A French Country Kitchen

with an Antique Island, Cabinets & Decor

Distinctive Charm: Featuring hand-distressed cabinets and rustic decor, this French country kitchen conveys the character and beauty of rural France. The furniture-style island features a solid walnut countertop and open shelving below. Situated across from the island is a hammered copper apron sink and a professional range top.

French Country Kitchen

Exceptional Features: A high vaulted ceiling -- featuring tongue-and-groove paneling and dark wood beams -- gives dramatic scale to this incredible kitchen. Above the farm sink is a wrought iron chandelier and an arched window with antique green shutters and a burgundy floral curtain. Wood floors add depth to the warm color scheme. The foreground of the photo below reveals a light beige granite (probably Amarello Ornamental or similar), along with a hammered copper bar sink for easy access near the cooktop.

French Country Kitchen - Vaulted Ceilings, Shutters, Chandelier, and Copper Sink

Island and Decor: The contrasting kitchen island has a heavy wood structure with open storage for pottery and baskets of potatoes. A lazy susan on the island keeps all manner or oils and sauces in easy reach, while the countertop overhang and wrought iron bar stools provide a place to sit for the chef or guests. Across from the island is a double oven, two-drawer dishwasher, and a fold-out television under the upper cabinets. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates the backsplash and countertop, while vaulted ceilings allow room above for displaying larger French country kitchen decor, including pottery, a porcelain rooster, and dried flowers.

French Country Kitchen Island and Decor

Authentic Character: Antique white cabinets with crackled paint, distress marks, and beadboard panels add to the distinctive character of the space, while antique handles and backplates add to the kitchen's authentic feel. Spices, oils, and appropriately themed French country kitchen decor sit in open shelves. Golden-toned Venetian plaster walls and antique wood furniture exhibit the historic charm of the old country.

French Country Kitchen Cabinets

Architectural Details: Pass through window archways, angled walls, and a divided skylight in the vaulted ceiling add architectural interest and light to the room. Note how beautifully the walnut wood on the island countertop seems to glow under the natural and dramatic lighting. Cubbies, archways, and high ceilings provide ample space to display more decorations the French country style.

French Country Kitchen - Skylight and Archways

More Pictures: This kitchen is featured (#14) in the traditional Two-Tone Kitchens photo gallery. If you enjoy this style, you'll want to check out the article and accompanying pictures of French Country Kitchens and Antique Kitchens.

French Country Kitchen Design

[+] More Pictures

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"Thematic Thursday" Kitchen of the Day. Published July 5, 2012

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