Provence style in the interior of a city apartment

In design practice, Provence in the interior remains one of the most revered styles. It is one of the most natural and cozy, as it was formed at the intersection of ethno, retro and country. It’s a symbiosis of rustic ease and French chic. The stylistics of the European hinterland are preferred by established personalities, nostalgic for their rural childhood, as well as creative, dreamy natures..

Provence style interior

Provence style apartment interior design idea

Provence style room design

History and specifics of style

The word “province” comes from the name Provence – a region in the south of France with endless lavender fields off the Mediterranean coast. This style is classified as a kind of country (loosely translated “rustic”), but it differs from its counterparts in a special French charm.

Initially, the Provence style was established in the interior of provincial houses, where there is enough free space for a large family. Designers have adapted it to urban conditions. It is easy to recreate the special romantic spirit of the hinterland in the kitchen and bathroom, living room and bedroom of any city apartment, as in the photo..

Attention: One of the advantages of doing your own Provence design on your own is a small budget. It will be needed to cover the costs of partial renovations and some reorganization of the space of the rooms..

Some of the inherited old furniture can be easily restored and added to the interior. You will have to find wooden chairs and tables with chiseled legs, as well as lamps and furniture with openwork forging, which creates the illusion of weightlessness..

Provence style in the interior of a modern apartment

Beautiful apartment design in Provence style

But the provincial style is recognizable not only for carved furniture and handicrafts. It is also an abundance of daylight, a special palette and many colors – from textile patterns to dry compositions of lavender or wild and garden flowers in porcelain vases..

Typical of the Provencal style in the interior is the absence of sharp contrasts and unnatural shades. This is an eye-catching palette that echoes the flavor of the southern regions of France. Shades of wood and chamotte clay, sea water and a cloudless sky complement the natural tones of whitewashed walls, tiled roofs and masonry exterior walls.

In archaic Provence, even bright color accents in textiles and accessories repeat natural colors:

the crimson sky at sunset;
lavender plantations;
summer wildflowers;
olive groves;
shades of wood and chamotte clay;
vineyards with bulk berries;
ripe fruits from the garden near the village house.

In preference, embroidery and handmade knitwear, which are made by hand or bought at flea markets. By the way, they are very popular in France, where hand-made and things “with history” are valued. This is a wide canvas for the edge of the sheets, made on linen, tablecloths knitted with a fillet net and embroidered sofa cushions with ruffles.

Looking through the design of modern apartments with Provencal stylization, it seems that this is a “feminine” style that is suitable only for a bedroom or a nursery. But this is not so, in such an environment many generations of French people are growing up, who have carried a love for the special chic of Provence. It is remembered by many guests of the country – with the smell of lavender and orange groves, with the taste of goat cheese and tart spices..

Provence style interior

Provence style apartment interior design idea

Provence style room design

Difference of Provence style from country

The once characteristic way of life was formed in the hinterland of Europe under the influence of the townspeople. The fugitive wealthy French and Flemings hid from the rebels in remote places with delightful nature and measured way of life.

They quickly settled there – sowing fields and raising livestock, cultivating lavender and spices, winemaking and building cheese dairies. This is how the well-to-do bourgeois began to master the village business. They did not return to Paris and other cities, gradually becoming the indigenous population of Provence with a high level of culture of everyday life. That is why this is not a rustic style in its purest form, but a noticeably refined decor, with a touch of grace and aristocracy..

It is so close to modern city dwellers who want to replace the noisy bustle of the gray “stone jungle” with a measured life in unity with nature. Cottages and country houses designed in Provence design fit perfectly into the picturesque Russian landscape.

Provence style in the interior of a modern apartment

Beautiful apartment design in Provence style

The style is considered akin to other varieties of country – a typical design of provincial buildings in different parts of the world:

exotic “bungalow”;
American ranch;
Russian tower;
Ukrainian “huts”;
Swiss mountain “chalet”.

These are buildings made from environmentally friendly materials that fit well into the picturesque landscape. But in Provence, they settle down more elegantly, tastefully, with the typical French craving for aesthetics and elegant chic. The only thing that betrays the “rustic” origin of the Provence style – in its interior there are many animalistic subjects and “chintz” colors (small floral ornament).

Decorating a city apartment in imitation of the traditions of the French provincials retains the characteristic cladding in many ways. But time and modern technologies make their own adjustments. Therefore, in Provence style interior design, you can see many examples with wallpaper on the walls instead of plaster and whitewash. However, any imitation should not violate the overall design concept..

In the kitchen, instead of roughly finished surfaces, tiles and ceramic tiles dominate, and the hearth was replaced by a gas stove. The floors are no longer coarsely finished wooden planks, they are lined with laminate or porcelain stoneware. But this imitation should not violate the general concept – typical features should be visible in the decoration with new materials. Instead of old furniture, specialized catalogs offer Provence style suites and doors for modern interiors.

Provence style interior

Provence style apartment interior design idea

Provence style room design

The hallmark of the style is a variety of natural fiber fabrics with small floral patterns. Large French windows have light curtains with ruffles and draperies. In such an environment, it is always comfortable and cozy – soft lighting, natural fabrics, soft-touch tapestry upholstery of sofas and high-legged chairs.

In an apartment “near Provence” everything looks pretty nice, but not “simple”. To recreate the rustic surroundings of the south of France will help:

onion and garlic “garlands”;
bundles of herbs and lavender sprigs hanging from beams under the ceiling;
numerous boxes with spices;
vegetables in wicker baskets;
handmade napkins and tablecloths;
embroidered canvas towels;
vases with dry or live bouquets.

Country houses in the spirit of French country do not differ in minimalism, like a Scandinavian log house or a Russian hut. There are many small items and floral decorations in the interior, often there are striking clocks.

Coolness is felt in the buildings of Provence, and this feeling is achieved not only by the way of construction, but also by the predominance of “cold” shades in the decoration. In the summer, southern France is very hot, so white, lilac and blue colors create the illusion of coolness. Large windows are covered with light curtains that let in a lot of fresh air in the morning and evening, they are closed during hot hours. This is another specificity of the interior with elements of Provence and its difference from other varieties of country.

Provence style in the interior of a modern apartment

Beautiful apartment design in Provence style

The characteristic elements of stylistics are systematized in the table.

1.	Construction Materials	Stone, adobe bricks, clay, wood, tiles
2.	Finishing materials	Fireclay and gypsum for plaster, lime and chalk whitewashing, planed boards, polished stone, ceramic tiles, painting
3.	Fabrics	Natural materials (linen, cotton, viscose, wool) with a pattern or a harsh canvas, an excess of textiles in decoration
4.	Palette	Light pastel shades for the background, olive, blue, lavender, mustard – complementary colors
5.	Decor	Mostly handmade
6.	Themes of drawings	Flowers, plants, fruits, pets, Gallic rooster (symbol of France), genre scenes and landscapes
7.	Dishes	Colored glass and hand-painted ceramics, porcelain vases and jugs
eight.	Light fixtures	Forging at the base, fabric lampshades, conical shades of frosted glass with a floral pattern or in the form of buds
nine.	Furniture	Openwork forging, natural or painted wood with carvings

Provence style interior

Provence style apartment interior design idea

Provence style room design

Color palette

A designer interpretation of French country can be soft pastel or rather luscious. But even the choice in favor of a bright color must be compensated for by blurry shades:

blue or light blue;
lilac and purple;
mint and olive;
yellow and lemon;
brown and beige;
wine red, terracotta or sunset shade.

The dominant color of the interior in the Provence style for different rooms is white, but in its pure form it is almost never used for wall decoration. Rather, it is a light beige, ivory, milky, cream or delicate peach tone. But crystal clear whiteness is quite possible on furniture and curtain fabrics, in china and paper backing of modern wallpaper..

For each functional room, the most suitable basic tone is selected:

olive color fits perfectly into the interior of the hallway;
a white living room with beige furniture looks elegant, welcoming and casual;
beautiful bathroom in blue and blue shade transitions of ceramic mosaic with floral inserts;
peace and tranquility of a Provence-style bedroom in the interior of the apartment will emphasize the choice of walls, curtains and bedspreads in shades of lavender.

Despite the fact that handmade ceramics are typical for all varieties of country, in the southern French provinces, the material did not take root as a basis for interior decoration. Picturesque fishing villages along the Mediterranean coastline are neat rows of white houses under reddish ceramic tiles. But today, ceramics are used only as dishes and floor tiles – in the hallway or in the kitchen of Provence design..

For decoration, you can borrow any natural shade that is characteristic of the local landscape. Even in the classic trio “white-red-blue” saturated tones are not used, but their natural shades are in a blurred form. For example, azure, cream and burgundy. The same is true for shades of green, yellow and purple..

Provence style in the interior of a modern apartment

Beautiful apartment design in Provence style

Characteristic finish

The walls of the house “a la Provence” are distinguished by rough plaster, where irregularities and small defects are not excluded. This is typical for masonry, where it is impossible to achieve absolutely vertical or perfectly flat surface. In the kitchen and hallway, such plastering allows “bald spots” in the form of masonry, where some of the material protrudes, but the seams are well processed and bleached.

In the living room, bedroom, nursery and bathroom, such irregularities are unacceptable – the walls are smooth, well plastered for whitewash or painting. In modern stylization, textured plaster, artificial stone, wallpaper, wall paneling and other materials are widely used that fit into the design concept. Tiles and facing bricks are suitable for finishing some premises.

Advice. To decorate the boy’s room in this style, use marine motifs. Flowers dominate in the girl’s room, creating a romantic atmosphere..

Provence style interior

Provence style apartment interior design idea

Provence style room design

If it is not possible to buy wallpaper with lavender or wildflowers, you can experiment with other colors typical for country. A great addition to a small hallway will be a photo wallpaper with a rural landscape or endless lavender fields stretching over the horizon..

The flooring is dominated by natural wood, which has been the only option in all country styles since their inception. But the modern budget interior of a Provence style wooden house allows the use of eco-veneer and laminate – for the purpose of practical cleaning and saving on repairs.

Ceilings are whitewashed or painted between wooden beams, but they may not be in the interior. White or light blue is preferred as they support the highest light reflectance. Glossy stretch fabric (finish with a mirror effect) is inappropriate in rustic styles, only matte texture.

Advice. Modern stylization using wood decor or ceiling frames is not excluded, but everything should be moderate, tasteful. Their use should be justified – fixing the decor hanging from the ceiling.

Wood is also used for joinery – windows and doors are made of natural materials only. In Provence, they are painted with white enamel, but it is possible to cover them with colorless varnish if the texture of the wood is beautiful. Panels, carvings and moldings are widely used in decoration; glass inserts are typical for interior options..

“Correct” furniture in the style of Provence

If everything is clear with the choice of the palette and finishing materials, then the furniture raises concerns. Today there is no problem to buy ready-made samples from the catalog in the Provencal style. Most often they offer:

ready-made “kitchen”;
“Hallway”;
dining set;
soft corner with an armchair;
bed for the bedroom;
display cabinet and sliding wardrobe;
children’s furniture sets in French country (this is indicated in the technical description).

Provence style in the interior of a modern apartment

Beautiful apartment design in Provence style

Along with these models, it is easy to adapt handcrafted retro furniture in the setting, especially after restoration and painting. Of greatest interest are antiques and stylization, where there are carved inserts and glass doors. The upholstery of an old sofa or armchairs (canapes, a couch with graceful legs) can be replaced with new furniture fabric. For country, tapestry with floral patterns, striped mattress fabric or jacquard are suitable. Covers for upholstered furniture and chairs are widely used.

Old chests and dressers, sideboards and coasters for ficuses, dressing tables and wooden bedside tables, and those preserved in old houses, after renovation will take a worthy place in the interior. In Provence, family values and traditions have always been treated with great care. Furniture, dishes, textiles and decor were inherited.

An attractive image of rustic comfort will be complemented by paintings for the interior in the Provence style (landscapes, still lifes), multilayer curtains with ruffles and folds, a fireplace and mirrors in carved frames.