves look lighter and more elegant. The interior in the Provence style will be completed by a wrought iron chandelier, unusual sconces, and table lamps with textile floral lampshades.
Color spectrum
Characteristic Provençal colors are light, as if sun-bleached shades. For the main background of the interior, beige, coffee, cream, light gray tones or white are usually chosen. But due to the fact that this trend embodies the spirit of nature, more saturated shades are often used in room design: pink, green, blue, lavender, olive, lilac, turquoise.
Let's consider the nuances of decoration and decor of rooms in the most popular color shades for Provence.
In white
White color is ideal for creating a Provencal style design.
Against a white background, elegant snow-white furniture looks majestic and luxurious.
In such an interior, one or two walls must certainly be textured, and smooth surfaces can be decorated with artistic painting.
To make the walls expressive, we recommend using relief plaster, stone or brickwork.
For the floor, parquet or laminate with a pronounced wood pattern, for example, bleached oak or pine, is suitable.
To prevent a white bedroom from being faceless and boring, you should add some rich shades to its interior. They can be present in decorative pillows and bedspreads, curtains, and other accessories.
Beige shades
For the main background in such an interior, choose a light beige shade. More saturated tones - sand, coffee, light brown - are present in flooring, furniture, textiles and decor.
Of course, textured materials are used in surface finishing to give the room an elegant and cozy mood.
The furniture chosen is wooden, decorated with carved elements. The expressive pattern of its surfaces is ideal for recreating a rustic style.
Blue color scheme
Heavenly shades fill the bedroom with coolness and freshness, making the interior airy and elegant.
As a rule, blue is not used as a base color so as not to make the room too cold. The walls, ceiling and floor are finished in white, beige or gray.
A range of blue shades in the interior are used on curtains, bedspreads and pillows, upholstery, bedside rugs, decorative napkins, vases, paintings and other accessories and decorative elements.
For a blue bedroom, both wooden and metal furniture with forged elements are suitable.
Green tones
A Provence bedroom, decorated in shades of green, is associated with spring, warmth and unity with nature. According to the canons of style, the basic basis of the interior is made up of the lightest shades: olive, light green, beige, gray or white.
Rich tones of this range predominate in textiles and decorative elements. Such a room must certainly contain floral prints, plant patterns and natural motifs.
Paintings, panels of dried flowers, fresh flowers in beautiful flowerpots, paintings on walls and furniture - all this is ideal for decorating a room.
Both light and dark furniture will look great in a green bedroom. For example, a dark brown bedroom set will symbolize the base of the tree - the trunk, and curtains, bedspreads and pillows - its crown.
In pink
A Provençal bedroom in pink is simply gorgeous. She is gentle, romantic and amazingly beautiful.
When decorating such an interior, it is very important not to overdo it with pink shades, so as not to turn the room into a dollhouse. You can use these tones in the decoration of walls and ceilings in combination with textiles and furniture in golden, lilac, peach, olive or pistachio colors
Or take any tone of a light palette as a basis and complement it with curtains, curtains, bedspreads, pillows and decor in pink shades of varying intensities.
Another option for decorating a bedroom is to install light furniture with pink trim, patterns or upholstery. In this case, it is better to choose light pink finishing materials for the walls and ceiling and add some decorative items in rich pink tones to the interior.
Provencal style door color
A well-chosen color scheme will allow you to create the most harmonious combinations in a Provencal interior.
White
Doors made from solid bleached oak or white ash will be an ideal option for this trend. Small cracks and light wear stand out especially well on the white surface.
The photo shows a white door with a glass insert in a Provencal-style kitchen interior.
Brown
Products in dark brown tones have a very expensive and elegant appearance. They clearly emphasize individuality and highlight the advantages of Provence.
Blue
The pure and serene blue color will bring a refreshing coolness to the atmosphere and visually expand the space.
Green
The shade of young grass will add delicious rich colors to the room and make it richer, while olive, pistachio or soft green will give the atmosphere a certain warmth and relaxation.
How to apply?
If you think your closet is looking too plain, you can add more decorations. First of all, the model can be aged. In addition, sometimes to update the appearance of a wooden piece of furniture, it is enough to paint it in a brighter, unexpected color.
It is true that the Provence style takes on discreet and pastel textures. However, one bright item can add zest to the interior.
Another stylish addition to the closet can be an applique in the decoupage style. This is not difficult to do; all you need to do is purchase special glue for decoupage and varnish to secure the result. The base for the design can be a napkin with an image, a magazine clipping in a suitable style, or special paper that can be purchased in craft stores. With this technique it is possible to cover the entire surface, or to make spot applications.
The design you like must be fixed to the surface with several layers of transparent glue and varnished. Some companies produce special lines of paper with vintage and antique designs; they are not difficult to find.
You can add a metallic shine with special paints or cover it with gold. The choice is limited only by your imagination.
Stencil painting of a cabinet
The advantage of stencil decoration is that, with proper preparation of the surface, the process of applying the design will take a minimum amount of time. Moreover, the quality of the final result will not be inferior to manual work. For stencil decoration, it is enough to purchase or cut out a stencil with your preferred pattern (floral motif) from self-adhesive material.
Before applying the design, you need to additionally clean the surfaces from dust and grease using household chemicals. And also mark the places to apply the stencil. This will allow you to be careful when working and avoid defects. Then, after gluing the stencil onto the surface of the cabinet (doors, drawers, side panels), cover the cut out areas with a thin layer of paint of the selected color.
Wait until it dries, remove the stencil and clean up any imperfections, if any. With proper dexterity of movement, you don’t have to wait for the paint to dry, but immediately remove the stencil from the drawing
It is important to remember that, before using it again, the material must be thoroughly wiped from traces of paint.
If several designs are applied to the stencil film, you can play with the colors, making the composition more “live.” All wooden furniture in the room can be decorated in this style. The main thing is to take care of spare stencils, since one blank is not always designed for repeated use.
How to decorate a small corridor with your own hands?
Since the hallways in city apartments are quite cramped and small, it’s worth thinking through everything wisely when arranging them in the Provence style:
- Light-colored ceramic tiles with a rough surface are used as flooring. It is more wear-resistant and practical compared to wood.
- The walls and ceiling are finished with light materials to enhance the feeling of spaciousness.
- If there is a window in the hallway, a mirror is hung opposite it. This will enhance the lighting of the walls and visually expand the boundaries of the room.
- Hangers, racks and shelves are installed in the niche. If there is a large niche in the hallway, it is advisable to place a small sofa or banquette in it.
Mixing styles
Each interior style has its own characteristics, its own features that recreate the spirit of that country and era. The Provence style has many faces: it is sometimes called French country, because it is one of its varieties. If you mix it with other styles, you get an interesting object with an eclectic design. Provençal interior doors are in perfect harmony with classic and modern. The installation of such structures perfectly complements any coverings and furniture.
Styles that are interconnected with the Provence style in the historical aspect are Empire and Rococo. The Empire style has the same geographical roots and the same era of the empire of Napoleon I, but at the same time conveys the atmosphere of French romanticism with a degree of pomp. Columns, arches, high chairs and a table, large paintings - the solemn outlines of the Empire style, will be a little calmed by the worn, pale Provencal doors. Those, in turn, with the help of a golden patina will complement the luxury of the Empire style.
How to fit into the interior
To prevent the closet from becoming a separate element of the room, it is necessary to supplement the design with some details. You can add floral patterns or lace. The cabinet can be decorated using decoupage technique. It involves gluing a cut-out design onto the surface of objects. Various flowers will look beautiful on snow-white cabinet doors, as seen in the photo.
If the room has shelves, you can put various figurines, napkins, and vases of flowers on them. To create the overall style of the room, you can decorate the bed with pillows or a blanket similar to the color scheme of the curtains. There is another option that involves wallpapering the cabinet doors. It will complement the design of the room when the wallpaper pattern on the walls and the closet matches. All this helps ensure that pieces of furniture do not look like separate elements, but complement the overall atmosphere of the room. The Provence sliding wardrobe looks great in the bedroom and living room in combination with a fireplace. It is also suitable for a hallway; you can decorate it with mirrors and forged handles.
Additional nuances
The wardrobe should not stand out from the overall style of the room, it should be an organic part of it. It’s easy to create a provincial, village spirit in any room, following these rules:
- Bring a light floral print into the interior.
- Decorate shelves, chairs, tables with handmade lace, straw napkins, and embroidery.
- Next to the closet you need to place a table or chest of drawers, which will be made exactly the same as the closet.
- In the living room or hallway you should hang lamps with soft light.
- The bedroom can be decorated with curtains with ruffles or lace frills, and on the bed you need to lay a bedspread made in rustic motifs and put decorative pillows.
Thus, a Provencal style wardrobe is an excellent solution for an apartment or a country house. Thanks to this, a unique housing style is created, characterized by comfort and beauty.
Decor
Antique items are extremely popular, adding a sense of antiquity to the atmosphere. The interior, complemented by antique decor, will convey the spirit of grace and nobility. Modern designers can not only restore old products, but also age new models. By applying a special chemical composition or tinting the surface, a patina is created on the wood surface.
To add a certain theme to the overall interior, you can enliven plain door panels using painting. It instantly changes the appearance of the product. Bouquets of spicy, aromatic herbs and meadow violets, seascapes, and painted olive branches will give the door an attractive newness.
Based on consumer reviews and their demand, we can conclude that floral motifs for door decor are the most in demand. The decor can be window inserts made of transparent or frosted glass with patterns that will successfully create an atmosphere of hospitality in the kitchen and dining room
Forging in black and white will also serve as decoration; it will give the product elegance and at the same time modesty.
Decoupage is a great way to refresh your interior by adding something new to familiar things. This method of decoration involves gluing prints made from paper onto the surface. In the Provence style, the most popular decor is original three-layer napkins and photo wallpaper. You can do the decoupage procedure yourself. However, for aesthetic design and a creative approach, it is better to trust professional designers. When ordering a product based on individual sketches, you can first discuss all the nuances with a specialist.
Types of models
A Provence style wardrobe must combine two elements: reliability and beauty. It must be made of quality materials and last for several generations. It should be easy to use and spacious.
The aesthetic aspect is also important - after all, the French always attach great importance to details in design. Even the largest multi-door wardrobe in this style looks light and weightless thanks to light colors and elegant design.
Provence style wardrobes are most often made of wood. They can have hinged or sliding doors and vary in size.
Such cabinets can be one-, two- and three-door. Usually in one of the sections there is a rod for hanging clothes on hangers, and in another section or several compartments there are shelves for smaller wardrobe items. The cabinet can be equipped with drawers at the bottom, which allow it to combine the functions of a chest of drawers.
The brighter the accent in the room this piece of furniture is, the larger the room should be. We must remember that simpler models are much easier to fit into the interior than large and luxurious ones.
Quite often, hinged doors have various inserts, for example, mirror or glass. At the same time, the glass can be transparent, playing the role of a showcase (which is not so often found in wardrobes), or with a matte coating.
In addition, there are various “windows” cut into the doors.
The larger and more massive such a cabinet, the lower and more stable its legs become. In one- and two-door cabinets they can have ornate shapes, resembling, for example, animal paws.
Modern manufacturers offer to somewhat modernize this style to make it more acceptable for modern small-sized homes. For this purpose, they came up with sliding wardrobes with sliding doors that can be installed in special niches in the walls, saving space, but without breaking out of the overall stylistic design of the room. It is also acceptable for them to be located on their own.
This is a truly functional piece of furniture. The interior design of the closet allows you to easily place all your clothes, linen and accessories, as well as additional bedding sets and sleep accessories.
There is also a model of a storage cabinet covering the entire wall. It is made as neutral as possible so as not to attract undue attention. There are also hidden models, when the complete illusion of a simple wall is created. These options are extremely spacious.
A cabinet for dishes or books in the Provence style looks especially organic. Display doors allow you to beautifully arrange items inside so that they are visible to guests of the house, as well as the owners, since any item will then be easy to find. Such cabinets are usually located in the kitchen, dining room or living room.
They can also be placed in the bathroom to store cosmetics, bath accessories and towels.
At the same time, it will look especially stylish if the legs of the cabinet are in harmony with the legs of the bathroom, or the carvings and paintings of the cabinet are in harmony with the decoration of the walls.
Over time, wooden pieces of furniture in very humid rooms dry out due to constant changes in climatic conditions, or become moldy and rot if the room is not dried.
A wine cabinet is not a frequent guest in modern homes, however, it can also turn out to be a beautiful and functional element of the decor, especially if the owners of the house have an exquisite taste in wines and have a large collection.
It is convenient to store bottles in it, thanks to the special shape of the shelves. The cabinet can be open or have doors. If this item is chosen as an alternative to a cellar and will be located in a living space, for example, in the living room or dining room, it is better to purchase closed options, since the wine suffers from direct sunlight.
Furniture
Provence style bed
Furniture in the Provence style is chosen simple and from natural materials. In addition, it should be easy to use and functional. In the spacious hallway you need to place: a wardrobe for outerwear, a banquette, a chest of drawers, wicker baskets and boxes. All furniture items must have an aged appearance. If there are chips or small cracks in the wood on the chest of drawers or cabinets, this will only give them some chic.
Natural wood furniture fits perfectly into the interior
Furniture in light colors gives lightness and airiness
Warning ATTENTION: giving furniture an aged look is quite easy. For this purpose, special coatings are used that create the effect of cracks and abrasions.
This video will show you how to make a banquette with your own hands.
Since the largest piece of furniture in the hallway is the wardrobe for outerwear, it should either match the color of the rest of the interior or be snow-white. This will give the room lightness and airiness. If there is no free space, the closet is replaced with a hanger.
The wardrobe should match the color of the rest of the interior
When arranging the corridor, do not forget about mirrors. They will not only visually expand the room, but also add some mystery and romance to it. The mirror in the hallway is hung in a wooden or metal frame. The main thing is that it has an aged appearance. Forged frames with ornaments look original.
A mirror with an ornament looks original
A large mirror visually expands the room
Joomla ATTENTION: when arranging the corridor with furniture items, do not overload the space. If you have free space, you can place a wicker chair with a coffee table or a soft pouf here.
If you have free space, you can place a wicker chair with a coffee table or a soft pouf here.
Style Features
The historical birthplace of the Provence style in design is the southern region of France. The sunny region with lush, colorful vegetation inspired artists and architects to create. Rich natural colors do not tolerate competition, so Provence interior items were made in a simple, elegant design.
Provence style is a type of country, but it is distinguished by sophistication and lightness. Its main features are:
- The material for making Provence furniture is natural wood, decorated with light colors or untreated at all. The surface can be sanded, but the wood structure remains visible;
- For painting, special colors are used that allow you to create the effect of color fading in the sun. Pieces of furniture of the most complex shape, painted with such colors, become delicate and cozy;
- unpainted wood is coated with wax or varnish, which emphasizes its naturalness;
- in the manufacture of Provence furniture, forged elements or a combination of wood and metal are used. Such products add special sophistication to the bedroom;
- the use of artificial aging techniques - patination. Scratches, chips, worn corners, and faded areas create an antique flavor on the surface of the furniture. There is no loss of functionality and practicality of Provence bedroom furniture during patination;
- Carvings are used to decorate products. Low legs of cabinets, tables, and chairs can be figured. The headboards of beds and cabinet doors are decorated with sharp edges. The fittings used are of high quality, intricate shapes;
- Provence interior items in pastel light colors. Floral patterns are applied to plain surfaces. In such a room it will be comfortable to relax from the everyday hustle and bustle;
- the interior includes many pieces of furniture, but due to the thin legs and small dimensions, the bedroom does not become cramped;
- in the decor, various textiles, plain or with floral prints, are allowed: pillows for chairs, bedspreads, curtains, rugs;
- the presence of archaic motifs in furniture design creates a feeling of leisurely life surrounded by nature.
The production of many pieces of furniture in the Provence style is done by hand, which, together with the price of materials, justifies the high cost of finished models. Despite the visual effect of antiquity, products made from natural wood are characterized by a long service life, environmental friendliness, and they do not retain their original color and shape for many years.
Materials used
The Provencal style interior is far from advanced technology. Everything here should be natural, at least visually. Glossy and plastic fragments are simply useless in such a kitchen. Preference should be given to wood and stone with a natural texture.
A worthy company for them are surfaces painted in muted colors or covered with snow-white plaster. A must-have material for use in a Provence-style kitchen is also cozy textiles in soft colors. And the inclusion of metal forging and vintage fittings will make the look completely complete.
Walls
The design of the walls in the kitchen in the Provence style primarily depends on the size of the room.
In a city apartment, matte paint or smooth plaster in soft shades would be appropriate. For accentuation, you can use decorative inserts made of tiles or decorative stone.
Wallpaper is not the best option for recreating a French country interior, but if you really can’t do without it, then it’s worth choosing samples that are as close in texture as possible to natural surfaces.
In a private house, the choice of finishing materials is somewhat wider. Here you can safely demonstrate the subtle beauty of simple stonework, wood paneling, whitewash or textured plaster.
Ceiling
The open attic space adds a special touch to the interior of a Provencal kitchen located in a country house. A mandatory attribute of a Provençal ceiling is massive beams. They can match the color scheme of the entire surface or, conversely, stand out sharply with a contrasting wood shade.
Naturally, with a small room height, there is no need to make the ceiling additionally heavier. In this case, a plain light color or plaster will look much more natural. A small forged chandelier will give the effect of antiquity.
Floor
The most suitable flooring for a Provence-style kitchen is considered to be traditional wooden planks, as well as modest, discreet matte tiles in earthy or terracotta shades.
In modern interiors, laminate, parquet or tiles that imitate classic materials come to the rescue. An additional decoration for the floor can be a mat or carpet with a floral pattern.
Windows and doors
A Provencal style kitchen is a room filled with sunlight. To allow rays to freely penetrate the room, the windows in it are made as large as possible.
Conventional plastic frames do not fit very harmoniously into the atmosphere of provincial comfort. Wooden structures or their high-quality imitation would be much more appropriate here. In any case, they are white, sometimes slightly aged.
In country houses, hinged structures are widely used, allowing the doors to be opened wide.
Window decoration has no strict restrictions. It can be decorated with:
- Roman blind or English style curtain;
- weightless French marquise;
- curtains with tiebacks;
- cafe curtains
Cornices are preferably wooden or forged.
Doors in the Provence style are always made of wood and painted in light, muted colors, certainly with a slight touch of antiquity.
Varieties
In the collections of Provence furniture manufacturers you can find products designed for the interior of different rooms. Each model has the most reliable, stable design.
Clothes
Such cabinets are characterized by the presence of high legs, which make cleaning easier and add lightness to even large models. Doors and drawers are equipped with fittings with soft closers; opening and closing them will be convenient. Some products are decorated with light hand carvings or have a decorative element in the form of a smooth wave.
The most exclusive series use a three-layer hand rubbing technique. It allows you to create a unique color for each. The fittings used are made of bronze or copper. For bedroom furnishings, the most sophisticated models are created with stencil painting applied to the craquellure surface of the doors. Such a bedroom with a painted white wardrobe will look especially romantic.
A variety of wardrobes are models with sliding doors, which are called sliding wardrobes. One or two large mirrors are placed on the facade. Such products are designed in light colors that harmoniously fit into the interior of the bedroom. If you install a compartment in the hallway, it can be used to store outerwear and shoes.
Kitchen and dining rooms
Kitchen cabinets have many convenient sections: niches for placing plates, drawers on durable guides, storage systems for spices, bulk products. The products are characterized by maximum capacity. The use of natural wood and water-based paints allows you to use Provence style kitchen cabinets for storing food without fear for your health.
Cabinets for storing dishes and glasses will harmoniously fit into the interior of the dining room. The models have partial glazing, which allows you to display the family set. The shelves, back and side walls are made of wood, so the products are stable and can withstand significant weight. The external design includes a carved or painted cornice, decorative hinged doors with forged elements, and floral patterns.
Storage for books and documents
Products of this type are usually presented in shades of natural wood. The cabinets look solid, expensive, and have several open and closed shelves. Many combined models have partial glazing, which makes it easy to find the book you need and protect documents from dust.
Expensive series of bookcases for offices and libraries have built-in locking mechanisms. They allow the doors to close as tightly as possible, which protects documents and books from humid or too dry air. Plus, you don't have to worry about partners or family members learning unnecessary information.
Children's models
Unlike all other products, children's furniture is decorated as much as possible, created with intricate carvings and paintings. Models with a themed design like a dollhouse, carriage, or pirate ship are made according to individual projects.
Products in pink, lavender, beige, and creamy colors are appropriate in a girl’s room. To decorate a boy's room, choose blue, olive, brown, light green. With high visual appeal, the products are very spacious and functional, they have:
- several shelves for clothes and shoes;
- bar with hangers;
- lower drawers for storing bedding, linen, toys.
For bathroom
To furnish spacious bathrooms, where there is a lot of free space after installing the plumbing, special furniture is used. A corner or wall cabinet in Provence style will be a real decoration. The most preferred color is white; it is associated with cleanliness and freshness and matches the color of the plumbing fixtures.
Products must be treated with moisture-resistant compounds so that the frame and sashes are not damaged by high air humidity. If you choose a model with legs, then it is good if they are in harmony with the legs of the bathroom.
To decorate the cabinets, light carved cornices are used, partial glazing is performed and twisted forged fittings are used. At the bottom there are drawers where it is convenient to store towels. Examples of installing cabinets in the bathroom can be seen in the photo.
Accommodation Tips
A sliding wardrobe most often seems like a bulky object, but large dimensions are not at all necessary. Miniature and neat cabinets are suitable for individual rooms. Here are some tips for placing your closet in different rooms of your home.
In the hall
In a small room used to place outerwear and shoes, a wardrobe will help save space due to the peculiarities of its structure. Sliding doors are much more convenient than swing doors. A corner wardrobe with spacious compartments for seasonal and non-seasonal clothes, as well as a large mirror, will fit especially well into the hallway.
In the living room
The functionality of the living room closet differs from the previous one. Bed linen, everyday clothes, and rarely used items are stored here. Photos in antique round frames, souvenir items, and dishes will help emphasize the chosen style.
Attention should be paid to lighting. Additional lighting will decorate the room and highlight the beauty of the furniture.
An excellent solution for a living room in the Provence style would be a fireplace, decorated, like the cabinet, with forged handles or carvings.
In the bedroom
The romance of Provence is most suitable for the bedroom. Lightness, tenderness, calm shades. Here you can choose a small wardrobe and be sure to combine it in style with other items in the room. A small dressing table will look especially cute, and a spacious chest of drawers will add practicality. All furniture should be light and coordinate with each other.
For the bedroom, soft pink and lavender shades, soft textiles, and floral prints are suitable.
In the nursery
A light and spacious wardrobe is just what you need for a cozy room. Here it is recommended to add an open section for storing toys, books, and school supplies. And behind the compartment doors you can fit all your clothes.
Marine styleGreen tones
Together with your child, you can decorate the closet in the children's room using decoupage or special paints and techniques.
For children's
Provence is so versatile and unpretentious that it easily allows you to decorate not just certain rooms, but the entire house in this style. One such embodiment is a wardrobe for a nursery. And if for a boy’s room it is recommended to give preference to laconic models without obvious decor, then a girl’s room allows you to experiment with delicate shades of furniture and interestingly designed cabinet fronts.
Originality will be betrayed, for example, by monograms on doors or cornices. Another option for an unusual design could be doors with windows in the shape of hearts.
For all its decorativeness, a closet for a nursery should be quite functional. It is convenient when there are shelves behind one door leaf, and behind the other there is an opportunity to hang clothes on hangers. If the model has a large bottom drawer, it can be used to change bed linen and store blankets.
What should I do if I want a Provençal bedroom in an apartment?
Follow your desires and create!
You can contact a designer, or try to create a design project for your bedroom yourself.
To really get what you want, it is very important to be on the same page with the designer. Perhaps he will be an amazing specialist and master in creating bedrooms in loft, minimalism or hi-tech styles, but will not work at all with traditional and ethnic styles!
Perhaps he will be an amazing specialist and master in creating bedrooms in loft, minimalism or hi-tech styles, but will not work at all with traditional and ethnic styles!
