Parisian interior: 5 techniques of French decorators

Interiors in the French style are distinguished by elegance, graceful forms and lightness of decor. Light pastel colors, an abundance of mirrors and textiles in the interior design give the room a unique chic and flavor. To make your French-style kitchen look impressive, it is important to know how to choose the right decor style and harmoniously combine all the details of the kitchen interior design.

French style - a combination of classics, grace and natural color palette

Color scheme for a French-style kitchen

The French style combines the romanticism of Rococo and the lightness of Provence, which is reflected in the color schemes. To renovate and decorate the kitchen, soft and warm colors without sharp transitions are used: beige, ivory, purple, pale lemon, blue, white, milky, cream, lilac, lavender. Sometimes a calm color palette is diluted with gold or pink. In the French style there is no place for tacky, dark and acidic shades.

Sometimes designers use colors with very unusual names. For example, the aurora shade, named after the goddess of dawn Aurora, means orange-pink paint with a reddish tint.

Alabaster is a pale yellow spectrum with a matte shimmer, while amaranth is a lilac-pink raspberry wood. As expected, even the names of the colors contain the charm and mystery of France.

Important! There is still no clear opinion among professional designers whether the French style exists as an independent trend. The fact is that over the course of centuries of history, the French style has been transformed more than once and supplemented with new design attributes. But one thing remains unchanged - love for detail and recognizable charm.

Main style differences

• French cafe - smooth curves, ease of decoration.
• Gold plating must be present in every element.
• Weightless curtains are suitable for windows. On the table there is a light tablecloth made of natural material. The furniture upholstery is identical in character and color to other accessories. It will be relevant to use large red and white stripes in the design.
• When creating an interior in this style, only natural materials are used: silk, linen, wood. Tile and stone imitate natural structure.
• All surfaces are finished with materials of the same texture.
• One of the walls is made of natural stone or brick.
• Table and spotlights that illuminate the room zonally.

You can see an example of an interior made in the style of a French cafe in the photo.

Don’t forget about additional accessories that will highlight the style - fresh flowers in pots on the windowsills. Moreover, the flowers must bloom. They will not only add zest, but also breathe life into the overall picture.

You can hang a menu board on one of the walls. This element will complete the image of a kitchen-cafe and provide an opportunity to leave sweet wishes to your loved ones.

In conclusion, we note that creating a kitchen in the style you like is very easy. First, you need to draw a general picture in your imagination, look at photographs of similar projects and begin to implement your plans. Remember that the atmosphere is created by details. Therefore, consult with professionals, take into account all the nuances and as a result, you will create a kitchen in the style of the French cafe of your dreams.

Suitable finishing materials

French kitchens are rich in decor and furniture, so surface finishing should be light, without unnecessary pretentious attributes. When repairing the ceiling, pay attention to the following materials:

1. Plaster is the easiest and most affordable way to make the ceiling aesthetic without additional costs. The plaster is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes, is easy to clean and does not lose its appearance. Designers recommend using exclusively decorative plaster - it looks attractive and lasts a long time.
2. Drywall. The material is appropriate in kitchens where artificial ventilation is installed. The advantages of plasterboard are obvious: it hides uneven ceilings and emphasizes French motifs in the interior.
3. Water-based paint is easy to clean, you can always refresh it without any problems and apply a new layer. Most water-based emulsions are environmentally friendly, do not have an unpleasant odor and dry quickly. In addition, they do not fade in the sun and are not afraid of heat and moisture.
4. PVC panels are one of the most common and affordable methods of ceiling finishing. They are easy to install, hide unevenness, and are easy to maintain. If damaged, such panels are easy to replace.

Ceramic tiles are used to finish the floor. It has a high degree of strength, long service life, and attractive appearance. In addition to tiles, experts advise laying laminate flooring. It is easy to install, the choice of color and pattern is very wide. However, natural wooden parquet holds the palm.
It has a luxurious appearance, which is so appropriate in the French style. It is pleasant to walk on this floor barefoot. Regardless of the choice of flooring, remember that the materials must be resistant to mechanical stress and temperature changes.

As for wall decoration, designers opt for delicate pastel wallpaper. It is best to glue vinyl or non-woven ones. They are dense and easy to care for. In addition, most of them are vapor permeable and environmentally friendly.

It is reasonable to take a closer look at beige or purple canvases; against their background, a wooden kitchen set in the French style stands out. It is also possible to use simple patterns, such as checkered or geometric shapes.

Important! If the size of the kitchen allows, then light-colored photo wallpaper is acceptable on one wall. With their help, a spectacular accent is created and the style of the room is emphasized. Canvases depicting Parisian streets or white flowers look great in a French kitchen.

Painted kitchen chests of drawers

Kitchens in most Parisian apartments are microscopic and play an exclusively functional role, so there is no point in buying some kind of expensive kitchen - the painted chests of drawers inherited from your grandmother do their role perfectly.

They are usually painted in neutral, deep colors, which hide defects in old furniture well and serve as an excellent base for all sorts of cute accessories.

Curtains and other textiles

A kitchen with a French window needs light curtains. For greater effect, they can be decorated with lambrequins, ribbons or fluffy garters. Depending on the size of the kitchen and the height of the window, the curtains can reach the floor or cover only a third. High-quality curtains for the kitchen are made from silk, cambric or wool. The main thing is that the material does not lose its attractiveness after cleaning, because there is a lot of dust and soot in the kitchen.

The “awning” curtain for the kitchen deserves special attention. This is a separate type of French curtains, which, when assembled, form many small folds. To do this, a braid is sewn onto the fabric at certain intervals, into which the laces are placed. When tightened, beautiful draperies are obtained. For the “awning” it is recommended to use either a plain fabric or a small pattern.

Well-chosen textiles will add lightness to the space. First of all, we are talking about towels that housewives and family members use every day. You can sew them yourself using natural cotton.

It is more practical to choose non-staining colors, otherwise you will have to wash the towels daily. Remember about tablecloths and napkins, with the help of which the appearance of the kitchen will benefit from being transformed. Ideally, all textile elements should be combined with each other and complement each other.

Furniture

A classic wooden set fits perfectly into the interior. First of all, select the desired work surface. Experts say that you should not buy headsets with working areas of the same height. It is better that the sink or stove is slightly higher than the countertop. This makes cooking much more convenient, since the load on your back changes all the time.

A real French set should not only be beautiful, but also comfortable to use. Most often, ash, oak, pine, walnut or cherry are used for the production of facades and buildings.

Interesting! Pay attention to the kitchen worktops made of artificial acrylic stone (Corian). It is created using a special technology that contains elements such as mineral filler, acrylic resin and pigment. Corian is an excellent material with high aesthetic and physical characteristics.

French cuisine should be ergonomic. To do this, experts advise to foresee in advance where and how kitchen utensils will be stored. To make the most efficient use of space, purchase a set that has drawers, niches for built-in appliances, built-in sinks and lamps. It is important to use every centimeter of space wisely. For example, when installing a corner set, be sure to use the corner by building sections there for storing dishes.

No kitchen is complete without a dining set. A solid wood table with twisted legs, as well as classic wooden chairs with a high back, are suitable for a French interior.

For a family of 2-3 people, a standard 80x80 table is suitable. The tabletop material must be highly wear-resistant. To create a harmonious atmosphere in the dining area, choose soft and warm colors.

Classic French cuisine

French kitchen of the classic type is appropriate only in large rooms. Agree, it’s simply unrealistic to create luxury and sophistication on twenty square meters. More precisely, it’s real, but it will all look completely ridiculous. If you are the owner of a large room, then feel free to start turning your idea into reality. To achieve maximum effect, experts recommend combining the kitchen with the living room by removing the partition. This space must be zoned by installing massive columns and many lighting fixtures. It is advisable to set aside a separate place for the dining group, which will also be set apart with the help of design tricks - special finishing materials, a different color scheme that differs from the work area, installation of additional lighting fixtures, etc.

The color scheme can be either light - cream, peach shade, or dark - brown, dark green. Here, unlike Provence, the play of contrasts is encouraged. For example, dark walls, light floors or cream walls and a contrasting dark kitchen set, dining group. The furniture itself should have a glossy texture, gilding, smooth lines, shapes, chairs must have soft upholstery. Window openings are framed with massive textiles - jacquard, brocade, etc. Even tapestries are appropriate.

When arranging a classic French kitchen, spare no expense on anything, furniture, textiles, finishing materials. A chic chandelier above the dining group is a must.

Appliances

Designers advise using built-in household appliances. One of the main elements in the kitchen is the stove. You need enough space around the entire perimeter of the stove to easily cook several dishes at once and move dishes with food.

The oven can be installed at chest level - this has been fashionable for several years now. In addition, the housewife will not have to bend over several times to check whether the dish is cooked or not.

As for the freezer, it is recommended to place it under the work area in drawers. Everything you need is within arm's reach. This is just what you need for sophisticated French style.

The refrigerator occupies a special place in the interior. If the kitchen is small and the refrigerator is separate, you can decorate it with pilasters or cornices, and it will fit perfectly into the overall concept.

Interesting! Use fully integrated appliances in the French interior, which are disguised as kitchen facades. This simple trick will make the kitchen your favorite place in the house.

Additional details

A French cafe style kitchen cannot be complete without small but essential details. There should be a decorative shelf with photographs or samples of French wines. If the area does not allow you to allocate a separate place for a shelf, you can build an open cabinet in the bar counter.

Design options for a wine cabinet can be seen in the photo.

It is recommended to decorate the walls with photo wallpaper in a Parisian theme. An image of the Eiffel Tower, which will decorate a free wall, will look relevant in such a room. When decorating a kitchen in the chosen style, remember that a French cafe breathes lightness and freshness. Therefore, there is no need to give preference to dark tones. In this case they are simply not acceptable.

Kitchen decoration

It is impossible to feel the spirit of France without attributes and accessories. In the French style, the main thing is to find balance without overloading the space with decor. Experts advise purchasing the following items:

1. Tea or coffee tables, which are especially relevant for owners of large apartments. The tables in this case serve more of a decorative than a practical function. A couple of magazines are placed on them or a vase of flowers is placed - the interior of a 19th century French salon is ready.
2. Crystal dishes and figurines. For example, products from the famous French brand Baccarat, whose history dates back to 1764. Rare figurines will decorate open shelves.
3. Rustic flower pots. "Rustic" translated from Latin means "rustic, rough, uncouth." Place a colorful attribute on the windowsill.
4. Vintage lamps that provide soft and subdued light in the evening. They look especially good in the center of the dining table.
5. French doors between the kitchen and the loggia, varnished and having a fancy wavy pattern.
6. Open shelves for family travel photos, decorative plates or small soft toys from the last century.
7. Fresh and artificial flowers are a decoration for any interior, French style is no exception.

Interesting! The French began to show special interest in decoration only in the 17th century. The decoration in rich houses was decorated with chandeliers, floor lamps, and plant pots. Silver stools and soft sofas appeared in many rooms. Ornaments depicting mythology, flora, fauna, and architecture became widespread. Masks, heads of lions and griffins, laurel and olive leaves, and garlands of fruit were used for decoration. Ribbons, draperies, floral backgrounds, knots and bows are becoming increasingly common.

Lighting

The French style in the kitchen interior is emphasized with the help of proper lighting. Ideally, there should be three levels: general lighting, work area lighting and dining area lighting.

Each level has its own type of lighting fixtures:

1. A chandelier for general lighting must be located in the center of the ceiling. For the interior, it is typical to use a chandelier that has at least 8 light bulbs. It is important to pay attention to the direction of the lamps. If they look up, then the light will be directed towards the ceiling, from which it will be reflected and scattered throughout the room. It is this type of chandelier that is more suitable for the French style than others.
2. To illuminate the dining group, experts recommend using paired sconces or a floor lamp. They provide soft light, which, in addition to being useful, brings a special atmosphere to the interior. A sconce with a fabric lampshade, which is easy to make with your own hands, looks especially beautiful in the kitchen.
3. Track LED systems are installed above the workplace, which provide for adjusting the direction of the light. They are convenient for illuminating a sink or hob. The lighting fixture can also be moved to a certain height. They are resistant to temperature changes, moisture and dirt.

It is recommended to use LED lamps. They are many times more economical than incandescent lamps, while operating for 50,000 hours. Depending on preferences, a certain light temperature is chosen. At the same time, LED lamps have one drawback - their price. Halogen lamps are also suitable for the kitchen; they work great in damp rooms, have compact dimensions and are more affordable than LED lighting.