Classic country kitchens epitomise the heart of the home. If you’re thinking of redesigning your kitchen, this is the perfect opportunity to go traditional. Even if your current kitchen is perfectly OK but you wish it had more of a farmhouse feel, it’s not too late.
The great thing about a farmhouse kitchen is that it’s not precious – you can combine old and new, shabby and chic, contemporary and traditional elements to create a space that is totally personal to you. The result will be a homely yet practical kitchen where family and friends come together.
Here’s what to look out for.
Open shelving
Wall mounted shelving and doorless cabinets keep everything close to hand while displaying your favourite vintage crockery and china. The slightly higgledly-piggledy look oozes ‘old worlde’ charm. Why not add homemade curtains to the lower shelves?
Range cooker
The stove is truly at the heart of farmhouse cooking, and you can’t get more traditional than an AGA or Rangemaster range cooker.
Traditional flooring
Farmhouse kitchen flooring typically means wood floors or natural stone in earthy tones and warm, subtle colours. Marble, limestone, slate or travertine – they can all look fabulous.
Kitchen table
What’s a country kitchen without a welcoming kitchen table for friends and family to meet and socialise? Choose a large rustic wooden table that can double up as a food preparation area.
Kitchen sink
Big is the operative word for a traditional kitchen sink. Choose an old-fashioned ceramic Butler or Belfast sink with vintage style taps, surrounded by a wooden worktop, for best effect.
Free standing cabinets
Kitchens of old were a far cry from the built-in cabinetry we now take for granted. Why not add a freestanding period dresser to store glassware, crockery or cookware?
Add more wood
Whether you choose tongue-and-groove wood panelling, stripped doors or window frames, hardwood floors or timber worktops, adding more wood to your farmhouse kitchen will always enhance its homely feel.
Period accessories
For the finishing touches, add depth with a few well chosen period accessories. From vintage crockery to old-fashioned utensils, traditional freestanding furniture to Victorian clothes airers, it all helps to create a welcoming farmhouse kitchen ambience that everyone will love.