This oak kitchen oozes charm, teamed with stone worktops and pewter handles. Cotswold kitchen framed with figured oak, from £14,000, Cotteswood
The allure of a country kitchen lies in its cosy ambiance and relaxed looks. Its nostalgic designs have stood the test of time yet somehow manage to integrate all the 21st century trappings we can’t live without. So how do you get the look of a country cottage kitchen? Read on to find out…
By Caroline Rodrigues
Forget about beams and an inglenook unless you live in a cottage or farmhouse. The rest of us need a lighter approach, with painted units, stone floors and freestanding furniture to create the look. If you can, set the scene by opening up a chimney breast to take a range cooker, with a shelf mounted on corbels above (take advice before you pick up a sledgehammer though, as the chimney breast is a supporting structure of the house). Appliances should be traditional in style or hidden away behind unit doors. Add some freestanding furniture such as a larder cupboard and a well-scrubbed dining table – all the better if they’re a bit worn - to bring in that farmhouse appeal. Natural materials will give you the relaxed effect you want, so turn down stainless steel and glass in favour of wood units and worktops, with stone or terracotta flooring.
It’s hard to choose between natural wood and painted units, as both have so much to offer. Wood provides outstanding variety, from palest maple, to deep stained oak. Lighter woods are more popular for good reason – they don’t close in the space as much. While a painted kitchen has a relaxed, welcoming look, it’s also a flexible choice as you can repaint if you tire of the colour. A hand painted kitchen is less uniform than a factory finish, which can help along the bespoke effect. Flag up individual pieces such as a dresser with a bold colour such as bright lacquer red or a midnight blue. Look out for heritage paint shades – they’re everywhere now – try your local DIY store and in particular look out for Farrow & Ball.
Instead of a relentless wall of unit doors, incorporate basket drawers, open shelving and a built-in plate rack to allow display space for your favourite china. Use decorative cornices or columns to add an authentic stamp to your kitchen, and look out for pewter finish cup handles, drop handles or round ceramic knobs to accessorise the doors.
This unit has all the hallmarks of a country piece – a natural oak top, a painted finish, and basket storage drawers. Bastide island preparation unit in chalk white with oak detail (H91 x W148 x D90cm), £2,375, Fired Earth
A freestanding kitchen has a lot going for it. It changes the character of the room, allows varying worktop heights and can be made to measure to suit your requirements. The furniture tends to be bulky, so settling for a mix of fitted kitchen and a couple of quirky stand-alone pieces is a good compromise.
If you’re aiming for a one-off look rather than showroom style, ferreting around in antique markets should come up with the goods, or try The Kitchen Dresser Company, Fired Earth, Ikea, or Marks & Spencer. Most kitchen manufacturers come up with freestanding pieces to suit their own kitchens, try John Lewis of Hungerford or Mark Wilkinson, or Plain English. If space allows, a pine table with mismatched chairs, a comfy, if battered, armchair and a bookcase will turn this room into the heart of the house.
Find a trusted kitchen fitter in your area using MyBuilder.
Exclusive competitions and discount offers for 4Homes readers in our Advent Calendar
Your chance to contribute to Kirstie's Homemade Home, by suggesting a craft to appear in the show
All the inspiration you'll need if you love modern, sleek bedroom design
.jpg)
Your Comments
Post your comment
Please note: In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in to Channel 4:
Sign In Here or Register Here
Comments closed
Comments are closed at the present time
Comments
Thank you for your comment!
Your message will be reviewed and the best ones will be published below.
If you intended to make an official comment to Channel 4 please contact us.
Comments