It may be the most popular room in the house, but in France, there are also a few design surprises in the kitchen. The colors and the warm and relaxed feel associated with the French Country style is often the perfect choice for the kitchen. But Southern France is the birthplace of this French Country look--where the kitchen has become a place for sustenance for both the spirit and the stomach. Visit two distinctly different French homes to find out how owners Tricia Robinson and Simone Duckstein designed their kitchens to reflect what the French Country style means to them.

To create a French Country kitchen in your own home:

• Use rustic, earthy materials that will offer age-old elegance and practicality. Rough-hewn beams set in plaster ceilings provide a contrast to a clean, white backdrop. Brick or tile flooring offers texture and durability. Tile is also used to line walls and countertops to complete the look.

• Incorporate plenty of generous storage. Richly carved cupboards and dressers conceal kitchen contents. Cover built-in shelving with decorative doors to create an armoire-type appearance. Pots, pans and spices are usually kept within easy reach for the cook.

• For seating, unadorned farmhouse-style tables are usually surrounded by rush-bottomed ladderback chairs, often in an assortment of styles. This will add to the comfortable style of the kitchen.