French Country Kitchen Accessories

As with all homes it seems that the heart of it is the kitchen and therefore it makes sense decorate it in an appealing and comfortable style. One way is to decorate the kitchen in a French Country Style (French Country Decorating for the Kitchen) and is one of the current trends when a kitchen is about to be redecorated, plus there are a wide range of great accessories available to help enhance the look further.

However, it is important that prior to you going out and purchasing your new French Country Kitchen is that you select a colour scheme. Although often the original colour schemes for a French Country kitchen were either blue and yellow many people are now opting for either black and white or maroon and white instead. But personally I would rather use the traditional blue and yellow scheme. I would start by painting the walls in 2 shades of yellow a golden yellow for the upper half and a more darker golden yellow for the lower half. Not only does it make the room look bright and cheery but it does not feel too over the top in regard to the yellow. To accentuate the room further I would use accents of blue around the room such as tiles and pots, utensil holders etc may be even some pieces of blue glass as well.

If you cannot afford to replace the cabinets that you have then why not just alter the fronts of them by adding a little chicken wire at the front. All you need do is cut out the front panels on the door of a few of the cabinets and then cut a piece of chicken wire that is slightly larger than the panel removed and bend the edges over (avoids you getting cut by the wire) and then staple it to the inside of the door. Not only have your given the cabinet door a country look, but you can display some of your favourite pieces of pottery as well.

Now the kitchen cabinets are ready it is time to start filling your kitchen up with pieces to provide a more authentic French Country feel to it. Rooster (cockerel) accessories seem to be the hottest items at the moment for giving a kitchen the right kind of feel. Why not use a French Country rooster print on a wall and then a few statutes dotted around the kitchen on shelves and say the window ledge. You may even be lucky enough to find a gold and blue rug that has a cockerel as its central character and which will tie in the rooms colour and decor beautifully.

If you really want to finish the kitchen off perfectly then look at adding a valance to the window made from a French Country fabric called moire and you could also use this to cover any seat cushions that you have in the kitchen especially those around a kitchen table (if the room is big enough to accommodate one).

French Country Kitchen Accessories

One feature which can distinguish a country kitchen from other styles is the cabinets. Instead of looking for the traditional maple or oak cabinets, consider painted white cabinets. Glass cabinet doors are another nice touch. You could also add period cabinet hinges and accessories. You may find originals at an antique or second hand store. Also, many companies produce replicas that can be ordered through home improvement stores.

Furniture can be used in unusual ways to give a kitchen country charm. An armoire can be used for storing linens, dishes or even for concealing a television. Look around in antique stores for an old milk chest or wooden ice box to use for storage.

A few changes in accessories can make a world of difference. A different wall paper border, country curtains or a display of old fashioned cooking utensils can help pull your look together. Farmhouse sinks are also very popular, and look great in a country style kitchen.

More and more families are choosing to eat their meals in the kitchen, leaving the dining room for special occasions. If that is the case in your home, you'll want the table and chairs to maintain the country charm. Of course, they also need to be comfortable and practical.

A table and chairs made from cherry or oak is ideal for the small family setting. Buy cushions for the seat and back of the chairs to mix and match with the kitchen curtains. If you are handy with a sewing machine you can make your own, and have your pick of fabrics. Shop around for hand embroidered cotton clothes, napkins and a wicker basket for storing bread and other items.

When choosing a floor for your country kitchen you may want to consider hard wood. For an extra touch of authenticity, check with your local lumber yards to see if they can tell you where to purchase reclaimed wooden flooring from old houses and barns.

When creating the country kitchen you've always dreamed of, it may not be possible to purchase high end appliances. If it is within your budget, a few companies produce replicas of vintage appliances. While these appliances have the look of your great-grandmother's appliances, they have all the modern features you'd expect in new appliances.

There are several websites and magazines that can help you achieve the exact look you want. Don't be afraid to mix fabrics and accessories. Experiment until you find the look that is perfect for you and your home. While some people don't like change, others grow bored with their decorating. This is an economical way to get the most mileage out of your d'cor.You don't need a lot of time to make changes that will brighten up your home. In just one day you can make small changes that will make a big impact.