Country Kitchen Decorating Tips

Learn how to get an authentic and stylish look.

Discover ideal country kitchen colors, fittings and accessories.

A country kitchen feels warm, welcoming and relaxing...

...and you don't actually have to live in the country to make this look work in your kitchen.

A country kitchen will look good in a rural or town house, and in a modern or traditional home.

Country kitchen decorating will never date - and so is an excellent choice for any kitchen.

• Wooden kitchen units are an absolute essential for any country kitchen worth its salt.
• Although it still gives a fantastic country look and traditional feel, don't feel you have to stick to honey pine.

  Orange varnished pine is becoming an outdated look now - there are many other stylish and creative ways to get a country kitchen feel...!

• Natural wood is a good choice for kitchen units - beech or oak are great alternatives to old-fashioned pine.
• Old or new wooden cupboard doors can be painted to give a great country kitchen feel.

  White or cream are the top color choices, and very versatile.

  Or go for a whole range of pastel and muted colors - blue, green, lemon or grey.
  
  

  

  
  
  We have just painted out kitchen cupboards in a soft pale green-grey (called 'French Grey' by Farrow and Ball)

  See how we got the look here...









• Choose units and cupboard doors with plenty of decorative detailing.

  Or, if you prefer a simpler look, choose a shaker style kitchen cupboard.

• Choose glass fronted doors for some cabinets - with or without leaded glass.
• Door and drawer handles can also be as decorative as you choose.

  Delicate wrought iron handles are common in country kitchens. Or choose a more simple rounded wooden knob.

• Plinths and cornices will enhance your country kitchen decorating scheme. Go as intricate and decorative as you like.
• Think natural when it comes to counter tops. Natural stone or granite are good choices, as is a wooden butcher's block work surface.

  If you have chosen unpainted wooden cupboard doors, don't choose a wooden counter top too - some contrast is always good.

• Use terracotta or quarry tiles, slate tiles, stone or wooden floorboards, on the kitchen floor.
• A neutral tile is always a good choice in a country kitchen decorating scheme.

  Also consider stone effect tiles, or period-style glossy rectangular tiles arranged in a brick pattern.

• A good country kitchen alternative to tiles is painted tongue-and-groove wood panelling. It gives an excellent traditional country kitchen feel.

  We have just fitted some in our kitchen and painted it white. It is chair rail height so we can still paint our walls a color.

• Fit a butler's sink if possible (make sure you have a suitable base unit.) You may be able to find a butler's sink quite cheaply at a reclamation yard.

  If you can't find a butler's sink, a traditional white ceramic sink is just as good.

• Fit old-fashioned style taps to get the most authentic country feel.
• Consider fitting an Aga or Rayburn stove in your country kitchen.

  I guarantee it will keep you cosy all winter long. There are now some very good, modern, look-a-like alternatives, which can be fitted to gas or electric, that you can consider instead.

  You may be able to get a second hand, restored one quite cheaply.

A traditional stove like this would be a fantastic feature for a country kitchen decorating scheme.

Furniture and Accessories

• Old-fashioned wooden, or painted, furniture is ideal for country kitchen decorating projects. If you have space, add an informal wooden table and chairs, for relaxed family meals.
• Add shiny copper, stainless steel or enamelled pans - they can stay out on display - or hang down attractively from the ceiling, from a hanging pan-rack.
• Add plate racks and display shelves to show-off your pretty, country-style crockery and plates.
• White ceramic, with traditional lettering, is a good choice for storage jars on display in your country kitchen.
• Load up with lots of pretty, vintage crockery.
• Wicker storage baskets, for food, logs, shoes etc. are a very rustic practical storage choice.
• Include plenty of herbs - grow your own in pretty pots on the windowsill, or hang bunches of dried herbs from the ceiling.

  Not only are they good-looking and smell nice, but they are useful in your cooking as well.

Take a look at this video clip which I am sure will give you plenty of inspiration for your country kitchen.

Just click on the picture to start the video player ...and enjoy!

Are you ready to create your own country kitchen now?

Look at some practical aspects to your kitchen design plans.

Get advice on choosing the best fixtures, fittings and colors for your new kitchen.

Look at cheap, quick and easy ideas for updating your kitchen.

Learn how to recreate an idyllic country cottage decorating style in your home.

Browse some more kitchen decorating styles:

Ultra-modern cutting-edge kitchen

Tuscan style kitchen

Take a look at my own country kitchen decorating project.

Return to the main kitchen decorating tips page.

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