Correio Newspaper | 5 tips to decorate your kitchen in Provencal style

See how to adopt a style that complements the rustic charm of old French architecture

The Provencal style, inspired by the Provence region in the south of France, is defined by rustic charm and welcoming elegance, with soft tones and light colors that evoke a bucolic and romantic landscape. This style also incorporates features of French architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, characterized by distressed furniture, delicate floral fabrics, and wrought iron details.

“The Provencal kitchen is made up of elements that refer to the natural atmosphere and comfort found in French residences at the time. And the desire to experience these sensations makes it a permanent game in the imagination of people who want to adopt this style in their projects”, says the architect Danyela Correa, at the head of the homonymous office.

Subtle elements such as carpentry with “cushioned” doors, iron handles, open shelves, French handicrafts, plants, dishes and antique furniture gain prestige and contribute to the strengthening of this decorative language. Below, check out decorating tips to transform or create a Provencal-style kitchen!

According to the professional, the selection of materials must be careful, giving priority to permanent installation and rustic appearance. After all, Provencal is trying to imitate the charm of a country house. According to her, the project also wants to pay attention to the details of the carpentry with the cabinet doors and carpentry facades with the typical design of the profile of this kitchen.

“Keeping the balance that we can never forget, I think it is important to point out that Provencal is not so suitable for small kitchens, because these details can lead to visual pollution. In interior design, not everything fits,” warns Danyela Correa.

Provencal kitchen carpentry is characterized by shape, painted or painted finishes that give it the look of antique furniture, as well as carved details. The architect emphasizes the importance of considering the balance between what is attractive and functional and, to this end, he recommends MDF as a stable and durable material with classic handles, which It can be made of iron and in the form of a ball or shell.

Complementing the carpentry, the professional recommends installing open shelves to display decorative dishes and porcelain elements. “There can also be floral decorations”, he advises. In terms of furniture, solid wood tables with a distressed finish, chairs with straw details and fabrics with floral or striped patterns are other suggestions that add a touch of charm and history to the environment.

To bring life to an environment with a classic touch, lighting plays an important role. Therefore, the architect emphasizes the importance of natural light, which must be considered in the project and, when it comes to artificial lighting, lamps in retro style are a good choice . “Wrought iron or copper pendants, chandeliers and wall sconces with aged finishes are good choices for complementing this style”, he explains.

However, general lighting should not be neglected. Danyela Correa highlights the need for focused lighting points in work areas such as countertops and stoves to ensure functionality and a comfortable kitchen.

Pastel, soft and natural tones dominate the Provencal kitchen and, within this universe, white, cream, light blue and olive green appear as the most popular colors. “These tones help to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the natural beauty of the country”, he explains.

However, contemporary interior design can incorporate more vibrant colors. “The combination of intense tones adds a modern touch to the environment, without compromising the Provencal grace”, confirms Danyela Correa.

The biggest challenge when designing a Provencal kitchen is to harmonize it with the contemporary style of interior architecture. While modern design values ​​minimalism and simplicity, with less focus on decoration and details, the Provencal kitchen is full of decorative elements. How, then, do we find a middle ground between these approaches?

“Architecture projects must find the middle ground between the old and the new. This can be done by introducing modern appliances in a discreet way, keeping the Provencal style in the cabinets and the decoration”, explained the architect.

Another suggestion is to use colors that refer to wood – a tip that balances the integration of styles. In coverage, porcelain floors and quartz countertops are popular materials in architecture, providing a modern touch without losing the rustic essence of the kitchen.