How to create a chic, Parisian-inspired kitchen
Design & Decor Ideas
A picturesque Parisian themed kitchen evokes thoughts of a welcoming yet elegant social space with a sprinkling of vintage and rustic charm.
As space is at a premium in the city of love, they're known for neat space-saving ideas such as worktop overhangs used at seating areas, pull out pantries, overhead glass or pan racks and interrogated appliances.
Parisian kitchen decor is charming yet modern, and is brought together with fresh and airy colour palettes and plenty of practicalities to make it the hub of the home for keen cooks and families. Its timeless look is the perfect theme to follow in the kitchen, so we've revealed how you can add some of this sophistication.
A classical colour scheme
The distinctive Parisian colour palette is the foundation to get the right look. The good news is that the rules are fairly simple to create this airy yet chic style.
'Dirty' whites or white containing some grey such as putty or cream colours are usually the base of this European theme. This is perfect to apply as your wall layer which acts as a canvas to add a classical coloured Parisian kitchen design.
Understand colours such as blue greys like Wren's Ice Blue and China Blue would look delightfully shabby chic on unit in a matt finish. This doesn't mean all your cabinets have to be one colour, it could be paired with neutral units or one feature element such as a dresser or island in a French blue colour.
Deep raven black is another key component, and it can be used as either flecks or as an anchor in your space. As social areas are part of the parcel with this design, the breakfast bar or stools could have dark hues, a statement black island or even a kitchen table.
Don't forget to add charm with accents of colours such as earthy greens, blush pinks and antique brass accessories.
Timeless kitchen design
When it comes to the design of your Parisian style kitchen, it certainly is the best of both worlds - old meets new. This timeless look means it will never go out of fashion and it suits any type of home whether it's a new build of country cottage.
The units need to be framed with charming and characterful touches such as the Georgian Ermine range, which offers a sophisticated and authentic aesthetic. However, the Edwardian or Shaker style kitchens can offer a similar enchanting look and a twist of contemporary styling can bring them to life such as a gold splashback, black Belfast sink or statement geometric chandeliers.
The central theme to any Parisian kitchen designs the social aspect, and no matter how big your space is, Wren's expert kitchen designers will be able to incorporate it. If you don't have space for an island, a peninsula design is perfect to entertain guests, or even a worktop overhand so people can perch for a refreshing glass of Chablis.
To finish the look off, a stunning yet practical marble quartz worktop in Valenza or Calacatta Gold finishes would look right at home in this space. Adding an understated elegance, quartz worktops are super hardwearing and easy to care for.
Integrated appliances
Classical French cooking is renowned across the world, and the capital of Paris is of course the epicentre of all gourmet delights! Therefore, it's important that a Parisian kitchen has top of the range appliances such as pyrolytic self-cleaning ovens and induction hobs.
As they're integrated, they reduce the space needed - perfect for smaller spaces and city apartments. Clever technology is perfect for hectic lifestyles as ovens such as the compact Neff Slide and Hide gives a helping hand with turning grime to ash which means one clean swoop and it's done!
Also, powerful induction hobs are extremely efficient, which means you can whip up the perfect steak and frites twice as quick.
Chic accessories
A Parisian style kitchen is styled with antique gold, brass or nickel accessories such as handles, splashbacks and chandeliers. These metallic touches create a luxe look in a rather understated way.
A stylish chandelier over an island along with retro herringbone wooden flooring will bring the look together.
Don't forget to add bistro style chairs which resemble those at pretty cafes in Paris. Either in rattan or steel, these vintage style chairs are practical yet offer a rustic style to any dining area. Combined with bench seating and a characterful brick wall - you've nailed Parisian kitchen decor!
Neat little storage solutions
City life for Parisians and like many of us, means that space is at premium, so it's important to make the most out of every nook and cranny you have.
This means narrow larders to store all those cooking essentials, pull out magic corners for all those pots and pans, feature dressers that look like furniture, and concealed island storage underneath worktops. It doesn't matter how much space you have, it's all about clever storage.
To create a rustic cafe feel we're loving the look of overhead storage such as steel racks for wine glasses and wooden ceiling pan holders. Easy to reach whilst entertaining or feeding the family, these are a fab feature which adds height and interest to the design.
Open or integrated shelving is also a great way to showcase items that you've collated on your travels and this worldly appeal adds cosmopolitan city vibes.
There you have it, spruce up your space to create a spectacular Parisian themed kitchen that will never date. it's a charming city themed affair that looks fantastic in any style of home. Feeling positively inspired? Continue your exploration by checking out this clever kitchen design tool or speak to an expert designer who can help you instil this enchanting style.