FRENCH COUNTRY KITCHEN ELEMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                               
     Someday I would like to completely redo my kitchen.  I would create a French kitchen with a very old world, French look.  One that is as authentic as possible, but with all the modern conveniences.  On that note, I have assembled my dream features in this blog.  Whether you are planning an entire new kitchen, or whether you just want to add a few accents to your existing kitchen, a few touches will give it that French feel.  Below are  my favorite elements.

PAINTED CABINETS

     French country kitchens often have cabinets painted in colors of the French landscape.  Soft shades of green, blue, yellow and white tones are often seen.

Painted and Distressed Green Cabinetry from House Beautiful

             

     Painted cabinets also can be "distressed" to give that old look, as in the cabinets above.

     French kitchens frequently have "furniture style" features.  Designs incorporate arches, glass-paned doors, and moldings that reflect French furniture design.

Via Pinterest

                                               


      I love the open-paned doors and two different colors of paint used in this kitchen!
                                                                                            
TERRA COTTA TILE, STONE, OR WOOD FLOORING

     Depending on how rustic you want your French kitchen to look, terra cotta , stone or wood floors will help to give it that old world French feel.   

     Many French homes have a terra cotta hexagonal tile.  Old reclaimed tiles from Europe can still be purchased.

                                                    

     Above, these tiles are old European reclaimed ones and can be purchased at www.ancientfloors.com .  I love their old patina.

                                                     
                                                                                                               


     More tiles from ancient floors--not quite as aged but a very pretty look!

     Stone flooring, especially limestone, adds a classic old French look.  As with tile, stone flooring can be found in both new or old reclaimed pieces that have an antique patina.

                                                                           

Limestone floor from atticmag.com

Antique Stone Flooring from mstoneandtile.com

Reclaimed stone from francoisandco.com

          I especially love the old reclaimed limestone pieces.  The above examples would look great with white cabinets.  If you do not have too big an area, the price may not be too prohibitive!

     Wood floors are also a classic option and great look.  There are so many options today in wood flooring, and new flooring with a distressed look is not too hard to find.

Antique Oak Planks

     Or, you can also find reclaimed pieces.  Love the dark color and distressed look of these floors!                                                          
                                                                            
     Add copper pots:

Copper pots from theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

   ...and an apron sink in white porcelain.

Classic Rohl Apron Sink

      The faucet is perfect, too!

     My dream French kitchen would have distressed wood beams (as long as we are creating a wish list)...

From Period Architecture LTD

      my favorite La Cornue stove..they are not cheap...                                                                                                                                   
                                     
this one is Grand Palais 180...

but a smaller one might do, and so many colors to choose from!

And to finish the whole thing off, the perfect farmhouse table.

Via Pinterest

                                                                 

Via Pinterest

                                                                                                  
     You get the idea!