It may be the most popular room in the house, but in France, there are also a few design surprises in the kitchen. The colors and the warm and relaxed feel associated with the French Country style is often the perfect choice for the kitchen. But Southern France is the birthplace of this French Country look--where the kitchen has become a place for sustenance for both the spirit and the stomach. Visit two distinctly different French homes to find out how owners Tricia Robinson and Simone Duckstein designed their kitchens to reflect what the French Country style means to them.
To create a French Country kitchen in your own home:
- Use rustic, earthy materials that will offer age-old elegance and practicality. Rough-hewn beams set in plaster ceilings provide a contrast to a clean, white backdrop. Brick or tile flooring offers texture and durability. Tile is also used to line walls and countertops to complete the look.
- Incorporate plenty of generous storage. Richly carved cupboards and dressers conceal kitchen contents. Cover built-in shelving with decorative doors to create an armoire-type appearance. Pots, pans and spices are usually kept within easy reach for the cook.
- For seating, unadorned farmhouse-style tables are usually surrounded by rush-bottomed ladderback chairs, often in an assortment of styles. This will add to the comfortable style of the kitchen.
Guests Tricia Robinson
Culinary Teacher, A Taste of Provence
925 Vernal Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: 415-383-9439
Fax: 415-383-6186
Email:
finecook@aol.com
URL:
www.tasteofprovence.com
Simone Duckstein
Hotel Proprietor, La Ponche
Port des Pecheurs
3, rue des Remparts
83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Phone: 04-94-97-02-53
Fax: 04-94-97-78-61
Email:
hotel@laponche.com
URL:
www.laponche.com
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