What Makes a Kitchen French Country?

By Mathilde Vuillemenot | Last update on March 14, 2024

You may wonder what makes a French country kitchen, and it's a legitimate question. Understanding the foundations of a French country kitchen is an excellent way to start your decorating journey. Indeed, you will be able to recognize a French country kitchen when you look for inspiration online or in magazines. Getting familiar with this home decor style is essential for your project!

 

I'm Mathilde, Parisian, and French Address founder. I will share with you the 3 pillars that make a kitchen French country. Watch my video or read below. 

  • The colors. French country home style foundations are the neutral color palette. It’s a mix of white, beige, taupe, and gray. So in your kitchen, the walls and the main furnishings should be in these colors.
  • The main material in a French country kitchen is the wood, for all the furniture like the chairs, the table, and the shelves. Here my recommendation is to use some clear wood, it’s really more elegant. A second option is to repaint your furniture with some neutral colors like white, beige, or gray.
  • French country kitchens are made for both cooking and gathering in family or with friends. This is why every piece is both functional and decorative, this will create a very warming atmosphere. Take the plates, for example: they are functional but with their lovely design, they are also fantastic decor in your kitchen. Same thing with the linens, the baskets, or the pottery. Display them on open shelves. 

Et voilà, now you know the 3 pillars that make a Kitchen French country! What's next? When you look at inspiring photos of French country kitchen, check if the 3 pillars are present. Little by little, you'll get used to the French country style, and you will get confident to decorating your kitchen in the French country style. 

And if you need inspiration, discover my selection of the Best Instagram accounts for French country & farmhouse inspiration. You'll adore these Instagram accounts, definitely the best ones to get inspired and find ideas for your home decor!

French country decor