How to create a country-style kitchen

If you're looking to create a warm, inviting, and charming kitchen, then a country-style kitchen might be just what you're after. Country kitchens are known for their traditional and rustic look and feel, perfect for anyone who loves the countryside, rural charm, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you prefer the quaint country feel of English cottages or the shabby chic shine of the French countryside, there are so many ways to incorporate country style into your kitchen.

We'll show you how to create a country-style kitchen that's perfect for your lifestyle, from the different colour palettes you could try, to the décor pieces that work best in a functioning kitchen that still bring a glimmer of style to your practical spaces.

What is country style?

Country style is all about simplicity, traditional elements, and a cosy, welcoming feel. It's a style that celebrates the beauty of nature and the countryside. When it comes to a country-style kitchen, it's all about creating a space that feels warm and inviting, with traditional and rustic elements that add character and charm. Here are a few things you can do to achieve this look:

Use natural materials
Choose a warm colour palette
Add traditional decor
Embrace natural textures

So how do you turn these concepts into a complete kitchen design? Keep reading to find out how!

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How to achieve the ultimate country kitchen design

Creating a country-style kitchen is all about combining traditional and rustic elements. It's about creating a warm and welcoming space that's full of character, charm, and personality. To achieve this look, here are a few things you can do:

Country-style colour palettes

When selecting your colour palette, consider the overall vibe you want to create in your country-style kitchen. Do you want a cosy and inviting space or a fresh and bright space? Or do you want a bold and vibrant space that's full of personality? To help inspire you, here are three example colour palettes to try in your country-style kitchen:

Warm and cosy: This palette features warm shades of brown, beige, and cream. We would suggest natural wood tones, muted earthy hues, and soft neutrals.
Fresh and bright: This palette features cool shades of green and blue, with accents of white and cream. Imagine soft mint green, pale blue, and crisp white - ideal for creating a fresh and bright space that's full of light and airiness.
Bold and vibrant: This combination features warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. We’d recommend bold pops of colour, like deep red cabinets or a bright yellow backsplash. This palette is great for those who want to create a bold and vibrant space that's full of personality and energy.

Country-style decorations

When it comes to decorating your country-style kitchen, think of traditional and rustic elements you can use as decorations. Keep an eye out for vintage cookware, enamel dishes, and copper pots and pans that will add character and charm to your space. An authentic butcher’s block is another great way of bringing that authentic style into your space, as well as giving you something practical to work on!

Nothing beats bringing in a wooden dining table and chairs to your space – it’s also lovely to have somewhere to sit down and chat with friends and family while you all pitch in for that evening’s meal. Bring plenty of fresh fruit, veg, and flowers into the space to bring in all those natural scents and bright colours, especially if you’re working with a neutral space.

Don’t be afraid to introduce plenty of colour too – a neutral kitchen looks great in a modern space, but fun patterns and colour clashing works great in a more traditional looking kitchen. Use patterned wallpaper in the backs of any glass or open cabinets to Wicker baskets, exposed wood beams, and textured fabrics like linen and cotton are also great options for adding natural textures.

Country kitchen materials to incorporate

Country kitchens are all about natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick. When you're selecting your kitchen countertops, cabinets, and flooring, look for materials that have a natural look and feel. This could be including a natural brick backsplash behind your oven and underneath your cabinets, or using wooden-look countertops on practical work surfaces, and use more luxurious materials like stone and marble on less-used spaces so it will last for longer.

Add more textures to your kitchen décor with items such as wicker baskets and exposed wood beams, which will help to soften your space. Soft cotton is perfect for your curtains and furnishings, not only because it feels nice but because you can easily source authentic cotton cheaply from charity shops and car boot sales. You could even upcycle an old bedsheet, or even repurpose some spare material from other sewing projects.

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Country kitchen flooring ideas

When it comes to country-style kitchen flooring, natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick are the way to go. Wood flooring adds warmth and character to your kitchen while stone flooring adds a rustic and traditional feel to your space. However, while solid wood and stone flooring are ideal for creating a country-style kitchen, they may not always be practical for everyone.

Fortunately, there are several alternatives available that can help you achieve the same look and feel – our guide to the best flooring for kitchens has all the insider knowledge you need to help you choose! Here are our top picks:

Laminate and LVT

Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl tiles are both excellent options for those who want the look of wood or stone without the hassle of maintenance. Both are made of several layers of synthetic material, including a photographic layer that mimics the look of wood or stone. They’re durable, easy to clean, and come in a wide range of colours and patterns, making them an excellent choice for creating a country-style kitchen.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is another cost-effective option that can help you achieve the look of wood or stone. It's a synthetic material that can mimic the texture, colour, and patterns of natural materials. Vinyl is easy to install and maintain, making it a popular choice for those who want the look of wood or stone without the hassle.

Engineered wood flooring

Engineered wood flooring is another great option. It’s created from a plywood base topped with a thin layer of solid wood. It has the same look and feel as solid wood flooring but is more affordable and durable. It's also resistant to moisture, making it a practical choice for any kitchen.

Country kitchen ideas on a budget

Creating a country-style kitchen doesn't have to break the bank. Here are a few ideas to achieve the look on a budget:

Paint your cabinets - A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your kitchen. Choose a warm and inviting colour for your cabinets to give your kitchen a country-style feel.
Add open shelves - Instead of investing in expensive cabinets, consider adding open shelves. This not only adds character to your kitchen but also allows you to display your favourite dishes and cookware.
Shop second-hand - Look for vintage cookware and decor pieces at second-hand shops or car boot sales. Not only will you find unique pieces, but you'll also save money.
DIY decor - Create your own decor pieces by upcycling old items or making your own. Consider making a DIY wall art piece or repurposing old jars as storage containers.

With a few of these budget-friendly ideas, you can achieve the perfect look without breaking the bank. For more Style Inspiration check out our Ideas Hub, such as tips on how to create a rustic living room, or why not pop into your local Tapi store to speak with one of our knowledgeable Floorologists or pick up some samples for your dream country kitchen?

Post author

Jeremy Garrish Buyer Jeremy has 35 years of carpet industry knowledge

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Published: 10-05-2023