Provence: pastoral comfort for your country house. Provence style in the interior of country houses and city apartments

There are a huge number of trends in interior design that can bring comfort to the house. The Provence style in the interior is considered to be the lightest and most airy among them. In this article, we will tell you how to create a French oasis in your own nest, how to choose finishing materials, what shades and colors will add purity and sophistication to your home, what furniture is used in the design. Elegant simplicity is the true concept of this style.

History of origin

The Provencal style got its name thanks to the picturesque French province with the same name. This charming corner is known for its purple carpets of lavender fields with a rich, intoxicating aroma, picturesque landscapes, endless skies with blue tints, the crystal smoothness of the Cote d'Azur, as well as excellent traditional dishes with the addition of juicy greens, as well as sweet and tart spices.

It was this tandem of factors that attracted, and still attracts artists to the French province, thanks to which the Provencal style of design has gained wide popularity in the European expanses.
What are the houses of the Provencal village? These are cozy dwellings, through the windows of which daylight seeps through. The aromas of homemade pastries, the fabulous energy of hospitality and warmth, intertwined with the surrounding landscapes…

Many people believe that Provence is a simple, unpretentious style, but "all the salt" is in the details. To recreate the atmosphere of Provence, you must have an impeccable refined taste.

Provencal colors

Designers Special attention give to the creation of a coloristic scheme of the interior. After all, this aspect is the most important for creating the atmosphere of Provencal houses. To decorate rooms, you can use light pastel colors to create the effect of “burnt out” surfaces. Do not forget that the southern part of France, where Provence is located, is caressed by playful sunbeams almost all year round.

Decoration Materials

If desired, plastered walls can be decorated with wallpaper with floral ornaments. But most often, lovers of Provence decorate the rooms of their house or apartment with the help of plaster - classic or decorative. It must be deliberately applied with roughness, irregularities. The walls may have White color or be upholstered with wood paneling. The latter needs to be given a somewhat shabby look. But for the kitchen, you can use mosaic or ceramic tiles.

Ivory colored walls are perfect for small rooms. Light colors visually expand the space.

The Provence-style ceiling can be white and inlaid with dark ceiling beams. A win-win option is an ensemble with masonry elements. Also, to recreate the beauty of French houses, you can use stucco molding, which will add elegance to your home.

Provencal style and lighting

Chandeliers and lamps for the kitchen or living room should maintain the same concept of naturalness and natural materials. You can choose light sources from metal, porcelain or wood. Their key task is not to take away attention from pieces of furniture or pastel-colored finishes.

Floral interior motifs

It is known that Provence combines sophistication multiplied by simplicity. The main element is a floral ornament, which can be seen in the upholstery. upholstered furniture, curtains and decorative pillows.

Door and hallway furniture in a similar color scheme in country house

An obligatory accent is flowers - rose and lavender, which personify the beauty of the Provencal village. They can be traced not only in decorative elements, but also in interior decoration. For example, wallpaper with delicate flowers or floral pattern on the ceramic tiles.
Since the French province is famous for the beauty of nature, this style implies an abundance of living plants in artificially aged planters placed around the house. You can decorate the living room with cute bouquets of wild flowers, dried flowers. Ivy branches hanging from the walls look very interesting. From indoor plants give preference to bluebells, violets and hydrangeas.

Provencal style and decor

The key task is not to overdo it with decorative elements. The interior of French rural houses is characterized by aged vases, vintage frames and candlesticks, figurines and antique table sets. It also needs to be said about the great love of Provence admirers for wicker baskets. They can be used to store children's toys, books and clothes. As you can see, even decor items can become original and functional helpers.

Creating a special atmosphere in a private house

Due to its elegance and simplicity, Provence in the interior has become popular among the owners. country houses. Apart from general recommendations they should pay attention to important element decor - fireplace. It's hard to imagine French without it. cozy house, the atmosphere of which the Europeans are trying to recreate at home.

Interesting options for decorating a fireplace for a summer residence

The interior in Provence style is characterized by scuffs and aging. We offer you several techniques that will help you change your fireplace beyond recognition, thereby giving it the appropriate look.
1. Coloring with patina effect. With the help of special paint, you can create a very interesting pattern on forged elements of the fireplace and other decor items.

2. Give the fireplace a cracked look will help craquelure. To do this, you can use the appropriate types of varnishes or even thin-layer plaster.

Key differences between Provence and country

Many people who like the farmhouse style confuse the two. But the difference is significant:

• The first style is characterized by an abundance of floral motifs, which, most often, are focused on the textile components of the interior. In addition to berry, floral ornaments, country style is characterized by strict geometric patterns: a cage, a strip or peas. But in the Provencal style, the cell is not used.
• The country color scheme is dominated by warm tones, but the shades of French meadows - cornflower blue and lavender - are never used. Yes, and white has no place in a country house, decorated in country style. The Provencal interior is filled with cool tones dictated by Mother Nature herself.
• prevails natural wood. Most often it is stained, and unpainted wooden surfaces. Decorative beams, like furniture, look like “tortured” wood. But the Provence style is also a tree, but, most often, painted in several layers (pastel, white tones, ivory is also very popular).

Provence style in the interior is a romantic design direction for those who see sophistication in simplicity. Provence is a romantic place on the Mediterranean coast. Beautiful landscapes, the warm climate and the spirit of authentic France have served as an inspiration for poets and artists for centuries. The naturalness of the interior design and the measured slowness inherent in the European province formed the basis of the spectacular Provence style. Floor, ceiling, walls - find out how best to design them later in the article.

Provence style for romantics: what are its features?

For those who love nature and the measured way of life, appreciate the simplicity and naturalness in the surrounding things, this style fit perfect. If family values ​​are important to you and the spirit of romance is not alien, pay attention to Provence.

In the interior of an apartment or house, decorated in the style of provincial Europe, all objects, shades and textures are so organically combined with each other.

Among characteristic features Provence:

• the presence of only natural materials;
• natural colors in interior design;
• a large number of flowers;
• good room lighting;
• floral prints;
• ceramics;
• light curtains;
• furniture and accessories with traces of aging.

The touch of antiquity, characteristic of the style, makes it possible to introduce vintage elements into the interior. Additionally, artificially aged furniture and accessories are actively used in the design.

The shades characteristic of Provence have absorbed all the beauty and nature of the south:

• light tones of pink, mint and blue;
• lavender;
• olive;
• white;
• warm brown gamma;
• gray tones.

Style is characterized by space, created high ceilings, good lighting and light colors.

It will be of interest to you: REVIEW: Provence style in a modern interior: 335+ Photos of Beautiful designs for romantics and connoisseurs of France (in the hallway / living room / kitchen)

Decoration of a Provencal house

Before you arrange the furniture and take care of the accessories, you should repair the walls, ceiling and floor. The combination of different textures should be organic and most authentic.

How do we start design? From renovation. It must be carried out in compliance with all the conditions of the Provence style.

Ceiling - the choice of color and decor

The provincial style is characterized by the use of natural materials and the emphasis on natural beauty and texture. The abundance of sunlight and the feeling of fullness of the room with air are created by high light ceilings. Well suited as a finish plaster, whitewashing or painting. Priority is white.

The height of the walls in the house allows you not to restrain your imagination? Then you can use decorative wooden ceiling beams. As a material for the embodiment, you will need a natural tree.

Coloring can be done with light tinting to emphasize the texture of the material. When painting, for example, in white, the paint layer is applied very thin, translucent.

The natural color of the wooden surface looks best.

Walls - background for furniture

Among the features of Provence is the deliberate simplicity in the design of the walls. The following materials can be used for decoration:

• natural wood;
• stone or brickwork;
• decorative plaster;
• wallpaper.

Stucco finishing is one of the most popular and versatile wall decoration options. For decoration, both a fine-grained and a rather coarse mixture can be used, which is applied to the walls with wide strokes. This gives the necessary texture.

How not to make a mistake with the choice? If the room has a modest size, then it is better to apply fine-grained plaster carefully, without pronounced strokes. For a spacious country house, it will be more interesting to look like a stylization for a rough application that will emphasize the texture.

In the kitchen, you can experiment with such materials for wall decoration:

• tile;
• brick;
• stone (artificial or natural).

Brick or stone masonry, as well as wood trim, look especially advantageous when combined with others. finishing materials. The simultaneous use of several textures within the same room will emphasize the style and give the room individual features.

Gender: strive for authenticity

Provence - for naturalness

In the design of the floor for the Provence style are also welcome natural materials. Very good natural wood. It can be wooden planks with traces of wear or painted with a thin layer of light paint.

Antique stylized tiles can be used in the hallway or in the kitchen. Its rounded edges and accentuated cracks add style to the room. In priority warm colors characteristic of the Mediterranean.

Tiles on the floor - an interesting and practical option

For living rooms good choice become natural wood. Natural shades look natural and give the interior a noble chic.

Is it possible to replace the wooden board on the floor with linoleum? Definitely - no. Also, carpeting that completely covers the entire floor cannot be laid.

Windows and doors

The simplicity inherent in the Provence style is reflected in every design element. Doors should be not only wooden, but also aged. This styling emphasizes the texture of the wood.

A universal option is white for painting and subsequent aging of the surface. In Provence kitchen interiors, the surface can be decorated with a floral theme painting.

The fittings on the door, as well as on other items, should only be matte. Antique styling in bronze, brass or copper colors looks good. If the overall design allows, forged elements are used.

Chrome-plated surfaces in Provence are not allowed.

The windows and their design in the style of the interiors of southern France are given a place of honor. It is desirable to have large window openings that let in a lot of sunlight. The color of the frames in most interiors is chosen by designers as white.

Curtains are selected light, without complex draperies and heavy lambrequins. Natural weightless fabrics for curtains can be attached to wooden or forged cornices. If a forged model is chosen, it is desirable that its shape and color echo with other objects in the room, for example, candlesticks, a chandelier, wall sconces etc.

Provencal furniture: the spirit of history in every item

Furniture is the main and most significant component of the interior. The choice of furniture for a Provence style room is both wide and limited. To recreate the spirit of southern France, only natural wood is taken.

Many species can be used, but noble varieties are preferred:

• cherry;
• beech;
• oak, etc.

If we compare Provence with other country styles, then it wins due to its lightness and grace.

In addition to wood, wicker and wrought iron furniture can be used. But it is not at all necessary that it be all forged. In the bedroom it can only be a bed, and in the living room it can be the base of a coffee table.

Wicker chairs will be in place in the dining room, on the veranda or in the garden. They emphasize the relaxed atmosphere and are very comfortable for relaxation.

Wicker chairs - an atmosphere of ease

Famous not only for its aristocracy, but also for its simplicity, the Provence style does not require compliance with strict rules in the arrangement of furniture and the selection of individual items. The impression of the objects in the room should be created as if it had been used by several generations, passing it on to each other.

In village houses, they were very careful about the environment - utensils, textile elements, furniture. Long service life left its mark on things. The furniture was getting scuffed around the edges, and the fabrics were fading.

It is permissible to combine furnishings from separate sets. They may even differ in color. The main condition is general harmony, so that none of them creates dissonance.

The arrangement of furniture in the room should not be symmetrical.

All pieces of furniture should be functional and elegant. The carving adds sophistication and sophistication, while the absence of gilding and bright colors emphasizes style.

Provencal furniture features:

• beautiful furniture legs;
• using only natural wood;
• the presence of a thread;
• light plain or with a small floral print upholstery;
• additional design of sofas, armchairs and beds with small decorative pillows;
• the presence of open shelves, cupboards, racks and showcases;
• pieces of furniture should be low.

Provence is best perceived in those houses in which all rooms are designed in a common style.

Flowers in the interior

Speaking of the Provence style, the theme of flowers should be noted. It runs as the main thread through the whole design. The desire to be closer to nature, draw strength and inspiration from it, is reflected in the presence a large number flowers in every room.

Many flowers - this is Provence

A large number of flowers are plants in pots on the windowsills, dried flowers arranged in vases, and spicy herbs hanging in the kitchen. Additionally, images of flowers are introduced on textiles, walls, facades of kitchen cabinets, dishes. As prints, drawings of small bouquets or lavender, which is considered one of the symbols of Provence, are used.

There can't be too many flowers in Provence.

Accessories: the complexity of the choice

Additional comfort and atmosphere of the house are created by accessories. They don't always have to be functional. Their job is to create a mood.

Country country life is created for a leisurely flow of time, breakfasts and dinners on an open terrace, daydreaming with an open book in your hands in a wicker chair or hammock, walking along country roads. Provence style is the best suited for decorating the interior and exterior of a country house.

Fed up with modern technological artificial plastics, acrylics and laminates modern style contemporary, cold shine of high-tech glass and chrome and sterile lack of decor in minimalism, people are increasingly turning to a cozy style. Provence is one of the most popular country style destinations, especially for decoration. country house. Many in country life want something different than the usual interior of a city apartment. Sweet home comfort, pastorality - all these qualities are inherent Provencal style in interior design. Let's take a closer look at the ideas for decorating a country house in the style of rural life in the southern provinces of France.

Provence style house exterior

The Provence style got its name from the historical Latin name for the southeast of France. At a time when the Roman Empire stretched over the entire Mediterranean coast and occupied half European continent, the lands on the northern coast of the Mediterranean, which today are part of the territory of France, in ancient Roman literature were called "Provincia Nostra" - "our province".

The wonderful climate of the Côte d'Azur, the sea, the sun, magnificent landscapes - all this makes up the charm of Provence. Impressionist artists admired the splendor of colors and the peculiar, piercingly trembling from the hot sun air of the southeastern regions of France. The generous colors of Provencal nature - purple lavender fields to the horizon, the azure sea, bright yellow sunflowers, green groves on the hillsides are forever imprinted in Van Gogh's Starry Night, Paul Cezanne's Houses in Provence, in the works of Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Sulfur.

The measured life of the Provencal peasants was reflected in their way of life. small houses on narrow cobbled streets in which more than one generation has lived, tiled roofs, whitewashed walls and bright wooden shutters - these features of village life became popular in the 18th century, when not only representatives of the aristocracy, but also the French bourgeoisie and the emerging capitalists. In the design of the interiors of their villas, they used rustic simplicity, complementing it with Parisian elegance.

Provence style features for implementation in the modern interior of a country house

To feel the spirit of Provence, you should go there to see with your own eyes what the paintings of artists or the lines of famous writers and poets convey, to breathe in the hot air filled with the aroma of Provence herbs. Of course, not everyone has the opportunity to plunge into the serenity of a holiday in Cannes or Nice. But thanks to the Internet, you can admire the colors of Provence to your heart's content. With colors, we will begin to consider the features inherent in the Provence style.

The colors of Provence are gentle and pale

Color range

Provence style is characterized by natural colors: the color of unbleached linen, milky white, ecru, shades of beige. Used and bright colors: lilac, turquoise, yellow, blue, ocher, green. But all of them are not saturated tones, as if burnt out in the hot Provencal sun.

Advice. if you love bright colors, do not deny yourself: any color is suitable for decorating a Provencal interior, except for frankly synthetic, acidic shades. Choose pastel shades of bright colors.

materials

If you are planning to finish your country cottage in the style of Provence, then you should abandon artificial materials - plastics, laminated coatings. It is best to use natural floor coverings wood, natural stone, terracotta tiles.

The walls are decorated with plaster and paint. Wallpaper is also suitable, but it is better to choose paper-based materials, rather than vinyl or non-woven. Wallpaper pattern, preferred for the Provence style - light shades in a small "chintz" flower or a thin strip.

Often the walls in Provence-style interiors are simply painted white. Whitewashed and wooden floor boards, as well as ceiling beams and wood paneling ceilings.

Avoid synthetic materials in interior decoration

The interior of any room in the Provence style has a lot of textiles: curtains, tablecloths, napkins, bedspreads, chair covers. It's better if these things are self made, decorated with embroidery or lace.

Advice. When choosing fabrics for the interior, stop at linen and cotton materials. Linen, chintz, coarse calico, muslin will be ideal in the interior of a country house in the Provence style.

Furniture

Although Provence and rustic style, it is distinguished from other varieties of country by sophistication in furniture. Most often wooden furniture painted in light colors. Cabinets and sideboards are decorated with carvings or paintings.
Suitable for interior in Provence style wicker furniture, or metal, forged, also painted in light colors.

But perhaps the main distinguishing feature Provence is its comfort and fullness of home warmth. When choosing finishing materials, furniture or decor items in the Provence style for a country house, be guided by this: create a house where it is pleasant to be with the whole family, indulge in bliss and relaxation.

Furniture for Provence is suitable for antique or semi-antique

Don't Forget About Landscaping

When choosing a Provence style for a country house, do not forget to follow the chosen style not only in the interior of the house, but also outside. Well, if your country house from the outside will also resemble the houses of Provence. Create landscape design in rustic style, using characteristic - gazebos, terraces, and gates, garden furniture and street lamps.

Flower beds made up of discreet, simple flowers, twined with grapes or walls and arbors, flowering bushes or wisteria will decorate the plot.

Anyone can create a cozy corner of Provence in their country house, you just need to follow your understanding of beauty and comfort, carefully select the details.

Country house in Provence style: video

By standard project in a year, walls were erected from profiled timber, which the architects chose as the main building material. After the winter, which the house withstood according to technological map construction, started interior decoration.

Style

The design of a house in the Provence style differs from the reference one: the climate of the Moscow region, where the house stands, and the climate of the French province differ significantly, and the whitewashed colors of the south are hardly appropriate in middle lane, already devoid of bright accents.

The owners agreed with the designers and gave the go-ahead to use rich colors in the interior. The colors themselves are taken from nature, but not diluted with white, they are united by the white background of the walls and natural light-colored wood.

Furniture

For registration of Provence in country house First of all, you need furniture of this style. But you can’t use only it - after all, we don’t have France. Therefore, some of the furniture is the usual “classic”. Some of the items were bought, some had to be made to order.

Decor

The main theme in the decor is a flower-filled garden in which songbirds live. The garden blossomed on the wall at the head of the bed in the parents' bedroom, near the back of the sofa bed in their daughter's room. Irises for spouses and roses for the girl were painted by Anna Schott, a professional artist. Designers transferred her watercolors to the material, preserving its texture.

Provence in a country house is unthinkable without forged elements. There are enough of them here - balcony and terrace railings, headboards and sofas, the upper part doorways- all this is decorated with elegant forged lace, made according to designer sketches. Together, all these elements seem to transfer the inhabitants of the house to the summer garden.

The birds for the design of the house in the Provence style were also made independently: instead of buying ready-made posters, the architect of the project preferred to make them to order. Drawings with images of birds were bought from a famous ornithologist who is also an artist, they were printed on special watercolor paper and placed under glass in elegant frames.

Lighting

In the design of a Provence-style house, it is difficult to get by with lighting fixtures alone, although there are enough of them here: central chandeliers, zone lighting, floor lamps, lamps on tables - everything is available.

However, in summer Provence, perhaps the main lighting “device” of any interior is the sun breaking through the blinds. His drawing, falling on the furniture, floor, walls, enlivens the rooms, filling them with warmth and movement.

In this project, the designers also included the sun in the lighting scheme of the house, especially since it is located in a very sunny place. Wooden blinds emphasize the feeling of a summer afternoon in a blooming garden.