Provence plays an important role in the magnificent family of Mediterranean traditions. The kitchen can be considered the heart of a Provencal house. Although it is not the most noticeable and large room, it is nevertheless an important warming part of the house. The kitchen is always located on the ground floor, there is a door on the facade side, which is a passage from the street to the kitchen. There is also a second door separating the kitchen from the living room or dining room. Despite the fact that there is a dining room in the house, there is still a table in the kitchen, but for a smaller number of people so that you can make a light snack.
Although the inhabitants of Provence are reputed to be conservatives, but, nevertheless, they do not give up the benefits of civilization. So their kitchens are equipped with the necessary household appliances: a dishwasher, an oven, a microwave oven, hoods and ventilation, a refrigerator, comfortable work surfaces, an electric kettle and a coffee maker.
Despite these innovations, Provencal cuisine has not changed its image for several centuries, still preserving the charm of the South of France, as well as authentic Provencal interiors. The masonry walls, as well as fireplaces in many houses date back to the beginning of the XIX century. The kitchen floor is traditionally made of ceramic tiles. A characteristic detail of the interior is the ceiling with beams, as well as narrow lattice windows. However, many owners subject these traits to changes.
Furniture may not always be younger than the walls. After all, in France, there are quite a lot of well-preserved antique furniture, which is an export item. But if someone cannot afford real antiques, copies of old samples with the effect of artificial aging are made. Kitchen furniture sets made of cherry wood, chestnut, walnut, oak look great. Dark-colored furniture looks very expressive on a light background. Some owners plaster kitchen walls with masonry, and then cover with whitewash with a mixture of ochre. A mixture of ochre is added in Provence. It exists in seventeen shades from saffron yellow to ochre red.
Ochre is also used for painting Provencal cotton fabrics, which are used in the manufacture of kitchen textiles. Tablecloths, towels and napkins, capes for chairs, stands for dishes create a homely cozy atmosphere. An interesting item of kitchen textiles can be called a bread basket. It is a double quilted napkin with a thickened middle and connected corners, so that a box is obtained. In such fabric baskets, you can store sliced bread, cookies, sweets, fruits.
Another characteristic detail of the interior is a high cabinet with long shelves, which is filled with various kitchen utensils. Provence has its own pottery traditions. Their ceramics can be safely called the embodiment of solar harmony. Painting dishes made of clay covered with glass glaze is done manually. Traditional rural ornaments are applied, displaying such rural motifs as sunflowers, roosters, lavender and olives. In addition to ceramic dishes, there are copper and glass, both traditional and modern.
If you want to create a Provencal atmosphere in your kitchen, then forged candlesticks will certainly come in handy as a decor, which should be placed above the table.
