Transport yourself to a farmhouse in the French countryside or emulate the elegance of a Parisian apartment. These French kitchen ideas can help you re-create that timeless style no matter where you live. Combine rustic elements with sophisticated finishes for a kitchen that will always be en vogue.
Herringbone brick floors set the tone for this French-inspired kitchen. In lieu of an island, a simple wood table provides seating and extra prep space. French doors, which open out to a patio, bolster the casual feel, while earthy green cabinets and marble countertops add elegance.
With its contrasting cabinet colors and antique brass accents, this space exudes all the charm of a modern Parisian kitchen. Slate tiles laid in a herringbone pattern and outlined with dark gray grout create a sophisticated foundation. The three-armed light fixture overhead is inspired by an iconic French design.
Classical details fill this kitchen with traditional French style. Antique light fixtures establish elegant appeal, while the marble countertops and backsplash provide natural color and texture. A patterned rug picks up the rich brown tones of the dark-stained cabinetry.
A multitude of charming elements, including lantern-like pendants, crown-molding-capped cabinets, and marble countertops, create the feel of a sophisticated salon. The wood-topped island and glass-front cabinet doors reference old-world elements. Gray backsplash tiles provide an updated version of classic white subway tiles.
A high-style nook provides fine dining in this eat-in kitchen. Antique French chairs and an upholstered banquette provide seating for a metal-topped table with a striking pedestal base. The bench's shapely back, dual fabrics, and nailhead trim make for high-style seating. Curtain panels with trim detailing and a shaded chandelier further exude old-world style.
Spacious old-world kitchens call for high-impact surfaces, materials, and fittings. Note this room's extra-thick marble countertops, bronze pendant lights, and steely range hood. The island takes center stage against a mint backsplash thanks to cross-hatch details and a facade crafted from horizontally set aged boards.
Weathered beams, weighty woodwork, and arched details add character to this newly built French-style kitchen. The space sports a variety of finishes, including distressed, polished, and painted, to give the appearance that it was furnished over time. Inky black paint on the island highlights the craftsmanship and offers a striking contrast.
Creative artwork is essential in successful Parisian kitchens. A small seating area equipped with a stone-top table and handcarved chairs sits opposite this room's range wall. An oversized wood carving rests against a stone column and contributes time-faded color to the space.
Reclaimed floorboards and half-timber ceiling beams add rustic character to this French kitchen design. The expansive stone-topped island bears the look of a hand carved furniture piece, while antique benches contribute patina and family-friendly seating. Iron and bronze accents forge a connection with fixtures and hardware from the past.
How to Choose the Ideal Cabinet Hardware and the Layout
You might remember that famous line from William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Juliet is expressing her frustration that their love is hindered by their feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets, who are opposed to their relationship based solely on their names. She offers "That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." Juliet is pleading with her family to see past Romeo’s given name and appreciate his true heart and character.
