Cuisines Provencale

At Cuisines Provençale we want to assist you in not only acquiring a magnificent French Provincial kitchen – we want to also ensure you are familiar with the total Design Concepts of this wonderful style, to enable you to incorporate accessories, colours and themes, hence bringing the whole kitchen, or even your whole house, to life!

French Provincial is a type of design that sports simpler forms and refinement.  In comparison, the previous decorating styles of Louis 14th had furnishings that were heavy and huge, made with magnificent grandeur and the Louis 15th style was over-ornamented and flamboyant, but the new French Provincial style was sedate. Although still considered elaborate compared to styles in other countries of the era, the delicate refinement of this design was, and still is, considered craftsmanship at its best.

As has always been, there was a significant difference between the furnishings of the elite compared to that of the masses.  For those of monetary means, major characteristics of the French Provincial furniture were the use of S-shaped curves, straight lines and rectangular shapes juxtaposed against solid, thick flat surfaces often made of marble.  Hand-carved panels depicting intricate, gentle designs or patina contained delicate detailing with gilded mounts and small mouldings.  Oak, walnut, fruit-woods and mahogany were the timbers of choice, but occasionally satinwood was also used.  This style eventually became known as French Provincial.

For those of the bourgeois (or middle) class, interior design was finally possible, although in a more subdued style.  Local tradesmen in provinces throughout France developed a new business creating furnishings which replicated that of the elite, creating beautiful pieces which have stood the test of time.  They combined style and practicality with elegance, making finer living affordable for those who lived in the country.  Determining that central focal points had to be established in each room, it was agreed that carved pieces such as buffets, hutches, sideboards, ladder-back chairs and armoires would serve as the foundation from which the design could be built.

Since the elegant furniture with its gentle curves, straight lines, rectangular shapes, and intricate detailing were to be predominant in the design theme,
colours became subdued almost as if they had been sun-kissed but not faded. 
Floral designs, country scenes, Chinese Chinoiserie and motifs in varying styles, fabrics and designs emerged as the perfect choice to compliment the furnishings.  This style became known as
French Country, but was based primarily on the French Provincial design of the elite.

This style is always very popular and extremely easy to achieve in today’s homes.  By working with a few elements that are French inspired, which includes a great deal of variety, it is easy to transform any room in the house into a French Country Estate.

• * Select the focal points.  Remember that in this style of design
  the furniture should be the focal point, so select one or two pieces around which you want to build.

• * The ‘look’ is in the details.  A variety of small items on a small table result in a big look.  For example – tiny frames, vintage postcards and beautiful little trinkets in an array of colours that might be found in a French farmhouse are just perfect.  Also include items that have French labels such as a candy tin or bottle of wine.  It provides a quality of fun and yet reflects the charm of this style of décor.

• * The French Provincial style is all about the colours – In French Provincial design there are no monochromatic colour schemes.  In fact, due to the vibrancy of the French countryside, the more colours the better.  However, colour shades are often muted as though they have been in the rain and sun awhile, although not faded or washed out.  Sage green, cornflower blue and ecru are all good choices.  These are often combined with a more intense colour palette that may include chocolate brown and brick red.  Multiple colours not only work well together, but are also reflective of those found in cottages that dot the French countryside.  Everything is covered in colour from walls to accessories to furnishings, so it gives one the permission to go quite wild.

• * Add eye-catching accents.  Although colours need to be muted, it doesn’t mean they need to be boring.  By selecting fabrics that showcase colours in floral or French country scenes, the desired touch of French elegance can be achieved.  Beads, pearls, ribbons and lace also add a charming touch to pillows and draperies.  Just framing a piece of fabric and using it as a wall hanging can provide that eye-catching embellishment one hopes for in this style of décor.  A painting of the French countryside, a water garden, or the cafés in a French town can really highlight the desired design.

The French Provincial style is broad enough to accommodate the tastes of just about everyone.  Incorporating your own style into this design is easy simply by adding pretty embellishments, unique detailing and a love for the various facets found in the French countryside.
 

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