French Country Kitchen Ideas
Creating a comfortable kitchen space is a goal of many homeowners. The classic French kitchen is a popular choice among home decorators because it is known for its comfortable feel and elegant touches.
When decorating your kitchen in a style reminiscent of the classic country French kitchen there are several important French country kitchen ideas to keep in mind.
Color choice is of paramount importance in the French kitchen. Decorating elements should be simple and natural looking. Finally, the warmth created by a French kitchen should be your overall goal.
Color Choice
When decorating your kitchen in the classic French style, one of the best French country kitchen ideas to make is color choice. French kitchens rely on two simple colors: yellow and blue.
These are not actually 'national' colors, but many French kitchens employ them. The yellow shade is not typically pale, it is often very vibrant and obvious and the blue borders on royal blue, not a heavy navy or a light sky blue.
That being said, it is possible to just use the 'concept' of the blue and yellow kitchen but to soften it. If the contrast between the French yellow and blue is simply too overwhelming, lighten up a little by choosing lighter shades.
You will still have the over all feeling of the French kitchen.
Natural Elements
The French kitchen is famous for its use of decorating elements. Almost always made of natural materials such as ceramic or iron, French decorating elements are almost always functional. For example, suspending baskets, in graduated sizes are often used to store root vegetables and fruits.
Suspended from the ceiling, these reed or metal baskets add interest and functionality to a kitchen. One great french county kitchen ideas is to consider using an oversized measuring cup to hold your kitchen tools or a pot and pan rank to store those items. An especially nice touch, if you have a window, is a window herb garden.
French cooking is known for its innovative sauces and flavoring based on herbs. Being able to cut herbs right off the plant means fresher cooking and adding an element of living plants adds warmth to a kitchen.
Whatever decorating elements you choose, remember when creating a French kitchen it is about function and form.
A Warm Feeling
When creating a French kitchen, one great French country kitchen idea to remember is that you are trying to create the warm feeling of a country kitchen. Do this in several ways.
First, let the light in. Any window treatments should be easy to open and allow lots of natural sun light in. Using café curtains (half curtains), is a good way to do this.
Second, consider allowing natural wood grain to show through. A beautiful wooden tabled in its natural color and polished to perfection will reflect and soften light, creating a warm glow. Finally, add personal touches like family photographs or flowers. These French country kitchen ideas will make a kitchen feel lived in.
It is easy to create a warm and classic French kitchen. Use the classic French color palette to influence your color theme.
Add natural elements wherever possible throughout the kitchen. Reed baskets, ceramic pottery and natural wood all contribute to the overall French kitchen feel.
Finally, allow sunlight and your family offer warmth and light to your kitchen space. A French kitchen is a warm and comfortable style any family is sure to enjoy. Employ these French country kitchen ideas and your kitchen is sure to shine!
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