Welcome to the world of French country kitchens! Known for their charming and rustic aesthetic, French country kitchens effortlessly blend old-world charm with modern convenience. From exposed beams and brick walls to distressed cabinetry and vintage accents, these kitchens exude coziness and welcome you home.
In this blog post, we will explore 60 stunning French country kitchen ideas to inspire you. From small galley layouts to sprawling kitchens with islands, we have curated a variety of sizes and styles. With clever storage solutions, inviting dining nooks, and romantic lighting, these kitchens demonstrate how easy it is to create a little slice of France right at home.
So grab a warm croissant and cozy up as we dive into the effortlessly chic world of French country kitchens!
Elements That Define the French Country Kitchen Style
Before we look at specific examples, let’s break down the essential elements that make up the classic French country aesthetic:
Rustic and Natural Materials
Wood, stone, brick, and terra cotta tile are commonly used in French country kitchens. These organic materials create a sense of warmth and add texture. Popular choices include exposed wood beams, brick backsplashes, and natural stone countertops.
Distressed Finishes
Cabinetry and furniture with chipped paint, worn edges, and other imperfections give a vintage, peasant feel. Whites and neutrals are favored, accented by just a pop of color.
Vintage Accents
Antique-inspired hardware, woven baskets, enamelware, and mismatched dinnerware are hallmarks. Look for plates proudly displaying their cracks and flaws.
Soft, Muted Color Palette
Whites, creams, grays, and pale blues keep the look serene and relaxed. Add pops of mustard, sage, or robin’s egg blue for character.
Plenty of Display Space
Open shelving, glass-front cabinets, plate racks and hutches allow for showcasing collections of vintage French kitchenware.
Charming Architectural Details
Exposed ceiling beams, arched doorways, and windows with shutters are lovely touches. Fireplaces and brick hearths also common.
Now that we’ve covered the essential elements, let’s look at how they come together in a variety of beautiful kitchens. From cozy galley spaces to large open floor plans, there is French country style to suit any taste!
Small French Country Kitchens
French country design can work beautifully even in modestly-sized kitchens. Clever storage solutions and compact footprints allow for efficient cooking spaces filled with charm. Here are some stellar examples of small French country kitchens:
Inviting Bistro Kitchen
This charming galley-style kitchen brings French bistro vibes home. The distressed blue cabinets and antique white open shelves display collections of vintage French kitchenware. Pops of red from the stools and window frame add color.
Photo by RetroPlanet
Classic bistro touches like the marble countertops, subway tile backsplash, and beret-style pendant lights complete the look. Despite the modest footprint, the space feels bright and airy.
Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen
With wooden ceiling beams, a brick backsplash, and sage green cabinetry, this kitchen brings the rustic farmhouse aesthetic to a small footprint. Open shelving allows for display space without feeling cluttered.
Photo by Kristin Jackson
Vintage-style hardware and lighting keep the French country charm, while the marble counters and stainless appliances add modern convenience.
Compact Country Kitchen
This narrow galley kitchen uses every inch efficiently. The vaulted ceiling adds height, while a brick backsplash and exposed beams bring texture. Open shelves keep the space feeling airy.
Photo by The Spruce
French blue lower cabinets grounded by neutral uppers and breezy white curtains continue the cottage vibe. The dainty table and chairs tucked into the corner make a charming breakfast nook.
Kitchens with Islands
For larger layouts, a kitchen island is a must for additional prep space and seating. Here are some fabulous French country kitchen islands to fuel your design ideas:
Rustic Wood Kitchen with Brick Island
The showstopping island anchoring this kitchen is clad in weathered brick and topped with granite. This rustic stunner provides additional prep space in a large, open concept kitchen.
Photo by Don Gardner
Barnwood accents on the massive exposed beams work beautifully with the distressed cabinets. The vaulted ceiling and abundant windows flood the space with light.
Timeworn Tuscan Kitchen
This light and airy kitchen features an oversized island wrapped in blue-gray washed oak. Matching open shelving provides beautiful display space.
Photo by HGTV
A vaulted beam ceiling, massive hood vent, and arched windows continue the Old-World Provencal style. The island’s oak top and integrated sink make a handy casual dining spot.
Charming Kitchen with Butcher Block Island
The showstopper of this charming kitchen is the extra-long butcher block island. The warm wood top complements the antique white cabinets beautifully.
Photo by House Beautiful
Pendant lights hang low for a cozy feel. Arched windows, woven chairs, and a farmhouse sink continue the welcoming French cottage vibe. The antique range hood is a wonderful vintage focal point.
Kitchens with Exposed Beams
From rough-hewn barnwood to gracefully carved wood, exposed beams are a quintessential element in French country kitchens. They instantly add visual interest, texture, and a sense of history. Here are some beautiful examples:
Dramatic Dark Beams in White Kitchen
The dark exposed beams contrast strikingly with the bright white cabinetry in this sun-filled kitchen. The neutral palette allows the architecture to shine.
Photo by Houzz
A massive stone chimney with arched niches provides additional character. Abundant windows, skylights, and French doors flood the space with natural light.
Rustic Barn Wood Kitchen
Reclaimed barn wood ceiling beams enhance the vintage vibe of this rustic kitchen. The mint green cabinetry pairs beautifully with the exposed brick walls.
Photo by Farm Girl Decor
Open shelves lined with vintage wares, a butler’s pantry with glass front cabinetry, and dainty curtains continue the cottage charm. The massive island provides loads of counter space.
Timeworn Beams in Bright Kitchen
This sunlit kitchen uses gracefully carved, timeworn ceiling beams for an elegant architectural detail. Skylights flood the space with additional light.
Photo by Kimberly Lagerquist
The butler’s pantry provides additional storage and prep space. Pretty blue cabinetry and subway tile give this kitchen a cheerful, welcoming feel.
Kitchen Banquettes and Breakfast Nooks
What could be cozier than dining tucked into a kitchen banquette or breakfast nook? These built-in or freestanding spaces make dining intimate and inviting. Here are some stylish French country spots for lingering over coffee or wine:
Sunny Built-In Banquette
This built-in banquette is tucked neatly under a sunny window. Plush cushions and accent pillows make it an inviting spot for morning coffee.
Photo by HGTV
Pretty painted cabinets, subway tile, apron front sink, and plenty of display space give this kitchen quintessential French country charm.
Rustic Dining Nook
This rustic nook features a reclaimed wood table and antique bench seating. Exposed brick, woven chair seats, and a down-to-earth color palette enhance the farmhouse vibe.
Photo by Farm Girl Decor
Abundant windows, open shelves, and a spacious kitchen island round out this light-filled cottage kitchen.
Romantic Breakfast Nook
Nothing says cozy quite like this romantic vintage-style nook. Set beneath a sunny window, the cushy bench seating and painted table set an intimate breakfast spot.
Photo by James Radler
Matching open shelving, vaulted beam ceilings, and a stone fireplace maintain the cozy French country style. Pretty cafe curtains and greenery accent this welcoming nook.
French Country Kitchen Backsplashes
Few elements can make a kitchen feel more authentically French country than the right backsplash. Let’s look at some charming backsplash ideas:
Brick Backsplash
Genuine or faux brick backsplashes instantly give vintage, rustic appeal. The texture pairs nicely with natural woods and painted cabinetry.
Photo by Bless this Nest
Leave the brick unadorned for a down-to-earth look or accent with herbs and flowers. Exposed beams and sconce lighting continue the cozy vibe.
Subway Tile Backsplash
Classic white subway tile arranged in a herringbone pattern makes a timeless and versatile backsplash choice.
Photo by The Spruce
The graphic tile pattern pairs effortlessly with both rustic and refined kitchen elements. Keep grout lines neutral for a clean look.
Stone Backsplash
For organic texture, a natural stone backsplash delivers. Try travertine, limestone, or fieldstone arranged in a stacked or mosaic pattern.
Photo by HGTV
The muted color tones work with a variety of cabinetry finishes from painted to stained wood. Layer in some pops of color with accent tiles.
Inviting French Country Kitchen Colors
Now that we’ve covered key kitchen elements, let’s explore how to bring it all together with a cohesive, welcoming color palette. Here are some favorite hues for French country kitchens:
Soft Blue
Serene, airy shades of sky blue instantly evoke Provence. Try pale powder blue cabinets or Robin’s egg accents.
Photo by Susan Serra
Pair with brick backsplashes, butcher block islands, and distressed wood beams. White subway tile looks crisp against blue cabinetry.
Warm Gray
Classic, versatile French gray works with both light and dark cabinetry as a unifying neutral. Try a pale distressed gray island against white uppers or deep charcoal lowers with pale grays up top.
Photo by HGTV
For a bit of contrast, paint inside cabinets a deeper charcoal. Open shelving provides lightness against dark hues.
Crisp White
Make cabinets pop by painting them a bright, clean white. Contrast with natural woods and stone for a crisp, airy look.
Photo by deVOL Kitchens
Butcher block counters, subway tile backsplashes, and vintage accents enhance whitewashed cabinetry. Add pops of