French Country Kitchens

You've heard the term 'French Country Kitchen', but how does one transform their current standard kitchen into a cottage kitchen from the South of France?

There are many things to consider when planning a French cottage style kitchen, because the typical country cottage in rural France does not usually have all of the amenities available in today's modern kitchens. So, it is important to be mindful of the 'feeling' you are trying to convey, and this will help you to decide how to style those things which were not found in old time French country kitchens. Functionality of your kitchen can be maintained, while turning back the clock to old time France.

The typical French country kitchen evoked a feeling of comfort and warmth and was a place where family and friends could enjoy each other's company and celebrate the joys of living with the rewards of their seeds sewn, grapes crushed and bread freshly baked. These feeling were made possible not only by the company, but by the atmosphere of the kitchen, which was generated by it's architecture, furniture, kitchenware storage methods and natural color scheme.

Whether you have a small condominium kitchen, or a large suburban modern kitchen, with a few of these simple recommendations, you can have a country kitchen straight from the South of France.

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French Country Kitchen Colors:
Color plays a major role in raising the feeling of a French country kitchen. Because of building materials used in that time, the color schemes were typically natural. White stucco walls and / or ceilings were sometimes painted butter or mustard yellow, while large exposed wooden posts and beams created distinct borders. These wooden posts and beams were coated with either a dark stain or with a simple oil that enhanced the natural color of the wood.


French Country Kitchen Building Materials:
As mentioned, because of technologies of the day, building materials used in French country kitchens were expectedly natural. Thick wooden posts and beams framed the kitchen, usually looking well weathered or 'lived in'. There are many methods for 'distressing' wood to make it look older and more used than it really is. This can be done by beating the wood with a chain, creating gouge marks with knives or axes, lightly burning the wood in a few places, or scratching it with sandpaper. A dark stain is then rubbed into the blemishes, then the surface is sanded to remove exess stain marks leaving the darkened blemishes appearing like they are well worn. A good contrasting stain or coating is then used to finish the 'weathered look'. Walls and ceilings were typically stucco, and several patterns or flat applications were used, depending on the choice and style of the homeowner. Floors were made of of terra cotta tiles, brick or stone for texture and durability. Bricks or stones were used for the hearth or fireplace that was typically situated on one wall of the kitchen. The hearth usually provided storage space as well as being a functional fireplace stove and oven.

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French Country Kitchen Accents/Accessories:
Accessories in a French country kitchen were almost always functional. Terra cotta commonly made up many of the storage containers used for both for food and liquids, but also provided kitchen storage space on any counters or hearth by holding utensils, herbs, tools or personal belongings. Hand hewn copper pots and pans were used for cookware, and cooking utensils were hand made of hardwood materials and /or iron. Pots, pans and spices are usually kept within easy reach of the cook. Wrought iron holders for plants, placemats, napkins, and utensils were used extensively, while ceramic trivets with herb or rooster design adorned the walls for decoration, when not in use on the table. These rustic, earthy materials offer age-old elegance and practicality in a French country kitchen.



French Country Kitchen Furniture/Fabrics:
Common furniture found in a French country kitchen was unadorned farmhouse-style tables, usually surrounded by rush-bottomed ladderback chairs, often in an assortment of styles. This lack of 'mass production' adds to the comfortable style of the country kitchen. Wrought iron was also sometimes used for tables or chairs, but typically a large wooden table was centered in the kitchen that doubled as a place for family and friends to gather for meals or simply to socialize.

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French Country Kitchen Lighting:
Abundant natural lighting was a common aspect of decor in a French country kitchen, allowing the flood of light to illuminate the kitchen in both morning and evening, to make ease of the cooking chores. Wrought iron chandeliers and candle holders provided nighttime lighting. Window dressings were often simple Roman shades, or fabric that ranged from canvas to toile. Fabric prints ranged from thick stripes to solids, or sometimes prints of fruits, vegetables or herbs. Lavender was sometimes hung in the window, on the wall, or standing in terra cotta vases.


French Country Kitchen Storage:
Because space is a concern in typically small French country kitchens, creative use of storage space is essential. Free standing wrought iron storage racks not only allow ample and open storage space in French country kitchens, wrought iron is also used in hanging ceiling racks for storing pots, pans and utensils. Small nooks created by framing can be cleverly used, and built-in shelving can be covered with decorative doors to create an armoire-type appearance. Any cupboards or dressers that are found in the kitchen are richly carved a usually appear 'distressed'.


So, to attain the look and feel of a French country kitchen, your goal is to; use natural, earthy materials for walls, ceilings, furniture and accessories. Keep color schemes natural. Use as much natural lighting as possible. Keep accessories and furniture simple and rustic. Use simple print designs of food or plants for decor. Maintain a 'farmhouse' feel. And invite family and friends to enjoy it with you as much as possible.

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