When the weather starts to turn, I find myself in the kitchen more often. The heat from the kitchen, along with the warmth of a home cooked meal can really warm you up when the nights are long, dark and cold.
While my actual kitchen is teeny tiny, it doesn't hurt to imagine what my dream kitchen would look like - it would look a lot like these French-inspired kitchens below.
Modern details mixed with rustic materials and oversized appliances fill out these gigantic kitchen spaces so well. These oversized French country kitchens become more than just an utilitarian cooking space, but a welcoming, gathering space for those cool fall and winter nights.
Neutral tones are often found in French country kitchens. Warm and rich browns become the accent to a primarily creamy palette that seems to almost float amidst the heavy appliances. Utilitarian meets simple style in these wide open spaces.
Using materials that are original to the house can make the space really come alive and have great depth and character. The exposed brick backsplash and archway inject warmth into this kitchen space that also features more modern materials.
The height of this kitchen is so fantastic, the perfect pendant chandelier is the only way to highlight it. With an expansive height such as this, powerful lighting gets attention and becomes a focal point in an otherwise neutral kitchen.
One of the most contemporary kitchens in the round up, the detailing on the marble, both on the island as well as the backsplash, makes this kitchen inherently French.
Another detail is the oversized zinc hood that is truly a focal point for the space.
The chef who gets to preparer in this space definitely knows their way around the kitchen.
Anyone who doesn't look at this next kitchen and wish it upon themselves is crazy. This stunning space is rich with detail, but not gaudy thank again to the neutrality of the color story.
The bright white kitchen gets a touch of depth with the vintage tile backsplash and dark cabinet hardware.
One final but very important detail in any French kitchen is the exposed rustic ceiling beam. These larger than life kitchens with gorgeous cabinetry, counters and appliances have such purpose, and capping the space off with exposed rustic beams completes the look, and is truly designed from ceiling to floor.
Image Souces: L Kae Interiors, Providence Design, Dust Jacket Attic, Decorpad, Better Homes and Gardens, Home Bunch