The French country style is effortlessly chic. It accomplishes the seemingly impossible task of marrying together rustic elements with intricate and elegant details. As soon as you walk into a French country kitchen, you can’t help but think of the phrase “Old World.” If you’d like to mimic this warm and welcoming style in your own kitchen, the first step is to talk with a kitchen renovation expert about your cabinets.
Cabinets
French country kitchen cabinets tend to show off intricate details. As you look at the kitchen, your eye should be swept upward to enjoy the stylized elements that top the cabinetry. This style often utilizes intricate crown molding as well, which can seamlessly blend into the cabinetry.
Colors
One key characteristic of the French country kitchen style is the soft, muted color palette. There are some exceptions, of course. You might see some distressed black cabinets mixed in among wood tones. But in most cases, this kitchen style uses warm colors, like soft sage, creamy yellow, khaki, and muted gray. Distressed, antique off-white is also commonly used.
Raw Materials
Aside from the cabinets, French country kitchens tend to use raw, rustic materials that are evocative of nature. Rough stone walls and exposed wood beams on the ceiling are both eagerly embraced with this style. You’ll also see some bright metals used sparingly, such as an elegant gold ceiling light. Metals can also be used in movable décor items to dress up the kitchen further.
Kitchen Island
The island is practically a must-have in French country kitchens, and the larger it is, the better. A generously proportioned island invites families and guests to linger over good food and conversation. Often, the woodwork on the kitchen island will mimic details of furniture you’d expect to find in the living room. This further adds to its warm, inviting ambience.
Southwest Kitchen & Bath offers complimentary consultations to individuals thinking of renovating their kitchen. Call our location in Tucson at (520) 531-9187, and let us help you design the kitchen of your dreams!