Who doesn't know Provence style? It combines simplicity bordering on naivety, unity with nature, romance and echoes of the past. Someone will say that this is the usual country style, but it has a unique elegance and charm that is unique to France. To repeat the Provencal style in a modern home, you need to have impeccable taste.
A bit of history
To find out where the Provencal style in the interior comes from, you need to pay attention to the south of France, where Provence is located. Here you can admire the unusually picturesque landscapes, plunge into the warm sea waves, soak up the hot rays of the southern sun, enjoy the culinary masterpieces of real homemade French cuisine. The design style is named after this area. It originated in the 19th century and still does not lose its attractiveness and relevance. This style is especially popular in Europe.
What is the difference between Provence andcountry?
The style of the French countryside has its own characteristics that will not allow you to confuse Provence with country style typical of America, Scandinavia or other countries.
- There are no bright colors in the interior. Only pastel colors are used. It may look like the paint has faded in the sun.
- Wooden furniture is often bleached. As decorations, it may have a floral pattern.
- No other country style uses so much floral fabric.
- Forged furniture is distinguished by openwork and special elegance.
- The design of the rooms is characterized by minimalism and "coldness". The thing is that the climate in the Provencal region is hot, so they tried to create an atmosphere of freshness and coolness in the houses.
- Provencal-style houses are characterized by large windows. This is again due to the warm climate.
- Provencal style in the interior suggests an abundance of greenery and flowers in the house.
Furniture
Particular attention is paid to the materials from which the furniture is made. Wicker, forged or wooden is best suited. In no case should nickel-plated, glass and chrome-plated furniture be used in Provence. If you like a table and a couple of chairs, but their color is out of style, then you can solve the problem very simply: repaint it. This is a characteristic feature of Provence: even huge wood products were changed color with light-colored paint.
Very often in the Provencal style there is furniture with chips, scuffs, peeling paint, cracks. The spirit of antiquity is what distinguishes interior design. Provencal style prefers bulky, simple and rough products. These are chests of drawers, massive tables, benches, cupboards, low cabinets with mezzanines, bedside tables and tables with drawers.
Colours
Provence uses predominantly white, lavender, light brown and cream tones. For upholstery, striped, plaid or floral print materials are suitable. Sofas can be of two types: exquisite with sloping armrests or simple with wooden ones. Armchairs are mostly wicker, but leather options are also possible. Beds are used large, mostly with wrought iron or wooden headboards.
The color scheme plays a big role in Provence. The rooms are finished in pastel colors. It often seems that the colors have faded in the sun. The ceiling, walls can be decorated in blue, beige, terracotta, pale green, cream, pale lemon, orange, white. The same pastel shades are found in the decoration of furniture, as well as rooms.
Details and decor
Forged and wicker items are used as decorations. These can be candlesticks, baskets, coasters for various trifles, fruit bowls, planters, vases, boxes, etc. It is impossible to find empty places on the walls. They are filled with paintings depicting landscapes and still lifes, wall clocks, decorative plates, elegant shelves, chandeliers, framed mirrors.openwork forged frames or painted wood. The symbol of France is the rooster. His figurine can always be found in Provencal interiors.
Of course, Provencal style cannot be imagined without greenery. The interior should have a lot of plants. These can be live plants planted in pots and tubs, freshly cut or dried bouquets of flowers and herbs.
Lighting
In Provence, lamps with chains and candles are preferably used. The main thing is that the lighting should not be dazzling, but subdued, and be associated with romance. It is because of this that most lamps made in this style are made with rheostats designed to adjust the brightness. At first glance, it seems that such a solution looks too rustic. But this is absolutely not the case, and only with the help of the soft light of a forged chandelier can one easily be transported to the French antiquity.
Materials and finishes
When creating an interior design in the Provencal style, it is necessary to use mainly only natural materials - stone, wood, canvas. Metal parts and plaster are also often found. The important thing is that all the elements should be old-fashioned, that is, they should look shabby. To achieve freshness and good lighting, large windows and light curtains are required. The presence of flowers in pots on the windowsills will help to emphasize comfort.
Provencal style in the interior of the kitchen is characterized by the presence of ceiling beams and a fireplace (stove) made of gray stone. ATits design should be dominated by natural materials. Therefore, it is preferable to make a floor made of wood or ceramic tiles. As for the walls, embossed, rough plaster is used for decoration. It is quite difficult to recreate the Provencal style in the interior of an apartment. This is especially true of the ceiling, on which weighty beams should show off. This part of the room can simply be painted in a light color, but you should limit yourself to the use of hanging structures that do not fit the Provence style.
Kitchen: Provencal style in the interior
The photos clearly show that natural wood is the preferred material for kitchen furniture. Such a headset, according to the Provencal style, should be massive. A mandatory piece of furniture is a large table, the location of which is the center of the kitchen. This is a kind of symbol of the unity and strength of the family. Do not forget about benches, chairs and armchairs. They are made of wrought iron or simply woven.
An important part of the addition to the Provencal interior are cabinets with open shelves, and a variety of whatnots are also possible. An excellent solution would be to use vintage or antique furniture pieces painted in a light color. As for various modern appliances, they will be very inappropriate in a Provencal-style kitchen. But, of course, it is difficult to do without them. So that modern kitchen appliances do not catch the eye, they can be built into the kitchen cabinet. Another solution would be an appropriate facade. Forappliances that are in plain sight, it is better to choose light shades.
In the style of Provence, you must adhere to the color scheme. The kitchen is done in light colors, but bright details are possible. Beige or cream colors should be used for wall decoration, as they are neutral and easily harmonize with furniture and decor. The latter can be of different tones, but do not forget that natural wood colors are characteristic. Also, to maintain the romance and brightness of Provencal design, you can use colorful accessories in blue, green or orange.
Bedroom
In the recreation area, the main place is occupied by the bed. It often has a simple shape with wooden or wrought iron legs and the same headboard. Provencal style in the interior of the bedroom allows you to use a canopy. There are cozy soft couches, or wide sofas, the main thing is more pillows. Since forged parts are an indispensable part of Provence, they can decorate furniture and decorate accessories, such as chandeliers, candlesticks, furniture legs. Vases, antique-bound books, photographs will help to add sophistication. This bedroom looks very cozy and elegant.
Country house
In order to create a Provencal style in the interior of a country house, you must adhere to the following rules: glass doors that overlook the garden, a cozy fireplace and a veranda entwined with grapes. Finishing the main planoccupy exclusively natural materials - stone and wood, as they fit well into the general atmosphere of a suburban area. The Provencal interior is perfectly complemented by wicker furniture, pots of geraniums, bunches of herbs hung around the house, benches with wrought iron legs. The floor is often wooden, but can be covered with ceramic tiles in natural matt colors. Light-colored wallpaper or plaster, which creates a rough surface, works well for walls.
An important feature of the Provencal style is the beams on the ceiling. Very often they are distinguished by dark tones that contrast with the faded ceiling. But mostly bright colors are not welcome in the interior of this style, but gentle tones are chosen - classic for Provence. Furniture, respectively, should also be made of wood, with elements of forging or ceramics. Massive interior items are often decorated with paintings. Bulky furniture in mostly light colors with an aged look, which is achieved by artificial means or using old items.
How is the interior of a Provencal-style country house without an abundance of living plants - plants in pots, flowers in vases. There are colorful curtains on the windows, linen napkins or tablecloths on the tables. Boxes, figurines and small ornaments are placed on the shelves.
To feel the Provencal style in the interior, of course, you need to organize a trip to France. It is there that he will appear in all his naive simplicity and romance. He leaves no one indifferent to himself. Despite the closeness to the country style, there is no rudeness in it, andonly grace and charm. Recreating the Provencal style in the interior with your own hands is not so difficult. The main thing is to follow simple but mandatory rules, and everything will work out.
