The country kitchen is an eternally popular look – cosy, welcoming and the perfect backdrop for an array of antique and vintage treasures. It works well in almost any home, too – big or small, urban or rural. First and foremost, country-style kitchens shouldn’t look too fitted. Plenty of storage and sufficient prep areas are important, but bland MDF/particleboard cabinets or laminated work surfaces are best avoided, if possible. Ideally, built-in cabinetry should be natural or painted wood which, while more expensive initially, looks beautiful and has longevity, not least because it can be sanded or repainted.
To add to this, turn to free-standing antique and vintage pieces. The key element in many a country kitchen is an old dresser/hutch adorned with rows of blue-and-white china, fresh flowers and all kinds of cherished bits and pieces. Glazed or mesh-fronted cabinets can be repurposed as pantry cupboards – trying painting them a bold colour (or just painting the inside) to create a stand-out piece. Open cabinets also look sweet with a gathered curtain to conceal their contents. Wall shelves can be an ideal solution if you’re short of space, holding rows of pans, enamel storage jars or piled-up tableware, and bringing an easy-going country vibe. In terms of workspace, a butcher’s block is a great alternative to a kitchen island, as is a free-standing farmhouse table.
Dressing the country kitchen is a joy. It’s the perfect home for pretty, mismatched china and glassware found in charity shops/thrift stores and markets. Baskets (wire or wicker) work well as ad hoc storage. And have fun on the walls – vintage food posters look right, as do car boot sale paintings and an old-fashioned clock.
