PROVENCAL STYLE: INTRODUCTION
What is the Provencal style? To define the Provencal style we have to think of the region located in the south of France, Provence. In this area of the country there is a particular decorative style that has more and more people who appreciate and love it.
The Provencal style is made of wrought iron, soft colors and straw. The culture of this place is reflected in its patinated or painted furniture, natural and barely hinted colors of furniture and fabrics used to decorate.
Often the furniture also has decorations made with colors of a darker tone. In this case, white, lavender, powder blues and all natural hues and ochre especially for the walls of the house predominate.
In addition, this style is inspired by the country style in which the essentiality and elegance of the past is enhanced, far from the excesses of modern style.
Provençal decor is distinguished by the use of spring colors, special materials and by the creation of striking, romantic, elegant and genuine settings.
CHARACTERISTICS
Provencal style is a style of furniture that derives from the characterizations of the French region of Provence. The elements are romantic, elegant with a nod to vintage charm. A house in this style wisely mixes shabby and country furniture, made of great classics such as pickled furniture, wooden consoles and tables, antiqued furnishing accessories and many fabrics. Unmissable are:
- The dining table, the true protagonist of the living area
- Furniture with a romantic vintage patina and imperfections: yes to a bit of disorder, no to minimalism
- Wood, ecru, wrought iron, stone and cast iron as main materials
- Lavender and other flowers and colours tending to lilac
- Particular attention to detail
Those who opt for this style of furniture are looking for tranquility, romance, the atmosphere of old farmhouses.
KITCHEN
The kitchen in perfect Provencal style is large, romantic, harmonious, welcoming. Spices, fruits and herbs are in plain view on the peninsula or shelf. Rustic curtains on the windows, tablecloth on the table, and natural materials are all elements that make this a cozy and reassuring environment.
Table, chairs, worktops or island entirely made of wood are the most important elements to which you must give priority in kitchen furnishings. Wood is certainly the natural element to be preferred, especially if the kitchen cabinets and furnishing accessories are worked in poor art or vintage.
LIVING ROOM
Even in the living room, the Provencal style aims to give the environment a romantic and relaxing air. Upholstered armchairs blend with the natural materials present: the wooden table, the wrought iron coffee table.
Aperitif or after-dinner tables, antique and refined bookcases will also tend to define the space and give the living room a touch of elegance. Loungers or furniture complements made of bamboo, too, can definitely feature in a Provencal-style living room.
Linen, cotton or jute curtains will also characterize the room, especially if they are in soft, soothing colors such as teal, sugar paper or taupe.
BATHROOM
To transform the bathroom into a Provencal style, a lavender or sugar paper cabinet and some wrought iron details are sufficient. As furnishing accessories in the bathroom we find: jars with bath salts, candle holders, flowers, cotton, soap dishes.
Elements such as the laundry basket made of bamboo or wicker is also particularly popular. Also popular is the choice of covering the walls or floors with colorful tiles or, in the case of the floor, terracotta.
In addition, it can be decorated in the Provencal style with distinctive furnishings such as wooden benches, tubs, galvanized iron basins or wrought-iron toilets.
SLEEPING AREA
A Provencal-style bedroom evokes pleasant, intimate sensations, it is characterized by soft, relaxing, calming colors. Ochre, gray, light blue, sugar paper and blue can be your allies for a Provencal-style bedroom.
There can be no shortage of plants, antique and large mirrors, trunks or rocking chairs made of bamboo or wood with references to the colors of the Provencal style.
WHERE TO BUY PROVENCAL STYLE FURNITURE?
What characterizes the Provencal style is the lived-in air of the furniture and furnishings. It is often brand new furniture that has been treated and made vintage, but this style is even more charming if the furniture is truly lived in.
So what better than visiting an antique market to salvage grandparents’ old furniture by repainting it and giving it new life?
It is, in fact, a style that has a history behind it, it has its cracks but they are cracks that tell life stories. This alone is enough to furnish and personalize a home, making it unique.
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Finally, if you need personalized advice to furnish your home in a Provencal style, send an email to [email protected]!
