From southern France, the beautiful and sincere Provence style was created. The south of France itself is extraordinary, boasting of incredible landscapes, delicious and spicy cuisines and the rich smell of the sea. All these characteristics of the region are intertwined in a special interior style of the house – calm, but with bright accents in the form of flowers, the use of wood and a large number of textiles, which create a feeling of rich comfort.

The modern Provence style has retained the style’s authentic regional motifs. In a special organic way, elements are reminiscent of the south of France and are interwoven with the beauty of nature.

The main distinguishing features of Provence are aged furniture, uneven walls and plenty of textiles. All these elements infuse the room with lightness, coziness, and simplicity, creating a style that avoids pretentiousness. If you fancy this style and wish to apply it in different rooms in the home, particularly the kitchen, bedroom, and living room, then you ought to read this article to the end.

The characteristic features of interiors in the Provence style are:

  • Beautiful simplicity, without claims to chic and sophistication;
  • The charm of the ancient and the acceptability of the traditions of Southern France;
  • Bet on light colors such as white walls or yellowish walls, with noticeable pieces of stucco or brick;
  • Ceiling finish with wooden beams;
  • Shod or wooden cases, dressers, beds and other furniture, with the effect of antiquity;
  • Decor from natural materials and forging (especially in lighting);
  • Light, faded curtains;
  • Linen tablecloths, chair covers, towels;
  • Rugs from homespun cloth and bright colors.

Provence style is light and distinctive, with elements of rustic flavor, making it a preferred choice for kitchen designs. The style additionally looks cozy and warm, creating a comfortable and homely atmosphere.

The Provence style for the kitchen is primarily a light color scheme for the furniture and decor. In general, the most used options are white, lavender, light green, sand, blue, gray, shades, and combinations thereof.

Below, we consider in more detail the main elements of a Provence style kitchen:

  • Flooring: Many Provence kitchens have plank floors.While these floors are mostly made from wood, it is also possible to use flooring made out of materials that imitate natural board.
  • Wall decoration: Walls are often covered with liquid or floral print wallpaper.Walls can as well be plastered and decorated to have a matte effect;
  • Furniture:For the kitchen, furniture with a coffee shade is used. To save money, you can choose facades from MDF, but be sure to alter the surfaces so they imitate old, shabby furniture. While it is advisable that you use furniture made from light-colored natural wood, it is also very costly, which is why you are allowed to consider other similar options.

In terms of texture, the furniture is quite rough, with specially produced cracks. The worktop is most often made from a tile, wood or natural stone pattern. Additionally, chairs are covered with textiles and open shelves decorated with baskets or another decor;

  • Kitchen lighting: The lighting should give the effect of warmth and comfort. It can either be wrought-iron chandeliers, or options with floral prints, sometimes made out of fabric. It is aesthetically better to install separate lighting sources for the cooking and dining zones;
  • Décor:Provence style is associated with natural materials, mainly wood. One of the most popular uses of wood in Provence style homes is the decorating of ceilings with wooden beams. Dining in Provence kitchens is additionally characterized by diverse kitchenware, accompanied by floral prints and textiles. Spice jars, vases, wicker baskets, and other storage items also serve as décor in Provence kitchens. For an even better look, these kitchens are decorated with paintings of French landscapes and colorful wildflowers in vases.

Provencal-style kitchen furniture

In the Provencal style, the main emphasis is on furniture and decor. Visually, the furniture looks massive and heavy. For the kitchen, cabinets, showcases, and shelves made from natural materials are the preferred options. Also, walnut, oak, and beech are the preferred wood for Provence kitchen furniture. Lastly, the center of the Provence kitchen is usually a table with massive legs.

Open shelves with decor are used to complete Provence kitchens. These shelves are often stacked with kitchen utensils, various metal or ceramic objects, wicker baskets and cute trinkets. An important rule to remember is that Provence kitchens are built around simple and rustic designs and decor. For extra luxury and zest, you can use beautiful lamps or forged metal decor.

In addition to standard furniture, buffet set-ups, particularly those with different pull-out compartments are used in Provence style kitchens. At the same time, the length of the furniture is modest, while its color is harmoniously complemented by the decor of walls, floors, and textiles.

For light furniture, choose that with scuffs and cracks, which should harmoniously blend with massive furniture and airy, floral textiles.

The main criteria for choosing textiles for a kitchen in Provence style

Provencal style is reminiscent of the simplicity of a village lifestyle. Expensive fabrics will be inappropriate here as they do not depict simplicity, so choose linen, cotton or chintz, with plain light colors or floral patterns.

Provence cannot be harmonious without a multitude of textiles, which can come in form of tablecloths, napkins, towels, and curtains. The patterns on the fabrics are mostly printed, but can as well be authentically embroidered into the fabric. Openwork napkins and wraps also fit well into the overall décor of these kitchens.

If you select Provence style for your kitchen, remember to include lace and lace frills in your decor, which you can boldly combine with tablecloths and napkins made from rough cloth.

A hardwood Provence kitchen floor can be decorated with a beautiful and colorful homespun track. Quilted rugs and bedspreads also make for beautiful floor décor for a kitchen in Provence style.

Windows and doors are decorated with curtains, usually accompanied with a checkerboard. These curtains sometimes have floral or fruit patterns on a pastel basis. Coarse curtains also look beautiful, particularly when combined with massive furniture and light tulle.

Sometimes it is difficult to correctly combine such a wide variety of textiles. However, you should note that it is not necessary to use all the elements at the same time, but at least some of them must be included in the interior since characteristic textiles are the defining feature of the Provence style.

Provence style kitchen: main advantages

The choice of Provence style for the kitchen is very popular because the style comes with many functional and aesthetic advantages when brought into the kitchen. The main advantage of this style is that it can be created efficiently in small rooms. You can easily bring the beautiful spirit of the south of French, with all its beauty and lightness, into the kitchen.

In addition, Provencal cuisine has other positive qualities, including:

  • Beautiful but inexpensive interior;
  • Natural and practical furniture;
  • Bright but comfortable textiles;
  • The presence of natural elements, including paintings of landscapes, floral prints, wicker baskets, fresh flowers and greenery;
  • Convenient use of dishes and kitchen utensils that are used both for their intended purpose and as decor elements.

For people who love beauty, lightness and comfort, a kitchen in Provence style is the real deal. In addition to a harmonious and aesthetically beautiful appearance, the kitchen is also natural and practical.