Little Details With Big Charm

 

Little Details With Big Charm

A view of the exterior of a charming stone cottage in Provence, complete with shutters, front door, and outdoor table and chairs in a cheery robin’s egg blue.

All photos by Audrey Curl Interiors

Is anything more charming than a cottage in Provence? I think not! A few summers ago, this adorable home was my abode for one week and let me tell you, it was chock full of charm. 

I’ve never forgotten it, and since I’m a firm believer that the details elevate a design, I just had to share some of the delightful details of this cottage that captivated me then and that I’ve remembered ever since. 

Believe it or not, these ideas can transform your home, too.

Elegance in simplicity

A cottage kitchen in Provence features open shelving full of cookware and an old cupboard brimming with humble yet charming dishes.

Enter the kitchen in this cottage and you are in for a treat. Feast your eyes on details that are simple yet so appealing: The old cupboard stocked with everyday dishes, the open shelves storing pots and pans, and the linen curtain used to hide less attractive kitchen items. 

Charming functionality

Part of the charm is that everything is very accessible, making the kitchen easy to use. Even the little chalkboard at the cooktop is ready to accept that list of ingredients you forgot at the market (especially when that list includes fresh flowers and a bottle of wine!). 

Even small design details in this cottage kitchen in Provence (like the chalkboard by the cooktop, the light under the spice shelf, and the linen curtain covering the open cabinet) make everything ultra-accessible and functional, as well as charming.

Niche details

One especially charming design detail in the kitchen is this clever light cove. Simple and practical, this shelf stores the pepper mill and other decorative items while hiding the light used to illuminate the counter. Not only are these lights helpful when cooking and cleaning but they also give the room a special glow.

A charming cottage kitchen in Provence features a lighted cove for storing and displaying the pepper mill and other decorative kitchen items.

It’s worth noting that niches for storage don’t have to be square. Just look at the arched niche next to the dishwasher and the wonderfully-shaped niche that houses the washing machine. 

Storing cooking utensils can be fun, too, when using an antique tin (though I must say this would be much more useful hung next to the cooktop!).

Decorative doors

Talk about attractive storage–the water heater is hidden behind a vintage door with old hinges and original paint. 

Next to the water heater is a pair of mismatched doors that tuck away pantry storage. Several of the door panels have been replaced with cane inserts to allow ventilation and provide interesting texture and contrast. What a great way to replace missing or broken door panels, especially now that pre-woven cane paneling is readily available!

A vintage door with old hinges and chipped paint hides a water heater while a pair of mismatched doors hide pantry storage in a Provence cottage.

I simply love all the little details in this quaint farmhouse. They add charm and yet are functional. You can be sure I went home and incorporated a few at ma maison here in San Antonio!

Are you looking to add Provence-inspired charm and functionality to your home, as well? Contact us to talk about your project and see how we can help. 

 
INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS, GLOBAL TRAVELKyra Zander