Living in the style of Provence 75 photos of interior design ideas

Country united under the common name of a group of rural areas, which include Provence. He is adjacent to such colorful "relatives", as Russian, Spanish, Italian, American style. Provence is just one of the areas that are geographically tied to the place of his birth - southern region of France. In fact, this simple, original style with ethnic features bright spot stands out from its "Neighbors", and continues to attract new fans who were able to assess its ease and unpretentiousness. What is the secret of such popularity? In a world where people are accustomed to reach for the material values, flaunting, put your parade wealth or mimic its presence, to show off "luxury" in the eyes, lacks brevity, simplicity and comfort. Provence becomes a haven of rest from the endless moral race, which has become an integral part of modern life. For directions characterized by a special light, warm atmosphere, which is hard to find in chrome cold high tech or loftovskom raid industrialization. How difficult is it to issue the living room in the style of Provence? Whether this option is suitable for the budget repair is feasible and whether the task without the involvement of artists from? In this article we will answer these and many other questions.

The story of style

Provence style got its charming name from the area in which formed. Now this historical region in the south of France is a part of a large region (Alpes-Côte d'Azur Provence). Its capital - Aix-en-Provence is one of the oldest cities in France. The outlines of the area formed by natural borders: the Mediterranean, the Alpine slopes and picturesque Rhone River, which carries its waters until Switzerland. The region abounds with colorful landscapes, affecting tourists because of its simple beauty and rustic charm. The warm climate, coastline, snow-covered Alps on the horizon, many villages and attractions, cobblestone streets, low fences stone, neat area, field of lavender carpets and a special warmth welcoming hinterland - all this splendor conquered more than one heart, Newbie to bright light Provence. Because of the mix of cultures here, you can stumble upon the tombstones of the Roman Empire, the ruins majestic cathedrals, walls, samples of ancient architecture and monumental castles medieval nobles. This region is "seasoned" with herbs traditional French cuisine, which gained new notes of the original flavor, which has become famous far beyond the country. The locals grow herbs right on the kitchen garden near the house: tiny beds in addition to the practical purposes still dot the landscape.

It is not surprising that charming corner of France has become a mecca for backpackers and those who just want to spend your vacation. So what style could appear under a warm wind among the mountain ranges and panoramic views of bays where the water of the Mediterranean Sea for centuries gnaw stone cliff? Unusual, inspirational, scenic, country style beautiful and simple, cozy, warm, with a delicate aroma of spices, surrounded by greenery and lush inflorescences - the only way to describe the authentic Provence. He is completely devoid of pretension to luxury, it is not accepted to shock the audience and brightly demonstrate their wealth. In the depths of even time flows differently - life slows down. Provence has inspired painters, poets, writers, architects and musicians. Here is the same Chateau d'If, within the walls of which the pages of the novel Dumas languished Edmond Dantes, the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde ( "keeper" of Marseilles) ancient "papal" city of Avignon, the pearl of the Côte d'Azur in Nice, lavender plateau Valensole, Verdon Gorge and the "dead city" Les Baux-de-Provence, in the hollowed rocks. On these lands, lived the Celts, Romans, Gauls, Greeks, Germanic tribes (the Franks and the Visigoths), the Arabs. In ancient times, even the Provence was a sovereign kingdom, which later became part of the first Holy Roman Empire, and after - to France. In this region for many centuries, it is an enormous melting pot of cultures that are reflected in the interiors of the local houses. "The beginning of" Provence style is considered to be the end of XVI - the beginning of XVII century, when he finally found a clear form in the first place in the local architecture. The complete design direction he turned as a counterweight to the complex, ornate Baroque, which at that time, "confessed" in the north of France. While Provence has existed before, but he had no precise canons in the design and the official status of "style" of the French countryside, one of the country species.

The characteristics and peculiarities of style

Provence for the following features, which you can easily define this style:

• The abundance of white and pastel tones in the color scheme.
• A lot of greens: herbs, twine plants (hops, ivy, grapes), small wildflowers.
• The old, battered furniture, which has undergone restoration, but kept his story even under the layer of paint.
• Wicker chairs and tables, which can be easily used in the house and in the backyard.
• Wide panoramic windows, giving access to the magnificent landscape of the street.
• An abundance of decorative elements made with their own hands (so-called handmade), a fine sculpture, paintings from rural landscape.
• Floral prints, playful cell and strip, typical for the country in textiles (furniture upholstery, curtains, tablecloths, carpets).
• The prevalence of wood, natural stone or brick, metal (brass, copper) in the finishing.
• Cotton and linen - two major textile material. If you use a different cloth, it necessarily has to be genuine. Provence does not tolerate synthetics.
• Massive chandeliers, wrought-iron chandeliers and lamps.

The decor - an important part of the style of Provence. It is not necessary to skimp. For the living room are ideal for paintings, vases, mirrors, pots of fresh flowers, wicker baskets, blankets, pillowcases sewn personally for sofa cushions. The true center of attraction of living in the heart of Provence will be a fireplace with a pile of firewood in wrought iron and ceramic shelf drovnitsa a beautiful little things.

Zoning - organization of space

Classical layout of any room, be it bedroom or kitchen, it is carried on a simple principle: the free space in the center and on the edges filled. Modern interiors studio apartments and common spaces have long departed from these rules. They are actively used by the original versions of the separation space. In the living room, decorated in the style of Provence, absolutely any applicable zoning methods:

• The actual separation of the two areas combined room with furniture, decorative screens, classic arches, textile curtains.
• Conditional zoning color, light or using different prints / patterns on the surface finishing materials.

Delineate space and can be paired with the help of elements of the decor. For these purposes, for example, fit two massive floor vases, tubs or with twine plants. By the way, a "living wall" made of decorative Epipremnum, tsissusa, ivy, philodendron (room grapes) or monstera perfect flow into the interior of any room in the style of Provence.

Colors and prints

To be inspired by picking up the foundation of interior palettes can be watching the blossoming spring nature. At the heart of Provence colors is white and light shades of purple (lavender), green (plant leaves), brown (wood), blue (sky and water), yellow (sun). You can safely use light colors in different colors, they can not be "miss."

white living

If the room is small, it is possible to resort to a win-win and make the main color is white. It symbolizes purity, purity and beneficial effects on humans. Of course, the "sterile" white for decoration living room does not fit, it in any case have to be diluted with a couple of other colors. Since the white color - neutral by nature, he successfully combined with any bright and pastel colors. As part of the Provence style is better to use brown - the natural color of the wood and create an interior with effect Ombre: color gradation from white to brown with intermediate tones. From the variety of shades to choose enough four or five, which together create a soft, lightweight composition. To give the interior a lightness, you can use a pair of sky-blue accents or pistachio, olive colors.

Living in pastel colors

Pastel colors - a basis of the style of Provence. What colors are in this group? The main characteristic is their pastel muted, but in any case, not fading. If we draw a parallel with the water colors, the color palette is not diluted with water, after which it loses its intensity and make less bright by the addition of white. If the blue of the sky or the lush green of fresh leaves add the milk, you get one of the pastel shades. The most popular tones in this group include derivatives of brown color: cream, beige, coffee milk, vanilla, terracotta, ocher, golden brown, chocolate, flax color, pearls and ivory bones. To create a composition in the style of Provence are also suitable pink, sky blue, pale purple, peach, pale yellow. When preparing a color composition value has only the principle of combination of colors and their number. It is not recommended to use more than seven or eight pastel colors. It is best to resort to an algorithm combining similar one main color and two or three of his "pale" derivatives with varying degrees of saturation.

The group of pastel shades rank all eight colors (colors of the rainbow and purple, as a link Itten circle between red and purple) and even gray, which is not more than a "diluted" whitewash black.

Shades of blue and lavender

Lavender color and shades of blue - bright colors, richness which needs to be balanced with white, gray or pastel tones, neutrals, a close relative of the ground to the Itten circle. For example, the snow-white furniture looks great on wallpaper background blue flower and organically combined with lavender curtains, carpets, cloth or upholstery.

Shades of green and olive

Shades of green can be present in the living room only in plants, but these tones get a nice base color composition. To finish in the style of Provence should choose muted variations: malachite, olive, Viridiana, khaki, mustard, jade, emerald. Added in small portions to the composition and more vivid colors: peppermint, pistachio, spring green, chartreuse, lime. Shade green white, pastel shades of brown (natural combination of a tree trunk and crown) and drab.

Bright colors style

Provence is full of optimism and warmth, to create an atmosphere without the bright notes of simply impossible. Bright colors must be carefully added to an interior painting, evenly distributing them across the room. Optimal use of saturated colors in the decoration and textiles as carpets, curtains, upholstery, pillows, blankets, bowls, boxes, baskets. As accents can take magenta, yellow, blue, green, purple color.

Finishes and materials

Provence style rejects imitation. The decoration of only natural materials should be used. Of course, you can make an exception for urban apartments where conditions are, for example, do not allow to sheathe walls of natural stone, but imitation should be of the highest quality, that is visually indistinguishable from original. While Provence interior looks simple enough, before the purchase of materials will have to prepare your wallet to a severe test, because in this case, cheap does not get rid of.

Walls

For walls suitable conventional plaster. It carelessly leveled to create a light surface irregularities. The plaster can be combined with brick or stone. Last best left to finish the wall sections, which are located less than 1 m. Otherwise too heavy masonry gives extra load on the surface. Luxuriously will look so trim in the fire zone. Wallpapers - also great for a living room in the style of Provence. It should select a material with a small flower pattern. Allowed combining multiple patterns or stripes data flowered with checkered or striped wallpaper. In suburban homes can be used as finishing CYLINDRICAL timber or timber from which built the building. Their surface is covered by special trains, which will save material and prolong its service life. Nice look combined variants: wooden walls and surfaces wallpaper pasted or coated with plaster.

Floor

When making the floor will have to forget about such cheap and available materials, such as carpet and linoleum. Expensive filler coating also can not be combined with the rustic simplicity of the style of Provence. The optimal solution would be wood, preferably in the form of boards. Wooden floors with light rubbing - a kind of time stamp are welcome. In the recreation area near the chairs and the sofa can be the floor is carpeted with a short nap.

Ceiling

The ceiling should be white and not to attract too much attention, since the main surface of the focus - a massive chandelier with more than compensate for the monotony and plainness. It is better to use ordinary plaster. As we mentioned, this is framed by the Alps region of France to the west, so in the style of present light notes chalet - direction characteristic mountain villages. One of the hallmarks of this style is to use massive wooden beams with coarse surfaces. Previously, they were an integral part of the design, but later transformed into a decorative element. The ceiling in the style of Provence can be supplemented with beams of light wood, while in the chalet is mainly used dark wood. To emphasize the color scheme living room, their surface can be painted in the shade of the pitch. The country house where the high ceilings, the use of wood is allowed to finish the entire surface.

Lighting

Decorative lighting, which is so popular in the modern style, is not suitable for Provence. The light should be soft and natural as possible. Massive ceiling chandelier - an indispensable element in the style of the French countryside. Welcome model, decorated with wrought iron elements and crystal. Perhaps this is the only luxury item, which has been preserved in the style of Provence, as a vestige of classicism, since the era of the last peak. Local lighting is represented by wall sconces, table and floor lamps. They are decorated with forging, fabric lamp shades in small flower. In addition to the main lighting can be used massive metallic candlesticks with high wax candles.

Living Room Furniture

Upholstered furniture is selected from the tree to the cup with a floral pattern, in a cage or strip. decorate a recreation area on the classical scheme: in the center of the coffee table made of wood with elements of forging, surrounded by a sofa and a couple of armchairs. Near one of the walls put open shelves for books and fine decor with a niche under the TV. By the way, if you can, it is a child of the century of high technology is better to hide behind the door, since it does not always look appropriate in a rustic interior. You can use the old furniture, which is being restored: cover paint, create artificial abrasions, painting and decoupage decorated. Welcome forged fittings, decorative monograms, carvings on the facades. Stylish furniture will look on high, curved legs.

Over the chest of drawers or a coffee table, you can not go furniture store, and the so-called flea market, where they sell old furniture and decor. There is always the likelihood that you will find an excellent thing or antique chair, sofa, do not have any value, but wrapped in its history. Things with the time stamp are highly valued in Provence.

Windows - design options

Windows must remain open, that is, they can not close the blackout curtains fabrics and deprive the living room of natural light. In the French outback houses are equipped with panoramic windows that lead directly to the backyard to the gazebo or patio with a fountain. In urban apartments (especially Khrushchev) can only dream of such luxuries. To fit the Roman Provence, the French, and very similar to their Austrian curtains. If the windows are large enough, the top can be decorated with lambrequins. To narrow small windows are more suitable for simple modern curtains or blinds on the grommet pleated. If owners want to add flavor to the design of the windows, you can use the stylish models Color Block Ombre effect in which the fabric is colored in multiple colors, smoothly flowing into each other. Bamboo, panels, Japanese curtains and blinds to Provence do not fit. If you add them to the interior, it will become more eclectic.

Decor and Accessories

Even at the dawn of the Provence style furniture and décor residents of French villages were made himself. If earlier the furnishings were the result of hard work, now the process of their creation become more in a fun and rewarding hobby. A nice bonus to the artisanal production is to reduce the cost of repairs by exactly the amount that would have to spend to buy items made with their own hands. The interior in the style of Provence uses an abundance of decoration. Not piling up, and moderate occupancy decorations that add a special charm to the design. Pillowcases for pillows, curtains, lampshades, tablecloths sew their own hands. Warm shawl or blanket that will fall art neat folds the sofa or the chair, can associate of coarse threads. Baskets for storing little things weave wicker. Vases, flower pots, boxes decorate a mosaic of ceramic fragments placers, kraft paper, burlap and twine. Stylish addition over the mantelpiece will be embroidered tapestry stitch picture framed in an oval.

Living room with fireplace in a country house

Fireplace in the living room in the style of Provence makes the interior cozy and adds a "warm" tone. The hearth has always been associated with the measured rural life. Fireplace can be made of brick or stone. It is complemented by a stylish wrought iron drovnitsa and decorative stand on high legs with wide metal bowl. To them on special occasions are arranged candles. If the room is large enough, you can install a detached fireplace. For the more popular models are attached to the wall make out a group of paintings as part of various shapes, painted plates, small shelves on the sides with books, and fine decor. To designate a special place to relax under the crackle of burning wood, can be placed near the fireplace a low couch, ottoman or a banquette with colorful upholstery on bent legs.

Living in the Khrushchev

Hall in the Khrushchev, as a rule, no different dimensions. To choose a compact living room furniture and combine the style of Provence with the principles of minimalism. The task is difficult, but doable. From the central location of the furniture group (sofa / chair / coffee table) should be abandoned. Sofa leans against one of the walls, but instead put the rack with a niche under the TV. Better to use a compact coffee table on wheels that can be moved to another location, if necessary. In the design of small rooms adhere to the pastel colors in combination with white. Instead multilayer Roman or Austrian curtains on the windows hang curtains concise.

Kitchen-Living in a studio apartment

In embodiments, combined living usually combined with kitchen. Demarcation of areas can be carried out with the use of furniture (it is enough to turn the couch to the kitchen), decor, color and texture of finishing materials. To fit Provence decorative latticework partitions of metal or wooden slats, painted in bright colors. Kitchen area decorated with typical rustic interior decorations: bundles of onions, painted pottery, murals made of straw and burlap, wicker baskets for storage of vegetables. The interior is better to use tiles. From the popular bar, which helps to combine the zone in modern apartments, should be abandoned in favor of the traditional dinner table with a group of wooden chairs. If the room is large enough, then you can resort to the peninsular layout that will look appropriate in the interior of Provence.

conclusion

Provence has absorbed the centuries-old tradition of design country house in southern France. Unhurried, leisurely life of the provinces is very different from the crazy pace of the city and the magnet attracts the tired, exhausted residents "concrete jungle". To recreate a piece of this welcoming oasis at home is not so difficult, we are convinced of this. And no matter what apartments are at your disposal: a country house, a private cottage, close or spacious apartment. Light, warm breeze Cote d'Azur with a touch of alpine freshness, aroma of lavender fields and hints of spices can break into any home, you just want to.