French provincial design was established in the 1600s in rural France. Today, it is a popular way to design and renovate Australian homes.

The style originated In the 17th and 18th centuries, when local furniture builders in southern France began emulating the ornate furniture produced in Paris at the time, using more inexpensive materials they had available. 

French provincial comprises natural materials, ornate millwork, decorative mouldings and rich cabinetry — this style is rustic and stately. The key to mastering the look lies in balancing its elegant features and classic motifs with simple, country aesthetics. 

Nowadays, it’s more common for homeowners to pick and choose French provincial elements and mix them with simpler profiles, leaning further into the farmhouse style for a more modern take. 

When you’re renovating your kitchen, you might like to incorporate design elements from this centuries-old style, to add further interest and character for a more traditional feel.

In this month’s B&C journal, we’re taking you on a journey through rural France, showcasing six breathtaking modern French provincial kitchen features for your next kitchen renovation. Enjoy!

Robert Fonti

Director, Balnei & Colina

 

1. Room architecture 

Image via House Beautiful 

French provincial kitchens mix grandeur with country simplicity, and it all starts with architecture. French provincial kitchens originate from the 1600s French countryside typically sporting high ceilings, wooden beams and gorgeous decorative moulding. 

High ceilings create a feeling of spaciousness, encourage abundant natural light, and are commonly a sought-after selling feature. 

However, you can still incorporate this style of architecture with lower ceiling heights by installing decorative ceiling mouldings — as seen in the image below.

Image via Bob Vila

Add window casings (moulding that surrounds your window frames), wall trimmings (decorative framings such as chair rails and picture rails) and decorative elements to your skirting boards to support the provincial character of your kitchen.

Design Tip: Anything higher than 2400mm is considered a high ceiling by Australian standards. The most popular heights are 2,550mm and 2,700mm (according to The Building Code of Australia).

 

2. Kitchen layout 

Image via Homes To Love 

French provincial kitchens are beautifully character-filled, but function is also an important consideration when planning a provincial kitchen renovation.

Provincial kitchens feature generous rooms that are well-lit with ample cooking and prep space. A hearth and mantel were prominent design elements in these kitchens and key components of the provincial signature look. 

The traditional hearth and mantel provide plenty of cooking space, and a decorative mantel can also provide hidden storage. 

For a modern-day take on the hearth and mantel, innovative brands like Lacanche, Smeg, ILive, and Falcon produce beautiful, all-in-one cookers in a range of colours that will suit your provincial-style kitchen. 

And seeing as the cooking zone is the centrepiece in this room, it gives you the perfect excuse to splurge on the oven of your dreams. 

Our Balnei & Colina kitchen design experts can help create a modern French provincial kitchen renovation that blends style with everyday functionality. 

Image via The Spruce 

Aside from the hearth, another focal point of this kitchen design is the large island, often in wood tones, that sits at its centre. A centre island is practical, adding extra countertop space for preparing meals. It is visually warm and inviting, making it perfect for informal gatherings or casual dinners with family and friends. 

 

3. Kitchen cabinetry 

In many cases, French provincial and Hamptons-style kitchens are mistaken for one another as they both offer a rustic aesthetic and commonly feature robust cabinetry with panelled doors.  

However, there is an essential distinction between the two; Hamptons-style kitchens feature clean lines and less complicated designs, whereas modern French provincial kitchen designs are often more elaborate and detailed. 

Image via Country Living 

For those that want to lean into the modern French provincial kitchen style, opt for a simple shaker-style cabinet with some added custom details like dentils (small tooth-shaped blocks used as a repeating ornament), reeding (a curved semi-cylindrical pattern) or fluting (a series of shallow grooves that run across a surface).

In modern French provincial kitchen renovations, you’ll often find glass door cabinets and open shelving. These design elements provide visual interest with functional storage for displaying kitchen items like crockery, glassware or liquor.  

Design Tip: Modern French provincial kitchen designs aren’t too concerned with uniformity. You could add mismatched cabinetry or a vintage hutch for more of a rustic style. 

Selecting the correct kitchen cabinetry is critical to creating the provincial kitchen look and an important design decision in any kitchen renovation. The team at Balnei & Colina kitchen renovations can help you select a door profile that complements your design style and personal taste.

Image via Homes To Love