According to the French tourist board, every year more than 2.7 million people visit the beautiful Provence region of France.
Stretching from the Southern Alps down to the Mediterranean Cȏte D’Azur, Provence is known for its incredible light and color, as well as the produce, which includes olives, lavender and apricots. The region has inspired so many artists, including Picasso, Cézanne and Van Gogh.
You can use the colors, textiles and designs of Provence to inspire you in your own home, giving your living space a timeless, warm elegance.
As you can probably tell, this really excites me because in three simple, easy ways you can accomplish this in your home. Let’s explore those ways now.
Let the light in
The light in Provence seems to be almost translucent, bathing everything in a magical glow: this is why it has captured the imagination of so many artists.
Letting the light into your home can give your living space a beautiful, airy feel like the hillsides of Provence. Industry experts Magnum Builders recommend installing skylights to bring in as much light as possible, even on dull days. You can have windows custom made to fit your home, which is especially good if you have unusual wall dimensions.
Inside your home, you could also look at opening up doorways, to make open-plan living spaces that have a light and spacious feel.
Provençal prints and fabrics
Provence is very famous for its distinctive patterns and prints, which often come in bright yellows, blues and reds.
The history of these prints dates back to the 16th century, when the flower patterns were printed with wooden blocks, using special Indienne dyes. The colors were like nothing French people had ever seen before, and they became incredibly popular. Hundreds of years later, and the Provençal prints are still found throughout the region.
In your home, the material can be used for curtains and blinds with great effect, or as a tablecloth for a Mediterranean meal with friends and family.
The scent of Provence
Filling your home with a beautiful smell can help bring the feeling of Provence into your home. Leave bowls of dried lavender in every room to make the air fresh and warm.
Lemon verbena is another scent that is very reminiscent of Provence. The herb is easy to grow, and will be happy on a sunny windowsill in your home. A verbena plant can also make a great centerpiece for your dining table, bringing a natural, subtle scent to the room.
Provence is a unique part of the world, filled with nature, beauty and style. You can use the Provençal culture to inspire your home design, and fill your living space with light and color.
