French Country Kitchen Decorating: Rustic and Chic Ideas

By EG on July 17

I love the French country kitchen style. It’s a perfect blend of rustic charm and chic elegance, combining farmhouse warmth with French sophistication. Takes me back to traveling in Southern France after college to small, quaint towns.

If you want to update your kitchen with French country decor, we’ll guide you along to achieve the look you desire. Whether you are doing a full renovation or just adding some touches, the country style can add a level of comfort to any kitchen.

Understanding French Country Style

The French country kitchen features natural materials, warm colors, and elegant yet comfortable furnishings. It’s a style that celebrates imperfection and age, often incorporating distressed finishes and vintage items.

Color Palette: Soft, muted colors are a hallmark of this style. Think warm whites, soft blues, gentle greens, and buttery yellows. These colors create a serene and welcoming atmosphere.
Materials: Natural materials like wood, stone, and wrought iron are essential. These elements add to the rustic charm and durability of the kitchen.
Textures: Incorporate a variety of textures to add depth and interest. This can include rough-hewn wooden beams, smooth marble countertops, and soft linen fabrics.

Essential Items for a French Country Kitchen

To create an authentic French country kitchen, consider incorporating these essential items:

Wooden Cabinets: Opt for distressed wooden cabinets in a soft, warm color. The Thomasville Nouveau Collection offers beautiful options that fit perfectly with this style. Find them at Home Depot.

Farmhouse Sink: A classic farmhouse sink is a must-have. The Kohler Whitehaven Farmhouse Sink is a great option, combining functionality with rustic elegance. Available at Home Depot and Wayfair.

Marble Countertops: Marble countertops provide a chic contrast to the rustic elements. Look for options from brands like Silestone, available at Amazon, Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Wrought Iron Fixtures: Wrought iron light fixtures add a touch of rustic charm. The Kichler Armida Chandelier is a stylish choice, available at Lowe’s and Amazon.

Decorative Touches

The beauty of French country decor lies in the details. Here are some decorative touches to complete your kitchen’s look:

Vintage Accents: Incorporate vintage accents like enamelware, copper pots, and ceramic canisters. The Le Creuset Heritage Canister Set is both functional and decorative, available at Williams Sonoma and Amazon.
Open Shelving: Open shelving allows you to display your beautiful dishware and decorative items. The IKEA Ekby Hemnes Shelving Unit offers a rustic yet chic look.

Herb Pots: Small pots of fresh herbs not only add greenery but also provide fresh ingredients for cooking. The H Potter Indoor Window Box Planter is a stylish option, available at Amazon.

Creating a Rustic Atmosphere

To enhance the rustic charm of your French country kitchen, focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere:

Brick or Stone Backsplash: A brick or stone backsplash adds texture and warmth. The MSI Natural Stone Collection offers a variety of options, available at Lowe’s.

Wooden Beams: Exposed wooden beams add a rustic touch. If your kitchen doesn’t have them naturally, consider adding faux beams.

Distressed Furniture: Incorporate distressed furniture pieces, like a farmhouse table or a vintage hutch. The Ashley Furniture Realyn Dining Table is a beautiful choice, available at Ashley Furniture and Wayfair.

Functional and Chic Storage Solutions

Storage is essential in any kitchen, and in a French country kitchen, it can be both functional and chic:

Wicker Baskets: Wicker baskets provide stylish storage for fruits, vegetables, and other kitchen essentials. The Household Essentials Wicker Basket Set is ideal, available at Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond.

Apothecary Jars: Use apothecary jars for storing dry goods like flour, sugar, and pasta. The Anchor Hocking Glass Jar Set is perfect for this purpose, available at Target and Amazon.

Pantry Cabinets: A pantry cabinet can add extra storage while maintaining the rustic look. The Sauder HomePlus Storage Cabinet offers ample space and a chic design, available at Lowe’s and Amazon.

Convenient Places to Purchase Items

For convenience, here are some of the best places to purchase the items mentioned above:

Home Depot: Offers a wide range of kitchen essentials, including sinks, cabinets, and countertops.
Wayfair: Great for finding a variety of home decor items, from light fixtures to furniture.
Amazon: Provides a vast selection of kitchen accessories, storage solutions, and decorative items.
Lowe’s: Excellent for kitchen fixtures, shelving, and storage cabinets.
Williams Sonoma: Ideal for high-quality kitchenware and decorative accents.
Bed Bath & Beyond: Offers a range of textiles and storage solutions.
IKEA: Known for affordable and stylish shelving units and furniture.

Practical Tips for Designing Your French Country Kitchen

Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements. Combining new items with vintage finds creates a layered, lived-in look.
Stay Authentic: Use authentic materials and finishes whenever possible. Natural wood, stone, and wrought iron add authenticity and durability.

Balance Elegance and Comfort:

While the French country style is chic, it should also be comfortable and welcoming. Choose furniture and decor that reflect both elegance and coziness.