How to Create a French Inspired Kitchen

Posted by Britt on February 07, 2023

So I’ve been getting some requests to do a round up of French Inspired kitchen essentials and when I started thinking about what makes a French home and kitchen I realized there was SO many aspects to a French kitchen. There are cooking tools, decor, lighting, design, and then also dinnerware and plate settings.

So I thought, let us start with the basics. Key pieces that will make your kitchen feel French inspired and pieces I believe every farmhouse kitchen should have.

Classic French Market Basket

Having a French market basket not only functions as the perfect weekender tote but it looks fabulous on a peg rail in your kitchen somewhere. It can have stems sticking out of it when not in use for an extra polished designer look.
Copper

When I think of day to day function in the kitchen I immediately go to copper items that add charm and sophistication to your space. Copper is an investment if you want to actually use the items everyday. They are worth the price tag and will age timelessly in your home. If you want a good dupe to get the look without the price and are willing to forgo function, finding vintage copper items for decor can really help elevate your open shelves and rails on a budget. We are always adding copper to our vintage collection on our website and Etsy is also a great place to browse for the perfect item.
Function AND Beauty

Once the two staples are covered, French kitchens really shine when it comes to their simplicity and beauty without compromising on utility. Cue the antique breadboards, French linens and sustainable French soaps.

I personally loveeeee all the antique bread boards that fill the kitchens of country homes in the south of France. It adds warmth, history and decor to the kitchen in a timeless way. Linen is a no brainer for any chef with its high absorbency, sustainability and antimicrobial properties. And lastly, it wouldn’t be a French kitchen without Savon de Marseille accompanied by a reusable soaps dispenser and horsehair dish brush.
White Stoneware & French Glass

White is a classic and timeless way to add some clean and crisp lines to a rather rustic and lived in kitchen. I personally love the look of ironstone and stoneware mixed in. Whether through a butter bell, oval dishes, or small bowls, these creamy additions make for a timeless collection in your French inspired kitchen.

Moving into French glassware, bee tumblers and etched cups that resemble French cafes add the je ne sais quoi your kitchen is missing.