Do you long to feel like you’re in the French countryside?  It may not be practical to hop on a plane to the other side of the world but you can bring all of the elegance and charm of old France into your kitchen.  Here are some simple ideas to help you create the French inspired kitchen of your dreams. For more ideas, have a chat with an experienced kitchen designer.

Use Plenty of Whites and Neutrals

One of the hallmarks of a French inspired kitchen is to use lots of white and neutral tones throughout.  An excellent example is to use whitewashed cabinetry or cabinet trim and paint the walls in simple yet elegant tones of cream.  You can also add splashes of neutrals in your ornaments and accessories such as vases, fruit bowls and the like.

Add Splashes of Colour

Of course, you don’t want to just use white and neutral tones in your French inspired kitchen.  Add in some splashes of colour!  Use rich wood tones in cabinets, benchtops or in your flooring.  Bright colours can also feel right at home in a French inspired kitchen whether that’s sunny yellows, traditional blues, bright reds or even grass greens.

Mix Old and New

One of the reasons why French style kitchens are so charming is the fact that they are made up of a mix of old and new elements.  This doesn’t mean that you have to scour through markets and secondhand stores though.  It simply means that you mix modern appliances and finishes with more classical decorative elements so that you get the best of both worlds.

Add a Chandelier

Another way to create that charming French feel in your kitchen is to install a beautiful, elegant chandelier.  Chandeliers become one of the main focal points of the kitchen and they look absolutely brilliant centred over your kitchen island or just hanging in the centre of the room.  Look for ornate crystal or glass chandeliers to get that authentic French feel.

Traditional Decorative Elements

A simple yet effective way to get that taste of France in your kitchen is by using traditional decorative elements such as country themed tiles, toile, and romantic fabrics.  These are simple to add but will go a long way towards creating that French country or French provincial ambience.  Look for antique or antique styled ornaments to add that feel of old world charm.

Add Curves

Finally, an excellent way to create that French feeling is by adding curves where you can.  This could be in the form of elaborate trim around your cabinetry or kitchen island, or by incorporating iron scrollwork in your chairs, breakfast bar or hanging racks.  An arched window creates a gorgeous traditional feel while letting in plenty of light.  You can even find curved rangehoods which are practical as well as beautiful.