Homes in the French countryside have been inspiring designers around the world for decades. Emma Phillips speaks to David Scott, the business development manager for Ravida Group, about the best ways to successfully balance French Provincial aesthetics and modern luxuries in your home.
How would you describe the modern French Provincial style?
“You need to be careful when defining the French Provincial style. In Melbourne, we design and build many homes that people will call French Provincial but they are actually very different to the homes you would see in the south-eastern province of France – most of them incorporate Italianate features or Roman columns and arches, or even include Victorian and Spanish details. And that’s a good thing; architecture, like all forms of art, should evolve, explore and borrow. It should reflect the geographical location and culture of where it’s created, and the people that create it. Melbournians have crafted a French Provincial style that borrows from all classic forms of architecture to suit the climate and fit suburban lot sizes.
“When working with a client, we like to identify the aesthetics they like and develop a façade that incorporates those features and details in a classically proportioned home.”
What is the best way to incorporate French Provincial aesthetics and modern luxuries into your home’s design?
“There is always an element of [balancing] aesthetics and practicality when designing a home, and the balance is different for everyone. For example, you wouldn’t go to the expense of putting Carrara marble throughout your home if you have young children who might stain it. Instead, you might opt for reconstituted stone and porcelain tiles, which still look great and last a long time, but require less maintenance.
“Similarly, ornate cabinetry with glass doors is a great way to incorporate French Provincial charm in your kitchen. However, if you dislike the thought of it collecting dust and don’t want your crockery on display all the time, then cabinetry with a modern and sleek finish may be better suited to you.
“It can be easy to distinguish what style a homeowner would like to incorporate into their home’s design; they will have a general understanding of their likes and dislikes, and once we simply give them the pros and cons of their material selections, fixtures and fittings, the decision-making process becomes quite easy.”
What is one of the main challenges in designing a French Provincial home?
“The size of your block can be one of the most challenging factors when designing any home.
You need to follow the restrictions and regulations set out by the council, which can be difficult. It’s important to consult a professional designer or architect before purchasing the land on which you plan to build your dream home.
“While your block may be positioned in a standardised zone, there may be additional hidden restrictions that you may be unaware of. In the past, we have had clients purchase land before consulting us, only to find out that a small clause prevented them from building the home they wanted.”
What is one of the main challenges in designing a French Provincial home?
“The size of your block can be one of the most challenging factors when designing any home. You need to follow the restrictions and regulations set out by the council, which can be difficult. It’s important to consult a professional designer or architect before purchasing the land on which you plan to build your dream home.
“While your block may be positioned in a standardised zone, there may be additional hidden restrictions that you may be unaware of. In the past, we have had clients purchase land before consulting us, only to find out that a small clause prevented them from building the home they wanted.”
How would you incorporate this unique style in a kitchen?
“The design elements and material selections in a home are always selected based on personal preferences. Some homeowners will request an upright stove cooker, while others request an old-style sink.
“For me the number one thing is functionality; I cook a lot and have a young busy family, so more often I just need to get dinner ready rather than sit back and admire a masterpiece of cabinetry. It’s important to make the space work for you and then add details and features that form your idea of practicality.”
How about a bathroom?
“Freestanding baths, especially claw-foot styles, look beautiful but may be an impractical choice as they can make cleaning difficult.
“I like hanging a mirror above the vanity unit with an ornate frame rather than sticking one on the wall, and I also like using lever taps and mixers.”
How would you incorporate French Provincial aesthetics and modern luxuries in the living room?
“The height of your ceiling and windows is critical, as in this space it’s about the finer details. Incorporate decorative cornices and add stylish pelmets to your curtains or blinds.
“A European-oak parquetry floor with a deep stain in a traditional pattern like herringbone is perfect for the French Provincial style. It’s
important not to over-style your home with design elements though; artwork and furniture should be the standout feature of your living zones.”
When designing a French Provincial home, is it important to match the style of the home’s exterior?
“The interior and exterior of a home need to be cohesive and connect in some way, but you do not need to replicate the style in the same strength throughout the entire home. Ravida Group has built some magnificent homes that are very ornate and highly detailed when viewed from the street, but have ultra-modern kitchens that are very minimalist and sleek. In these instances, it’s usually the floors and cornicing that tie the spaces together.”
What flooring would you recommend for someone who wants a French Provincial home?
“European-oak parquetry is almost always the ideal flooring solution for a French Provincial home. Tiles can work well and are in line with
the style, but you should include heated flooring if going down that path. Melbourne’s climate is not the same as the south of France and it’s important that your home’s design reflects your geographical location.”
How can lighting be used to enhance the aesthetic?
“Feature lights are very important, but shouldn’t be overdone. Standard floor lamps or small side-table lamps are great when backed up by
unobtrusive, dimmable LED downlights. This combination can have a bigger impact than an ornate pendant light when done correctly.”
What do you consider a must-have in this style of home?
“There’s nothing more French than including a wine cellar into your home! It’s not only a terrific visual addition, but a practical one too. Ravida Group has built many underground cellars in basements, but more and more we are creating feature cellars that are visible from the living areas of the home. When backlit with LED lighting, they create a brilliant feature and provide easy access for you and your guests. We’ve also built them with small tasting benches, which can become great talking points. Even if you’re not much of a drinker, wine cellars make for a beautiful addition to your home.”
Why do you think French Provincial design has stood the test of time?
“I feel that it has evolved a great deal. As I look back on the classical homes we were designing 15 years ago, they are quite different to what we are designing for our clients now. I think the classical elements of symmetry, balance and proportion are the things that create the timeless feel for which French Provincial homes are renowned.”