The most delicate style in the interior of residential spaces is Provence or Provencal style.

The style is gentle, sophisticated, romantic and not losing relevance for many years.

What is the secret of its popularity?

Let's figure it out.

The content of the article

• Provence style history
• Color style Provence
• Distinctive features of Provence style
• Differences from Provence style from Country style
• Provence style kitchen
• Provence Dining Room
• Provence Bedroom
• Provence style living room
• Children's Provence style
• Provence style bathroom and toilet
• Provence corridor and hallway
• Provence style cabinet
• Loggia (balcony) in Provence style
• Provence Country House
• Floor finish
• Ceiling finish
• Wall decoration
• Window trim
• Door trim
• Curtains in the Provencal style
• Provence Style Furniture
• Lighting
• Textile
• Flowers
• Zoning

Provence style history

The word "provence" is literally translated from French as "province". Historically, the lands of southern France were named this way, then the whole region, and the style of interior design typical for local dwellings was named after him.

As such, the style began to emerge in the XVII century, in contrast to the rigor and pretentiousness of the Baroque, relevant in the “urban” France of the time.

In fact, Provencal style is a national variety of country style, which is so authentic that it stands out in an independent stylistic direction.

This is a style of unhurried countryside with cozy country houses and endless lavender fields, romance of the sea coast and magnificent sunrises

Southern France was very popular as a resort among French Bohemia and aristocracy. Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse, Balzac, Dumas came to spend the summer here and soon Provence became popular thanks to the paintings and literary works of great creators far beyond their own bounds.

Color style Provence

The palette of shades of provencal style is a complete reflection of the natural shades of nature in southern France, the Cote d'Azur and the Mediterranean.

In the Provencal interior a lot of purple (lavender), since the region is famous for its endless flower fields, resting directly on the sky. By the way, due to the fact that the shade of Pantone Ultra Violet was officially recognized as the color of 2018, the style was at the peak of popularity.

Pink is used along with violet.

Since Southern France is also a famous seaside resort, colors such as blue and blue are used in the interior.

Green in the Provencal interior most often appears as an accent color rather than the main one. But there are exceptions.

The base color of the style is white. It was in white that it was customary to paint country houses in Provencal villages. White color was used for walls, furniture, ceilings, textiles.

In the modern interpretation of the style, it is allowed to use various shades of white: ivory, ivory, snow white.

Sometimes in the interior can be found yellow and terracotta shades.

A distinctive feature of the Provence style of colors is that all colors are not saturated, but as delicate and pastel as possible.

This is explained very simply: under the scorching rays of the sun of Southern France, all paints (even the brightest and most saturated) simply ... burn out. And they became the weightless and translucent hues, which Provencal style today unmistakably recognized throughout the world.

Distinctive features of Provence style

As we have said, the main distinctive feature of the Provence style is its color range: white in combination with pastel shades of purple, blue, blue, green, yellow.

Since Provence is a type of country style (country), materials and their textures play a special role in it. First of all, it is natural wood, stone and textured linen fabrics with floral ornaments and ruffles.

Important! The furniture in Provencal villages served not one generation, therefore on it there were always very noticeable attritions and even traces of some decay.

In modern apartments the surface can be artificially aged.

Another feature of Provencal furniture is that almost all of it is man-made. Well, since not every villager was a wood sculptor, the processing of this same tree was rather rough and primitive.

The style is dominated by floral patterns and floral designs. And not only in textiles, but also as wall paintings, furniture and ceilings. In addition to floral motifs, a cockerel is very common - in France it is considered a symbol of happiness and well-being.

In the Provencal villages there was practically no electricity, so the main source of light was the sun.

Particular attention was paid to serving, because the dishes were a full and equal part of the interior.

Differences from Provence style from Country style

Provence style, though an offshoot of rustic country style, however, has several distinctive features:

• bright palette of characteristic shades
• painted surfaces
• floral motifs and ornaments
• grace and sophistication

Provence style kitchen

The kitchen is the most favorite place for Provence to live in city apartments.

The light color scheme fits perfectly into the small kitchens of Khrushchev and panel houses.

Do you have a classic kitchen set? Make it a Provencal style headset!

Redraw the white color, make the surface look old, and replace the accessories with a larger “antique” one.

Provence Dining Room

In addition to general recommendations for creating an interior in the style of French country, table setting plays a huge role in the dining room: rustic dishes, napkins made of cloth with a floral pattern, and (definitely!) Fresh flowers.

Provence Bedroom

For the Provence style bedroom, canopies and curtains at the head of the bed are characteristic.

Regular tulle is better to replace the curtains in the floor.

Add indoor plants, a dresser with legs and a cozy armchair with colorful upholstery fabric - your bedroom is ready!

Provence style living room

Light walls, artificially aged furniture, wrought sconces and an ornate chandelier, sideboards with dishes - what could be more beautiful than a Provencal style living room?

The best accessories for her will be bouquets of wildflowers, indoor plants in ceramic painted pots, candlesticks, lanterns and decorative canary cages.

Children's Provence style

Children in the style of Provence most often equip for girls or for very tiny babies. It is the girl who will love the floral ornaments, the canopy at the head of the bed, her own dresser and dressing table in the spirit of French country music.

And do not forget about indoor plants! They will not only create an appropriate atmosphere, but will enrich your child’s room with oxygen better than any technology!

Provence style bathroom and toilet

A Provence style bathroom is best done if it is large enough and / or it has a window.

After all, French country is a style built on details, accents and trifles. And if there is not enough space, then all the details, accents and trivia will rather irritate and interfere than please.

Provence corridor and hallway

In the village houses there were no wardrobes, as a rule, there they simply used the usual hanger-rod or copper hooks nailed directly to the wall.

It is better to revet light walls from the bottom with wooden panels or stone slabs, so their appearance will remain much better in its original form.

If the height of the ceilings allows, they can be decorated with wooden decorative beams that imitate wooden floors.

Provence style cabinet

As well as a children's room in Provence style is more suitable for girls, a Provence style office is the prerogative of working women.

In order for the Provence-style office for a man not to look too feminine, you need to minimize (but not completely refuse!) Ruffles, floral ornaments and pink color scheme.

The flower ornament can quite replace drawing in a cell or in a strip.

Loggia (balcony) in Provence style

Unhurried and measured resort life on the shores of southern France is ideal for rest and relaxation. Balcony or loggia can be such an island of liberation from routine and worries. Paint the walls white, sky blue or lavender, arrange a small sofa and a tiny coffee table here, decorate the balcony with houseplants and enjoy wonderful evenings with a glass of Burgundy red wine.

Provence Country House

Country house in the style of Provence - the perfect place to experiment and make your dreams come true.

Since the Provencal style was originally born in village houses (which is why it is considered an offshoot of country style), and not in apartments, it will suit the cottage, summer house or just a private house.

Floor finish

Wood or stone can be used as a floor covering in a Provencal apartment.

Stone floor is suitable for such premises as a kitchen, bathroom, bathroom, hallway - that is, where there is usually a lot of dirt and / or water.

Natural stone coating does not fit into the budget? Replace it with porcelain tile or tile.

In living rooms - bedroom, nursery, living room, dining room - it is better to use natural wood or its analogues.

The shade of the floor finish can be any one in harmony with the overall color palette. You can paint the floor white, but since it is often impractical, darker colors are acceptable.

Ceiling finish

Provencal style, as we have said, is above all the style of a country house in the village.

And here never bother with the ceiling decoration!

Painted in white - and enough.

But the fact that in a country house was common for the ceiling, namely wooden beams and floors, in the apartment is an independent decorative element that requires special installation.

It is important to remember that not every apartment would suit such decor: in Khrushchev with low ceilings, it is better to refuse it. But in a country house experiment in your pleasure!

Wall decoration

The walls in the style of Provence or painted or taped. Less often for their decoration is used cladding brick.

As in any interior, it is important to observe a balance: if the furniture is bright, with decor, there are a lot of textiles with bright floral patterns, then the walls should be neutral and become a background that will emphasize the rest of the interior. For this wall will be quite enough to paint in white.

If the furniture is neutral - highlight the walls with a shade or flower ornament on the wallpaper.

Window trim

Have you seen plastic windows in village houses?

That's it.

So try to choose wooden frames for your windows.

The slopes can be simply aligned and painted white - because of the bright curtains with floral patterns, few people pay attention to them.

Well, the best decoration for windows of course will be indoor plants.

Door trim

To get the door in the Provencal style, it is enough to paint them white and artificially aged.

Doors often with a panel or with glass inserts.

Sometimes they can be curtains.

Also, the doors can be decorated with painted floral patterns - it will be very interesting to look!

Curtains in the Provencal style

The windows in the apartment in the style of Provence can not be without curtains! Textiles - one of the most important components of the Provencal country house.

French country is a riot of floral motifs, ornaments and patterns, which are most often found on curtains and curtains.

In addition, any configuration and model of curtains are allowed, including those with a large number of flounces and quilling.

But the fabric is better to choose natural - flax, cotton, chintz.

Provence Style Furniture

Provence Style Furniture, как правило, окрашена в светлые пастельные оттенки традиционной цветовой гаммы прованса.

To achieve charm and charm, wooden furniture can be artificially aged.

As well as for country style of country, furniture in the style of Provence is characterized by large outdoor fittings made of bronze or brass.

The facades are rarely solid and monotonous, often they are decorated with panels or overlaid decorative frames. Sometimes glass inserts or raked lattices are used.

Furniture in the Provencal style is characterized by the presence of legs: try to choose beds, dressers, and wardrobes not on the plinth.

Lighting

The main source of lighting in Provencal houses is the sun shining through the windows.

Highlights, decorative lighting and other achievements of modern interior design should be minimized and as inconspicuous as possible.

But traditional chandeliers and wall lamps are a must have.

Use forged metal lamps with decorative floral elements: buds, bindweed leaves, grapevine.

Textile

The French used with pleasure in their country houses not only curtains, but also tablecloths, decorative napkins, and even curtains instead of some doors and fronts of lockers. You can restrict yourself with bright upholstery fabrics for upholstered furniture with a floral ornament, checkered or striped.

Flowers

What kind of country life without flowers?

Living plants - both indoor and simply flowers, plucked from the garden - this is an important highlight of the Provencal style, the final touch that makes the style so romantic and charming.

Use fresh flowers in the table setting, decorate with potted plants in bedrooms and living rooms, even in the bathroom put a tiny bunch of flowers so that it will please you every day!

Zoning

Zoned space in an apartment in the style of Provence is quite simple:

• using colors to highlight different zones in color
• using carved wooden or openwork forged partitions
• using finishing materials, combining and combining them in various zones in a variety of ways
• with curtains and curtains instead of screens.

Which of these methods do you prefer - write to us in the comments.