Here, the items that can give even a brand-new American kitchen some 17th-century French style:

Weathered finishes Buy sinks, faucets, doorknobs and light fixtures with unlacquered brass or copper finishes. They will quickly develop a patina.

Overmounted drawers Install drawer and door fronts so they partially overlay the cabinet box.

Visible paint-brush marks Instead of spray-painting cabinets and other surfaces so they're sleek and glossy, paint them by hand.

Unmatched chairs Buy chairs that are similar in style but not identical—for instance, two different ladder-back models with rush seats.

Flea market or auction finds Display a baguette slicer, an antique cheese cage with mesh sides or other quintessentially French items.