Provincial kitchens -or French provincial kitchens, as they’re sometimes known – are a sophisticated yet rustic kitchen style that originated from the provinces of France. The style is an elegant fusion of town and country design elements combined to create a timeless yet warm interior.
Getting the provincial ‘look’ right in your own home can be a little tricky without any guidance, so we consulted the founder of Provincial Kitchens Home, Dominique McAdam, to get the low-down on exactly how to replicate the provincial kitchen look yourself.
Step #1 Cabinetry
Traditionally, provincial kitchen cabinets are constructed with a frame around a recessed centre panel, often referred to as shaker-style cabinets, explains Dominique.
“This cabinetry is popular in provincial style kitchens because of their solid, traditional lines and detailing. Posts, cabinet doors and side panels should be thicker and chunkier than in modern kitchens. Clean, simple lines and cabinets in frame are also key to achieving that classic provincial look.”
Step #2 Colour
Dominique recommends sticking to matte, grey-based whites for your provincial kitchen, as these shades are the traditional choice.
“These colours create a bright and reflective space, and capture the right vibe for a provincial style kitchen. For the more adventurous, use variations of blue, green or grey painted wood cabinetry can provide an interesting alternative to white.”
Step #3 Bench tops and splashbacks
“Natural stone, such as Carrara marble, soft grey Dolomite, or even black Pepperstone granite bench tops are my preferred choice for a timeless look. The beauty of marble is undeniable and classic,” says Dominique.
For splashbacks, she recommends using ceramic or marble tiles in subway, square or herringbone shapes, accentuated with white, black or grey grout to complete the look.”
Step #4 Hardware
When it comes to achieving a polished look, the devil is in the details.
“Complete the provincial look and add a bit of bling to the kitchen with polished nickel and chrome handles and tapware,” says Dominique.
“For those choosing dark-coloured cabinetry, aged brass works a treat for that extra bit of sophistication. I am always mindful to match the tapware finish to whatever my selection is for the handle finish.”
Step #5 Accessories
The small details are often the things that make the difference.
“Using antique accessories such as old wire baskets, wooden or metal pegs, towel rails, open shelving with detailed brackets for support,” says Dominique.
“Try using a traditional bathroom towel-rail as a tea towel rail. It can add unique style, especially as you can match the finish to your handles and tapware. I like to place these rails either at the sink area, or running the length of the island.”
Step #6 Lighting
“Lighting is the final touch on your provincial kitchen. A series of pendant lights above the island have always been the mainstay. However, what I love is one unique antique light strategically positioned over the island bench.”
“Another great use of lighting is to not crowd the back wall of the kitchen with cabinets. Instead, leave space to introduce wall sconce lights to illuminate the benches.”
You might also like:
12 of the best inspiring kitchen design ideas
How to get French style in your home
These 4 trends have been the most popular in homes for 40 years
Watch the country-style kitchen before and after makeover video below.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
