Elements of French Kitchen Design

Elements of French kitchen design speak fluent style to legions of Francophile-obsessed decoristas.

With the holiday season right around the corner, the kitchen will be the baking-cooking-gathering star of the show.

There’s no time like the present to entertain the thought of a kitchen revamp, refresh or remodel, n’est-ce pas?

Elements of French kitchen design marry formality with rustic refinement coupled with old-world charm personifying the characteristics of the country French kitchen.

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Werner Straube

Architectural elements juxtaposed against a weathered patina and items of old and new come together to lend warmth and character which in turn create a visually stunning space.

Architectural Digest – Photography by Simon Watson

Nature inspired tones and skirted sinks and islands of stone become the design elements cornerstone of rustic French kitchen design.

Ashley Montgomery Design

Do you prefer the term country French or French country?

Traditional Style of the Country French Kitchen

Perhaps a tomayto, tomahto point, but Country French is the term used most often in the antiques world so country French it is.

Inspiration is everywhere, and listening to French music is an excellent source of inspiration- a musical form of a French immersion master class.

Antiqued Dalle de Beaucaire French Limestone Flooring

It is said that kitchen design starts from the ground up.

French Terracotta Flooring – Vintage Elements

Auxerre French Reclaimed Terracotta Tile Hexagon

Rich earthy tones, pattern designs at play, and old-world charm is present in natural stone choices.

Hardwood floors, natural wood cabinets, exposed stone tile backsplash, an effortless mix of new and vintage architectural pieces, and marble countertops continue to top the list of the most preferred elements of French kitchen design.

Varenna Porcelain Floor Tile

Argos Natural Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile

Stella Loire Silver Smoke Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Balsa 24″ x 24″ Porcelain Wood Look Wall & Floor Tile

Artisan Damero Azul 13 in. x 13 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile

Canet Gris 17 in. x 17 in. Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Veranda Magazine – Photography by Xaviet Bejot

Oscar Wilde tells us imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Imitating the distinctive European elegance vis-à-vis design and decor pays a compliment to the classic French kitchen.

May I present in the style of accents and accessories for your design and decorating inspiration~

French Lantern Chandelier in Gilded Bronze with Cut Crystal Detail

Artichoke Art Print

Shachar 72 in. or 90 in. Extendable Rectangle Dark Brown Wood Dining Table

Regina Wood Upholstered Dining Chair by Christopher Knight Home
French Market Basket

Maison Créative

Betera Blanco 13-1/8 in. x 13-1/8 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile

Merola Tile Retro Hex Nero 14.13″ x 16.25″ Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Industry Tile 8×8 Art Wood Marble Design 5 Porcelain Tile

Merola Tile Kings Damero 17.63″ x 17.63″ Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile

From the rustic chic of hardwood, the earthy richness of natural stone, the formal informal of marble, and the iconic style of parquet flooring- flooring serves as a principal foundation piece in terms of the overall balance of kitchen design.

Hand Scraped Strand Woven Sahara Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Dixiewood Herringbone Brown 9.25 in. x 11.22 in. Marble Mosaic Tile

Balsa Decor Caramel 24 in. x 24 in. Matte Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

French Oak Santa Cruz Solid Hardwood Flooring

House Beautiful – Mindy Laven Design
Photography by Christopher Lee Foto

Commanding features of the very right of the white kitchen juxtaposed with the presence of accents and accessories rich in provincial color, texture and pattern fashion a visually interesting mélange of design and decorating distinction.

Palm Design Group

Antique French Pine Cabinet Doors

Subtle drama, a decorating oxymoron if there ever was one, engages my eye past the traditional idea of the country French kitchen to decor accents in the not trying so hard to exemplify the look category.

4 Light Empire Chandelier

Grosvenor Large Single Hanging Shade

Alisina 4 – Light Dimmable Lantern Geometric Chandelier

Balsa Decor Caramel 24 in. x 24 in. Matte Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Sahara Hand Scraped Strand Woven Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Salento 8-Light Vintage Copper Chandelier

Same fixture design but in Persian white.

Salento 8-Light Persian White Chandelier

Chevron LakLuxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Salento 9-Light Vintage Copper Chandelier

French Country 12-light Beaded Empire Candle Chandelier

Bria Hammel Interiors

Chapman & Myers Modern Globe Lantern

Mitzi Fenimore 1 Light Pendant
Hudson Valley Painted No.1 by Mark D. Sikes 3-light Aged Brass Pendant

Allenglade 5-Light Unique Antique Gold Globe Chandelier

Antique Copper 7-Light Crystal Empire Four Tier Chandelier

Adding a ceiling medallion completes the desired result.

European Collection Acanthus Polyurethane Ceiling Medallion

Needham Urethane Ceiling Medallion

Saverne Ceiling Medallion, Primed White

Shell And French Twist Polyurethane Ceiling Medallion

Benson Classic Ceiling Medallion, Americana Crackle

Strasbourg Urethane Ceiling Medallion, Pot of Cream

Do you consider cabinet hardware as a focal point?

Oui mes amis.

Solid Brass Tassel Pull

Anne at Home Hare Head Knob in Pewter Matte

All Creatures 1.37″ Diameter Mushroom Knob

Never underestimate the small details and the ability they have to make a grand statement.

Accenting with as opposed to a total immersion in is the key to alleviating the risk of a dated look.

Lubbock WTBHA 2015 Parade of Homes

Sourcing home decor items is routine, but never mundane.

For any of you in the Greater Houston area or up for a treasure hunt adventure I suggest checking out the French and European items up for auction at Gallery Auction.

In the days of Hopefully Classic, this auction company was an absolute favorite source of antique pieces and accents. Goodies at the Gallery was code for hook up the trailer and let’s go.

Louis XV Style Buffet Sideboard

French Provincial Sideboard

If you can’t make it in person you can view the catalog, bid online, and arrange to have your winning purchase(s) shipped to you at an additional cost. (Check out the copper cookware and stunning Empire chandeliers- treasures galore!)

Zentique Provence Side Dining Chair

Provencal Counter Stool

Galliher 24.5” Counter Stool

House Beautiful – Photography by Simon Upton

East at Main Rattan Handwoven Wicker Armchair with Cushion

The Gray Barn Willow Way Dining Chair (Set of 2)

Linen and Wood Dining Chairs (Set of 4)
French Chic Vintage Style Dining Side Chair With Linen Welted Fabric

Antique Hand-Carved Hunt Dining Table

Maria Wood and Cane Upholstered Dining Chair

Dark Gray Fabric Dining Chairs with Black Checkerboard Back Design, Set of 2

Admiration for the well-appointed French kitchen began when I was in junior high.

Uttermost Torriana Antiqued Accent Wall Clock

My best friend’s mother had impeccable taste in home furnishings and home décor accessories, and it carried throughout to create the notable interiors associated with one of the most premier homes of our area.

Robin’s Nest Cabinet

Kingsley Sandblasted White Round Dining Table

Gracefully designed and decorated, the traditional kitchen, appointed with classic French flair, was indeed the design pièce de résistance.

Remarkable in memory to this day is the French bleu colors mix paired with cream white accents designed to serve as both color palette and focal point.

Less is more echoed throughout the design and decor, and the style statement made more ethereal than overt.

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Werner Straube

Accents in ç’est vraiment magnifique detail translates to it’s really beautiful- the quintessential design element of the curated French kitchen.

French Country Double-Handle Deck Mount Gooseneck Bridge Kitchen Faucet with Brass Sprayer in Polished Brass

French Country style kitchen faucets by Kingston Brass represents the detail of vintage French country design, bringing elegance of old to the contemporary kitchen.

Kitchen Faucet with Side Sprayer in Antique Copper

Tuscan Farmhouse Arabescato Marble Sink

Kingston Brass Heritage Kitchen-Faucet in Antique Copper

Whitehaus 30″ Single Basin Kitchen Sink

Beige Marble Rough Apron Sink

Rounded Apron Front Farmhouse Kitchen Double Bowl Mexican Copper Sink

Utilitarian in function, unique in presence. Wonderful options for a butler/prep sink.

Rope Natural Stone Vessel Sink in Almond Brown

Cylindrical Natural Stone Vessel Sink in Grey

French White Marble Sink

One-Handle Widespread Kitchen Bar Faucet

Akicon Single-Handle Bar Faucet in Copper

bi·be·lot

ˈbib(ə)ˌlō
noun

a small, decorative ornament or trinket.

Antique French Blue Transferware Bowl 1878 Earthenware

Country French Cupboard

French Antique Empire Iron and Tole Chandelier, Late 19th Century

19th Century French Oak Cabinet

19th Century Iron and Tole Chandelier

Antique Oil Portrait Painting Woman, French Bonnet, French Brocante

Vintage French Louis XV Style Marble Top Paint Decorated Commode

Rosemary & Lavender Live Wreath

Circa Art Collection

Architectural salvage pediments.

Antique French Pediment / Ornament

Vintage French Wood Pediment

Architectural French Carved Wood PedimentCast Stone Parisian Entrance Urn in Aged Charcoal

Curated style is born out of looking at decor pieces in a whole new light such as using this Parisian Entrance Urn as a countertop trash receptacle.

Blue Willow Chinoiserie Printable Art

Large French Country Vaisselier Plate Shelf

Hanging Plate and Cup Rack

Vintage Bread Boards

Antique French Provencal Salt Box

French Antique Flower Enamel BB Freres Kitchen Canisters Containers

3-Piece Ceramic Canister Set in White and Blue

Veranda – Photography by Alexandre Bailhache

Set of 5 French Kitchen Copper Pans Saucepans Wooden Handles

Architectural salvage pieces take beautifully to the aesthetic of the French kitchen.

Antique Architectural Salvage Cast Iron Fireplace Cover

This antique architectural salvage cast iron fireplace cover is stunningly suitable as a fireback backsplash accent piece.

Rustic Kitchen Island with Drawers

White and Gold 58-inch Wide Marble Top Kitchen Island

May I present a second option dripping in going for the gold style~

White and Gold 58-inch Wide Marble Top Kitchen Island

Homestyles Orleans Kitchen Island with Butcher Block Top

Large Marble Dough Bowl – Photography by Liz Clayman

Stuart I Brown Solid Wood Top Two-Tier Black Metal Rolling Kitchen Island

Elisgner Black Metal 29-inch Kitchen Island Table

Espresso Barley Twist Upholstered Counter Stool

19th century French allumette, Match Holder

Rooster Cutting Board

Apilco Pig Casserole Dish

Apilco Porcelain Hare Casserole Dish

French Kitchen Pillivuyt & Cie Porcelain Rabbit Pate Tureen

Martha Stewart 6″ Cream Ceramic Rooster Baker

Pomegranate Fruit Oil Painting

Large Natural Willow Tote Basket by Ashland®

Classic Provencal blue cookware.

Tramontina Enameled Cast-Iron 7-qt. Oval Dutch Oven

Creil & Montereau Blue Transferware Small Serving Dish Vine Model

MALACASA Series Ceramic Oval Baking Dish Bakeware Set

E. Dehillerin Paris Stamped Stock Stew Pot

Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper Roasting Pan with Artichoke Handle

French kitchen design provides the perfect opportunity to add a single focal point lamp or perhaps a duo to the countertop for accent lighting perfection.

Clara Table Lamps, Set of 2

Roma Table Lamps, Set of 2

Distinctive European elegance is the standard of style and signature component of French kitchen design.

A Seasonal Blend Of Old World And Modern Day Holiday Decors

Christmas In Provence and Eastern Europe comes to life through the pages of Art & Décoration and Campagne Decoration. These wonderful publications feature two stunning homes in their holiday issues. The first of these features takes the reader on a private tour of the Chateau d’Ansouis. Steeped in history and dating back to the thirteenth century, Château d’Ansouis overlooks the village of Ansouis and the valley of the Aigues.

Ownership of Château d’Ansouis has shuffled through the centuries. Owned since the tenth century by the powerful house of Forcalquier, the medieval fortress was next sold to Ansouis Zosimus-Elzear-Louis, Duke of Sabran in 1836. Elzear de Sabran and his wife Delphine. Honorably devoted to the causes of the poor resulted in Elzear being canonized and Delphine beatified in 1369. In January 2008, Gérard and Frédérique Rousset-Rouvière acquired Château d’Ansouis and a refined renovation soon began. Designer Jean-Jacques Bourgeois was brought on board and the beauty is in the details now more than ever, but especially at the holidays.

The arms of Sabran with diamond points grace the entryway. Lanterns and candlelight greet visitors in quaint and quiet splendor reminiscent of old world charm.

Soft candlelight in the stone stairway from the rows of candles, lantern, and wall table festively light the way to summer, the terracotta statue standing in the niche on the landing.

An exquisite interpretation of the list of thirteen traditional Provencal Christmas desserts is represented in grand detail. Mandarins, candied fruits, dates, dried apricots, chocolate and fresh grapes sit beautifully displayed between crystal candelabras atop a marble top buffet.

Eighteenth century antiquities set the tone for holiday dining with a festive, yet understated tablescape. After midnight mass on Christmas Eve, a gourmet meal of roasts, turkey and wines from Provence precedes the famous thirteen desserts. The thirteen desserts stand in remembrance of the Last Supper with Jesus surrounded by his twelve apostles. The Murano glass chandelier is stunning, as is the mantel and eighteenth century Rocaille.

The Grand Salon Rocaille, the 18th-century style of plaster-work featuring elaborately stylized shell-like, rocklike, and scroll motifs, is ranked among the best of Provence. The painted almond green walls are original to the decor.

Excuse me while I gain my composure after swooning over what I can only describe as an armoire cupboard. The contrast of the rich walnut armoire and original green patina of the interior cupboard is a Provincial design masterpiece.

Christmas en Provence are very traditional gatherings of family and community. The celebration begins with a vigil of songs, hymns and stories and concludes with gifts being handed out. The Big Dinner is a meatless meal held before midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The traditional table is set on three white tablecloths removed successively during the meal and adorned with three large white candles which represent the Trinity. Copper utensils and Moustiers earthenware shine as characteristically French features of an understated, utilitarian beauty.

The second feature has us shifting gears from historically traditional to whimsical wonder represented through warmth, color, and texture. This nineteenth century mansion of Slavic origin stands amidst a village in the north of the Ile-de-France. The dining room crystal chandelier and glass mercurisées reflect the reds, metals, and magentas of the holiday decor. My eyes immediately widen in decor amazement at first glance of the magenta branches on the mantel and the Reindeer skin draped garden chairs.

‘Tis the season for color, texture, velvet, silk, ribbons, embroidery and florals.

A lone display works as the perfect compliment to the whimsical decor~ a Christmas cuckoo clock with mushroom glass mercurisé.

Accessories inspire the gift of creativity.

Old world and modern day traditions at Christmas, both celebrated and decorated in other parts of our world, fittingly represent history, culture, and design. The beauty, joy, and traditions of the season translate well.

Château d’Ansouis photo source: via

Nineteenth century mansion photo source: via

Paris Cajun Canada French Onion Soup Recipe

When it comes to selecting a French onion soup recipe, I find I’m beginning to feel like the character Albert in The Birdcage.

Albert, brilliantly played by Nathan Lane, convincingly explains his mispronunciation of Armand’s surname in a context I find myself relating to.

“Oh yes… Coldeman.

The “d” is silent in America. It’s Cole D’Isle au Man, or Cole of the Isle of Man, in France, where Armand’s chateau is, Cold-e-man in Greece where Armand’s work is, and finally the vulgar Coleman in Florida where Armand’s home is, so actually, we don’t know where we are until we hear our last name pronounced!

Ahahahahahahaaaaa!”

Living in Louisiana we are heavily influenced by Creole and Cajun French.

The Graphics Fairy

When visiting our son when he lived in Canada we were introduced to Quebecois French.

Banner Weathervane – Pure Copper

Actually, we don’t know where we are until we taste the food, the “who cares where we are as long as it is French” food!

Ahahahahahahaaaaa!

Julia Child instructs us how to prepare her version of French Onion Soup.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume Box Set)
by Julia Child & Louisette Bertholle & Simone Beck

At home I have my own recipe met and mastered to c’est si bon perfection.

You’re definitely speaking my language when you’re talking French Onion Soup. I know where to go for the best French onion soup from coast to coast.

Mon Ami Gabi French Onion Soup Au Gratin

Mon Ami Gabi in Las Vegas both serves a fantastic French onion soup.

How I would love to be on the Las Vegas strip right now watching the Fountains of Bellagio while enjoying French onion soup goodness!

Since I’m not, I’ll bring a pinch of Paris, a dash of Creole, and a smidgen of Canada to the Places In The Home family table.

French Onion Soup

Ingredients

2 Tablespoon butter

2 teaspoons olive oil

6 medium onions thinly sliced

1 teaspoon Creole seasoning

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

2 bay leaves

½ cup white white or sherry

2 quarts (8 cups) low sodium beef broth

French bread baguette

Gruyère cheese slices (2 slices per soup serving)

For Creole Seasoning

Ingredients

1/3 cup paprika

3 tablespoons dried oregano

3 tablespoons ground black pepper

2 tablespoons dried basil

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoons cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon granulated onion

4 teaspoons dried thyme

4 teaspoons granulated garlic

Directions

Heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over a medium- high heat. Add sliced onions and bay leaves to the pan, saute for 5 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle sugar and Creole seasoning over onions, stir to incorporate.

Cook onions and company for 30 minutes or until softened and reaching a caramelized stage. Add sherry and bay leaves to onions. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn heat back up to medium-high and add beef broth.

Allowing broth to heat through, reduce to simmer, and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes in order for ingredients to marry and live happily ever after.

Remove bay leaves.

Slice French bread baguette and place on a baking sheet.

Markus Spiske

French Kitchen Island

English ceramic tureen “Audley”

Small Lion Headed Tureen, Set of 4, White

Place under broiler until slices reach a light golden brown.

Place crocks or oven proof bowls on a large cookie sheet. Ladle soup into crocks or bowls.

Place one slice French bread in each bowl and top with 2 slices of Gruyère cheese. Broil on high until cheese is melted and browned.

Directions for Creole Seasoning

In a medium bowl combine paprika, dried oregano, ground black pepper, dried basil, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, granulated onion, dried thyme and granulated garlic. Stir to combine.

Can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months.

Bienvenue, Bon Appétit and C’est si bon!