Provence: Origins, Interior Features, Textiles, Furniture, Color Scheme
The Provence design style was born in the inspiring and romantic southern region of France. It embodies the warmth of sun rays, the lightness of the Mediterranean breeze, and the fragrance of lavender fields in Provence. Provence style is country with impeccable French taste.
INTERIOR FEATURES
The French bourgeoisie who settled in the coastal Provence region created design projects for country houses with simplicity and coziness, without forgetting about luxury and sophistication. They moved away from classical lines, combining the charm of provinciality and intimacy with bourgeois opulence and the elegance of a French home, which is the main characteristic of the style.
COLOR SCHEME, TEXTILES
The distinctive feature of the color scheme in Provence-style interiors is a light, subdued pastel palette. Provence represents the natural combination of warm, soft shades such as cream, sage green, and sandy tones.
The atmosphere of a cozy provincial home is supported by textiles made from natural materials (cotton, linen, muslin) predominantly featuring floral motifs, ornaments, and embroidery. All shades of a Provencal meadow and aquamarine tones of the sea depths are also applicable in this style.
Curtains and tablecloths can be vibrant accents in the interior, with ruffles, bows, solid colors, checks, or stripes – they blend perfectly with other interior elements and add a special charm to them.
Provence style is well-suited for the interior design of beauty salons. Additionally, Provence style is wonderful for developing design projects for apartments or country houses.
FURNITURE AND DECOR
The Provence style completely rejects modern materials for furniture production and embraces only natural wood. Old furniture or artificially aged and painted pieces are commonly used, designed to correspond to the image of an antique piece that has served faithfully for generations. Wonderful curved chairs with carved legs bearing traces of peeled paint, chests of drawers with worn surfaces, sturdy buffets and cabinets with simulated chips and worn finishes, as if transported from the Middle Ages to the present – this is the authentic Provence, a family heirloom that deserves the most honorable place in the home. Forged details, carving, and various handmade woven items are also appropriate and blend beautifully with this style.
When selecting decor, it is essential to consider cherished trinkets, artwork, figurines – they best emphasize the atmosphere of coziness, warmth, and tranquility. Paintings in simple frames and scattered vases with flowers also enliven the interior.
LIGHTING
Provence style is characterized by abundant natural light. Large windows or sliding doors from floor to ceiling, covered only with light transparent curtains, provide natural lighting. The selection of lighting fixtures completes the creation of a stylish interior. An iron chandelier with intricate candle holders adds a special touch to the interior, establishing an atmosphere of exquisite simplicity. Soft light emitted by table lamps or wall sconces with delicate and whimsical lampshades conveys the inner harmony of the home’s inhabitants.