It is difficult to find a style of interior design that would be as remote from urban apartments as French Provence. And the classics, and Baroque, and, of course, hi-tech organically put their emphasis on the arrangement of such housing, providing convenience and rationality of the organization of space. Unless country and Scandinavian style are oriented mainly on country houses, which, in fact, makes such interiors similar to the French style. One way or another, a small-sized apartment in the Provence style has its own attractive features, which will be highlighted if the design rules are used correctly.
The main features of the style
The style is characterized by naturalness, lightness and at the same time shades of luxury. Do not forget that this design still comes from the rural outback, but not ordinary, but French. Therefore, in this case, it is appropriate to talk about the accents of simple luxury. A feature of the style is versatility in the basic decoration and general design, but at the same time, the obligatory introduction of elegant accessories and decorative elements into the interior. In other words, an apartment in the Provence style can largely resemble a classic style in terms of practicality, but at the same time focus on the Baroque in terms of elegance and charm. It should be noted and the contradiction of style with the very idea of urban housing. Especially small apartments require a rational arrangement of the interior in order to achieve practicality and convenience. For its part, provence is impossible without an abundance of additional accents, which can be difficult to take into account in a very limited space.
Trim requirements
The French style is not too picky about the finish, but some rules should still be followed to achieve the desired result. So, when decorating the walls, it is better to abandon the wallpaper in favor of plaster or paintwork. Today, there are special mixtures and solutions, the coating of which forms an unusual finishing texture with a hint of aging. Also, the design of an apartment in the Provence style involves the use of brick or stone in the lining, but for obvious reasons, this option is not suitable for small-sized housing. However, you can experiment with laying artificial stone on the balcony or kitchen.
As for the flooring, here the choice is clearly made in favor of wood. Conventional plank floors are, of course, not the most attractive option, but parquet with a laminate will allow to comply with design requirements and provide a pleasant appearance of the flooring. By the way, if you are planning an apartment in the Provence style, to which an open area adjacent to the balcony adjoins, then it makes sense to provide forged supports with various patterns.
Color palette
In this aspect, the style is unoriginal - the emphasis is on pastel colors with a slight hint of contrast. In the same wall decoration it is recommended to use white paint. To create accents, you can turn to blue, yellow or turquoise. A separate topic is the shades of aged materials. Patina, copper, bronze tint are often used by decorators in the design of country houses, but an apartment in the Provence style is not always suitable for this purpose. It is better to limit yourself to a set of standard neutral shades that will provide an atmosphere of calm and harmony - these are the qualities that characterize the rural way of life, but are practically absent in a bright and saturated city rhythm.
Provence style furniture
According to the canons of style, furniture should not even be so practical and functional as decorative. To comply with this requirement in small rooms is very difficult, so designers often have to make concessions to the rules. One way or another, the ideal furniture for this style is obsolete items made from natural materials. Old chests of drawers, chairs and sideboards with pronounced signs of long operation bring their charm, comfort and nobility. Typically, Provence-style kitchens in an apartment are made using ceramic finishes and rough plaster. Such decisions create the image of natural rustic cuisine. To strengthen this feeling, wooden furniture will help - it is better to refuse from sparkling metal and, especially, plastic. Also in the interiors of Provence a special place is given to stoves, fireplaces and the hearth as such. For this reason, it is better to fence off the plate from the rest of the working surfaces, making an island out of it.
Lighting
The best option is the abundance of natural light. Therefore, if possible, initially you should make large windows with access to the sunny side. Especially the rays of the sun are important in the kitchen and in the bedroom. Of course, even the rustic style does not exclude the use of artificial light sources. It is desirable that the interior of an apartment in Provence style be illuminated by a traditional chandelier made in a classic form factor. Excessive chic in this case is not necessary, since the manufacturability of the lamps does not harmonize with the concept of Provence. The case of devices should also be selected from natural materials - on the market today you can find good options for chandeliers with elements of wood, porcelain and even forged metal.
Textiles and curtains
In the choice of fabrics and curtains, emphasis is placed on lightness and simplicity. For curtains, it is advisable to prefer a light snow-white tulle. If there is a desire to diversify the design, then you can also refer to a batista, satin or chintz products with small floral patterns. It’s good if the picture will resonate with the design of textiles inside the room. The fabrics used in the interior are selected according to the same basic rules - that is, there must be a natural origin and a calm pattern. In particular, an apartment in the Provence style can be decorated with textiles in the form of cotton, woolen and linen products with printed patterns. When choosing curtains, it is recommended to exclude heavy fabrics. It is better to dwell on soft and light products made in pastel colors.
Parts & Accessories
All sorts of little things, trinkets and decorative elements form the essence of interior design. Following the traditions of rural arrangement, it is worthwhile to provide in the apartment fruit bowls, vases, photo frames, candle holders and birdcages. It is not necessary to use some of these objects for their intended purpose - their presence in the interior is sufficient, which provides the necessary aesthetic effect. In the classical form, the design of an apartment in the Provence style is not complete without flowers. A living corner can be arranged in the kitchen, in the living room, and in the bedroom. The main thing is that the plants fit into the atmosphere. Usually, for this style, designers choose lavender, which is a symbol of the French province.
Conclusion
Typically, styles that include significant decorative accents are used in the design of private houses or spacious urban housing. The lack of spatial restrictions allows you to maximize the advantages of the French interior. However, a small apartment in the style of Provence may have its advantages. Firstly, the cramped space and even a slight mess increase the feeling of the atmosphere of a rustic home. But it is important that such an interior is organically complemented by colorful decors. Secondly, the compact arrangement in each case creates the prerequisites for a cozy atmosphere.