A French Kitchen

Everything undergoes change and kitchen designs are not an exception to this rule. An outstanding example is that of a French country kitchen. It has changed from a simple place of food preparation to a complex cooking and eating place. However, the transformation is a blend of both the old and the new. One can still pick out some features that have not been completely modernized with this new kitchen plan.

Initially, the main building had a beam and a post which formed the frame of the rooms. Large stones provided the only seats and storage spaces that were usable. The kitchen designs of the ancient French always ensured that there was a lot of natural lighting in the room. The only available illumination streamed in through very large windows. The most outstanding feature in this kitchen, however, was that were no refrigerator in sight. This was for an obvious reason; electricity was not yet available in that area.

Wood was the main fuel and occasionally coal was used for heat. The kitchen was designed in such a way as to help the chimney deal with the smoke from the fire. Wrought iron was used to build towel holders in the kitchen. Today, modern kitchen designs have borrowed intensely from the old ones. They have big storage spaces, bright lighting features and lots of room for organizing kitchen utensils. There was never any confusion in the French kitchen designs.

Today, visitors are now received in this kitchen. Designs have greatly expanded. They have become more accommodating to the people preparing the food. This has brought about many needed advancements in the kitchen setting. For example, the coal fire place is no longer needed. Modern pressure cookers or electric stoves have replaced them. Even the house heaters are now operated on electricity. So, change is good.