Provence style in the interior of an apartment and a house: 10 basic rules + photo

Even Van Gogh wrote that only by looking at the landscapes of French Provence, the artist can understand what color is. A paradise on earth where lavender fields meet the azure sea and bathe in bright sunlight, has inspired many writers, artists and musicians. The nature of Provence was reflected in the interior, creating an independent style that has found popularity around the world. Calm, peaceful, cozy and at the same time elegant interior combines French luxury and rustic simplicity. Is it possible to recreate a piece of southern France in your home? What are the important nuances to consider? We figure out how to properly organize the Provence style in the interior of an apartment and a house, what decoration, furniture and decor to use, and to make it easier for you to navigate, we have prepared a whole collection of photos.

No. 1. Origins of style

Today, the Provence style is considered the French version of the rustic country style. In the XIX century, the inhabitants of French cities, tired of the constant bustle, sought a more calm and measured life. The craving for comfort, combined with the delight of Provencal landscapes, and spawned a new interior style. At first it was used only for decorating country houses, then it spread to French city apartments, and later it went outside the country and conquered the whole world.

To understand what the main feature of the Provence style interior is, just look at a few photos of the region of the same name or admire the paintings of artists. Endless lavender fields, the beauty of the turquoise sea, the bright sun, under whose rays everything becomes a little burnt out, indescribable aroma and time, which leaves its mark on everything around - this is Provence. It is easy to guess that the style involves the use of natural shades, lavender and turquoise colors. The rooms should have a lot of light and fresh flowers.

Ideally, a Provence style house should reflect the life of several generations. Therefore, on furniture and decoration there should be traces of time. The interior should be discreet, made in pastel shades, pacified and conducive to relaxation. This style is not suitable for everyone. It is best used by owners of large houses and apartments - in small rooms it is more appropriate to apply only some of its touches. Provence style is suitable for adult family people who, when they come home, want to relax and rest.

No. 2. Provence style color palette

Provence style is inspired by the beauty of nature, so the shades are used mainly natural. All colors should be muted, as if a little faded, - contrasts and bright color spots are not welcome. The primary colors of the style are white, cream, milk, sand, beige and other light pastel shades. Speaking of such a romantic style, it is a little inappropriate to recall physics, but it will be necessary.From school, everyone knows that light shades reflect and scatter light better, and this is exactly what is needed for an interior in the Provence style, which involves an abundance of light.

Together with neutral light tones, slightly faded are used. lavender, turquoise, light blue, blue, olive, pink, lilac and light green shades. Sea colors are also welcome, but most likely they will look in the interior bathroom.

No. 3. Wall decoration

If the imprint of the sun should be reflected in the color scheme of the room, then on the decoration and furniture - a trace of time. In addition, when choosing a material, you must also take into account the requirement for its naturalness:

• the best choice will be textured plaster with imitation of chips and scuffs;
• painting walls - a win-win option, but you must comply with the requirements for the color scheme;
• part of the walls can be sheathed wood panelingthat are either painted in the colors of Provence, or simply varnishedto preserve the natural shade of the tree;
• brickwork It looks especially advantageous around the fireplace, but is suitable for decorating any wall of the apartment. Often, designers deliberately leave a small clearance of masonry when plastering walls, imitating the effect of antiquity;
• for finishing wet areas use natural shade tiles without shine or stone;
• one of the walls in the living room can be painted manually, depicting a typical Provencal landscape or flower pattern;
• decoration of one of the walls in the living room, bedroom or hallway can become fresco;
• Wallpaper is usually not used, but if you are a fan of it, then choose canvases with a floral pattern.

The houses located in Provence have a special view from the window. No matter how hard you try, but we won’t repeat it, but there is a way out - one of the walls, for example, in the living room or in the kitchen, can be decorated photo wallpaper with the image of a lavender field, neat french street or other typical landscape.

Number 4. Floor decoration

It is advisable to use for finishing floors natural boardspainted white or another light shade. It is even better if there are small irregularities on the tree that should convey the trace of time. It is important that they do not interfere with the free and safe movement.

To save money, you can use any imitation of a tree array. For instance, parquet or laminate. The effect, of course, will not be the same, but if you follow the color scheme, it will work out well.

It is also allowed to use terracotta tiles with a slightly wiped surface. Preference is given to large format tiles. In the kitchen on top of it you can put a small rug with a thick short pile.

No. 5. Ceiling decoration

The ceiling decoration also uses natural materials in soothing shades without gloss. The ideal option is plaster, smooth or textured. You can replace it with paint, and if the surface of the ceiling is not at all very good, then it will do stretch ceilingbut choose only a matte plain canvas.

If the ceiling height allows, you can decorate them with wooden beams, but do not choose too dark colors - a beige or light brown shade will be most appropriate.

No. 6. Provence style furniture

The requirements of naturalness are put forward not only for decoration, but also for furniture. In Provence style, there is no place for chrome and plastic details, particleboard and MDF - wood, rattan, reed and forging with fabric upholstery in a small floral pattern are preferred here. The main decoration of furniture is its age. It is imperative that anyone who comes in have the impression that this chair or chest of drawers have served several generations.

It is clear that not everyone has antique furniture at their disposal, so you can search for individual items at flea markets and antique stores. It will be cheaper to produce the aging of modern furniture or to purchase stylized Provence furnishings.Remember that old furniture does not mean broken and crumbling. All elements must be in perfect condition, functional and strong.

Refined wood, rattan or forging furniture is preferred. It is painted in the characteristic colors of the style, using floral patterns and the same delicate textiles. A large antique chest of drawers or wardrobe will become the center of the interior of the largest room in the house, and a low coffee table will decorate the recreation area. The dining table is best taken from solid wood and complemented with chairs with soft pillows.

If somewhere in the cottage, in the attic or in the old apartment there is a closet left from grandparents and you were sorry to throw it away, then it's time to restore it a bit and turn it into a center of interior in the Provence style. Such a heirloom will bring that necessary shade, which is inherent in this style.

Number 7. Shine

Remember that Provence is a sunny region, and you will understand how to organize the interior. The rooms should be as bright as possible. It is ideal to arrange windows on the floor, but it is often not possible to do this, so ordinary windows can be decorated with decorative moldings to make an ordinary window look more like a French window.

Windows are better to frame in white wooden frames. Without this decoration it is difficult to imagine an interior in the style of Provence.

When it gets dark, the required level of light should be achieved by an abundance of lighting fixtures. Central chandelier several lamps should be complemented by cute floor lamps, table lamps and sconces. Lamps can be with elements of textile, forging and crystal pendants.

Number 8. Textile

Let's start with the curtains. Curtains should emphasize all the features of the interior in the style of Provence, i.e. they must be made of natural tissues, have a calm shade or pattern and be translucent, so as not to interfere with the sun's rays, calmly penetrate the apartment and flood it with light. To decorate window openings, you can choose almost transparent curtains or Roman curtains. Preference is given natural fabricsincluding muslin, cotton, chintz, flax. Curtains can be decorated with bows, lace, ruffles and even beads. It is better to frame the windows with a plain light-colored cloth. Curtains in a small floral pattern or with floral ornaments will also look good. Less commonly used geometric pattern (strip, cell).

Pillows, bedding and other textiles can be matched to the curtains. You can choose a completely different material and color, but it is desirable that all the textiles are combined with each other and be united by some common theme.

On the dinner table you can lay a linen tablecloth. A crocheted tablecloth will be a wonderful decoration. In general, hand embroidery and knitting fit perfectly into the Provence style. To create additional comfort in the rooms, you can use carpets. Short-pile products are preferred, unusual patterns are welcome. You can also use homespun tracks.

No. 9. Accessories and decor

We all know that sometimes just trifles and trinkets can bring the finishing touch to the interior and give it the necessary mood. To bring zest to the room and complete the work on the interior in the Provence style, use the following decorations and objects:

• the abundance of fresh flowers in vases, pots, on windowsills, tables and on the floor. The main plant of the interior is lavender. If it is not possible to grow living, then you can buy its imitation, and to recreate a unique aroma, you can buy a special fragrance with rattan sticks, which will provide a subtle, unobtrusive, but recognizable flavor that sets the mood;
• Plants can be depicted in paintings, tiles, wallpaper, as well as on the dials of watches.In general, Provence is an abundance of plant and animal landscapes, so do not hesitate to use pictures with images of different colors, birds, dragonflies, etc .;
• the rooster has become a symbol of France and in particular Provence, so the kitchen interior can be decorated with a cute statuette;
• large Wall Clock without special troubles, mainly in a wooden frame;
• forging can be used to frame beds, railings, mirrors, watches, etc. Forged items do not have to be bulky - they are supposed to be gentle and delicate;
• tableware a simple form is used, more often it has a white, milky or cream color. Kitchen utensils will be dishes with floral patterns. Beautiful porcelain and clay dishes can be arranged on shelves in the kitchen;
• fireplace Is an important element of the Provence style, so if there is an opportunity to equip real fireplace or him imitationthen do not miss the chance. The fireplace can be covered with stone, put photos, candlesticks, dishes on top;
• black and white photographs of ancestors or personal aged photos in beautiful frames will be a wonderful decoration;
• suitcases, chests, birdcages, a wicker basket, lace napkins, painted vases - all this will emphasize the charm and romance of the style.

Decorating a room, you must be able to stop in time. Although Provence involves a huge number of parts and accessories, it is still not worth it to unnecessarily load a room. Do not forget that all objects in the room should be combined in color, texture and material.

No. 10. Features of arranging different rooms

Provence has never been called a universal style, emphasizing that it is more suitable for owners of country houses or large apartments, but thanks to the finds of modern designers, you can even breathe French rustic chic into a small room. What features should be considered when designing different rooms in the Provence style?

Provence style living room

This is a spacious room with large windows that let a lot of light into the room. For wall decoration it is best to choose textured plaster, a separate part of the surface can be decorated brickwork. The floor can be finished with a massive board or parquet, and let the high ceilings be decorated with wooden beams and a noticeable chandelier.

The main decoration of the room is a fireplace, albeit not a real one. Near it is appropriate to place a soft zone. it sofa and several armchairs, decorated with a large number of pillows faded solid color or with a floral print. It remains only to lay a nice carpet and take care of the decor. Mirrors, candlesticks, paintings, photos and, of course, flowers are suitable for the living room. If you have an antique piece of furniture at your disposal, then the living room is the best place for it.

Provence style kitchen

Provence is an ideal style for the kitchen and dining room, as it offers family gatherings and a pleasant stay. The French have a weakness for long meals and unhurried conversations, and at the same time they love to admire the exquisite atmosphere, which must certainly arouse appetite and give positive emotions.

The walls of the kitchen can be decorated with plaster, but it is better to finish the apron with tiles: white, with a vegetable pattern or with the effect of aging. The floor is also tiled or stone. Dining table - wooden, white. It is decorated with elegant chairs with textile upholstery with floral patterns. Tablecloths and curtains can overlap, knitted and lace elements are welcome. Headset it is better to take a light, white or cream color, with cute handles. It is better to hide all modern equipment under the facades of furniture so as not to spoil the mood of Provence. A wardrobe bouquet with glass doors will look appropriate. On its shelves you can place the most beautiful dishes.Ready-made Provence style headsets are easy to find with almost any more or less large manufacturer, but you can also use variegated furniture with a history - then the interior will turn out to be even more authentic.

Do not forget about vases and flower pots, paintings and other accessories. Recipe books, pretty spice jars and bottles of oil, vinegar and wine are on display.

Provence style bedroom

The bedroom is the room where you can use textiles to the maximum. Bed can decorate a bed of delicate lavender color. You can choose a cute floral ornament or a cage. On the sides of the bed you can put white wooden bedside tables, the complement of which will be lamps with a textile lampshade. Curtains of a light, turquoise or lavender hue will finally create an association with southern French landscapes.

It is appropriate to decorate the head of the bed with forging, and lay woolen or homespun rugs next to the bed. It is allowed to use wallpaper as decoration, the ceiling remains invariably white, the floor - wooden. If you wish, you can supplement the interior with an old chest of drawers or a chest, but for lack of such a cabinet will also do. It remains to supplement the room with cute pillows and hang on the walls a few paintings with landscapes of Provence, and you're done.

Provence style bathroom

The bathroom is done in bright colors. For wall decoration, use tiles of white, milk or cream color, you can also take tiles with a vegetable pattern, or better yet, combine these materials. Scuffed tiles are the unchanging classic of this style. The floor is also laid out with tiles, but if the means allow, you can use a stone.

It’s best to put a full a bath. Let it be a freestanding bowl on the legs, made in retro style and with a neat floral pattern. If there is not enough space, then you can get by with a shower, and you can decorate it with a curtain with an image of a lavender field. As of furniture a wooden cabinet with shelves, a wooden nightstand, wicker baskets will do. The decoration will be a big mirror in an old frame. Do not forget about the lights and accessories. A bouquet of flowers, a cage or a pretty watch will not be superfluous, like a picture. Fixtures can choose in the form of candles. Faucets, like all plumbing, should create the feeling that all this was made centuries ago.

Children's room in Provence style

Provence is great for decorating a girl’s room: ruffles, lace, floral patterns, an abundance of beautiful things will turn the room into a bedroom of a real princess. Use light shades, carpets, openwork furniture, textile lamps and characteristic decor.

The boy’s room can also be equipped in the Provence style, because if the whole apartment is made in one key, it’s foolish to make one of the rooms sharply different. To create a more boyish interior, use cool shades such as blue and green. Flowers and ruffles can be replaced with a checkered or striped ornament.

Provence style hallway

For the hallway, traditionally choose a light color scheme, but you can apply less soiled shades: lavender, turquoise, olive. It is better to refuse a sliding wardrobe in favor of a vintage wardrobe and several nightstands. Since the hallway is often a dark room, use as many lights as possible. Mirror can be decorated with a wooden frame.

Loggia and Provence-style balcony

Decorations made of light wood or stone, a pair of cozy armchairs and a small round coffee table will help to equip the most comfortable balcony in the world. On the windows you can hang roller or Roman curtains, plain light or with a small floral pattern. The walls can be decorated with paintings of flowers, animals or Provencal landscapes. A vase with flowers or a cage will complement the interior.

Provence for a small apartment

The owner small apartments you need to use only some style elements so as not to overload the space.A simple bright finish can make the room visually a bit larger. Finding the simplest light curtains is no problem. One of the walls can be decorated with floral wallpaper. Select furniture in bright colors, decorate with characteristic textiles. A pair of elements in the room can be decorated with forging. It remains to hang a few paintings, and the spirit of Provence is already in the air.

Finally, we note how important it is to fill the apartment with the appropriate aroma, so use fresh flowers or stock up on flavors.