Beautiful Provence. Provence style in the interior of country houses and city apartments. Candlesticks and framed photographs

A homely and romantic Provence style in the country is the embodiment of a dream of a quiet and measured life. After reading the article, you will get acquainted with the varieties of French provincial country music and its adaptation to modern conditions. Your attention is invited to information about the features of the use of finishing materials, the choice of furniture and accessories, as well as the techniques of landscape design of the garden and backyard.

Classics of the genre Source www.pinterest.at

Origins and varieties of style

The style that was finally formed in the eponymous region of France in the century before last belongs to the rustic styles. His original principles in architecture and design were appreciated in other countries; today it is chosen with pleasure for decoration not only of private houses, but also of city apartments. The French themselves believe that there are three areas of provincial style in suburban housing construction, which are successfully combined with each other.

Classic Provence style home

A small rectangular building, built of brick or stone (often limestone), surrounded by a garden. In the Provence house, there are from one to three floors, inside you can find a spacious living room and 3-4 bedrooms; The design is characterized by the following features:

Facade. Differs in refined simplicity thanks to a choice of laconic architectural forms. The building is distinguished by a low plinth (garden path leads to the front doors); the porch is most often absent or consists of two or three steps.

France, modern Provence stylization Source yandex.uz

Roof. Mostly simple, with small overhangs and dormer windows; a cozy attic is often hidden under it. Classical roofing - motley tile.

Window. To match the style, the windows are made small and decorated with shutters (or their imitation). The modern trend, neo-Provence, allows the use of panoramic windows or window openings from floor level.

Entrance door. Solid, decorated with forged fragments; an indispensable addition is a viewing window. In modern cottages, options with glass and stained glass inserts are popular.

wall decoration. For her, plaster of delicate shades (beige, coffee, purple, milky) is chosen. Also, the walls are sheathed with wooden clapboard or lined with stone, both natural (slate, limestone, sandstone) and artificial.

Making a modern front door Source pinterest.at

Chateau

Initially, the chateau buildings served as country estates for French aristocratic families. Today, they remain the most spectacular (and costly) expression of rustic style. The building can hardly be called a village house, it is a luxurious mansion, in the external appearance of which signs of provincial housing and castle architecture are intertwined. The chateau can be described in the following details:

Building area starts from 600-700 m 2 , it is necessarily surrounded by a large well-groomed garden.

Facade. A complex and majestic combination of arches, balconies, bay windows, columns and ledges. The exterior is decorated with decorative plaster and stone, there are bas-reliefs and medallions. The facade is decorated with French (from floor to ceiling) windows.

front door. Usually decorated with a high (up to 3-4 meters) niche, often with columns; A wide staircase leads to the door. A front flower bed is being designed in front of the main entrance.

Roof. Multi-pitched, covered with tiles; it is complicated by chimneys, a spacious attic with lancet windows, towers and spiers.

Ground floor. From the outside it is invisible, as it is not emphasized by the lining.

Chateau Source krov-torg.ru

House in the Norman style

This direction was influenced by buildings from the north-west of France, which, in turn, borrowed a lot from the architecture of the Scandinavian countries. This explains some of the austerity of the architecture and the emphasis on gothic elements. The direction remains very popular in modern suburban construction; Provence-style country house with Norman touches is distinguished by the following features:

Buildings are often erected based on fachwerk techniques(in France it is called collomage), the walls are decorated with vertical and cruciform wooden posts. In a modern interpretation, the use of polyurethane beams with imitation of aged wood is allowed. A characteristic architectural element of the Norman house is balustrades enclosing stairs, balconies or terraces.

Color palette. It is varied; natural shades of sand, gray and brown are popular. They are diluted with pink, purple and ocher color.

Windows and doors. Such housing is characterized by windows with semicircular arches. The doors are preferably massive, they are preceded by a porch decorated with wrought iron railings.

A spacious attic hides under a hip roof. Source yandex.uz

Classic Norman buildings inlaid on the facade geometric or floral ornament, get off with rustication. In a modern interpretation, facade plinths are protected with rusticated panels, the facade is laid out with decorative bricks or fireclay ceramics.

Roof. The house is topped with a hip roof with wide gables, conical turrets and wrought iron elements, a tribute to the Gothic past.

Provence: application to modern conditions

A centuries-old style is easy enough to adapt to modern realities (perhaps this is part of its worldwide popularity). If the classic version requires the use of only natural materials (which not every budget can withstand), then modern Provence is ready for a compromise. In this case, the spirit of elegance and simplicity is preserved through attention to detail and the use of modern materials.

The windows are traditionally decorated with flowers. Source: imgsquash.com

When decorating a cottage in the Provence style, the following techniques and recommendations are used:

Facade decoration. Natural finishing stone is successfully replaced by artificial one. A worthy replacement for rustic stone (expensive and heavily loading load-bearing walls) will be an artificial stone made of architectural concrete or polyurethane.

Decorative facade elements are reduced to a minimum, the emphasis falls on doors and windows. Wooden parts should not be allowed to look freshly painted; they are artificially aged, achieving the appearance of an old, worn and cracked surface.

stone finish can be replaced by plastering; in this case, it is also important to achieve the effect of natural wear. A variant of a non-plastered surface with protruding butt joints and whitewash is possible.

Expensive wooden windows it is allowed to replace with modern double-glazed windows with wood styling. If you wish, you can order hand-forged decorative details for the front door and neat porch.

Ceramic tiles is successfully replaced by a suitable material (cement-sand, bituminous or metal tiles).

Video description

About Provence near Moscow in the following video:

Interior: finishing works

The interior in French country style attracts with its relaxing atmosphere. The key design idea is associated with the simplicity of rural life and closeness to nature, so the interior design is based on natural materials (and here Provence intersects with eco-design techniques). The following techniques and finishing methods will help to give the walls a spectacular touch of antiquity:

The choice of plaster with a rough texture, large or medium grain; it is applied unevenly so that brickwork shows through the finishing layer. For painting it is better to use the colors of natural stone: gray, beige.

wall painting. Matte water-based paints are chosen in muted, faded colors. Suitable beige, olive, blue, gray, lavender, ocher. The paint is applied unevenly, as if carelessly, while several close shades can be combined.

Whitewash. It is applied in different ways: without plastering, on ordinary or textured plaster.

Warm olive shade is ideal for the kitchen Source yandex.ua

Finishing brick, stone. All walls are lined with these materials, or only one is singled out. Natural stone masonry is successfully replaced with artificial panels that reliably imitate the texture and color of the natural counterpart.

Tile. Suitable for finishing all rooms, from the living room and bedroom, to the kitchen and bathroom. A popular option is white tile with small floral ornaments.

Wood paneling. In other styles, wood surfaces are left with a natural color. In the interior of a Provence-style house, the wood is painted in light shades, which is especially suitable for the design of the hallway and living room. Walls are often decorated with plastic wall panels with a wooden texture; they are easy to care for, they are affordable and resistant to moisture.

Video description

About the choice of furniture and accessories for the Provence interior in the following video:

Wallpapering. One of the easiest ways to create a harmonious and cozy environment is to choose wallpaper (textile, non-woven, paper) with a simple natural motif. To give housing a sense of habitation, you can opt for textured wallpaper with scuffs and bumps. Provence-style wallpapers always have a light background, and images (flowers, birds, landscapes, all kinds of utensils) are made in gray-blue, lilac, pink and turquoise shades. Suitable options would be wallpaper with a vertical stripe or a cage, as well as an imitation of a barn board or old, cracked, plaster.

The following design techniques will help maintain the style:

Ceiling. It is best to paint it white. In another option, floor beams (or their imitation) are preserved on the ceiling; it is better to forget about the stretch ceiling.

Floral wallpaper in Provence style Source design-homes.ru

Window frames and doors. Wooden windows and doors painted in pastel colors with an aging effect look great. You can make your door the centerpiece of your decor by painting it in lavender, coffee, or turquoise.

Floor. The flooring characteristic of Provence is a wooden board (both painted and untreated). The floor can also be finished with laminate or parquet; in all cases, the coating should look pretty worn, as if from long use. For the kitchen and bathroom, matte tiles are best; it can be uniform or patterned, with a small floral or geometric pattern.

Video description

About a Provence-style country house in the following video:

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer service of landscape works, design and construction of small architectural forms. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".

Interior: furnishing accents

Knowing the features of three directions - classical, Norman and chateau - will help you choose the right furniture for the interior in the Provence style in a wooden house. For the first two, it is preferable to choose wooden furniture painted in light shades; wicker furniture is also suitable, as well as items with forged decorative details (for example, a bed or a bookcase). Despite the rustic origin, the pieces of furniture are distinguished by their elegance (which cannot be said about other types of country music): the sideboard can be decorated with carvings, and the closet - with skillful painting.

Comfort with garden view Source pic2.me

To maintain the chateau style, you will need more intricate furniture with the following features:

Exquisite upholstered chairs with armrests, tables, sofas and armchairs with curved legs. These items are decorated with carvings, high-quality fabrics with a characteristic floral pattern are used for upholstery.

Cabinet furniture takes on a more elegant look. Dressers, wardrobes and sideboards are inlaid, decorated with pilasters and carved cornices. A mix of objects with different surface finishes always looks original.

Exquisite furniture is selected for the interior of the chateau Source legko.com

Small pieces of furniture(shelves, dressing tables, sofas) are often decorated with forged elements with the addition of a noble patina.

Small pieces of furniture. To complete the look of the house, you need details: mirrors in openwork frames, elegant hangers and functional umbrellas.

Powdery pink shades in the design of the bedroom Source stroypay.ru

Interior design in Provence style is based not only on color and the use of natural materials. A large role is given to the choice of accessories; the right decor will help revive the romantic French style. For interior decoration use the following items:

Textile. To make the bedroom or living room look cozy, you will need to take care of tablecloths, sofa cushions, napkins, bedspreads, blankets and curtains. Don't be afraid to overdo it with lace and floral patterns - it will benefit the style.

Textiles: the more the better

Small decor. In the Provence-style kitchen there is a place for a variety of pots, pots and tureens, ceramic and porcelain. The living room and hallway will be decorated with vases, figurines, caskets, dried and fresh flowers. You can not do without photographs and paintings in simple (or, conversely, openwork) frames.

Lighting. Floral motifs are found not only in decoration and textiles, but also on the lampshades of lighting fixtures. To harmoniously complement the interior, you will need laconic and elegant chandeliers, lamps, floor lamps and wall sconces.

Hallway Ideas Source dekormyhome.ru

Landscaping in Provence style: 5 design ideas

To enhance the impression, one of two types of landscape project is chosen for a country house in the French provincial style:

Classical. Geometric (regular) style includes a clear layout of the garden and a neat view of all green spaces.

Rustic. A less formal style with lush fruit trees, overgrown flower beds and winding paths.

Timeless classic Source no.pinterest.com

If you want the area surrounding the house to match its internal content, you should adhere to the following design recipes:

The image of the French hinterland is easy to emphasize with the help of small architectural forms- gazebos, terraces, arches and fountains.

Relaxing in the garden will be more comfortable if you take care about garden furniture and street lighting.

The decoration of the garden will be flowerbeds and flower beds, planted with variegated flowers, as well as garden sculptures and potted flowers placed on the terrace and at the walls of the house.

The feeling of comfort will be supported by a gazebo and a fence, entwined with climbing plants, lilac bushes surrounding the recreation area.

Provence-style backyard is wooden fences and paths paved with natural stone.

Modern interpretation of provinciality Source artpractica.ru

Conclusion

Provence style is steeped in tradition; he does not tolerate modern gloss, flashy colors and brand new, only from the store, items. It is chosen by those who appreciate the naturalness and simplicity of everyday life. For help in the design of the ex- and interior, you can contact the specialized companies, whose employees are always up to date with fresh design ideas. They will help give your home and yard the charm of the French province.

3. Mirrors in aged frames and vintage

All photos In the photo: Design of a living room in a country house in Provence style

Provence style interior is more about the past than about the future. Artificially aged interior details, in the absence of antiques, will come in handy for creating a Provence-style setting. Mirrors in frames with faded gilding, uneven walls and raw stone finishes will give the atmosphere a special charm.

4. Plastered walls

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the design of the living room in the country house of V. Presnyakov and N. Podolskaya

When creating an interior in the Provence style, it is best to plaster the walls and not cover them with wallpaper or other materials, or level them. So you can recreate the appearance of the room, as close as possible to the original Provencal interior.

5. Vintage accessories in the interior

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of a living room in a country house

Vintage items in the interior, such as antique clocks, various accessories, candlesticks, bring a light retro romance. A fireplace or a wall with brickwork will look organic in such an interior.

6. Artificial aging technique

All photos In the photo: Design of a living room in a country house by V. Presnyakov and N. Podolskaya

Finishing features also contribute to the achievement of the “antique” effect: plastered walls, half-worn stucco molding, brickwork create the atmosphere of an old mansion, not devoid of an aristocratic spirit.

7. Musical living room in the attic of a country house

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of the musical living room in the attic

The living space in the attic can be used for a study or a small musical living room - as it was decided to do for the project of a country house by Vladimir Presnyakov and Natalia Podolskaya.

8. Natural materials in decoration

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of the musical living room in the attic

The configuration of the room, located in the attic, makes the atmosphere of the living room chamber, truly cozy. Natural materials in the decoration - wood and stone - help to achieve the same effect. Candles and antique-style lamps create a romantic mood. A movie projector, which is used instead of a TV, saves a little space in the music room due to the fact that the screen can be rolled up.

9. Lavender accents in the living room

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of the living room with lavender accents

For the interior of a country house in the Provence style, the selection of colors is also characteristic. Lavender hues, so characteristic of the landscape of Provence, are found in the design of the musical living room. A soft sofa and decorative pillows are made in delicate shades of lilac.

Provence style in the interior of the kitchen in a country house. Photo from portfolio

The kitchen in a country house occupies, perhaps, a more honorable place than in a city apartment, because it often cooks dishes from farm products grown in environmentally friendly conditions. Therefore, the main requirement for arranging a kitchen in a private house is that it should be spacious and bright. Provence style is perfect for the interior of the kitchen in the house and cottage.

10. Provence style in the interior of the kitchen-dining room

All photos In the photo: Design of a kitchen-dining room in a country house in Provence style

A convenient solution would be to organize a studio space of a kitchen-dining room combined with a living room. In a country house, the tendency to combine these three zones is almost more relevant than in apartment design.

11. Bar counter in Provence style

All photos In the photo: Provence-style kitchen interior with a bar counter

To separate zones, you can use a very popular technique - a bar counter that performs several functions at once. In this interior, the kitchen takes up little space, while it is equipped with modern appliances and all the necessary accessories.

12. Provence style in the interior of the kitchen with light furniture

All photos In the photo: Kitchen design in bright colors in Provence style in a country house

Light furniture in the Provence style kitchen interior makes the space light and airy. As interior designer Anzhelika Prudnikova says, furniture can very advantageously emphasize the features of the interior, but poorly selected furniture elements, on the contrary, completely ruin it.

13. Creamy and blue accents in the interior of Provencal cuisine

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of the kitchen-dining room with blue accents

In the design project of the country house of Vladimir Presnyakov and Natalia Podolskaya, the kitchen occupies a special place. Furnished with love and attention to detail, it attracts attention with all these little things and the bright colors chosen by the designer. Creamy and blue accents against a light background of the kitchen interior create a cozy atmosphere of the French country. In the interior of the kitchen, the main emphasis is placed precisely on the fact that Provence belongs to the country direction.

14. Kitchen island in the interior of the dining room

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of a kitchen in a country house

In the middle of the kitchen is a rectangular kitchen island that can be used both as a storage shelf, as a bar counter with a wine cellar, and as a work surface. In addition, it further delimits the space, highlighting the dining area.

Provence style in the interior of a bedroom in a country house

Provence style very organically emphasizes the color of the bedroom in a country house.

15. Light colors and floral motifs

All photos In the photo: Provence-style bedroom interior in the house of V. Presnyakov and N. Podolskaya

The light, bluish tones chosen for the design of the bedroom in this country house make it look like a cloud. A fluffy white carpet confirms the first impression of this interior. This effect is also achieved by light furniture in the Provence style, which seems light and almost weightless.

16. Brickwork in the interior

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of a bedroom with brickwork

Brickwork is also quite common in Provence-style interiors. It adds country features even to refined French-style furnishings, makes the interior more “homey”, but does not simplify it, but on the contrary, refreshes and gives it originality.

17. Candlesticks and framed photographs

Candlesticks and framed photographs are invariable accessories in a Provence-style bedroom. They bring elements of nostalgia, home comfort and are one of the main decorations and highlights of the interior.

18. The combination of Provence and neoclassicism in the interior of the bedroom

To decorate a bedroom, designers often prefer to mix two styles - provence and neoclassic. Thanks to this, the Provence style is “ennobled”, becoming more refined in French. At the same time, the features of Provence are preserved, and this is the secret of the special comfort of such bedrooms.

19. Boudoir area with an oval mirror

All photos In the photo: Provence-style bedroom interior in a country house

In the design of the bedroom, the boudoir area with a dressing table is an ornament and an important component of the interior. The oval mirror echoes the shape of the semi-circular headboard and the decorative stucco arch above it, as well as the stucco pattern on the ceiling.

20. Delicate pistachio color scheme

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of a bedroom in a country house

For the design of the bedroom, light, almost pale pistachio or pale green shades were chosen. This color scheme echoes the floral and plant motifs characteristic of the Provence style.

Provence style in the interior of children's rooms. Photo from portfolio

Provence style is often used for. Such features of the Provencal style as tenderness, lightness, grace and a slight touch of romanticism are successfully used to create the atmosphere of a girl's bedroom.

21. Textiles in the interior of the nursery in the style of Provence

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of a children's room

The abundance of textiles is typical for the design of a children's room for a girl in the Provence style. A four-poster sofa bed, carpet, floral curtains, fabric upholstered chairs create a harmonious whole thanks to carefully selected colors and patterns.

22. Slate board in the interior of a children's room

All photos In the photo: Interior of a children's room in Provence style

The slate board surprisingly harmoniously fits into the design of the children's room in the Provence style. Such a board is not only functional, but also a necessary part of the design concept. Printed cushions and furniture add a retro touch to this cozy interior.

23. Pink children's room in Provence style

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of a children's room in a country house

The pink colors in this children's room are mainly the "merit" of textiles. The bedspread and curtains, made in pink tones, are a sufficient condition for the bedroom interior to be completely transformed. The light cream background of the interior is an excellent basis for applying additional accents.

24. Chandelier with butterflies in the interior of a children's room

All photos In the photo: Design of a children's room for a girl in a country house in Provence style

The original chandelier with butterflies is one of the main decorations for the interior of a child's room for a girl. The ceiling lamp is in harmony with the look of the bedroom, emphasizing the airiness of the elegant setting.

25. Posters of plant themes in the interior

All photos In the photo: Provence in the interior of a children's room for a girl

Plant and flower themes often prevail in the decor of Provencal interiors. A lot of accessories, framed posters, knick-knacks, porcelain figurines and other gizmos in this spirit, dear to the heart of a young hostess, perhaps look most organically in an interior decorated in the Provence style.

26. Round bed in the children's room for a girl

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of a children's room for a girl

The round-shaped bed in this children's room in a combination of Provence and neoclassical styles resembles a pearl, carefully covered with light falling folds of a translucent canopy. The resemblance to a pearl is enhanced by mother-of-pearl shades, warmed by pale pink colors.

The interior of the hallway in the style of Provence in a country house. Photo 2018-2019

The entrance hall in the house, of course, is a kind of calling card and can tell a lot about its owners. In particular, about what style is chosen for the design of the entire home.

27. Retro style in the hallway of a country house

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of the hallway of a country house

A spacious entrance hall or a hall in a country house is a place where the imagination of designers can unfold. Even the framework of a given style does not limit the desire for creativity and self-expression. One of the main features of the Provence-style hallway in a country house is a large number of accessories that endow the interior with its own history and special charisma. Looking at the hallway, one can assume a rich history that is hidden behind the details of its interior. A mirror in an artificially aged frame, a stone floor, stucco, rustic wall surfaces and, of course, a large number of vintage photos undoubtedly want to tell the observer something.

28. Library in the lobby of a country house

All photos In the photo: Provence style in the interior of the hall in a country house

Another of the design solutions is a small library almost under the stairs. This detail adds mystery to the atmosphere, finally convincing that the interior is a reflection of personality and family traditions, as well as a keeper of history.

Provence style is French country. In my opinion, this style has a lot in common with Russian country (as opposed to English and American). This style is very close to me, I like its simplicity and sincerity. I hope that the details of the Provence style described in the publication can inspire you to interesting solutions in the interior design of a country house or a country house.

The Provencal style was named after the region in the south-east of France, which has picturesque landscapes. The beginning of this style lies in the 17th century, its popularity gradually grew, in the 19th century the new style became widespread throughout Europe, especially among bohemian artists and writers. Until now, the Provence style has many fans around the world.

Anyone can create a cozy corner of Provence in their country house, you just need to follow your understanding of beauty and comfort and at the same time try to observe the main features of style.

The main features of Provence or French country style
Near the entrance doors and on the veranda or terrace, you can arrange flowers in pots or boxes, put a wrought iron or wooden bench with pillows and a coffee table. Street forged lanterns and lamps will look very appropriate. On the site, plant flower beds of discreet, simple flowers, you can put a gazebo, entwined with plants, with wicker furniture.

The walls inside the room are usually plastered, while you can not pay much attention to the alignment of the walls. The application of plaster with bulges and irregularities, with visible brickwork, as well as the application of various textures to the plaster (for example, with varying degrees of graininess), is welcome. The plaster is painted in white or light, muted color. There may be wallpaper with a floral pattern, or stripes, as well as fragments of a decorative “stone” tile.

Another type of wall decoration is possible - sheathing with boards, followed by painting in white or pastel color. Boarding is very reminiscent of Russian country, but the difference is that in the Russian style they try to preserve the color and texture of the wood, while in the French, as a rule, the boards are painted in white or pastel colors.

The walls can be decorated with pictures of rural landscapes, herbariums, small tapestries, embroidery of flowers, bouquets, various garden items, kitchen utensils, and cute pets and birds.

Ceilings are painted with light-colored paint, decorative ceiling beams are used - dark tones or whitewashed against a darker ceiling.

The floor is decorated with a parquet or floorboard with a pronounced texture, cracks and potholes, if ceramic tiles are used, then beige-terracotta or grayish tones, the surface is rough or imitating stone.

Provence style doors are mostly white. It is not necessary to buy pure white new doors, you can use existing ones. Ordinary wooden doors can be painted with white paint and artificially age the surface, as well as decorate them with floral ornaments. There may be some minor glazing on the doors.

The windows are large with light, preferably wooden frames in white or warm pastel colors. From the inside, Provence-style windows are decorated with light curtains made of natural fabrics (linen, cotton, chintz, muslin) in light colors, plain or with a floral pattern. The best option is two straight panels, with tie-backs in the form of ribbons.

Furniture in French country style of simple forms, upholstery of armchairs and sofas - plain fabric, or with a floral print, or striped, despite its simplicity, looks elegant. The surfaces of tables, shelves, chests of drawers can be painted with light colors and artificially aged. The facades of cupboards and sideboards are sometimes complemented by paintings on floral or animal motifs.

The Provence-style interior should not contain monotonous furniture sets, furniture trimmed with curlicues and gilding, nickel-plated parts, and plastic furniture. Instead, mix wood, wicker, or wrought-iron pieces of furniture with different surface finishes that give the interior a vintage touch. The design welcomes the use of sofa cushions with a floral pattern or embroidery (made by hand), as well as crocheted doilies with a simple pattern. Blankets for beds are most often quilted, made from natural materials. It is in country-style interiors that hand-made decor items and accessories look very appropriate.

In a style that reflects longevity and tradition, new furniture and flamboyant, frilly accessories will seem foreign. Provence requires a little rust and dust, objects should look as if they have served man faithfully for many years. Forgo shiny metal in favor of wrought iron, bronze or tin, it's great if metal objects have dents and other signs of antiquity. It is not scary if the house has slightly worn bedspreads or pillows with scuff marks.

Another, integral feature of the Provence style is the presence of flowers, in all forms. Not a single French country style interior is complete without flowers, whether they are placed in a ceramic vase, or stand in a pot on the window, whether they flaunt on a linen or painted on a picture.

Various accents will complement the interior decoration, according to your taste (figurines, flower vases and pots, planters, decorative plates, and so on). These can be images of rabbits, ducks, children, sheep, roosters.

Chandeliers and wall lamps, candlesticks, it is desirable to choose forged ones, painted either in white or in dark colors to give the interior a contrast. Lampshades of floor lamps and table lamps can be made of fabric with a light floral print or plain.

The colors of the interior design in the French country style are soft and tender and evoke a feeling of comfort. White is, rather, not even white, but shades of ivory, cream or pale beige. Other colors are borrowed from the surrounding landscape - sunny yellow, sky blue, brick red, mint, peony, sage and lavender, usually muted shades, as if sun-bleached.

If you are a lover of rural romance, antiques, comfort and sincerity in the interior, then the French country style can inspire you with new ideas in interior design. In this style, you can decorate not only a country house, but also a city apartment, or part of it (kitchen, bedroom, nursery, balcony, loggia and even a bathroom).

All materials are freely available on the Internet.
Sincerely, Lana

Report to moderator

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 finishing materials, what shades and colors will add purity and sophistication to your 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 sunbeams 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 wood paneled. The latter needs to be given a somewhat shabby look. But for the kitchen, you can use mosaic or ceramic tiles.

Ivory walls are perfect for small rooms. Light colors visually expand the space.

The Provence-style ceiling can be white and inlaid with dark ceiling beams. A win-win option 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 in a 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 owners of country houses. In addition to general recommendations, they should pay attention to a very important element of decor - a 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 has no place in a country house, decorated in country style. The Provencal interior is filled with cool tones dictated by Mother Nature herself.
• dominated by natural wood. Most often these are 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).

Provencal style came to us from sunny France. He was inspired by the French province and the simple measured life of the 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 winding stairs 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 a modern Provence-style house, the kitchen can be separated from the dining room with a beautiful breakfast bar. It can also be used not only for gatherings over a 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. A 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. Simple wooden windows work best for the French rustic style. Although plastic windows are a more modern solution that allows you to keep more heat in the house, they 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 in light colors. Well, or choose wallpaper stylized as some kind of 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.

A mural can be made up of random colored details or form a 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 the look of the old one. This can be done in 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 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 an 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 garden, you can always choose some simple plants that 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 a decorative well or mini-fountain there.

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. It is possible to create a very beautiful interior 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.