How to Have a European-inspired Kitchen

Hoping to achieve that French or European-inspired look in your kitchen? Today we’re sharing how to add the charm of a European kitchen to your own.

What is a European-inspired kitchen? European kitchens are less about one exact style and more about a feeling: timeless, layered, and collected rather than overly designed. 

European kitchens rely heavily on authentic materials that age beautifully. Think marble, wood, stone, and brick. They typically use warmer tones, and when using white, it’s usually a warm white. And they avoid looking too ‘perfect’ by using layered and collected styling, making things feel cozy and inviting.

Common elements:

• Honed marble or soapstone countertops
• Limestone or Zellige tile
• Unlacquered or aged brass hardware
• Oak or stone floors 

Popular colors:

• Cream and warm white
• Mushroom/taupe
• Sage green
• Dusty blue
• Greige

You’ll often see:

• Vintage cutting boards
• Pottery
• Brass lighting/hardware
• Linen cafe curtains
• Cookbooks stacked casually
• Plants or fresh herbs
• Copper cookware

Of course you could hire a designer to redo your kitchen and get that European-inspired look. But what if that’s not possible? What can you do to add some of that warmth and character to your own kitchen, without remodeling?

There are several ways to add in French or European elements without a full remodel. Below we’re sharing seven of my favorite ways to bring the charm and character of a European-inspired kitchen into your home!

This post may include affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure policy.

 

Change Out Your Hardware

Unlacquered brass hardware has been having a moment for more than a moment now! Short of a remodel or more expensive changes, it’s probably the best way to bring European-country style to a space. When we remodeled the kitchen here I knew I’d be incorporating unlacquered brass hardware, and I couldn’t love it more!

It immediately gives the whole space that old-world feeling. I also love that it’s a ‘living’ finish, which means it will tarnish and warm as time goes on. We’ve been here six months now and it has dulled slightly as our hands have used it, but rather than take away from the look, it adds to it.

 

The patina is not something you can copy easily and that lived-in feeling is what makes it feel more European. If you want to take it a step further, you could also indulge in a brass faucet.

 

Add Textural Elements

No kitchen should be without texture, and that’s even more true when trying to get a European look. Think vintage cutting boards, bread baskets, crocks, and wood bowls or trivets. I have cutting boards displayed near our stove and in the butler’s pantry, as well as two different wood trivets, and a rustic vintage wood bowl that holds fruit.

 

And baskets look soo good in a kitchen, especially if your kitchen is white or light. Wicker baskets add much needed texture, and that medium brown color is a great contrast, too. I’m especially fond of this sweet little vintage-inspired bread basket. 

 

Use Copper or Brass 

Even if you have brass hardware, it’s nice to have other brass or copper pieces scattered around. Almost nothing feels more European than a copper kettle or pot sitting on the stove!

And authentic brass pepper mills or utensils are textural elements that feel timeless and homey. And again, the copper and brass are great for breaking up a white or light space.

 

Display Pitchers & Dishes

If you have glass cabinets in the kitchen that makes it easy to display pretty dishes. If not, try stacking some bowls or plates underneath a potted plant, or display a couple of cake stands or pitchers on the counter. 

Whether in glass cabinets or on the counter, keep to a simple color palette (mainly white dishes, with maybe one other accent color), and make sure nothing feels too cluttered. You can find more tips on decorating kitchen counters without the clutter here.

 

Use Natural Fabrics

This means runners and rugs made of natural materials, and nubby hand towels made of thick, high-quality linen. A runner made of wool, seagrass, or sisal brings a lot of texture and interest to a space. If you can find a vintage Turkish rug, even better!

And linen tea towels give a European look, as well as wear better than their cheaper counterparts. 

 

You could also add linen cafe curtains or roman shades to the windows for a charming take on window coverings. And is there anything cuter than a skirted sink? This would be easy to add to a kitchen or laundry room.

 

Add Vintage Artwork 

Art in the kitchen has been a favorite look of mine for literally decades! It’s one of the easiest ways to bring character to a space, and it’s especially effective in a kitchen.

Whether hanging on a wall or leaning on a countertop, a piece of pretty vintage art makes the kitchen feel warm and collected rather than decorated.

 

Display Herbs or Fresh Flowers

Yes to this! You know what a fan I am of fresh flowers, and I’ve yet to see a European kitchen without at least a flowering plant decorating the counters.

Fresh flowers in a pitcher, a flowering plant plopped into a terracotta pot, or a set of herb pots displayed along a windowsill are all classic ways of bringing European charm into a kitchen.

 

Honestly no matter what your style, having something green in your spaces really brings them to life!

By simply making a few changes or adding in a few European-inspired pieces, you can definitely get more of a European feel in your own kitchen!

Below I’m linking to a few of my very favorite European-inspired kitchen finds, but if you want to explore even more, these are some of my favorite online sources:

McGee & Co.
Roan Iris 
Elsie Green (fabulous vintage finds!)
Green Row (part of the Williams Sonoma/Pottery Barn family carrying sustainable vintage-inspired furniture and decor)
Amber Interiors Shoppe

Sheila
xo

 

Shop European-inspired Kitchen Finds

 

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more European & French inspiration below:

15 Gorgeous European Farmhouse-style Kitchens

How to Add European Charm to an Outdoor Space

How to Decorate with Vintage French Bread Boards

European Farmhouse Style Home Tour