08/24/2017 Read in 10 minutes.
The Provence style originated under the influence of the interiors of houses in the countryside in the south of France. Every detail of the interior in the Provencal style bears the imprint of this original style in its own way. In particular, in such interiors, wicker or forged products (or imitation of them) are used; preference is given to natural materials (wood, stone, linen, cotton, clay). A large amount of textiles, often with floral patterns, creates a special cozy atmosphere, which is pleasant to immerse yourself in when entering the house.
In the photo: The interior of the hallway in an apartment in Provence style
On the one hand, Provence forms a contrast with modern design styles, in which everything is subordinated to the principles of functionality and ergonomics, where laconic and simple lines and shapes predominate. But in a modern apartment you can maintain balance by using only some of the characteristic techniques of the Provençal style, leaving room for popular design innovations.
In the photo: Features of decorating a room in Provence style
For example, such a “current” and fashionable technique could be a modern layout, combining a kitchen and a living room, using a bio- or electric fireplace, as well as decorative portals instead of classic fireplaces, multi-level ceilings with lighting.
In this review, we will consider the main features of the design of apartments in the Provence style using the example of completed projects and 3D visualizations from the portfolio of the Fundament Group of Companies, a leading repair and construction company in Moscow and the Moscow region.
Style Features
The coziness and comfort achieved by this design harmoniously combines the simplicity of rural design and the light sophistication of fashionable Parisian salons.
The style itself owes its appearance to the court ladies and gentlemen of France, who periodically went to their own villages to take a break from the intrigues of the throne and relax surrounded by their own subjects.
Since those long ago, interior design in the Provence style has not changed much. It is still characterized by:
- soft pastel colors;
- using natural materials;
- vintage furniture and decor;
- abundance of light;
- high ceilings and spaciousness.
The style should create the impression of a cozy space, not burdened with complex solutions. It will be comfortable for people of any age.
Whisper of time
In a style that is a reflection of longevity and tradition, new furniture and accessories will seem somewhat alien. Provence requires a little rust and dust. Items should look as if they have faithfully served a person for many years.
Avoid shiny metal in favor of wrought iron, bronze or pewter, which is fine if the metal items show dents and other signs of frequent use. It’s not a big deal if there are slightly worn bedspreads or pillows with scuff marks in the house.
This cozy room looks like every item in it has a story - it's like the coolest second-hand collection ever. Even on new objects the presence of centuries-old dust can be felt. The shabby wood of the legs looks great against the background of faded fabric colors.
Walls
Wall surfaces are designed:
- paint;
- simple plaster;
- wooden panels.
At the same time, small uneven finishes will give the walls an additional charm of antiquity and manual labor. A brick wall made of white or red painted brick looks stylish. Most often, this option is used to decorate one wall.
Wallpaper in the Provence style in the interior is characterized by a light background on which floral patterns are freely arranged. In more formal rooms, a thin strip or checkered pattern is used.
No. 4. Floor finishing
It is advisable to use natural boards painted white or another light shade for finishing floors. It’s even better if there are small irregularities on the tree, which should convey a trace of time. It is important that they do not interfere with free and safe movement.
To save money, you can use any imitation of solid wood. For example, parquet or laminate. The effect, of course, will not be the same, but if you follow the color scheme, it will turn out well.
It is also possible to use terracotta tiles with a slightly wiped surface. Preference is given to large format tiles. In the kitchen, you can put a small rug with thick short pile on top of it.
Furniture in Provence style
Furniture in the Provence style is a unique combination of simplicity and elegance. To create an authentic design, they use vintage furniture that can be found in the attics of village houses. Small abrasions and restored chips will add additional antique charm to the furniture.
In order not to spend money on buying expensive antiques in special showrooms, you can purchase the most ordinary sets and artificially age them with special varnishes, cover them with paint and decorate them using decoupage napkins.
Furniture items are distinguished by simple shapes and finished lines. They can be quite crude and give the impression of items made independently, somewhere in a home workshop. Carved legs and facades, floral decoration, bronze or porcelain fittings give such items the necessary grace.
Light-colored wood will create a feeling of spaciousness and light. Sometimes it is additionally coated with a thin layer of light paint, through which the original material will be visible.
Rattan wicker items will be a non-standard furniture option. Such cozy chairs are usually complemented by a large number of pillows or knitted blankets.
For Provence there are no restrictions on the amount of furniture used. In large rooms, in addition to the standard set, you can place small chests of drawers, sideboards, and buffets.
Ottomans, couches, chairs, and armchairs placed throughout the house invite apartment residents and guests to sit down and enjoy the comfort of the interior.
Differences and similarities between Provence and country
The rustic charm that is inherent in these two style trends is their common feature, but despite this they still have some differences. If country style expresses simplicity, then Provence expresses sophistication and elegance in everything.
If we talk about similarities, then both have an antique stylization, use antiques and approximately the same color design, they use wood liberally. And also, however, one of the most important features of the style is the relaxed and cozy atmosphere of a country house.
Country music reflects the originality of village houses, close to nature. Rural simplicity is expressed in harmony with nature and a special comfortable mood. That is why, unlike Provence, it can be difficult to decorate a city apartment in country style. These are the main differences and similarities between these two styles.
Textiles in the interior
Home textiles will help create a feeling of home warmth and ancient comfort.
Light curtains made from natural fabrics complement large windows, practically not blocking the sun's rays and fresh air. They can be gathered into pretty folds, decorated with lambrequins and bows, light tiebacks and ribbons. Multi-layer curtains mounted on wooden or iron cornices with forged finials will look great.
Soft plain fabrics or materials with floral patterns, checks, stripes, repeating the wallpaper pattern or complementing the laconicism of the walls are welcome.
Upholstery of upholstered furniture is matched to curtains or walls. Sofas, armchairs, and couches are decorated with decorative pillows; tablecloths and napkins with embroidery or lace are laid out on the tables. The floors are decorated with soft carpets in light colors.
Many faces of fabrics
Just like furniture, French Country fabrics create an artful, eye-catching potpourri. The quintessence of this style is the veil, but you should not neglect other materials, checkered and striped, floral and plain. Textured fabrics such as linen and matlasse, as well as famous French tapestries, add tactile interest to the room.
Decor
Provence, like all other rustic styles, loves a lot of decorative elements.
The following will look great in this interior:
- paintings with pastoral scenes or natural beauties in gilded frames;
- antique mirrors in wrought iron frames;
- caskets;
- vases;
- fresh or dried flowers;
- antique dolls;
- china;
- figurines;
- candlesticks;
- wicker baskets;
- handicraft items.
Homemade items of any kind are welcome. The most difficult thing in decorating Provence is to be able to stop without turning the room into a branch of the museum.
Simple, stylish furniture
French country furniture balances on the border separating elegance and functionality. Although it is largely free of the embellishment that has historically been the hallmark of French design, it is overall elegant. And although for rural residents, especially in the past, the main thing was that each piece of furniture clearly performed its assigned functions, it was not uncommon to have multifunctional pieces or furnishings that could easily be moved to where they were most needed at the moment.
Stay away from overly monotonous furniture sets. Instead, mix wooden furniture with different surface finishes and metal ones that add an antique touch to the interior.
The seating area in this photo epitomizes the French Country approach to furniture. Upholstered chairs with armrests, a table and shelves merge in refined harmony, connected by a common color scheme of soft white and bluish-gray shades. These pieces of furniture have decorative flourishes that elevate them beyond strict practicality, but their elegance is in no way ostentatious or exaggerated.
Lighting in Provence style
Provence requires a lot of light. Natural flow will come from large windows decorated with white frames. Artificial lighting will provide several levels of forced illumination.
The main element of lighting continues to be the ceiling chandelier. It is distinguished by its massiveness, which is imparted by a forged frame, and the lightness provided by glass and crystal pendants, fabric and wicker lampshades.
Wall sconces are matched to the tone of the main lamp. Imitations of candles or gas lamps will look great.
An excellent option for decorating a room would be cozy floor lamps, reminiscent of the romance of bygone times. They are placed everywhere, from the living room to the hallway.
All of the listed design techniques are suitable for use in all rooms. But small tricks will make each room even more cozy and “French”.
How can you age a furniture surface?
Artificially aged furniture looks no worse than its natural counterparts. And it’s much easier to do everything with your own hands; you’ll need less money. You can even choose a white option.
There are many methods to achieve the corresponding effect. Of these, we can recommend three main ones, for example, for a buffet.
- Thermal. Involves the use of soldering irons or other methods to create exposure to open fire.
- Chemical. Substances like stain, ammonia, karkelure varnishes, and so on will help here. The Provence cabinet is processed in the same way.
- Mechanical. It is used to create the effect of damage that appears to have appeared on the surface a long time ago.
Kitchen in Provence style
The Provence style in the kitchen interior will create a joyful mood that will help you prepare delicious food and eat it with pleasure. The kitchen is most often combined with the dining room, and modern household appliances are hidden behind cabinet fronts or items are selected in a retro style.
Small “cafe” curtains will transport visitors to a village hut, where the decor will be painted plates, jars with spices, pickles and jams, ancient Turks and hand mills.
No. 10. Features of the arrangement of different rooms
Provence has never been called a universal style, emphasizing that it is more suitable for owners of country houses or large apartments, but thanks to the discoveries of modern designers, you can breathe French country chic even into a small room. What features should be taken into account when decorating different rooms in the Provence style?
Living room in Provence style
This is a spacious room with large windows that let a lot of light into the room. For wall decoration, it is best to choose textured plaster; a separate part of the surface can be decorated with brickwork. The floor can be finished with solid boards or parquet, and high ceilings can be decorated with wooden beams and a noticeable chandelier.
The main decoration of the room is the fireplace, even if it’s not a real one. It is appropriate to place a soft zone near it. This is a sofa and several armchairs, decorated with a large number of pillows in a faded solid color or with a floral print. All that remains is to lay a nice carpet and take care of the decor. Mirrors, candlesticks, paintings, photos and, of course, flowers are suitable for the living room. If you have an antique piece of furniture at your disposal, then the living room is the best place for it.
Kitchen in Provence style
Provence is an ideal style for the kitchen and dining room, as it is conducive to family gatherings and a pleasant holiday. The French have a weakness for long meals and leisurely conversations, and at the same time they love to admire the exquisite surroundings, which must certainly awaken the appetite and give positive emotions.
The walls of the kitchen can be decorated with plaster, but it is better to decorate the apron with tiles: white, with a floral pattern or with an aging effect. The floor is also laid out with tiles or stones. The dining table is wooden, white. It is decorated with elegant chairs upholstered in textiles with floral patterns. The tablecloth and curtains can overlap, knitted and openwork elements are welcome. It is better to take a set of light, white or cream color, with nice handles. It is better to hide all modern equipment under the facades of furniture so as not to spoil the mood of Provence. A bouquet cabinet with glass doors would look appropriate. On its shelves you can place the most beautiful dishes. It is not difficult to find a ready-made set in the Provence style from almost any more or less large manufacturer, but you can also use assorted furniture with history - then the interior will turn out to be even more authentic.
Don't forget about vases and flower pots, paintings and other accessories. Recipe books, cute spice jars and bottles of oil, vinegar and wine are on display.
Bedroom in Provence style
The bedroom is the room where you can make the most of textiles. The bed can be decorated with a soft lavender-colored bedspread. You can choose a cute floral pattern or plaid pattern. On the sides of the bed you can place white wooden bedside tables, complemented by lamps with textile lampshades. Curtains in a light, turquoise or lavender shade will finally create an association with southern French landscapes.
It is appropriate to decorate the head of the bed with forging, and lay woolen or homespun rugs next to the bed. It is allowed to use wallpaper as decoration, the ceiling remains invariably white, the floor remains wooden. If you wish, you can complement the interior with an antique chest of drawers or a chest, but in the absence of such, just a closet will do. All you have to do is add some cute pillows to the room and hang a few paintings of Provence landscapes on the walls, and you're done.
Bathroom in Provence style
The bathroom is done in light colors. To decorate the walls, use white, milky or cream-colored tiles; you can also take tiles with a plant pattern, or even better, combine these materials. Tiles with a worn effect are a timeless classic of this style. The floor is also tiled, but if funds allow, stone can be used.
It is best to install a full bath. Let it be a free-standing bowl on legs, made in retro style and with a neat floral pattern. If there is not much space, then you can get by with a shower, and you can decorate it with a curtain with a picture of a lavender field. A wooden cabinet with shelves, a wooden bedside table, and wicker baskets are suitable as furniture. The decoration will be a large mirror in an aged frame. Don't forget about lights and accessories. A bouquet of flowers, a cage or a nice watch will not be superfluous, as well as a painting. Lamps can be chosen in the form of candles. Faucets, like all plumbing fixtures, should create the feeling that it was all made centuries ago.
Children's room in Provence style
Provence is perfect for decorating a girl’s room: ruffles, lace, floral patterns, and an abundance of beautiful things will turn the room into the bedroom of a real princess. Use light shades, carpets, openwork furniture, textile lamps and characteristic decor.
A boy’s room can also be furnished in Provence style, because if the entire apartment is designed in the same style, it would be stupid to make one of the rooms sharply different. To create a more boyish interior, use cool shades such as blues and greens. Flowers and ruffles can be replaced with a checkered or striped pattern.
Hallway in Provence style
For the hallway, they traditionally choose a light color scheme, but you can also use less easily soiled shades: lavender, turquoise, olive. It is better to abandon the wardrobe in favor of a vintage wardrobe and several bedside tables. Since the hallway is often a dark room, use as many lamps as possible. The mirror can be decorated with a wooden frame.
Loggia and balcony in Provence style
Light wood or stone trim, a pair of cozy armchairs and a small round coffee table will help create the most comfortable balcony in the world. You can hang roller blinds or Roman blinds on the windows, plain light or with a small floral pattern. The walls can be decorated with paintings of flowers, animals or Provençal landscapes. A vase of flowers or a cage will complement the interior.
Provence for a small apartment
Owners of small apartments need to use only a few style elements so as not to overload the space. A simple light finish can make a room visually a little larger. Finding the simplest light curtains is not a problem. One of the walls can be decorated with floral wallpaper. Select furniture in light colors and decorate with characteristic textiles. A couple of elements in the room can be decorated with forging. All that remains is to hang a few paintings, and the spirit of Provence is already in the air.
Finally, we note how important it is to fill the apartment with the appropriate aroma, so use fresh flowers or stock up on fragrances.
The article was written for the site.
Tags: Apartment design, Interior style
Living room in Provence style
The Provence style in the living room interior will create a soft corner and fireplace, shelves and chests of drawers. A fluffy carpet or burlap rug will look stylish on the floor. Flowers in vases or living plants will decorate the guest room.
No. 5. Ceiling finishing
The ceiling decoration also uses natural materials in calm shades without gloss. The ideal option is plaster, smooth or textured. You can replace it with paint, and if the surface of the ceiling is not very good at all, then a stretch ceiling will do, but choose only a matte, plain canvas.
If the height of the ceilings allows, then you can decorate them with wooden beams, but do not choose too dark colors - a beige or light brown shade will be most appropriate.
Bedroom in Provence style
For the bedroom it is better to reduce the amount of furniture. A wide bed (with a base and headboard made of wood or metal) and a small chest of drawers will suffice here. A dressing table is placed for the beautiful inhabitant of the bedroom.
The textiles are decorated with ruffles, flounces, puffs, and lace.
Provence style for a children's room
The style will be a wonderful decoration for a child's room. It is perfect for young princesses and romantically minded ladies.
To decorate the room of a boy or children of different sexes, choose a blue, green or soft brown color scheme, a pattern in the form of stripes.
Hallway in Provence style
The entrance area in Provence style will welcome guests with soft couches or ottomans, a large mirror, and floor vases. Photos of Provence style in the interior will help you better understand this amazing design option and find the most suitable details for yourself.
Decoration of different rooms
Now let's see how you can decorate the premises in a house or apartment in the style described.
Bedrooms
When decorating not just bedrooms, but rooms for girls and women, the active use of white is encouraged. The necessary atmosphere will be created by both flowers and cages with or without birds. A small mirror is also an obligatory feature of the room. A small bed is inappropriate in such a room. But the presence of a canopy is quite an attractive idea.
Beige tones are often used in a monochrome bedroom design project. You could also use a nutty, powdery or light brown color. When creating a more masculine interior, blue color is used. It can be used in conjunction with white paint. It is also worth taking a closer look at solutions based on light green tones.
Kitchens
It is also useful to know how to decorate a small kitchen in Provence style. There you can actively use a variety of colors, but provided that they combine well with each other and do not look overly bright. The principle is simple: take a clean, rich color and “clog” it with white, gray or blue tones
It is extremely important: color accents cannot be used, as they will immediately disrupt the harmony and will fundamentally contradict the overall concept. Furniture facades can be made of milled MDF or have transparent doors
Living room
It is very important to decorate this room correctly even in a large cottage. In this case, soft white paint or a combination of coffee and milk is welcome
Light walls with rough plaster filling and floral motifs are often used. The furniture can be made of waxed wood; its obligatory feature is curved legs. For fabrics, it is recommended to choose simple cotton textiles with floral patterns.
Bathroom and toilet
The design of the bathroom and toilet areas in the Provencal spirit has its own characteristics. As in other rooms, the use of light furniture with curly legs is encouraged
Attention should be paid to the execution of mirrors, furniture handles, towel holders and other similar things. Faucets should be large and equipped with a curved spout
Hallway
In this room, furniture that matches the style of modern classics is most appropriate. It is best not to experiment, but to take ready-made kits. The entire interior is created in a maximum of three shades. To separate from other rooms in studios, shelving and bar counters are used. Plaster stucco molding and artistic forging will create the necessary ambiance.
Peach and mint tones are actively used in hallways. Colors are usually clearly differentiated; it is not recommended to create transitions. The surface of the floor tiles is aged. A chest of drawers is placed in the center of the room. On one of the walls there is a shelf for small items (keys, mittens, scarves, caps, phones, etc.).
Children's
The colors in this room are the same as in other areas of the house. In addition to floral and other plant prints, you can also use plaid and polka dots. Both plain and printed wallpapers are used. It is pleasant and convenient to illuminate the nursery with the help of a chandelier equipped with a metal chain. The children's room is an exception to the general order - this is the only room in the spirit of Provence where carpets are appropriate.
Balcony
On the Provencal balcony you can put various embroidered decorations. One of the walls is sometimes decorated with boards. Whether to paint them white or leave them in their natural form is up to the owners themselves. Wallpaper of one or more colors will create the desired mood. Light boards and stone tiles are placed on the floor. The ceiling is covered with natural wood.
In a Provencal style attic, you can use wooden beams of a relatively rich color. If a bed is placed there, it is usually decorated with carvings. Using a large number of family photos helps to add coziness. A separate topic is the design of a veranda or terrace in the spirit of Provencal style. Such rooms are usually plastered like brick without leveling the surfaces.
Terracotta tiles are placed on the floor, the seams between which will have to be sanded. The ceiling will be decorated with ceramic tiles, brick or natural stone. It is logical to install forged couches and tea tables. The cabinets are painted with neat green or blue patterns.
Stairs in a Provencal interior, of course, are made strictly of wood. Its texture may be slightly careless, but this carelessness must be thoroughly thought out. Dark green and brown colors are preferred. A specific color is selected taking into account how it will look in natural and electric light. Without any problems, you can install not only a straight staircase, but also a curved staircase.
