French country design is often rightly associated with traditional homes, many exhibiting architectural assets (such as wooden beams) that complement this rustic style. However, we don't always need a contemporary base to experiment with some French country-inspired elements, and it would seem Jennifer Lopez agrees.
JLo offered a look inside her modern gray-and-white kitchen, with sleek vertical cabinets and shiny countertops reflecting the overhead spotlights. On the surface, this space is not a conventional base for French country decor, but that hasn't stopped her from experimenting with this design aesthetic.
The designer created an unconventional focal point by gathering various wicker baskets with dried flowers and hanging them above her kitchen island. This arrangement pays tribute to the rustic French design aesthetic, and despite the modern setting, it fits perfectly.
While wicker is often used in abundance around our living rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor furniture, we admit it's less likely to see this material in the kitchen. However, Jennifer Lopez's arrangement reminds us that this retro staple has a firm place in the most functional room of the home, and designer Kathy Kuo agrees.
'Wicker is a classic material that really can have a place in any room of the home—and the kitchen is no exception,' she comments. And the best way to do so is to follow JLO's lead.
'I love the idea of using woven wicker baskets [such as these from Amazon] in a variety of sizes to hold items like cooking utensils, napkins, dish towels, and even fruit. You can also use a wicker basket as a stylish French country-style vase for dried flowers or seasonal greenery.'
Interior design expert Kathy Kuo founded her eponymous home store in 2012 – and it has since gone on to be an e-commerce destination for luxury furniture and decor essentials from a variety of beloved home vendors. Kathy and her store specialize in styles like French Country, Coastal Beach, and Modern Classic while offering interior design services to their clients.
'The look of wicker is at once homey and cozy as well as classic and sophisticated—which makes it the perfect material for transforming your kitchen into a modern farmhouse dream.'
Recreating the look is simple – all we need are some wicker baskets (of our chosen size) and some dried flowers. We love lavender, for the ultimate French-country look, but these baskets work with every kind of dried bloom.
This golden-toned hand-woven basket is perfect for hanging, meaning we can fill it with flowers or use it for storage if we'd prefer. This particular piece originates from the late 20th century.
This bouquet of French Grosso lavender will look beautiful in a wicker basket in the kitchen. However, if we have any left, we're going to fill a vintage vase with some in bedrooms, too.
This handmade wicker hanging basket is made from natural material, making it eco-friendly and durable. We love how it's versatile enough to hang in any place we choose (including the kitchen).
No matter what our kitchen already looks like, JLo has reminded us that the beauty of French-country design can translate to every home. And recreating this striking focal point is easy.
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