In her book on French country living, the Australian writer Sara Silm, who now lives in the Pyrenees, remarks that “I am always amazed that the kitchens of French houses are so small, given the country’s love of food and cooking, but in reality this speaks to the simplicity of using fresh ingredients that are bought or harvested as they are needed; there’s really no need for vast kitchens with big American-style fridges and unlimited storage.” There is indeed something about the concept of a French country kitchen that conjures up visions of a simpler life, one more in harmony with the seasons, where there is only a fine line between outdoors and indoors. The aesthetic is a far cry from the rigorously fitted kitchens that have become the norm in modern interiors, plentifully supplied with antique furniture and copper pans, without which, it seems, no cuisine campagne would be complete. Scroll down for our favourite design ideas for French country kitchens.
Dining and Cooking