House in the Provence style: the subtleties of design. Provence style in the interior: the ultimate guide
How should a house look like from the inside, where Provence style reigns? What color scheme to choose? And why is Provence so attractive with its comfort? In today's article Quartblog deals with these issues.
Distinctive features and features of the Provence style in the interior of a country house
Provence is a simple and harmonious interior style that came from the southern coast of France. Something similar to the directions and, it allows you to create in the house a feeling of unity with nature, light and comfort.
Decor country cottage in this style takes its owners to the sunny beach of the summer sea, covered with endless lavender fields. Perhaps no other image is able to create the atmosphere of a provincial country life so vividly and at the same time fill the premises with light, warmth and the elusive romance of antiquity.
A distinctive feature of Provence is the predominance of natural materials, pastel, soft shades and the absence of a rough contrast of colors. Vintage, classic furniture and accessories, huge stained-glass windows, many decorative elements, wooden beams and floral arrangements are indispensable elements of this style. Another integral part of the decor is delicate floral motifs on the walls and textiles.
At the same time, it is necessary avoid using chrome, plastic or bright colors- everything that cannot be found in an old French village.
Creating such an interior will require a delicate taste and the ability to choose colors in accordance with the characteristics of the room - its size, natural light and purpose. In the process of work, it is quite easy to get carried away and oversaturate the environment. decorative elements and details, depriving the space of airiness and lightness - the main advantages of the Provence style.
Interior decoration of the house in Provence style
Color
The palette allowed for this style is extensive - you can use it perfectly any colors, but only pastel, muted shades, as if burnt out over time under the hot southern sun. Preference should be given to soft grassy and olive, beige, white, turquoise, terracotta and, of course, lavender colors.
Important! Romantic and gentle natural range allows you to create a feeling of the coast, even in the northern and gloomy regions.
It is quite easy to choose the right combination of colors - you just need to focus on the compositions created by southern nature: coastal sand, azure sea and pale blue sky in a light haze, sun-bleached greenery and lavender fields to the horizon.
Interiors in Provence style are made out mostly in a warm palette. And even the classic cold colors in Provence go into a warm range, softened by the warmth of greenery and sandy beige.
You can revive the pastel range with bright floral motifs in textiles or decorative trifles - paintings, plates or figurines. However, there should not be many such bright spots, so as not to make the interior too colorful and heavy.
Finishing materials: floor, walls, ceiling
In finishing original interiors rustic Provence were used only natural and affordable materials - wood, plaster, brick and stone. In order to match the style today, the same materials are used or their skillful imitation.
French house ceiling predominantly white, plastered, with a smooth surface, or rough and bumpy due to repeated rough coloring. The roof structure is often visible - wooden beams of a dark or natural color, which stand out in contrast against the white background of the ceiling.
Interesting! If the ceiling height country house allows, then the imitation of such beams will be a winning design move and add coziness and provinciality to the interior.
Provence style walls- it is also rough plaster, painted brick or wallpaper with a floral motif or plain. You can create a combination of various materials and textures - leave some of the walls plain, and paste over some with wallpaper or imitation of rough brickwork.
Aged batten or distressed laminate, ceramic tiles imitating stone - these are the most suitable options floor performance. Its shade should gently contrast and echo with the main colors of the interior and be quite light. Dark floors neutralize the airy atmosphere that all the artistic techniques of this style achieve.
Furniture
Vintage, grace and smoothness of lines - this is how you can describe furniture in the Provence style. Often aged, with craquelure effect or rough painting, but always elegant, with soft curves, carvings and patterns, such furniture is not only functional, but also a highly decorative part of the interior.
Each object breathes its own "history", you want to examine and touch it, feel its texture. Cushioned furniture upholstered with cozy textiles made of natural materials and disposes to a comfortable rest with its shape. Furniture suitable for Provence can be wooden or metal, decorated with forging or vignettes, but always in light, light shades.
Style implies the use of tables with bent legs, paneled cabinets and showcases with glass doors. Upholstered furniture on wooden legs, chairs with curved backs and fireplaces with wooden, light portals are suitable.
Provence does not tolerate minimalism, therefore, in addition to the main composition, it is worth choosing the right ones. additional elements- wall consoles, shelves and cabinets. Unlike the arrangement of furniture, it should be quite dense, without empty vast spaces between groups. This approach allows you to add coziness to the room, but it should be used with caution, observing the fine line between tight placement and tightness in the room.
Decor materials
Decorating a Provence style home won't be complete without a lot of cute little things and decor. The abundance of furniture allows you to place a lot vases, caskets, candlesticks and other small details. Bird cages with bouquets or figurines inside look very cozy. The walls are also decorated with photographs in stucco frames, mirrors and paintings, clocks and decorative plates. Just like in the entire interior as a whole, items made of natural or classic materials - wood, porcelain, glass and metal - are used for decoration.
And, of course, it is impossible to imagine a house in this style without flower bouquets. At the same time, it is not necessary to rush to the store every morning for fresh plants - these can be either compositions from dried flowers - for example, lavender, or modern "eternal" bouquets made of polymer clay or foamiran, indistinguishable from fresh flowers. A bowl with live herbs or young greens will fit well in the kitchen.
Another detail not to be missed is abundance of lace in decoration. Lace curtains, tablecloths, napkins and capes - any detail will perfectly complement the rustic style.
The most important thing in the process of decorating an interior in the Provence style, given so many possible objects and elements, is to stop in time, to find the balance inherent in this design. Despite the apparent simplicity and even negligence in the arrangement of furniture and decor, the creation of a rustic French image is a complex and verified process. Each item has its own, special place, and the shades of all interior details are precisely and subtly matched, echoing each other and creating harmony.
Lighting
If the design in the Provence style is planned at the stage of developing a private house project, then you need to remember an important part of this style - huge stained-glass windows, often from ceiling to floor. Provence requires abundance sunlight in the rooms and by taking care of this in advance, you can avoid a lot of trouble.
In the event that the interior is created in an already finished house with standard windows and a lack of natural light, then you can deceive your eyesight by using mirrors and bright lights to create the illusion of the south, bright interior. Mirrored fake windows, mirrored back walls of display cabinets, or just large mirrors will help turn a dark room into a sunny one. Light shades of walls, floor and ceiling, and furniture in white or pale beige will also help to add illumination.
Forged lamps with beautiful glass shades, artsy classic wall lamps, floor lamps and table lamps with textile lampshades are perfect for this interior. The only rule is the absence of gilding and chrome, because Provence is alien to both luxury and wealth, as well as conciseness and rudeness and industrial.
What should be the kitchen, bedroom, living room
Provence style living room
Living room in rustic french style is a place for rest and relaxation. It is characterized by an abundance of comfortable upholstered furniture, a lot of decorative details that attract the eye and delicate shades in the design. Window textiles are required for this room - plain or with a floral pattern, but always light and light, allowing the sun to fill the room with light. The Provence-style living room is saturated with a homely and warm atmosphere and is conducive to long family gatherings.
Provence style kitchen
Provence-style cuisine deserves special attention - atmospheric and authentic. The decoration of such a kitchen is a massive hood, which is often the central element of the composition. Only in Provence can you find a unique concept - a plastered, white kitchen base with wooden facades and a tiled worktop. Another design option is a classic kitchen with carved, lattice or paneled facades, painted in delicate lilac, beige, pistachio or blue colors.
Complementing and decorating the kitchen are numerous shelves, railing systems and sideboards-showcases with decorative dishes displayed in them.
Provence style bedroom
The bedroom in this style is always bright and cozy room in which it is easy to breathe. Furniture in the bedroom is most often white or beige shades, and the overall monotony of the interior is diluted with a pattern on window and bed textiles.
Provence style in the interior of a country house - photo
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The province of the same name is known for its fragrant lavender fields, fragrant spices, delicious cheeses, cozy houses, as well as the charm of the sea and sunlight. These components have become an integral part of modern Provence design.
Delicate, as if slightly sun-bleached colors create home warmth and comfort. The interior of a house in the Provence style does not include pretentious and defiant elements. The atmosphere exudes calmness and tranquility.
Despite the fact that the atmosphere is discreet and is not associated with luxury, a person feels homely warmth and naturalness in it. Rough plaster, slightly worn furniture, lavender shades, textiles - this is Provence.
Despite the authenticity, the style looks impressive not only in France, but also in other countries. Moreover, it can be created not only in country houses but also in ordinary apartments.
The history of the Provence style
As an independent style, Provence in the interior began its development in the 19th century in France. At that time, many people sought to move away from the atmosphere of noisy cities and factories. They strove for comfort and a calm rhythm of life, expressing this in the atmosphere of the home.
Some experts argue that the Provence style in the interior appeared much earlier - back in the 18th century, when the middle class began to form. Doctors, lawyers, large merchants began to equip their homes with hints of the charm of the province against the backdrop of the fading baroque. This period coincided with the Great French Revolution, which left its mark on all spheres of life of the French, and preferences in the interior are no exception.
In the 18th century, Provence in the interior of the house was more popular in country buildings. In urban apartments, people created a more restrained and classic environment.
The style owes its name to the region of the same name, located in the southeastern part of France. It's from there french provence in the interior began to spread around the world.
Main features
We list the main features of modern Provence in the interior:
- Light colors predominate. The main colors of Provence in the interior are lavender, white, light yellow, turquoise, light blue, cream, beige, light brown. All colors are muted, without pronounced contrasts.
- Bright rooms with large wooden windows, most often with white frames.
- An important element of Provence interior design is a fireplace. It is best to overlay it with a stone, and put decor on top - forged candlesticks, porcelain, photographs in an aged baguette.
- Antique, slightly shabby furniture without rich decor and massive elements. Furniture is made from wood, which is artificially aged. Upholstery is most often made of fabrics with a small colorful pattern.
- Interior design in the Provence style provides for an abundance of textiles - light curtains, tablecloths, ruffled bedspreads, carpets mostly self made. Only natural fabrics are used - wool, cotton, linen.
- Minimalism is unusual for the style, so in order not to overload the atmosphere with colorful prints and decor, the rest of the things are hidden in cabinets or chests of drawers with spacious drawers.
- Forging elements - frames of mirrors, clocks, railings of stairs.
- Domokatny paths of characteristic color scale.
- Floral arrangements, porcelain, forged candlesticks are used as decor. Provence interior items are no different rich colors and modern performance.
- Patterns are predominantly vegetable - fragrant flowers, shrubs, low trees, flying dragonflies.
- Provence in the interior of the apartment provides a lot of light. Large windows will help to achieve this effect, central chandeliers with many lamps, floor lamps with lampshades in light colors, forged lamps.
- The dishes are used in a simple form and most often with a floral print.
Provence and country - what's the difference?
Country style, like Provence, symbolizes measured village life and the charm of nature. But unlike the French roots of Provence, country is characterized by transformation, depending on the region.
For example, there are English, Russian, American style country. Features of the direction in each region depend on the climate and cultural subtleties.
The country atmosphere is restrained, with elements of minimalism. It may even be characterized by coldness, especially in the northern regions. While the design of a room in the Provence style provides for warmth, due to the origin of the style in a warm climate. Also, country does not always provide large windows that provide good lighting.
Is the Provence style popular today and who will it suit?
Beautiful interiors of Provence-style houses have not lost their popularity for a long time. This trend is due to the fact that people are tired of the urban environment and they want to immerse themselves in comfort and peace.
Images of flowers and other vegetation of delicate colors have a calming effect and evoke positive emotions. And the color scheme itself does not overload the eye.
The Provence style in the interior of an apartment does not bother most people for a long time, so they may not change their style for years; and if there is a desire to make changes, you can always change the accents in the setting.
Provence style design is suitable, first of all, for people with a calm type of temperament. It can also have a calming effect on choleric people, restraining their temper. The direction will appeal to creative people - writers and painters. Many world-famous artists love Provence for its magnificent play of colors and light, for its naturalness and picturesqueness.
Finish options
- Walls
For walls, stucco with a rough texture is most often used. Sometimes designers intentionally leave a gap in the brickwork, thus creating the effect of antiquity.
Also used wallpaper with a floral pattern, brickwork, especially in the fireplace area. Another type of decoration is wall cladding with boards painted in the colors of Provence. For rooms with high humidity, tiles without a glossy sheen or natural stone are used.
Provence-style house design includes floors made of wooden boards, stone or large fragments of ceramic tiles. Sometimes boards with minimal processing are used for the floor.
The main colors of the floor are beige, cream, light brown. Parquet, carpet and linoleum are not used.
- Ceiling
Ceilings are painted or plastered. Surface colors are only light. You can give them a zest by adding them wooden beams light brown or beige. Too dark tones for beams are not used.
We equip a house in the style of Provence
Consider the options for arranging the interior of rooms in the Provence style.
Living room
Since the living room is the visiting card of the house, it is important to let the style unfold in it as much as possible.
- To realize the Provence living room design, choose a spacious and bright room with large windows.
- The walls can be made in pastel or white with plaster. Be sure to make a textured surface. Such a solution for the Provence living room interior provides for the presence of paintings with flowers and other floral decor on the walls.
- The design of the living room in the style of Provence is emphasized by wallpaper with a colorful print.
If you think an all-over floral print will overwhelm the setting, opt for a wallpaper with vertical stripes that has a subtle floral décor draped over it. - Light up the floor wooden board, and paint the ceiling white and complement it with wooden beams.
- Hang light curtains made of cotton or linen on the windows. Their main color should be combined with the color of upholstered furniture and walls, but not merge.
- Equip the sofa area - put a sofa with a medium-height back and a few easy chairs.
Choose upholstery with subtle, subtle floral prints. - Place decorative pillows depicting larger flowers on upholstered furniture.
- Set it low wooden table white color, on which a vase of flowers will stand, for example, with lavender or a bouquet of wild flowers.
- Lay a walkway on the floor.
A fireplace will complement the interior of the living room in Provence style, which will warm during the cold season. Make trim around it natural stone. The wall to which it adjoins can also be completely finished with stone.
Bedroom
Provence style in modern interior already in itself disposes to rest. Therefore, it is the best way to fill the bedroom with an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility.
- For wall decoration, it is best to choose beige or cream colors with a beautiful floral pattern. To do this, choose the appropriate wallpaper.
- Provence bedroom interior walls can be made by choosing white as the base color.
But if you can’t fall asleep for a long time, choose warm shades, as white will not promote sleep.
- Finish the floor with a light brown wooden board. The Provence-style bedroom design will be complemented by a walkway or a wool rug.
- The headboard and footboard of the double bed can be made of white forging.
Place a lavender-colored bedspread on the bed, which will be associated with fragrant lavender fields; it can be quilted and ruffled. This decision will be the highlight of the Provence bedroom design. Put easy chair light color, put on it decorative pillows with the image of flowers.
- Place white wooden bedside tables on the sides of the bed, on which you can put lamps with lavender shades.
Hang curtains in a delicate lavender color combined with white tulle. Try to use textiles as much as possible.
- Place the clothes in a light-colored wooden wardrobe (white, cream) or in a dressing room with a white, wooden door.
The interior of the Provence-style bedroom will be effectively complemented by picturesque paintings with landscapes of the Provence region or with fragrant flowers. Frame your paintings in artificially aged frames. The same frames are suitable for mirrors in the bedroom.
Kitchen
For the French from small towns, eating is a special ritual. Dinner can last up to four hours. They enjoy leisurely feasting on wine, cheeses and light snacks in a Provençal setting. The Provence-style kitchen interior in an apartment or house should arouse appetite and evoke positive emotions.
- For the walls, you can choose a combination of delicate lavender and turquoise with splashes of light yellow.
- Finish the stove and sink area with white tiles with a floral pattern.
- The floor can also be finished with tiles or stone.
- Make the ceiling white.
- Provence in the interior of the kitchen will emphasize wooden dinner table white with dainty legs.
- Put around it wooden chairs with soft upholstery in floral print.
- Modern household appliances disguise behind the doors of wooden kitchen cabinets.
Complement the interior of the Provence style kitchen with paintings of lavender fields or still lifes consisting of elements french cuisine. Also, the design of the Provence-style kitchen is emphasized by vases with bouquets of wild flowers.
Provencal style came to us from sunny France. It was inspired by the French province and simple measured life local people. But in order to live in an elegant Provence-style house, it is not necessary to move to the south of France. It is enough just to build a building in this style on your summer cottage.
Peculiarities
The French Provence style is easily recognizable. Unlike simple country with rough furniture and the absence of decorative elements, Provence is the embodiment of tranquility and lightness. When creating houses in this style, designers are inspired by the gifts of nature. That is why both in the interior and exterior there are a lot of natural materials and fresh flowers.
Provence combines simplicity and beauty. It has a lot of light wood and colorful fabrics. The main colors in this room are pastels. Lavender, pale blue, light pink, olive and other light shades look the best here.
The use of vintage or antique-decorated furniture is also welcome. A beautiful chair with bent legs in such a house looks much better than a modern leather sofa. From furniture it is also worth paying attention to beautiful chests of drawers, cabinets and other furniture for storing things. There are many interesting wood products with painted doors and bent legs.
Number of floors
In the Provence style there are no restrictions on the number of floors. You can build a small cozy house or a cottage of several floors with beautiful twisted staircases inside. There are a variety of projects that allow you to translate into reality a variety of wishes. For a small family, one floor is enough. There will be a bedroom and all household premises. But on two floors there will definitely be where to roam. If you have a two-story house, all utility rooms can be located on the ground floor, and the second floor can be used for bedrooms.
The kitchen can be combined with the living room. This is very convenient because you can use arches or simply dismantle the wall. In this case, food will be prepared in the kitchen, and a comfortable table with chairs can be placed in the dining room. IN modern house in Provence style, the kitchen can be separated from the dining room with a beautiful bar counter. It can also be used not only for gatherings for delicious cocktail or a glass of wine, but also for quick breakfasts.
facades
The first impression on all visitors is the exterior. So, the first thing you need to do is not decorate the rooms from the inside, but the facade of the house. Stylish French houses in this rustic style are usually made of logs or light wood. Beautiful wooden house looks cozy. In addition, inside such a house it will be easy for you to breathe.
A log house made of timber can be decorated with upholstery or carved decor. But all these decorative elements should not be too much. After all, the exterior design should emphasize the simplicity and elegance of style. Decorate the building and a wide staircase leading to the doorway. You can also additionally attach a neat terrace next to the house, where in the summer it will be great to relax or even dine.
Window
Provence-style rooms should be as bright as possible. Achieving this is quite simple - install wide windows that will let a lot of light into the room. For French rustic style, simple wooden windows. Although plastic windows are more modern solution, which allows you to keep more heat in the house, look too modern and do not fit into the Provence style.
From the inside, such windows need to be decorated with properly selected curtains. It is worth choosing short curtains for the kitchen, and for bedrooms and living rooms it is better to find luxurious long curtains. This is because in the kitchen, short curtains are more practical, and the material will not get dirty during cooking. And in living quarters you want to create coziness, here long thick curtains come to the rescue, which completely hide you from prying eyes.
Also, do not forget about the airy beautiful tulle, which will also decorate all rooms.
Interior decoration
Equally important role is played by the exterior of the house. It is quite possible to leave the walls and floor wooden, but this is far from the only solution that is suitable for decorating rooms in the Provence style.
floors
Provencal-style floors are most often decorated with light-colored parquet or laminate. This option is well suited for bedrooms, living rooms and other living spaces. But in the bathroom or in the kitchen, wood is likely to deteriorate under the influence of high humidity. Therefore, for these rooms it is best to choose a coating option such as stone, for example. Light masonry will not only decorate your house inside, but will also delight you with its appearance for a long time.
Walls
Wall design should be as simple as possible. Wall decoration with plaster is welcome. Even if you do not know how to make repairs, it is quite possible to do the decoration of the walls yourself. After all, even if the plaster lays down in an uneven layer, it will look very beautiful and correspond to the idea. You can also paint the walls with light paint. Here, colors such as yellow, pink or pale blue are best suited. Dark colors can only act as accents. For example, you can choose a lamp made of dark metal or a dark wooden table.
Alternatively, you can use simple plain wallpaper light colors. Well, or choose a wallpaper stylized for some material, for example, under brickwork or wood. The wallpaper in a narrow strip, a small cell or a flower also looks cute. Such a wall covering will be a beautiful and very elegant backdrop for rough furniture and simple decorative elements that are found in a private house in this style.
You can also decorate the walls with stonework or even choose a colored mural. Such a repair will look really unusual and versatile.
The mural may consist of random colored parts or form beautiful picture. For example, a beautiful French garden with fresh flowers or a scarlet sunset on the lake. Such a fresco will serve as an alternative to modern wallpaper.
Furniture
For a country house, it is important to choose the right environment. Provence-style houses can be decorated with two types of furniture. First of all, it is, of course, high-quality wooden furniture. Such chairs, chests of drawers and tables do not even need additional staining. You can decorate your home even with handmade products. It is best if the wood you select for this purpose is light in color.
Furniture is used not only for its intended purpose, but also as decorative elements. The chosen things should be not only comfortable, but also suitable in style and color for the interior features. Decorative wooden cabinets, chairs with soft textile seats and low tables on bent legs will look beautiful in any of the rooms in the Provence style. As a cabinet or sideboard, you can use furniture with glass doors, which also bring additional charm to the interior of the room.
Luxurious vintage furniture is especially appreciated in this style. So, if you pick up a luxurious vintage rocking chair or a massive chest of drawers, it will bring a special charm to the interior. However, it is not necessary to look for old furniture. You can just try to change appearance old. It can be done different ways. For example, using the decoupage technique or a special paint that cracks after drying.
Furniture with beautiful wrought iron details is also welcome. Chair legs, beautiful patterned cornices or sconces can be made of metal. You can also choose forged hangers for the corridor, made of bent metal. Remember that all the details you choose should not be bulky, but very sophisticated.
If you choose upholstered armchairs and sofas for decorating a room, it is very important that they are combined with the rest of the textile details.
This applies to curtains, curtains, napkins, pillows and other details. The best option- This is a combination of plain fabrics and decorated with patterns. Floral patterns or abstract monograms are welcome. If you are looking for something more simple and cozy, then you can choose a checkered or striped fabric.
For a Provence-style interior, you can create decorative details with your own hands. For example, embroider napkins or crochet them. This looks charming. There should not be too many of these napkins, but in a small amount they will only decorate the house. You can also choose beautiful quilted bedspreads, bed linen made from natural fabrics and other decorative details to decorate your home.
Decor
In addition to properly selected textiles, you should pay attention to other accessories. French country style, unlike many modern trends, welcomes the abundance of small decorative elements. They make the house more habitable and comfortable.
Of the large decorative elements, you should pay attention to massive bird cages, beautiful plates on the walls, exquisite decorative bottles with flowers or ships placed inside, and other vintage items. You can stock up on such decorations at a flea market, in a store that sells retro-style accessories, or simply by exploring your grandmother's apartment, which is sure to have a few cute little things.
It's also worth noting that decor doesn't have to be so useless. There are many options for functional things that can be safely used to decorate the interior. In addition to furniture and beautiful shelves, you can call beautiful lamps.
There are many elegant wrought iron sconces or table lamps with a floor lamp made of textiles decorated with floral colors, which will not only serve as a source of light, but also add coziness to your home.
Exterior examples
France is a warm country, so classic Provence-style houses are usually surrounded on all sides by a small garden. You can also decorate your yard with live plants. If you don’t have time to constantly do gardening, you can always choose some simple plants which do not require any special care. Even these unpretentious flowers and bushes look beautiful. Outside, next to the house in an exquisite French style, you can place a small gazebo. Best of all, gazebos made of natural wood fit into this style. They are easy to decorate with carvings, and they also go well with exquisite wicker furniture.
If you want to build not a classic Provence-style house, but a more modern one, then you will still like such simple design details as hanging flower baskets or a cart with live plants. And if you have enough free space on the site, you can even place there decorative well or mini fountain.
Beautiful interior design ideas
However, no matter how beautiful the exterior and facade design may be, the interior is still more important, because we have to live inside the house. Create very beautiful interior possibly in different ways. You can choose plain wallpaper, natural materials that emphasize the simplicity and sophistication of the interior. Or you can go the other way: choose elegant wallpaper with monograms and antique furniture. It all depends on your preferences.
Princess Bedroom
The first room that can be considered as an example of an ideal room for a Provence style home is a bedroom in delicate shades of pink. Such a room is equally well suited for a teenage girl and a young couple. Everything in it is sustained in one scale. The main colors are white, light pink and beige.
The main detail that immediately attracts attention is a luxurious light bed, in which the frame is perfectly combined with bed linen and pillows. The wallpaper is matched to the bedspread. The ceiling is decorated with stucco, which also emphasizes the beauty of this style. A simple light wood floor adorns the carpet. The furniture in this room is also light and appropriate in style. This is a beautiful bedside table with graceful legs, and a chest of drawers, and a chair.
There are a huge number of trends in interior design that can bring comfort to the house. The Provence style in the interior is considered to be the lightest and most airy among them. In this article, we will tell you how to create a French oasis in your own nest, how to choose Decoration Materials, what shades, colors will add purity and sophistication to the home, what furniture is used in the design. Elegant simplicity is the true concept of this style.
History of origin
The Provencal style got its name thanks to the picturesque French province of the same name. This charming corner is known for its purple carpets of lavender fields with a rich, intoxicating aroma, picturesque landscapes, endless skies with blue tints, the crystal smoothness of the Cote d'Azur, as well as excellent traditional dishes with the addition of juicy greens, as well as sweet and tart spices.
It was this tandem of factors that attracted, and still attracts artists to the French province, thanks to which the Provencal style of design has gained wide popularity in the European expanses.
What are the houses of the Provencal village? These are cozy dwellings, through the windows of which daylight seeps through. The aromas of homemade pastries, the fabulous energy of hospitality and warmth, intertwined with the surrounding landscapes…
Many people believe that Provence is a simple, unpretentious style, but "all the salt" is in the details. To recreate the atmosphere of Provence, you must have an impeccable refined taste.
Provencal colors
Designers pay special attention to creating a color scheme for the interior. After all, this aspect is the most important for creating the atmosphere of Provencal houses. To decorate rooms, you can use light pastel colors to create the effect of “burnt out” surfaces. Do not forget that the southern part of France, where Provence is located, is caressed by playful Sun rays almost all year round.
Decoration Materials
If desired, plastered walls can be decorated with wallpaper with floral ornaments. But most often, lovers of Provence decorate the rooms of their house or apartment with the help of plaster - classic or decorative. It must be deliberately applied with roughness, irregularities. Walls can be white or upholstered wood paneling. The latter needs to be given a somewhat shabby look. But for the kitchen, you can use a mosaic or ceramic tiles.
Ivory walls are perfect for small rooms. Bright hues visually expand the space.
The Provence-style ceiling can be white and inlaid with dark ceiling beams. win-win is an ensemble with masonry elements. Also, to recreate the beauty of French houses, you can use stucco molding, which will add elegance to your home.
Provencal style and lighting
Chandeliers and lamps for the kitchen or living room should maintain the same concept of naturalness and natural materials. You can choose light sources from metal, porcelain or wood. Their key task is not to take away attention from pieces of furniture or pastel-colored finishes.
Floral interior motifs
It is known that Provence combines sophistication multiplied by simplicity. The main element is a floral ornament, which can be seen in the upholstery of upholstered furniture, curtains and decorative pillows.
Door and hallway furniture in a similar color scheme V country house An obligatory accent is flowers - rose and lavender, which personify the beauty of the Provencal village. They can be traced not only in decorative elements, but also in interior decoration. For example, wallpaper with delicate flowers or a floral pattern on ceramic tiles.
Since the French province is famous for the beauty of nature, this style implies an abundance of living plants in artificially aged planters placed around the house. You can decorate the living room with cute bouquets of wild flowers, dried flowers. Ivy branches hanging from the walls look very interesting. From indoor plants give preference to bluebells, violets and hydrangeas.
Provencal style and decor
The key task is not to overdo it with decorative elements. The interior of French rural houses is characterized by aged vases, vintage frames and candlesticks, figurines and antique table sets. It also needs to be said about the great love of Provence admirers for wicker baskets. They can be used to store children's toys, books and clothes. As you can see, even decor items can become original and functional helpers.
Creating a special atmosphere in a private house
Due to its elegance and simplicity, Provence in the interior has become popular among the owners. country houses. Apart from general recommendations they should pay attention to important element decor - fireplace. Without it, it is difficult to imagine a French cozy house, the atmosphere of which Europeans are trying to recreate at home.
Interesting options for decorating a fireplace for a summer residence
The interior in Provence style is characterized by scuffs and aging. We offer you several techniques that will help you change your fireplace beyond recognition, thereby giving it the appropriate look.
1. Coloring with patina effect. With the help of special paint, you can create a very interesting pattern on forged elements of the fireplace and other decor items.
2. Give the fireplace a cracked look will help craquelure. To do this, you can use the appropriate types of varnishes or even thin-layer plaster.
Key differences between Provence and country
Many people who like the farmhouse style confuse the two. But the difference is significant:
- The first style is characterized by an abundance of floral motifs, which, most often, are focused on the textile components of the interior. In addition to berry, floral ornaments, country style is characterized by strict geometric patterns: a cage, a strip or peas. But in the Provencal style, the cell is not used.
- The country color scheme is dominated by warm tones, but the shades of French meadows - cornflower blue and lavender - are never used. Yes and white color not a place in a country house decorated in country style. The Provencal interior is filled with cool tones dictated by Mother Nature herself.
- prevails natural wood. Most often it is stained, and unpainted wooden surfaces. Decorative beams, like furniture, look like “tortured” wood. But the Provence style is also a tree, but, most often, painted in several layers (pastel, white tones, ivory is also very popular).
Provence got its name from the province in the south of France, known throughout the world for its sun-drenched landscapes, fragrant herbs and sea coast. This laid the DNA of the style: soft colors, like furniture scorched in the sun and a lot of dry and fresh flowers cheer up and surround you with comfort. You can create the atmosphere of the French Mediterranean with us. Do you want to know how?
A bit of history
Like anyone country style, Provence managed to take the best from the mentality of the happy French. The style has been distinguished since the 17th century, when representatives of the middle class - doctors, industrialists, merchants - got the opportunity to equip their homes with rustic chic and comfort, and often fled to the provinces for this.
The houses turned out to be not simple in French, although with the elegance inherent in the country, so the bohemian youth fell in love with the style in the 18th-19th centuries and quickly scattered around the world. So Provence reached the city dwellers.
The difference between country and Provence styles
Both styles were originally provincial, rural, and today are widely used in the city. Let's look at the difference:
Back to Provence: finishes and materials
Walls, floors and ceilings
The walls in Provence are plain, textured. You can achieve this effect with the help of light-colored plaster - this way the space visually increases. Can be used as an accent floral wallpaper, but it is not worth getting carried away with them in large quantities. 
For flooring, choose stone or ceramic tiles with floral patterns, parquet or massive board, in extreme cases, the laminate is a budget option, but not very close to the style.
The ceiling is wooden, necessarily with beams. Please note - beams should only be used in a house with high ceilings, otherwise they will eat up an important part of the space.
Windows and doors
The basis of Provence is natural lighting, of which there should be a lot. Therefore windows and glass doors take up as much space as possible. And against the bright sun, wooden shutters are still used - an already recognizable element of decor.
Provencal style rooms
Provence style kitchen
This kitchen is the epitome of home comfort and warmth: light wooden fronts of kitchen cabinets, light curtains with floral patterns, pots and jars for spices. Dishes and utensils are placed on open shelves, and modern kitchen appliances are carefully hidden. As elsewhere, the kitchen has light muted shades - white, gray, beige.
Provence style living room
In the living room, the charm of rural life and the elegance of applied art coexist: a luxurious chandelier over a solid sofa, wall paintings against the backdrop of rough plastered walls. Upholstered furniture in covers or upholstered in fabric with floral patterns, a lot of wooden items. Forged elements appear - chandeliers, pots, candlesticks. Coziness is created by accents - paintings depicting meadows, textiles, decorative ceramics, fresh and dry flowers.
Provence style bedroom design
Provence in the bedroom is bright and pastel colors in furniture, decoration, textiles. Of particular importance are natural fabrics: satin, chintz, cotton. Curtains, bedspreads, pillows are decorated with floral patterns, curtains are decorated with ruffles and ribbons. The headboard of a wooden or wrought iron bed is often carved.
Children's room in Provence style
The Provencal nursery is an almost unlimited space for creativity. The kid will definitely like the images of flowers and figurines of animals, and wicker baskets and wooden chests will give the room extra comfort. Arrange a small library or mini tea room in the room. And don't forget to use only natural materials!
Entrance hall and corridor in Provence style
Provence is ideal for a small corridor, as light colors visually expand the space. The main items in the hallway are a large light wooden wardrobe, hangers and benches. We also recommend adding a wooden framed mirror.
Provence style bathroom
Provencal style, even in the bathroom, is an abundance of sunlight, so you should take care of the presence of a window, the size and shape do not matter. All items in the bathroom are discreet, wooden, with the effect of peeling paint. Complement the interior with a curved bathtub on high legs and oval sinks with graceful faucets. The ideal addition is wooden cabinets and wicker baskets for storing hygiene items.
Provencal decor
Provence in the interior is an amazing and unique combination of rough plastered walls, wooden furniture, bright color palette and plentiful decor. Comfort in the interior of Provence is achieved through small things: vases, caskets, pillows, figurines, wicker baskets, candlesticks, lace napkins, antique ceramic dishes. Objects with history are of particular awe, the French love them very much, so often the design is dominated not by a remake, but by antique gizmos.
Flowers
It is impossible to imagine Provence without fresh flowers and indoor plants - rose, lavender, alfalfa will decorate any room, add color and sophistication to the interior. Love for flowers also appears in accessories: Forged Products and dishes depicting flowers, embroidery in the form of floral ornaments.
Accessories
Furniture
Provence is a place where traditions are valued and vintage is respected. In such an interior, furniture from different periods easily coexists, including new, specially aged with paint, scuffs and chips. Furniture upholstery is light, most often plain, with an abundance of pillows and covers. Of great importance are chests of drawers, sideboards, cabinets, chests.
Textile
Embroidered tablecloths, floral patterned chair covers, napkins, wicker rugs, most often made of cotton and linen. The most common pattern is, of course, floral. Curtains are very light, so as not to interfere with the spread of air and light.
