DIY Provence style kitchen shelves
Provence-style design is unusually cozy. Furniture made in the French country style is not only functional, but also very decorative. Almost every element of the interior can be called a decoration. Shelves play a very important role in the design. What should be Provence style shelves? How to make them yourself?
Distinctive features
Provence is one of the few styles that can be easily guessed by a number of characteristic features. For example, there must be an “intelligent” wear of interior items, as if the table and cabinets were used by more than one generation. Modern technologies make it possible to artificially “age” any furniture.
In addition to the "venerable age", natural materials are always present in the Provence style. This applies to the decoration of the room, and to the furniture, and to the decor.
Rough ceiling beams are another constant for this style.
Finally, Provence is simply unthinkable without numerous and varied floral prints. They are everywhere: on walls, furniture, flower pots and window shades. By the way, don't forget about real flowers: small vases with graceful bouquets of wildflowers are the best addition to a Provence style interior.
Speaking of shelves, first of all, it is worth noting that they greatly affect the perception of the interior as a whole. Most often, wooden or wicker models are used, with traces of scuffs, chips and scratches. Various forged elements in the structure look spectacular.
In order for the interior to look like a single whole, professional designers recommend first painting all the furniture in one color, and then aging it. Decoupage technique is often used. It is generally considered ideal for Provence style decoration.
Craquelure is also in demand - a special paint, after the application of which a pattern remains, conveying the effect of a cracked surface. This is a great opportunity to "add" the age of new furniture.
Varieties of shelves
Kitchen shelves are the most functional element. With their help, it becomes possible to place a lot of the necessary items, moreover, to do it in such a way that they are always in the access zone. And the spectacular appearance makes the shelves also a decorative element.
If you have the most ordinary wooden shelf at your disposal (the design does not matter), you can easily make an element of the French country style interior out of it. How? There are at least three easy ways:
- Staining with light paint.
- Applying the craquelure or decoupage technique.
- Artistic painting.
The latter option is ideal for those with at least elementary art education or skills. Although, in fairness, it should be noted that Provence does not require you to create artistic masterpieces.So, if drawing a delicate bouquet is not a problem for you, you can start decorating shelves and cabinets.
The main thing is that the dimensions of the shelf fit the dimensions of your kitchen. Agree, a huge wooden structure in the kitchen of modest square meters looks at least ridiculous. Not to mention the fact that such a shelf will be inconvenient in operation.
By the location of the shelf and its appearance, the following options are distinguished:
- Floor or wall.
- Closed or open.
- Wide or narrow.
- With stands or hooks.
- With drawers or doors.
Open shelves
A distinctive feature of the Provence style is the abundance of decorative elements. Numerous figurines, vases, candlesticks, framed photos (it is better if the photo is slightly faded, with a hint of antiquity). Thanks to such cute trifles, the room is filled with an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. It is clear that all this miniature splendor should be put on public display. And open shelves for this purpose are perfect, by the way.
Open models have several advantages:
- Helps to create a unique soulful design.
- Thanks to the fact that the shelves have no doors, space is saved, as well as time for their operation.
- The items you need are always at hand.
Such designs play the role of a kind of showcase, in which souvenirs and gifts about people dear to the heart flaunt, or dishes are beautifully arranged.
The main disadvantage of open models is that dust invariably accumulates on them. And you have to wipe not only the surfaces, but also the objects that are placed on them.
Closed shelves
Most often, such designs are distinguished by deliberate rudeness and massiveness. They are appreciated for their spaciousness and ease of use. It is best to place closed shelves in large kitchen areas.
The main advantage of such shelves is that they do not require frequent wet cleaning. In addition, if the family has children, or pets live with you, it is the closed structure that will ensure the safety of kitchen utensils and fragile decor.
Diy Provence style shelf
Perhaps even a beginner in carpentry can do this. The main thing in the Provence style is the decor.
You will need:
- Wooden boards.
- Fasteners and screws.
- Brackets (consoles).
- Jigsaw, screwdriver, drill.
- Craquelure.
- Light-colored paint.
- Napkins and varnish for decoupage.
The design can be of the simplest, as they say, classical form. The number of shelves is chosen at your discretion.
After the base has been created, arrange it accordingly: cover with varnish, make decoupage. And make sure the shelf is securely attached to the wall.
French country is one of the most popular trends in kitchen decoration. Very easy to implement and unusually comfortable and cozy interior. In addition, this is a great opportunity to decorate the space with the help of hand-made elements. A little imagination - and your kitchen becomes the admiration of all your friends.
Video: decorating a kitchen shelf in Provence style
Examples of the design of kitchen shelves in the Provence style in the photo
