From the bull keeper hut to the Provence « mas » (Large family farm in the south east of France), Architecture in Provence remains one of the most inspiring style for designers and architects. What are the key pillars of this style? This is what we will try to sum up in this article.
1/ The Stone
« Provençal » have been building their houses with local large stones. Cemented with lime, thick walls perfectly isolate main room from the heat and the Mistal! (the famous local wind).
Stones and rocks are used to create paths, fences, bases … and even « Mazet » or « Borie » which are typical constructions for wine-grower and farmers. You can find these small buildings lost in field in the middle of a vineyard. Let’s point out that it is often build without cement.
Dry masonry add a genuine dimension to local building. You just need a climbing vine and some Uzes or Anduze potery to give your house the southern accent.
2/ Colors of Nature
To provide a Provençal hint to your interior, just look outside. Nature is inspiring. Shades of blue get you closer from lavender. Use white linen to contrast and explore saffron to bring boldness.
You can also play with Colorado Provençal ochre to spice and warm you big room. We usually say It’s good for the mood down there.
Don’t forget olive green! It harmonizes white stones frontage and respect natural surrounding.
The olive green match also with dryer green such as « rosemary » and/or « savory ». In fact, it’s with yellow vanilla stone and white that it gives its best.
3/ Vary Touch Feelings.
There you go. Everything is painted. It’s time to decorate this little paradise.
We would advice the use of wrought iron for your lights and bed furnitures. Dress your second bed with a traditional bedspread (quilted fabric) ornamented with Provençal pattern (Acanthus leaf, Boteh or nice cicadas).
Fill your remains of fabric with lavender. Close them with a ribbon and stuff your wardrobe with this natural smell. You’ll become addict.
On the ground, alternate cement tiles and dry stone (Egyptian stone) to caress your foot arch while going in and out from your « mas ».
Be careful not to be « kitsch » overusing traditional pattern from Provence. The Provençal style is a delicate balance. Play with raw and authentic materials, invest in quality household linen and you will already « sun up » your interior.
4/ « Mas » & « Bastide »
To make the most of your real estate readings, a little explanation could light up your search.
« Le mas » (Pronounce « mass ») is a traditional farmer house, long and narrow with wide opening to shelter and accommodate animals. We usually feel a humble but welcoming ambiance at the heart of the stone. Big sets and the barn allow you to create wonderful volume.
« La Bastide » is bourgeois building with one more level that the « mas ». If you are lucky, You could visit an attic at the top of the house, just below a double a triple row of Genoise tiling (typical Provençal).
Otherwise, there is plenty of village houses with their huge ground floor traditionally dedicated to animals. Very few space outdoor but a lot of charm and often beautiful findings such as marble fireplaces, original cement tiles, traditional mosaics.
Sources photographies : côtémaison, castlecrowncottages,