Provence-style kitchens are soaked through with French grace. For this reason, most people choose this design. This style has individual features that will not allow it to be confused with any other. The interiors are filled with a romantic atmosphere with a subtle touch of naivety. Coziness and moderation are created by the village flavor, which helps homeowners forget about the noisy metropolis with its gassed streets. We can safely say that Provence is a breath of fresh air.
Unlike modern styles, which look somewhat detached, this direction can hardly be called laconic. In space, various elements are used to fill the room with heat. A lot of textiles, curtains with ruffles and floral patterns, aged furniture, natural materials and colors - all this is a Provence style kitchen.
In a small kitchen, you can also use this design direction. Thanks to its features, the space will turn out quite bright and comfortable. A feeling of pressure will not arise, even despite the fact that the room is necessarily filled with different objects.
So, if the reader is interested in the interiors in the Provence style, then it's time to start practical advice.
History
Before proceeding to the design of a Provence style kitchen, let's find out how it all began. The origin of this design direction was in the 17th century. In parallel with it, another style developed - urban classicism. They were the exact opposite. Provence focused on provincial life. It embodied natural harmony and rustic flavor. It received its name in honor of the region located in the southeast of France.
At the time of the formation of the Provence style, fundamental changes took place in the country. People of the middle strata (industrialists, petty bourgeois, lawyers, etc.) living in the provinces improved their financial situation, which naturally affected their homes. They equipped housing with an emphasis on comfort, preferring lightness, sunny colors, spacious rooms, unobtrusive decor and naturalness. These criteria subsequently became the characteristic features of the design direction.
In the 19th century, progress was noticeable in France in all areas. Therefore, in art they tried to reflect the joy of being and lightness. This fashionable trend is visible in literature, and in painting, and in music. Of course, this could not pass without a trace for interior design. Based on this, we can say that Provence is a natural reflection of the trends of that time.
General style characteristics
How to create a Provence style kitchen with your own hands? To begin to understand the features of the design direction. It is characterized by the area in honor of which it received its poetic name. The province of Provence is very beautiful. It is famous for its unique nature. Magnificent landscapes were painted in many paintings by famous artists. In a word - there is something to be proud of. Also, this area is distinguished by cooking, in which various fragrant spices are used. And when they combine with the aroma of coffee, then simply a person is at the peak of bliss.
All this magnificence is enhanced by bright sunshine that penetrates through the window into the room, so that the whole space begins to play with different colors. Also, do not forget about the vast expanses of the Mediterranean Sea. The sea breeze carries freshness, the air becomes moist and soft. Here, each person breathes very easily. It is at the unification of these moments that the Provence style develops. By choosing such an interior for the kitchen, you can be sure that a positive atmosphere will always prevail in this room, which helps to improve mood and appetite.
The most original and organic is considered to be the Provence style. Such an atmosphere in the interior cannot be achieved with the help of other areas. Uneven surfaces, plastered walls, careless finishes, worn furniture, faded textiles, simplicity bordering on poverty - these are the foundation of Provence.
The design is not allowed catchy and flashy elements, luxurious objects. There is no place for pomposity and pretentiousness. But this does not mean that the interior of the kitchen in the style of Provence, as well as other rooms, looks boring and uninteresting. Uniqueness and beauty is achieved in a completely different way. For example, with correctly selected objects, whether it be a wicker chair or wrought iron candlesticks.
Of course, this style can be maximally opened only in a rather spacious room. Therefore, most often it is chosen for decorating country houses. But in the apartment it is quite possible to realize the plan. You will have to face some limitations, but the final result will please even the demanding owner.
Characteristic features of the style
The interior of the kitchen in the Provence style (for photos of some of the designers' works, see the article) should be created, taking into account the design features. Like any other direction, it has special features that give it originality. Only knowing and applying them in practice will it be possible to create a harmonious space. So let's look at them.
- Beauty and charm bordering on simplicity and discreetness.
- Delicate, light shades of flowers.
- Roughly plastered surfaces with exposed brickwork.
- Wooden beams painted in dark natural color on the ceiling.
- In a country house, a Provence-style kitchen is often central to the stove.
- Wooden, wicker, forged furniture of a simple form without exquisite elements with worn surfaces.
- For comfort and warmth, the floor is covered with handmade woolen carpets. Covers on upholstered furniture are welcome.
- Forged items are used as decor.
What explains the popularity of the style?
Surprisingly, it was thanks to its simplicity and lightness that the Provence style kitchen interior became so popular. Photos perfectly demonstrate the harmony and positive atmosphere that fill the space. When decorating a room in this style, you don’t need to invest a lot of money, such as in classicism. The windows are decorated with simple curtains, slightly burnt out in the sun, the dining table is covered with a rough linen tablecloth, and handmade items are used as decor. All this in their arsenal can be found by everyone. It is the Provence style that shows that for sophistication and beauty it is not necessary to create elaborate interiors.
Many people doubt whether this style is suitable for decorating apartments. At first glance, it may seem that it is far from the trends of urban interiors. But do not rush to conclusions. The fact is that even a small kitchen in the style of Provence can give a person everything that he is so lacking in a metropolis. Just imagine that after traffic jams, noisy gassed streets, neon signs of shopping centers, you can get into a bright open space where every object pleases the eye with its naturalness and naturalness. In such a kitchen, coffee will be much tastier and more aromatic, because the owner will drink it in a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Why is Provence popular for decorating a kitchen? There is no trick, everything is extremely simple. The fact is that this style incorporates everything that the southern edge of France is rich in. In addition to the sea breeze, sunny weather and endless flower fields, culinary traditions have also become a legacy. Therefore, in the kitchen space everything will be in harmony with each other: fragrant herbs, fragrant spices, an abundance of dishes.
Features of the layout of the kitchen
Since the French direction is thoroughly saturated with family traditions, this should be maximally reflected in the interior of the kitchen. Provence style always has a large dining area. It is here that every family member will gather every day. Based on this, the kitchen space should be quite spacious. If we are talking about a country house, then there will be no problems. If desired, the owners can always increase the room.
In the event that square meters are plentiful, professionals recommend using a room division in the design of a Provence style kitchen. As a rule, two zones are made. In the first, it is necessary to equip a working space where cooking will take place directly. But the second destination will be the dining area with a spacious table.
A common way of zoning is island planning. This work surface can be used for various purposes. Basically, a hob, a sink are installed on it and a place for cutting products is organized. Also, the island part can be converted into a bar counter.
Another popular way of zoning is dividing the space using shelving or a sideboard. It is worth noting that without these items Provence will look inferior. And therefore, in addition to the semantic role, they perform a decorative one. And also do not forget about the main purpose of this furniture - a place to store kitchen utensils.
The situation with the embodiment of Provence style in the kitchen in the apartment will be a little more difficult. The standard layout cannot be drastically changed. Will have to be content with what is already there. If the kitchen space is very small, it is recommended to combine it with the living room. The latter will have a dining area, and the kitchen can be used for its intended purpose - for cooking.
If there is no desire to tear down the walls, then you have to resort to small tricks. We are talking about the use of mirrors, the proper arrangement of light, colors. Of course, in such a room you can’t install a large kitchen set. But it does not matter. The best option is the angular layout. Thanks to this solution, the working surface will be more than enough, since hard-to-reach spots are involved.
What is better to refuse?
Small-sized kitchens in the Provence style (see photo below) are not recommended to be divided into zones, unless there was a union with another room. The fact is that it will not work to use furniture for these purposes, since it will occupy all the free space. Owners of small kitchens will either have to completely abandon the large dining area, or redevelop the apartment.
In some styles, zoning is done using different materials, such as flooring. This technique, of course, allows you to save a lot of space, but you can’t accept it in Provence. The fact is that sharp contrasts will violate the integrity of the interior, and this, in turn, will deprive him of charm.
In rooms with low ceilings, you will have to abandon the wooden beams that decorate the ceiling. Unfortunately, weighty details visually reduce the area. For these purposes, it is better to use decorative pads. They will not make the space heavier, but at the same time they will perfectly convey the mood of Provence.
Material selection
What materials do you need to select for a Provence style kitchen? If you study its features, then the answer suggests itself. A characteristic feature of the direction is naturalness, which is why artificial materials are taboo. This rule applies both to the decoration of the main surfaces (floor, ceiling and walls), and to furniture. Will have to completely abandon plywood, MDF, particleboard, plastic. Preference is given only to natural raw materials. Therefore, in the Provencal interior there is a lot of natural wood, glass and metal. If it is not possible to purchase furniture from solid wood, then wicker options will become an alternative replacement.
It is important to note that the requirements for the selection of materials apply even to the windowsill. Currently, most apartments and houses have plastic frames. It is also desirable to replace them with wooden ones or at least choose models imitating its texture. But for the windowsill, only natural bases are selected. No substitutes! The marble surface fits perfectly into the Provencal cuisine. The window sill can act as a separate part, or be a continuation of the countertop.
The color scheme is the basis of style
All Provence-style kitchens are decorated only in a light palette. Shades must be selected soft, calm and natural. In the interior, the main thing is to create the impression that the colors faded in the sun.
The slogan “Lightness, naturalness and simplicity” extends to the choice of palette. A positive atmosphere, sunny mood and freshness of the sea breeze should reign in space. To create this is possible only by abandoning acidic, saturated colors. They have no place in the Provencal cuisine. Do not be afraid that the room will turn out boring, fresh and faceless without bright inserts. Its originality is completely different.
As usual, in the interior you can simultaneously apply up to three tones. One of them will dominate and will serve as the main background. And the rest are only used as a supplement. Selecting colors, it is better to give preference to white, dairy, light green, yellow, beige, blue, brown.
Let's look at popular options:
- White kitchen in provence style. This color is associated with freedom and purity in all people. In the interior, you can use different shades of white. Without exception, they all fit perfectly into space. Alternatively, you can use it as a background. The ceiling and walls in white will become the neutral core. Furniture in this color, curtains will complement the kitchen. In order not to feel the hospital room, a brown coating is used for the floor. An excellent accent will be the countertop. A darker shade is suitable for her. Almost all representatives of the palette are combined with white. The interior with pistachio-colored inserts looks original. Green notes fill the room with freshness, warmth and comfort.
- Blue kitchen. Remembering the characteristic features of the style and its foundation, the sea immediately comes to mind. Therefore, it is quite natural to use this color in Provencal space. A harmonious combination will be blue with sand. This decision will convey the atmosphere of the coast. The main thing is to consider that the transitions between colors should be smooth. Blue and beige and brown also look pretty harmonious. The main thing is to observe natural combinations.
- Beige kitchen. This color can be used both primary and secondary. It can be safely called universal. Look good interiors with the addition of olive.
Ceiling
Choosing a kitchen design in the Provence style (photo of examples can be found in the article), special attention should be paid to ceiling decoration. As mentioned above, it is decorated with wooden beams. Their presence in the interior is explained quite simply. The houses were the provinces of the French provinces. The attic was open in them; only the supporting beams separated it. Time, of course, made its changes, but the essence remained the same. In country houses, the ceiling is finished as follows: transverse beams are installed, and the space between them is simply plastered, after which it is painted or whitened.
But in the apartment, support beams are not installed. There is no need for them. In order to create a space in the Provence style, the so-called false beams are fixed on the ceiling. Their role is only decorative. These products are made from wood chips. The surface can imitate the natural texture or be completely painted. It is important to note that only the natural color of the tree is allowed - brown. Unfortunately, in cases with apartments you have to violate the characteristic features of the style, but there is simply no other option.
Furniture
Without furniture, you cannot make a Provence-style kitchen space functional and comfortable. The photo clearly shows which furnishings should be preferred. There are some requirements that must be taken into account:
- Naturalness and naturalness. Not any plastic and particle materials.
- Gloss, pretentiousness and pomposity - no! All furniture should have a simple look, matte surfaces, discreet furniture, for example, made of brass.
- The effect of aging. It is important to reproduce the impression that this furniture is not the first generation. , , .
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Textile
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Accessories
What decorative elements can decorate a Provence style kitchen space? Photos of the work of professional designers clearly demonstrate that the main subject of the interior is a tablecloth. It can be both monophonic and with an ornament. As for the picture, the choice is quite wide: from a simple cell / strip to images of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers.
Open shelves and shelves will also complement the interior. They can store dishes, vases, services. If you can install a real stove, then such a kitchen will fully convey the atmosphere of style. Do not forget about forged objects. They can be used as chandeliers and lighting fixtures, stands for shelves, fixtures for heavy equipment. If the kitchen is large, then wicker items, armchairs, chests, baskets will be appropriate.