22 French Kitchen Ideas That Will Transport You to the Countryside

Expose Those Beams

Allowing the original framework of a home to shine through is a wonderful way to showcase its character. Added bonus: in an open floor plan, beams can also allow for a sense of cohesion between different living spaces.

“They add definition without feeling heavy or bulky,” Pennsylvania designer Glenna Stone says, who created this kitchen. “They’re a natural and graceful part of the design.”

Add a Hint of Glitz

Blame it on centuries of royal reign—no matter how rustic a room might otherwise be, it often still incorporates a hint of Old-World opulence. An antique crystal-embellished chandelier adds that touch of fanciness, and the colors will play nicely with other patina-ed metals you incorporate into the rest of the space. 

Incorporate Old Textiles

There’s no rule that says a French country kitchen can’t have a bit of color. But, the style is generally thought of as something that celebrates the old, and an easy way to do that is to use a patterned sheet or favorite piece of fabric as a tablecloth. It’ll give new life to something that’s otherwise just taking up space in your linen closet and make dinner clean-up a breeze—double victory.

Have a Place to Hang Your Market Haul

When a separate mudroom isn’t a possibility, a simple peg rack is the perfect place to drop off bags of fresh produce from the farmer’s market, or even to hang the apron and sun hat you wear outside to dig in your vegetable garden.

Make Built-ins Feel Like Furniture

When done in natural shades of wood, craftsman details like the Square Island Post shown here will help the permanently placed elements of your kitchen feel like classically crafted furniture from another era—and give a homespun air to even the newest of new builds. 

Use Vintage Furniture

Vintage and second-hand furniture are a key part of the country look—the more mismatched, the better. In lieu of a coordinated dining and shelving set, opt to collect pieces over time from flea markets, or in this day and age, Facebook Marketplace. The pieced-together look will help your kitchen feel like it has a story to tell. 

Use Shiplap Strategically

Shiplap may feel more synonymous with Waco, Texas than the French countryside—thanks, Chip and Joanna—but it’s still a pretty way to add farmhouse texture to a white kitchen. For a more elegant take on the trend, install the boards vertically instead of horizontally. 

Think Beyond White

Pure white isn’t the only true neutral out there, folks. For a country kitchen that feels a touch more contemporary and multi-dimensional, play with warm shades of tan and light gray. 

Designate a Pantry Space

The French are all about good eats—and we want to bring that mantra to a French country kitchen for sure with designated pantry space. This rustic take by Milk and Honey Life features a reclaimed wood door that opens to reveal plenty of space for your cooking and baking essentials.

Showcase a Collection

Coziness is hard to conjure in a sparsely decorated room. To that end, don’t be shy about letting some of your favorite kitchen items and collectibles take up shelf space. After all, a kitchen is nothing if not a space for memories.

Build in a Plate Rack

Nooks and crannies in the cabinetry are an essential part of the charm of a country kitchen. For a dose of traditionalism, incorporate a plate rack. The old-school style will allow you to display your favorite everyday china, or, at the very least, make dishes easier to grab while you prep dinner. 

Opt for Bistro Chairs

Nothing says French-style—or invites guests to sit and stay awhile—quite like a bistro chair. Serena & Lily is responsible for the beautiful style shown here, which can be ordered in six shades.

Go for the Apron-Front Sink

Does it get any more country classic than an apron-front sink? No, no it does not. But there is a reason beyond aesthetics why the style is so popular: the extra-wide, extra-deep size makes it easier to handle a haul of pots and pans all at once. 

Pick Powder Blue Accents

Light blue is a signature component of Provençal style—probably because it matches the delightful hue of the sky in the French countryside. If you’re looking for a French-inspired way to add a little color to a kitchen, this is a wise choice. 

Hang Copper Everywhere

Thanks to its brilliant sheen and impressive heat induction, copper cookware has been a staple of French country kitchens for centuries. For a luxe farmhouse touch, hang your best pieces on a pot rack right above your range. 

Extend a Tile Backsplash

High-contrast color palettes work in a country-inspired design when there’s something to soften the edges. The rounded cross-inspired pattern in this tile does exactly that—and, because it’s spread throughout the space, you’re instantly cocooned in its homeyness. 

Invest in a French Range

LaCornue and Lacanche, pictured here, are the creators of two of the most iconic styles of French cooking appliances. While installing a range from one of these brands in your kitchen won’t guarantee a Julia Child-worthy coq au vin, it can probably help you get pretty darn close. 

Collect Ironstone Serveware

Diehard Francophiles know that French ironstone is the ultimate kitchen collectible. The unembellished, simple white design is beloved for its durability and timelessness.

Display Worn Cutting Boards

Layering a variety of vintage cutting boards in a kitchen is a go-to interior stylist trick for adding texture and warmth to an all-white space. Copy the move to bring an antique appeal to your own cooking quarters.

Let Lanterns Inspire Your Lighting

Is it just us, or do the beautiful pendant lights in this kitchen feel like something straight out of Belle’s provincial French village in Beauty & the Beast? But, while the lantern shape and heavy chain feel Old-World, the open siding is fresh and architectural. That fusion makes the design an ideal way to bring a hint of French country style into a more contemporary kitchen. 

Sprinkle in Gingham

The bold check pattern brings cheeriness to any surface it graces and is typically available in a wide range of hues. For a sweeter take on the country look, go with something spring-y and pastel. 

Pick a Patinaed Hood

Well-weathered metals are a lovely touch for any space as lived-in as a kitchen. To up the rustic quotient when picking out your hood, opt for a cooking vent with brass accents and a more traditional wide-to-skinny shape.