Country kitchens

Expect to see:

• Floral, checked, striped, gingham and plaid patterns
• Window and wall treatments in fabrics such as chintz and calico
• Beadboard wainscoting and paneling
• Painted, glazed and distressed cabinet finishes
• Chicken wire or metal cabinet inserts
• Handmade, hand-forged, homespun look
• Antiques and flea-market finds

French Country: A French country kitchen makes you feel as if you have just walked into a cottage in rural France. Such a kitchen reflects a joy of living and importance of family and friends. Whether you live in a high-rise urban condominium or a split-level in the suburbs, you can bring the warmth and beauty of the French countryside to your own kitchen. The combination of many small touches is what gives a French country kitchen its vibrant, romantic feel. Framed cabinets in either raised or recessed panels outfit a room with French country flair. Cherry and oak cabinetry—glazed, distressed or pickled for an authentic finish—reign supreme, though pastel painted cabinetry is also a wise choice. Decorative shelving, the use of beadboard, a butler’s wall or pantry and plate racks will add to the genuine French Country feel.

English Country: Slightly more proper than French country, English country style relies on a square cabinet design accented by curves. This style uses pieces from many eras for a classic look with wood that has a rich patina, as well as accessories that reflect Britain’s history. This style has a comfortable look with a hint of understated wealth. Furnishings should look as though they’ve been collected for generations, not bought off a showroom floor, and provide a pleasingly cluttered look. Wood items should have a patina that comes from decades of dusting and polishing. To maintain a handcrafted look, light or natural cabinets in pine or oak are prevalent. A sizable wooden mantle range hood, wood cutouts in valences, and intricate crown and rope molding add authenticity.

Farmhouse: If you are planning to remodel or build a custom kitchen in your home, you may want to consider looking into country farm house style kitchen designs. Country farm house style kitchen designs are growing in popularity. Not only do they give an overall atmosphere of comfort, they help in creating a kitchen that is very versatile. The words “wood” and “heirloom” should guide your decorative decisions when creating a farmhouse kitchen. Stained wood, both light and dark, fit in well, though excessive glazing and finishing can create a look that’s a little too complicated.

Cottage: Consider driftwood-like finishes for a seaside cottage feel. If you’re leaning more toward a lake look, a slightly darker (but still natural and wooden) cabinet is your best bet.