Introduction
French country kitchens evoke a feeling of warmth, comfort, and old-world charm. This week’s featured kitchen is a stunning example of an updated take on classic French country style, with a focal point around a handsome stove. Let’s explore the details that make this kitchen so inviting.
Overview of the French Country Style
The French country style is known for certain signature elements that create a relaxed, rustic aesthetic. Some typical features include:
- Wood surfaces – butcher block countertops, wooden beams, hardwood floors
- Natural materials – stone, brick, terra cotta
- Pastel color palettes – light blues, greens, yellows
- Vintage accessories – tarnished metals, antique utensils
- Floral patterns – toiles, embroidered linens
- Rustic textures – distressed woods, cracked paints
- Curved arches – on doorways, windows, and built-ins
The look blends functionality and simplicity, creating a heartwarming place to cook, dine, and gather.
The Focal Point Stove
The striking antique-inspired stove is the crown jewel of this kitchen. It has a deep French blue hue with gold accents, matching the color scheme. The carved details and arched top provide beautiful ornamentation. This is a Lacanche range, handmade in France since 1796. The company still uses traditional techniques to produce its stove masterpieces.
This Lacanche functions on gas and provides plenty of cooking power across its 6 burners and large oven. Positioned under a stately hood and flanked by white marble countertops, the stove commands attention. It represents the old-world splendor at the heart of French country décor.
Additional Details
Light and Airy Palette – The pale blue-grey walls, white cabinetry, and white marble counters allow the textures and warmth of the wood elements to shine. Touches of gold in the faucet, knobs, and light fixtures add an elegant accent.
Rustic Wood Ceiling Beams – Dark wood rafters cross the ceiling, complementing the lovely butternut woods used for the island, open shelving, and farmhouse dining table. This creates rustic structural appeal.
Vintage Accessories – Wicker baskets, an antique scale, brassware, and botanical art incorporate well-loved vintage elements with both charm and utility.
Brick Backsplash – The stove is surrounded by an exposed brick backsplash and an arched niche. This adds old-world texture and craftsmanship.
Natural Materials – In addition to the abundance of wood and brick, details like the stone floors, marble counters, glass front cabinets, and terra cotta tiles provide organic warmth.
Floral Motifs – From the embroidered rug to the Dutch door and chair cushions, dainty florals reflect trademark French country style.
Achieving the Overall Look
This kitchen is a study in how to take traditional French country elements and update them for a lighter, brighter look. The key is balancing vintage charm with modern functionality. Here are some tips:
- Choose an antique-style showstopper stove as the heart of the kitchen
- Lighten the color palette significantly from deep country tones
- Add as much natural light as possible through ample windows
- Blend in modern conveniences like the marble counters and stainless appliances
- Stick to a simple, airy design rather than heavy carvings
- Accent with nostalgic accessories like wicker baskets and artwork
The result is a French country style suited for today’s tastes – warm, inviting, and full of handcrafted personality. This light and refined take on the classic farmhouse kitchen remains livable while still making a statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some typical features of a French country kitchen?
Some trademark characteristics include rustic wood elements, brick or stone materials, distressed paints, florals, arched doors and windows, antique accessories, and pastel color palettes.
What is the focal point of this kitchen?
The striking antique French blue Lacanche range stove with gold accents is the visual focal point and crown jewel of the kitchen.
What provides the rustic textures in this space?
Exposed ceiling beams, brick backsplash, hardwood floors, butcher block, and marble counters add organic, rustic textures.
How does this kitchen update the traditional look?
It lightens the color scheme significantly, increases natural light, blends modern conveniences, simplifies the design, and uses vintage touches sparingly for a more contemporary aesthetic.
What are some ways to add French country charm?
Incorporate elements like wooden beams, floral motifs, brass hardware, arched built-ins, painted brick backsplash, antique-style accessories, and a farmhouse sink.
What colors work well in a French country kitchen?
Look for light and airy palettes in creamy whites, light blues, greens, and yellows. Accent with black, brass, or bronze. Avoid very heavy, dark colors.
Conclusion
This exquisite kitchen demonstrates how updating and brightening the traditional French country style creates a warmer, more inviting atmosphere for today’s needs. A few key takeaways:
- Focus on a stunning focal point stove
- Surround it with natural materials like wood, brick, and marble
- Incorporate vintage elements sparingly
- Use lighter, neutral palette instead of deep country tones
- Maximize natural light with ample windows
With strategic updates, the French country style can feel intricately charming yet thoroughly livable. This brilliant kitchen shows how seamlessly blending old and new creates a timeless, artful space.
