Simply French Shades of vanilla and warm wood tones bring a French Country look to this kitchen
Above: The island in this kitchen features ample storage in the form of concealed cabinets and drawers at either end. The creamy painted cabinetry wears a distressed finish that suggests age. Right: Open shelving provides extra storage and gives a prominent place to display china, adding to the French Provincial feel. Natural light enhances the finish of the walls and the sheen of the granite countertops.
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Matching a kitchen to the architectural style and decor of a house makes good design sense, but it’s equally important to ensure the space is highly functional, with easy connections to adjacent rooms. Before this renovation by kitchen designer Pauline Stockwell and interior designer Heather Thorley, the kitchen was closed off from the casual living area and formal family room on either side. A large dining table made movement around the kitchen awkward, and the lack of storage and counter space also needed to be addressed, says Stockwell. “For the new design, the homeowners wanted to improve functionality, while retaining the traditional French Provincial theme that was in keeping with the rest of the house. It was also important to open up the space so it could become the social hub of the home. “The kitchen was blocked off from the casual living room by cabinetry and a refrigerator – the ceiling beam shows where it was situated. The cabinetry was removed to improve circulation and make the space more inviting.” In its place, a double-sided shelving unit was installed, adding to the French Provincial aesthetic and providing extra storage space. A new island also provided more storage and maximized the available counter space. “The owners have two children, and wanted the kitchen to be the heart of the home,” says Stockwell. “Introducing an island means cooking has become a more social activity. And opening the space up has created a gathering place for family and friends.” In keeping with the theme, the color palette is neutral, with a few tonal variations for the sake of visual cohesion. The cabinetry was given a distressed, aged look, and is complemented by the decorative finish on the walls, which suggests the color and texture of old-world plaster.
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