French Kitchen Style: Get the Look

French Country Cottage kitchen. This distinct aesthetic, which is characterized by the juxtaposition of rustic, natural elements with luxurious Versailles-style details, has been en vogue for hundreds of years. It first came to prominence during the reign of Louis XV, an 18th-century monarch who took his court for jaunts in the countryside. The blending of farmhouse and regal vibes has been popular in kitchens ever since.

What design elements are featured in a French country cottage kitchen?

French country kitchens are typically warm and inviting. They can feature gold, deep red, and olive tones, or they can have neutral tones with wood accents. You might see ceramic roosters, stone crocks, colored glass, or French textiles like old grain sacks for dish towels.

There defined by weathered stone floors, exposed wood beams, honed marble countertops, aged hardware, and traditional cabinetry with ornate, furniture-like detailing. “Replace some of the door fronts with country-inspired chicken wire, decorative metal grille work, or glass,”

There are also typically outfitted with crystal chandeliers, copper cookware, trestle tables, and Louis XV–style chairs. Vintage objects fill the open shelves and available counter space. Old farmhouse clocks with serif fonts, antique engravings, charming paintings, beautiful blue-and-white platters to display on your walls, and richly framed art pieces are just some of the decor pieces you might look for.

Why is French country cottage decor ideal for a kitchen?

Unique oven hoods, metal baker’s racks, and copper pots are a few of the staples you’ll find in European kitchens. Items are functional yet beautiful at the same time.

Consider a gorgeous baker’s rack.

Stone crocks look great in almost any kitchen and gorgeous copper pots and pans

Every French kitchen should have at least one wooden bread board (or two or three).

Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, it’s a well-trafficked space. It’s used for everyday meals and entertaining alike. French country cottage decor lends itself to this versatility, as it has the rustic, utilitarian elements needed for daily use, as well as the glamorous flair of a chandelier required for hosting holidays and dinner parties. It’s truly the perfect kitchen style.

Notice the cloth covering the things in the inside underneath the counter. Endless cutting boards and a collection of pottery bowls. Additional decor is the 3 copper pots leaning against wall, as well as a picture.

Instead of a cabinet door, add a decorative skirt under the sink. A relatively unfitted and homely look. The way I interpret French country style, there’s an imperfection and warmth that makes it feel slowly evolved rather than painstakingly designed.”

Kitchen Island

A feature you will find in many modern American kitchens is a kitchen island. Why not try forgoing it?

One large beautiful space. If you feel that you absolutely have to have an island, consider foldable one's that I'm sure you can purchase Amazon or Walmart.

Install weathered stone floors

For an authentic French country feel, weathered stone floors are essential, however could use also with archway. The raw, organic texture of the new stone blends in seamlessly with a fireplace mantle, ceiling beams, and sink.

Or consider rustic wood floors

Though weathered stone is often the floor material of choice for French country kitchens. The wide, walnut-hued planks offer a coziness that stone does not.

Opt for exposed wood beams

Exposed wood beams are quintessential to French country kitchens.

A Farmhouse sink

A farmhouse sink, with its generous depth and bold apron, is a French country kitchen must-have.

Display copper cookware

French chefs have long favored copper pots and pans for cooking everything from beef Bourguignon to bouillabaisse, so it’s no surprise that these beautiful tools are often on display in French country kitchens. The metal cookware typically hangs from hooks on a rail above the stove.

Hang crystal chandeliers

Glitzy chandeliers are perfect for balancing the rough textures and natural imperfections of a french Country Cottage. “I love mixing the rustic with the refined, so we paired the old beams with crystal and gold chandeliers over the island,” she shares.

Source a trestle table

When curating an eat-in French country kitchen, source a trestle table to serve as the central gathering spot. This type of wood dining table has been around since the Middle Ages, so it evokes the conviviality of a medieval tavern.

Trestle Tables are a popular option for dining table. Here, it's being used in a kitchen that tells me that this kitchen is huge. When curating an eat-in French country kitchen, visit Marketplace to see if you can find one there before just going out and spending thousands of dollars. I just looked on Marketplace and found 5 of them.

I would suggest using a 42" round table. In this kitchen above, I would place this table in the center, which could also be used as an island to work on.

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Tags: FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE, Fall, Fall Centerpiece, Fall DIY, Fall Craft, Pinecones, Sunflower

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