For those who’ve spent any time in France, you’ve most likely marveled in any respect the attractive issues the French do in another way. From meals, to tradition to the language and even the work-life stability, the best way issues are finished in France is notably totally different from life at dwelling and it’s enjoyable studying about it. Right now we’re speaking about one side of our life that’s an vital one… our homes! Let’s see how French houses differ from American ones. I’m going to get into 9 options of American houses that you just gained’t discover in France, or at the very least not as regularly.
Earlier than I get began, please be aware that I’m not saying you’ll by no means discover the issues I point out under in a French dwelling or that each American dwelling has this stuff. I’m simply stating belongings you generally discover in American houses that aren’t almost as mainstream in France. Additionally, lots of the issues I point out apply to locations elsewhere in Europe and aren’t France particular.
P.S. Air con is one thing I’ve talked about at size, so I gained’t be repeating that one right here. Learn this put up and this put up all a few/c in France.
What you discover in French kitchens >>
9 Widespread American dwelling options you gained’t discover in French homes
1. Giant double door fridges. Many American houses nowadays have huge fridges. Many have the freezer drawer on the underside and have left and proper double doorways up high for the refrigerated portion. The generally include a water/ice dispenser on the entrance. Whereas these exist in France and yow will discover them at equipment shops, they’re nowhere close to as prevalent as they’re within the U.S.
Properties are usually smaller in France with much less kitchen area and purchasing habits differ as nicely. The common French dwelling is 1206 sq. ft (112 sq meters) whereas the typical American house is 2164 sq. ft (201 sq meters). It’s type of humorous that we check with a majority of these fridges as having “French doorways” as a result of the French don’t actually have them!
2. Yards with out fences. Many houses within the U.S. have entrance and backyards and the bulk are usually not fenced in. Some individuals have fences round their pool or to maintain their canine on their property, nevertheless it’s regular to drive round U.S. suburbs and see houses that don’t have fences throughout the property traces. In France, it’s quite common to see entrance gates with partitions or fences that present safety and privateness. Backyards are sometimes fenced as nicely, even when there’s no canine or pool.
3. Rubbish disposals. Mounted below the kitchen sink, rubbish disposals eliminate meals waste by grinding it up and sending it out with the water waste as a substitute of it going within the trash. Rising up, associates’ houses had rubbish disposals and my dad presently has one. I really feel like most People at the very least know what they’re. Our dwelling in France doesn’t and I can’t say they’re very talked-about in any respect.
4. Shingle roofs. There are all totally different roof sorts you’ll see within the U.S., however asphalt shingle roofs are most likely the most typical. Though they’re not essentially the most sturdy choice, shingles are available in a wide range of colours and also you’ll see roofs like this all through the nation.
In France, slate and tile roofs are what you’ll see just about in all places, though metallic (zinc) roofs are getting increasingly in style. Shingles aren’t utilized in France and in my space, slate roofs are what you see essentially the most. They final for years.
5. Window screens. I’ve talked about this one earlier than. French houses don’t include window screens put in on every window. Within the U.S., window screens are the norm and all home windows have them to maintain bugs out and to maintain issues from falling out your window. In France, the home windows are open to unobstructed recent air and lots of houses — mine included — have vertical home windows (with a deal with) that open inward and never up and down.
Whereas DIY display screen kits have grow to be increasingly out there through the years at {hardware} shops, it’s tough to get a flawless match and bugs nonetheless make their manner in. DIY kits additionally aren’t sensible when you have guide window shutters (les volets) that require you to open your window to open and shut your shutters.
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6. Showerheads which might be completely mounted to the wall. Whereas many American houses have handheld showerheads, plenty of houses even have showerheads which might be fastened to the wall. The water stream begins and stays above your head. Meaning you’ll be able to’t simply do issues like clear simply your ft or wash the canine with out turning on the water overhead.
In France, fastened showerheads aren’t widespread and also you’ll discover handheld ones as a substitute. I’ve even seen ones in individuals’s houses that you just actually want to carry the entire time you’re within the bathe as a result of they don’t have a wall clamp to connect it to whenever you want each fingers.
7. Completed basements. Renovated basements appear to be a really American factor. You understand those I imply… former darkish and dingy basements that get became household rooms, sport rooms, and even man caves which have a sofa, TV, and typically even a bar, pool desk, and an extra lavatory. In France, basements — les caves — are usually locations for storage and aren’t usually renovated on this manner.
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8. Wall-to-wall carpeting. Such a carpeting is fairly widespread in American houses though I’d say it was most likely extra in style 20 years in the past. Nowadays wall-to-wall carpeting has come a great distance with plenty of trendy, high-end choices and it’s nonetheless in style within the U.S. Carpeting does exist in France (two of our bedrooms had it once we moved in), nevertheless it’s not seen in French houses wherever close to as a lot as it’s in American ones. I discover that French houses go for space rugs below furnishings as a substitute.
9. Garments dryers. Nowadays, plenty of French households have garments dryers, however they had been manner much less widespread once I moved to France in 2012. Even at present, you’ll see plenty of yards with a clothesline and the French most likely hold their garments and linens as much as dry extra regularly than People do.
Even at present within the south of France, dryers aren’t one thing each family has as a result of the nice and cozy climate and lack of rain many of the 12 months means you’ll be able to dry your garments outdoors within the recent air. It’s a win-win for the setting and your garments.
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There you have got it, my listing of widespread American dwelling options that you just gained’t discover in French houses. What would you add to my listing?
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