French Provincial
There is no more romantic travel destination in the world than France. While Paris commands our attention with its glamour and romance, a trip through the French countryside – along cobblestone streets, past rolling hills carpeted in vineyards surrounding rustic old farmhouses and well-loved chateaux – still captures our imaginations.
The homes and chateaux have survived, passed down through the generations, worn but beautiful. They were built with love when things were made to last, to withstand the rigours of daily life, without sacrificing style. Homes like these take us back to a time when our needs were simpler – when we made do, we repurposed and reused, and we handed beautiful and useful objects down the generations.
Our romance with the French countryside – Provence and Bordeaux – is also a love affair with food and wine. We think of simple but elegant food accompanied by a mystery Bordeaux red at a local bistro. We imagine every morning with a fresh baguette with jam, and perhaps a coffee, gathered around an ancient oak kitchen table. Bliss.
It’s no surprise we dream about recreating this rustic life at home.
Look for wrought iron wrapped around Juliet balconies, or French doors spilling out into the garden. Tastefully relaxed and inviting, the French Provincial style has always been a great choice in established Perth suburbs, especially where heritage considerations may come into play.
The kitchen is the hero. Where once it may have been modest, today it is big, beautiful and generous. Classic moulded kitchen cabinetry, a large, rustic stove, often with open shelves to display items used every day – copper pots, blackened steel pans, dried flowers. Most importantly, a central kitchen island for family and friends to gather around with a bottle of red, or fresh, buttery croissants.
The French Provincial style is best captured inside, where old and worn antiques sit next to more ornate pieces – an old armoire, or side table with cabriole legs – and simple modern reclaimed timber furniture, side by side. Wrought iron light fittings and chandeliers add to the glamour of any room. You’ll feel right at home.
French Provincial Home Designs
Sometimes more informally referred to as ‘French Country’, this effortlessly graceful look has been translated over the years into homes large and small, from grand châteaux to the more modest French farmhouse. Often associated with the peace and tranquillity of a rural idyll, our take on this design classic is rustic, yet elegantly refined.
1. What characterises the architectural style of a French Provincial home?
The exterior characteristics of these homes will have you feeling like you are living in a picturesque European palace. Its design is almost always balanced with symmetrical proportions – think sweeping roofs, tall windows with arched tops, and porches to enjoy those warm summer nights.
2. How can I find experienced builders specialising in French Provincial home construction?
Oswald Homes has been designing and building French Provincial homes in Perth since 1972. We work hand-in-hand with a designer, an interior designer and an experienced construction team to create a one-of-a-kind home that is as individual as it is timeless.
3. Are there specific design elements that define a French Provincial home?
The characteristics of a French Provincial home design are reflected in modest farmhouses dotting the French countryside, right through to the most opulent châteaux. Earthy tones are often used to create the charming aesthetic and a balcony is commonplace in French Provincial style.
4. Are French Provincial homes known for their energy efficiency and sustainability?
Oswald Homes prides itself on designing homes that are sustainable and energy efficient. Our French Provincial homes incorporate passive heating and cooling design, smart lighting, wise water use, recycled materials, and eco-conscious building products.
5. Can I personalise the design of my French Provincial home to match my preferences?
Yes, of course. Our French Provincial designs can be customised to reflect the way you want to live, while our understanding of context ensures each Oswald home is perfectly at one with the surrounding landscape.
6. Can you provide examples of completed French Provincial home projects for inspiration?
Our six-bedroom, six-bathroom Bellevue home is quintessential French Provincial. Similarly, you can also see how we reflected our graceful take on the French Provincial style in Dalkeith. This award-winning home shows how perfect this classic style slots into our Perth landscape.
