Country Kitchen

One style of country kitchen that is quite popular today is French country. If you are interested in creating a French country theme in your kitchen, focus on color, texture, and specific elements key in the design style. Typically, blue and yellow are associated with French country, in addition to soft cream colors. These colors work perfect in stripes, checks, and dotted patterns in addition to traditional French prints like toile. Other elements associated with French country include roosters, which are incredibly popular these days and popping up everywhere you look. A French country kitchen often features worn, aged furniture in soft, natural finishes.

Another fun style of a country kitchen is the cottage chic that is sweeping the nation. If you think of country as laid back but still refined, then cottage chic is the best one for you. Cottage chic kitchens often include unexpected elements like crystal chandeliers, but combine them with natural elements and timeworn pieces. Typically, the colors used in cottage chic are pale, including soft yellows, light greens, and crisps whites. The patterns can be a charming mix of floral prints that include large cabbage roses or even mattress ticking stripes. Other aspects of a cottage country kitchen include cast iron pieces, handmade copper pots, and wood elements.

The style most often associated with a country kitchen is heavily influenced by rural or farm life. Animals play a large role in a country themed kitchen, especially barnyard animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. Much like French country kitchens, roosters are extremely popular. The colors can run the gamut of pretty pastels to bold primary colors. Typically, patterns associated with country kitchens are down home and often have a hand woven appearance, including checks and sometimes even a rough burlap fabric for accents. The main aspect of a country themed kitchen is comfort—including everything from the furniture to the furnishings to the flooring.

If you are interested in creating a true country kitchen, consider the layout of your current kitchen. Include natural elements like hardwood or stone flooring and wooden cabinets. The stainless steel trend has also crossed over into the country themed kitchen, and many are getting an upgrade using sleek, professional appliances. This blend of country and contemporary is an excellent way to incorporate professional appliances in your home without getting a cold or institutional look. Consider warming up the stainless steel by using warm tones, including honey toned cabinets and a warm cream on the walls. Also, handmade elements like hand hooked rugs and original paintings are great additions to a country room that can also work to balance the more industrial looking appliances typically found in most homes.

Be sure to use lots of fabric in your country themed kitchen, since the fabric is another way to create a comfortable feel in an often harsh room. Consider using soft Roman shades instead of harsh blinds in addition to a layered effect with the window treatments. Instead of a traditional table and chairs in your country kitchen, consider choosing a large bench or even banquette seating that is piled with pillows for comfort.