French country décor is timeless. It evokes visions of a cottage in the French countryside. Its intricate lines and detail provide a marvelous backdrop for living life in a home. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or building a new home, the beautiful look of French Country is worth considering. There are some characteristics of a French Country kitchen that you should know as you plan.  

Mission Style Kitchen  cabinets: A return to simple good taste

Mission style design dates back to Gustav Stickley in the early 20th century and is thought to derive from the simple furniture designs of the early Spanish missions, as well as the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. The design is characterized by clean geometrical lines, mainly square or rectangular, and the use of wood for effect. The wood, mainly darkish wood like quarter sawn oak, cherry or walnut is often stained to show off the grain and the luster. The beauty of Mission style design is that it fits in with almost any kind of decorative theme or environment because of its simplicity. The look is timeless and will never go out of fashion.

Mission style kitchen cabinets have frames made of dark wood with joints exposed to show off the craftsmanship. Glass panels are inset into the front (sometimes leaden glass for enhanced effect) so that high-quality china or glass stored in the Cabinet can be displayed to best advantage. The metal fittings are hand made to look chunky and rustic. Inlay work can be used on the wood for decorative effect. The shapes are simple geometric squares or rectangles relying on evidence and high quality craftsmanship for their effect. Mission styles are now popular as people, sickening of the high-tech age, look back to their roots and an age of simple elegance and outstanding craftsmanship.

You may wish to harmonize the rest of your kitchen to your new mission style cabinets. Though traditionally, Mission style furniture is not painted, you can choose from a wide product of natural and muted colors without destroying the effect of the cabinets. If you stay with the dark wood finish, remember to adjust your kitchen lighting. Your countertops should also preferably be made of natural material such as granite or stone. Your flooring should be wood or wooden veneer though at a pinch cork will suffice.

Now your kitchen will be warm and welcoming and a place where people would like to congregate or hand out. What is more, the look is timeless and will never date, so you do not have to worry about expensive refurbishment as and many fashions change.