Provencal Living Style - A Touch of French Countryside in Your Interior
In our article, you'll find all the essential information about the Provencal living style and explore a vast gallery of inspirational images. Discover why the Provencal style is gaining more and more admirers in today's world.
Step into the charm of Provence, located in the south of France, and immerse yourself in serene pastel colors, a countryside ambiance, and a home that exudes calmness, coziness, and happiness. If you love the countryside style but also appreciate elegance, this design harmoniously combines rustic charm with the sophistication of a French home.
In this comprehensive article on Provencal living, you'll discover:
- The history of the Provencal style
- Key features of Provencal interiors
- Accessories in the Provencal style
- Decorating rooms in the Provencal style
1. The History of the Provencal Style
The Provencal style originated in Provence, a region in the south of France. This interior design reflects the characteristics of this picturesque area.
What makes Provence so unique? It is distinguished by its bright sunshine, sea views, breathtaking landscapes, fragrant herbs, flowers, quaint white streets, and flavorful cuisine. These elements are woven into the Provencal style, defined by soft pastel tones that bring warmth and tranquility to any space. The style has a close connection to nature, characterized by natural hues, shades, and materials. It is delicate, comfortable, and visually pleasing.
Source: Pixabay.com
The Provencal style emerged in the 17th century when wealthy city dwellers, escaping urban unrest, began relocating to this rural province. Inspired by the region's natural beauty and village life, they furnished their homes in a simple yet elegant manner.
This style is deeply romantic, making it a favorite among women. It is particularly suited for family homes, cottages, and farms. In apartment living, people often choose to decorate specific rooms, such as bedrooms or living areas, in this style.
By the 19th century, the Provencal style gained popularity for its harmonious blend of rustic simplicity and natural beauty. Rural living provided a peaceful escape from bustling city life, creating a tranquil and restorative environment.
2. Key Features of Provencal Interiors
Let's summarize the defining elements of the Provencal style and briefly explain each one:
Signature Features:
- Bright rooms and walls - Light is paramount in Provencal interiors, with natural sunlight being essential. Rooms are often painted in white or light tones, creating an airy feel. Walls are typically smooth, but a floral wallpaper accent can be used sparingly. Classic stucco plastering is also common.
- Warm pastel colors - The palette includes soft, muted tones like white, beige, cream, butter yellow, olive, lavender, pale yellow, and faded blue. These sun-washed colors reflect the natural beauty of Provence. Furniture often features light wood with visible grain or is painted in soft tones.
- Sheer or lightweight curtains - Curtains in light hues are a must, allowing light to filter through even when drawn. They serve both aesthetic and practical purposes.
Source: pufikhomes.com
- Light or whitewashed floors - Wooden floors are a hallmark of this style, either left natural or painted in soft tones like white or cream. A retro effect can be achieved by lightly sanding areas of the painted surface to reveal the original wood grain.
- Fresh flowers - Real flowers are a key element, with lavender, wildflowers, and spring blooms often displayed in porcelain vases or decorative wreaths. DUBLEZ offers wooden wreaths with natural motifs, perfect for a Provencal-style home.
- Matte finishes - Glossy surfaces are avoided in favor of matte lacquers, particularly for furniture and floors. Subtle glazes may be used sparingly on ceramics.
Source: medium.com
- Natural materials - Interiors prioritize wood, metal, ceramics, and textiles. Plastic and synthetic materials are avoided.
- Vintage furniture with patina - Wooden furniture, often passed down through generations, is central to the style. Pieces are typically hand-carved, painted in matte colors, and gently distressed to reveal natural textures. Accessories like lace doilies or floral linens enhance the look.
- Exposed beams - Ceilings often feature exposed wooden beams, either in natural tones or painted white to brighten the space.
- Plenty of textiles - Cushions, curtains, and carpets add softness. Patterns may include florals or lace, but light and airy materials are favored.
- Decorative abundance - Unlike minimalism, the Provencal style embraces a wealth of decorations, including artwork, ceramics, and textiles. Shelves are adorned with neatly arranged items.
Source: pufikhomes.com
3. Accessories in the Provencal Style
Accessories bring the Provencal style to life. Ideal finds include antiques from local markets or natural elements like fresh or dried flowers. Shelves, an essential feature, are filled with pots, ceramics, candles, and lace accents.
Source: medium.com
Metal details such as handles, hooks, and light fixtures add an elegant touch. Painted in matte black or copper, these elements should be ornate yet refined. Wooden artwork, especially floral motifs, complements the style beautifully.
4. Decorating Rooms in the Provencal Style
Each room in a Provencal home has its unique character. Discover how to design a living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining area, and bathroom in this timeless style, complete with visual inspiration and practical tips!
Living Room in the Provencal Style
A Provencal living room should first and foremost be filled with natural light and feel airy. Equally important is its emphasis on comfort, especially when it comes to the sofa.
As the central room of the house, careful attention should be paid to its decor. Dark furniture is avoided in favor of white wooden pieces, which are subtly complemented by textures and patterns on cushions and textiles.
Source: itree.ru
An “L-shaped” sofa is not typical of this style. Instead, a classic straight sofa paired with one or two matching armchairs is preferred. You might also consider an armchair with an ottoman for added comfort. If the room’s layout allows, adding a retro bench by the window with a few cushions can create a casual relaxation nook.
Source: pufikhomes.com
For curtains, choose light, soft fabrics, such as lace, to highlight artisanal craftsmanship. In the Provencal style, wooden chests are a typical feature, often used for storing toys or miscellaneous items, and are usually placed in the living room.
Gallery of living rooms designed in the Provencal style:
Bedroom in the Provencal Style
The Provencal bedroom is a sanctuary of femininity, as the style mirrors the gentleness of a woman’s heart. Vintage elements are essential, with bedding often featuring lace or floral patterns. A crystal chandelier or candelabra-style hanging light is characteristic of this space. Painted dressers are also a popular choice, and a vintage bench is often placed at the foot of the bed for convenience.
Source: itree.ru
Gallery of bedrooms designed in the Provencal style:
Kitchen in the Provencal Style
A Provencal kitchen is defined by vintage accents and distressed finishes. Accessories like ceramics, jugs, and old-fashioned sealed jars are a staple. These jars can store items like dry goods such as pasta and legumes, or dried herbs, mushrooms, and spices. Copper cookware is another classic element, often displayed in a wrought-iron pot rack.
Source: pufikhomes.com
Because the dishes in a Provencal kitchen are often beautifully decorated, it’s common to display them on open shelves or hang them on the walls. As with other elements of this style, floral patterns dominate the ceramics.
Gallery of kitchens designed in the Provencal style:
Dining Room in the Provencal Style
A typical feature in the dining room is a large, often metal chandelier with multiple light bulbs (once candles, now modern bulbs) positioned above the dining table. The table and chairs are crafted from solid wood and painted in soft colors. Ornate legs on both chairs and the table are common. To enhance the windows, light curtains or even silk drapes can be used.
The dining room often features a standalone wooden cabinet or hutch, usually unglazed, to store ceramics and other decorative items.
Source: medium.com
Gallery of dining rooms designed in the Provencal style:
Bathroom in the Provencal Style
In the bathroom, alongside ceiling-mounted crystal chandeliers, wall sconces in a similar vintage or candelabra design can be used for smaller spaces. A signature element of the Provencal bathroom is a freestanding bathtub on decorative vintage legs. For towel racks, opt for wrought iron designs in bronze or copper.
Source: itree.ru
As for laundry storage, a handwoven wicker basket is a classic choice for this style. If humidity is a concern, a synthetic basket in a similar design can be used. Pastel shades of blue and lavender are ideal for bathroom decor, reflecting the azure coastline of southern France.
Source: pinterest.com
Finally, enjoy a short video showcasing beautifully designed Provencal-style rooms. You can never have too much inspiration!
Sources:
- https://medium.com/@bettymoore/provence-style-in-interior-what-supposes-and-how-to-create-15ed2e3dcf88
- https://www.pufikhomes.com/en/stili-interera/provans/
- http://www.e-vesti.ru/en/provence-style-in-the-interior-french-country-chic/
- http://www.countryfan.info/furniture-in-provence-style/
- https://www.thespruce.com/essential-elements-of-french-country-style-1976888
