Please note that this post may contain affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward us a small commission – at no extra cost for you.
It’s true what they say, kitchens are the heart of the home. Whether you love to cook or just cook enough to get by, everybody needs a kitchen and since you’re in there so much, you might as well have one that suits your style! But oh, there are so many interior styles. How do you know which one you like and if you’re doing it correctly?
A while ago I did a post about the differences between some key home styles (French Country included) and it sparked a lot of great conversation about what’s real, what’s not, and what do people actually think they like? I’m taking that post a step further and diving into something that is so widely misconstrued: the French Country Kitchen.
How to Get an Authentic French Country Kitchen
Just a couple disclaimers here. I’m doing my research before I put a post like this together, but I am not the expert nor do I claim to be. I’m big on saying my kitchen is French Country inspired because I know it’s Americanized and not 100% the real thing!
Before we get into what authentic French Country kitchens are, we’ll have to start with what they’re not.
Take the below pictures as examples of what most Americans think French Country kitchens are.

What do you see?
Glazed cabinets. Granite countertops. Intricate molding. Cabinet after cabinet after cabinet. Huge kitchen islands.
Though these kitchens look expensive and grand (and there’s nothing wrong if this is what you like), they’re far from authentic. And as we look at pictures of what is authentic, you will see why.
FYI, this blog post from Laurel Bern goes into phony french country kitchens even more.
Just so you know, I pulled the below pictures from French real estate sites & Airbnb so we can find the similarities of “real” kitchens, not Americanized ones. These homes are being sold in the country.
Let’s check them out!

Above you’ll notice vintage appliances, a farmhouse sink, pretty basic cabinets, and no kitchen island or upper cabinets. You’ll also notice the lower cabinets are painted blue, not white or glazed. A kitchen table takes the place of an island.
Above you’ll also notice that there are no upper cabinets and no kitchen island. The lower cabinets are a blueish color instead of white. This kitchen also has great stonework, awesome beams, and a cabinet for easy access to dishes. A dining table rests in the center of the kitchen.
Above you’ll notice that there actually are white cabinets this time and upper cabinets, though some doors are left off for easy access. Once again, no kitchen island, and instead, a dining table takes its place. This kitchen feels homey, not grand, with the brick fireplace and tile floors.
Above you’ll see this kitchen has quite a bit a color compared to the other photos, but there are lots of similarities as well. You’ll notice the fireplace, china cabinet, beams, painted cabinets, and lack of upper cabinets as well. You’ll also notice lots of plates and dishes are on display.
Above you’ll notice the table in the kitchen, farmhouse sink, mix of countertops, tile floors, and lack of upper cabinets. Also, how beautiful is that French range?
Above you’ll find hanging copper pots, natural brick elements, open shelving for glasses, tile floors, no upper cabinets, and once again, a table in the kitchen.
For the next couple of photos, you’ll probably notice by now lots of the same similarities, such as a fireplace, beams, big dining table, tile floors, wood cabinets, and elements of open shelving.
/French-country-kitchen-599471710d327a00107ea084.jpg)
My last example has to be pictures of Mimi Thorisson’s kitchen. She’s a French cook and author who has written books on French Country cooking. I can’t think of anyone more qualified to take a peek in their kitchen!
Mimi’s kitchen is a more styled version perhaps but it sums up everything we’ve seen in the photos so far: tile floors, stonework, big kitchen for dining instead of an island, hanging copper pots, fireplace, little to no cabinets, and lots of earthy, warm tones instead of white, white, white.
Farmhouse kitchens and French kitchens in the country are workhorses of the home. Not everything is pure, white, and fancy, and it gives off a feeling of homeyness, rather than grandness. It celebrates a simple, yet a full type of life. Most Americans may find this kitchen style to be darker and rougher than what they like. But the kitchen is designed to be used and cooked in, all the while withstanding the country elements.
To be fair, I’m not out here saying that everyone needs to change their kitchen to what is authentic. Sometimes it’s just good to know what it is. Though I love the style, I don’t think everything translates super well here to America, especially for resale. At the end of the day you should definitely do what you want (it’s your house after all), but I think most Americans would probably flip to see no upper cabinets because you know, “storage”!
Check out the graphic below (and pin it!) to see what elements you need to have an authentic French Country kitchen.

It’s your turn now
Leave me a comment! Tell me what you think about this post and French Country kitchen styles in general. Do you think Americans are way off or there’s room for interpretation?
Since you’re here, you can see how I’m translating the look into my own kitchen renovation!


I absolutely LOVE this! Realizing what’s more authentic can be super helpful in dictating what you actually like and how you want to imitate the style. I enjoy finding inspiration – and you’ve certainly inspired me with these cozy farmhouse kitchens!
So glad you loved this and you’re right- knowing what’s authentic can help you decorate better!
This was interesting –I really enjoy your home decor posts.
Aw! Happy to hear that, Shannon. 🙂
Loved seeing the real deal on authentic French kitchens. I never did care for the over the top, grandiose American version. My idea of a country kitchen should be a cozy gathering place to prepare a meal with family and friends to help. The kitchen does not have to be too large or stark in color. Color and texture can be found in warm, worn wood, copper, pottery, old baskets and functional items. Now, if I can environment, I would be smiling.
Love that! I’m all about coziness and warm tones. Sounds perfect.
Carolyn, I live upstairs in an old farmhouse. We’ve rented here over 30 years and raised our son here. With 70 year old metal cabinets and crooked floors, but so peaceful. All the rooms were originally bedrooms, long and narrow so very difficult to decorate and be functional. Your post on real French country kitchens made me actually love my kitchen, nasty cabinets and pealing wallpaper and all. I have the original farmhouse sink and big kitchen with our kitchen table. We have no dining room so that’s it. I also have radiant heat with the metal radiators along the floor. Love the constant temperature, I just painted them the same color as the woodwork. I’m enjoying your blog. It’s relaxing. Thanks.
I’m really glad you are enjoying my blog, Mary! I love that you are embracing your home and finding things to love about it. I know many people (myself included) that would love to live in a farmhouse! So much character and quirky things to embrace 🙂
I absolutely love these kitchens. My dream kitchen doesn’t have an island or a bunch upper cabinets (I’m short so they are wasted space). I like the idea of having shelves next to the stove but some uppers for food/dish storage. I want to have space next to my stove for prep not on an island so I won’t make a mess on the floor moving things “across the room” to the stove. And I definately don’t want to eat at an island – give me a breakfast nook with a bay window to watch nature while I drink my coffee each morning.
I’ll take that breakfast nook with a bay window any day! These kitchens are some of my favorites too. Our dream kitchens sound similar!
LOVE this article and the pictures! Thank you!
So happy to hear that. Thanks, Jinny!
Awesome Carolyn, i have always loved European style especially the French country homes with their lovely kitchen style. When i see pictures of thos kitchens, i imagined the large group of French family members and guests busy making their traditional meals with talking and laughter being heard mixed with the tasty smells of the cooking and baking being done, Wow double Wow!!!!!
Thank you so much for acknowledging that there is a difference between the American French kitchen and the French kitchen that exists in France!
I am in the middle of an addition in which I am creating an authentic French kitchen, beams, etc, minus the fireplace, sadly. I’ve had to pour over many books that were photographed in France because the American French kitchens are exactly that!!
My kitchen designers insist I need upper cabinets when in fact I have hanging shelving and antique European doors which I am having constructed into a cabinet. They have beautiful trellis wire for the authentically painted arched door openings.
In addition I found a late 18th century beautiful French pine armoire with a carved fruit basket in the top arch for $3500 versus the $20,000 that was estimated for the same space for custom cabinets!!!
Again thank you for acknowledging there is an a significant difference.
Bonne journée!!!