A country kitchen design is incomplete without wood. Cabinets, shelves, coffee tables, chairs, and flooring are usually made of wood. Whether distressed or not, wood must be natural-looking. Cabinets made of oak, maple, pine or knotty alder, in tones of tan and yellow, is the focal point of a country kitchen. There may also be open cupboards or shelves where pots and earthen ware can be stored. A hand painted shelf mounted on the wall can also be used to display antique plates and jars.
Another element of country kitchen design is the use of wrought iron pieces. Plant holders, fruit baskets, cabinet knobs and drawer pulls are usually made of wrought iron to give a rugged, rustic feel.
Countertops are usually made of marble or ceramic tiles, although some would still use granite countertops. Whatever the material is, the color must blend well with the color scheme of the entire kitchen. Interesting decorative tiles may also be used in some areas.
To give warmth, walls are usually painted with earth colors. Some prefer lighter shades like yellow and cream. Visualize the colors of a sunset. These are the colors that the walls usually have.
Tables and other kitchen furniture must contribute to the rustic feel. That is why it is common to see a small round table in dark brown or maroon shades. Wicker chairs may also be used. Tall counter stools, also made of wood, are also present in a country kitchen.
For the floor, brick or terra cotta stones may be used. For others who do not want a concrete floor, wood is preferred, which can be solid hardwood or wood laminate. Dark or redwood continues to be a popular choice. Like the cabinets and furniture, the floor must also have a natural finish.
Lastly, use accessories to complete the country look. Place curtains and chair covers in deep blue, green and plum tones to bring out the earth tones of the walls and floor. Plant and flower pots may also be placed anywhere – near the window, in an open shelf, on top of the table, or hanging. Daisies may also be placed on a vase to give more color.
So save those earthen and ceramic jars. Sand off old cabinets and refinish them. You can remove some cabinet doors to convert cabinets into open shelves. The old plates that you’ve stored may actually be displayed. Keep that wrought iron piece and see if it can still be used. For example, an old aluminum tray can be used as a plant holder. Mix these old pieces with new ones that you may find in flea markets.
What makes a country kitchen work is its permissive and informal approach. There are practically no strict designing rules to follow. You can look at some designs and incorporate them to create your own country kitchen design. This makes it a practical and easy-to-do alternative in kitchen design.