French-Style Kitchen Islands
French-style kitchens come in many styles and forms. The key to finding—or designing—the perfect French kitchen island lies in the nuances.
Elegant Transitional Kitchens
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Whether your inspiration is a Parisian bistro (think black-and-white color scheme with a subway tile backsplash and industrial-style pendant lighting) or French country (light-colored, furniture-style cabinetry with an antiqued or distressed finish), you'll want to find just the right balance to pour on the European charm. Thick butcher-block countertops, for instance, evoke the nostalgic appeal of 20th-century French butcher shops.
Metallic accents, like wrought-iron detailing, brushed or polished hardware and brass accessories are not only great decorative options—they also add an eye-catching layer of dimension and old-world authenticity.
Bistro-style kitchens are more contemporary in feel; the overall effect is generally more striking and dramatic than a French country kitchen, which is all about comfort and a worn-over-time appeal.
Regardless of which French expression you're inspired by, be true to your style, and make sure the color, texture and shape of the kitchen island are consistent with the rest of your kitchen.
