French kitchens bring to mind wonderful
dishes such as coq au vin, fresh truffles that have been discovered by pigs in
the woods, souffles, lovely cheeses, quiche Lorraine and lots of high-quality
wines. In addition to producing gourmet food, French kitchens have a look all
their own, too. While it's true they all have a stove, oven, refrigerator, sink
and other normal kitchen equipment, some elements set them apart, sending the
message that a French cook lives in this kitchen.
Kitchen design
According to "French Country
Signature" by interior designer Charles Faudree, kitchens in France have
no upper cabinets in the kitchens. Open shelves above the lower cabinets are
popular in French kitchens for dishes and collections.
Colors
The most common colors seen in French
kitchens are light yellow with red accents, or blue and white.
Cooking tools
Copper pans hang above the stove or center
island for easy access. Wire whisks, wooden spoons of all types and sizes and
good French knives are staples in every French kitchen, and are typically out
in plain sight as part of the decor.
Accents
Roosters, often made of ceramic, seem to be
a common touch in French kitchens, as are white Staffordshire hens sitting on a
dish that looks like a nest. Wire egg baskets full of eggs, blue and white
porcelain china, fresh fruit and herb plants also add to the look.
Effects
Ceilings are often high and open with beams
or nontypical wood such as grapevine fencing.
