Country kitchens are not exclusive to country homes

Written by R. Ann Sipper

There are many features in a country kitchen that differentiate it from a modern or contemporary kitchen. While both kitchen styles share the need for cabinetry, appliances, and counter space, the unique surfaces help establish a country kitchen from a contemporary kitchen.

Cabinets and shelving in country kitchens

Open shelving is popular in many styles. Choosing shelving made from rustic wood like pine is an easy way to establish country kitchen décor. Rustic wood shelves provide a large amount of storage while creating an easy-access style of living typical of a farmhouse look.

Wood shelves installed above the sink are a great way to store and display traditional place settings and kitchen utensils. Using items like hardcover cookbooks, ceramic pots, wooden utensils, and vintage cookery provide an affordable and easy way to decorate your country kitchen.

Painted cabinets and shelving are often preferred in country kitchens. They add the warmth of color and the glow of wood stain that can establish kitchen décor. Adding bright and unique colors like robin's egg blue, ivory, and sunny yellows can further enhance the look of your kitchen.

Painted surfaces can be aged by roughing them up with sand paper to wear away the paint in areas around the door hardware and edges. You can also age paint surfaces using materials like wood stain and colored wood wax. Hardware and lighting

Country kitchen hardware should have an older-appearing surface. Wrought iron, wood, and ceramic are for country kitchen designs. Rustic iron hardware contrasts sharply with the stainless steel and sleek hardware popular in contemporary kitchens.

Use these same surfaces to continue the look in the lighting. Wrought iron finishes and hammered metal finishes are ideal. In addition, ceramic table lamps placed on the counter can add to the cozy feel found in many country kitchens.

Appliances

The surface of the appliances can help create more of a country kitchen look. Wood-faced appliances are a better option for traditional kitchens, and hiding modern appliances may detract from the traditional look. Custom panels fitted on the front of a dishwasher or refrigerator can be made to match your painted cabinetry so that it blends in and adds to the warmth of the kitchen.

Countertops

Kitchen countertops create a large surface in the kitchen. In a traditional country kitchen, the counters should add warmth to the room. Materials such as butcher block and marble can add an inviting feeling in the room while still performing well in a working kitchen. These are materials that have been used in kitchens for centuries and can last a lifetime.

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