One of our most requested finishes from our clients is our Antique White Cabinets. A theme we see often is the French Country Kitchen. It’s a classic style, inspired by the natural environment of the French countryside.
French Country style incorporates the rustic character of old french farmhouses and country homes. Jaime and I incorporated this look by distressing the white cabinets and giving them an antique look with our own glaze.
A second aspect in this design is the furniture. Large, oversized furniture is key. And also important, it needs to look as if it has been passed down from generation to generation, like an old french heirloom. For this, we set the oversized island apart by creating heavily distressed, stained wood look. We added layers and layers of glaze to “smoke it up” a bit in areas where the wood would naturally have wear and tear.
Color is essential as well when decorating French Country. When picking colors, keep in mind the natural elements you would see along the french countryside… fields of lavender, blue skies, green grass, yellow sun and sunflowers. Our client chose a soft buttery yellow for her walls. This is a good choice if you want to have color that is still somewhat neutral.
To finish it off, we brought a French blue into the adjacent room by painting the stark white fireplace mantel. The carved wood on this piece was already beautiful. By adding color and a faux finish, this detail stands out even more.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Donna Lynn 05.20.08 at 12:25 am
Your work is just amazing! I adore the cabinets in the french county kitchen, beautiful! I want a kitchen like that so badly,
Have a blessed day tomorrow,
Donna Lynn
Beverly 05.20.08 at 6:05 am
This is a beautiful kitchen. The cabinets are perfect for that French country feel. And, that mantle - wow!!!
tattingchic 05.20.08 at 6:20 am
Wow, that is one gorgeous kitchen. Now, THAT’s my kinda country style.
Kari 05.20.08 at 7:00 am
Someone asked me yesterday how to achieve this look (as if I’d know!). Is the darker glaze applied on top of the light paint and wiped off? My favorite is the blue mantel.
Jen R 05.20.08 at 10:15 am
This looks beautiful! I keep trying to talk my hubby into letting me antique my cabinets. It’s funny how it’s okay to do it at other people’s home, but not our own! AAARRRGGGH!
Jen R
Hooked on Houses 05.20.08 at 11:44 am
Oh! I’m swooning over that blue mantel! How gorgeous is that? -Julia
Irene 05.20.08 at 12:38 pm
Hello,
Thank you for stopping by!
This is right on the spot. I particularly like the coquerel! Next week we are expecting our fireplace surround to be installed. I hope it will look something like this!
artist in NC 05.20.08 at 1:12 pm
Not into Roosters! LOL But…your work is amazing and that mantel is wonderful!!!!!!!!
Mind Your Manors 05.20.08 at 2:54 pm
Oh my goodness! This is the kind of kitchen I have been telling my husband about! Outstanding work on your end! LOVES IT!~~
Nesting Instincts 05.20.08 at 5:01 pm
beautiful work! Love that mantel, especially! :-Courtney
mrs. french 05.20.08 at 5:08 pm
Never thought of myself as a “French Country” kind of gal, you may have just converted me.
cc 05.21.08 at 5:51 am
BREATH TAKING!!!! THIS may be my new favorite. ;)
Love the antique white color in the kitchen as well as the blue on the mantel. Melissa, you ladies do beautiful work!!!!!
bandelle 05.21.08 at 2:17 pm
You two are so talented! I absolutely adore the blue mantel.
Jen 05.22.08 at 10:00 pm
Wow!!! These are absolutely fabulous pieces! My favorite is definitely the fireplace mantel. That color of blue is gorgeous!! Beautiful work as usual :)
Rhoda 05.25.08 at 2:52 pm
Gorgeous, gorgeous! You girls are SO good. I love that mantel too, just brilliant. I go back & forth on whether or not to paint my mantel in my LR something besides white. I love all the other colors out there, but white seems so classic with all my other stuff, so white it is for now. But, when I see some of these really cool finishes I get the itch to do something different.
Rhoda
melissa @ the inspired room 05.26.08 at 7:38 pm
Beautiful job, Melissa! Really lovely!! You do a great job of a faux finish that looks realistic! Not everyone can do that.
Blessings,
Melissa
Neutral Dwelling 05.28.08 at 7:10 am
I love the mantel! It is splendid!
joy@cupidscharm 05.28.08 at 8:50 pm
One of the most beautiful kitchens I’ve seen! Loved the white finish and the mix of other colors too. Beautiful job with the faux finish! Thanks for sharing such inspiring photos. ~ xoxo Joy