Country Kitchen

The Country Kitchen “Look”

A country kitchen offers a look that’s both whimsical and comforting. It’s a mixture of folk art, Americana, nature and craftsmanship. You won’t find high-end Italian granite counters in a kitchen with a country theme. Butcher block or square white tile make up the counters and a simple pattern adorns the backsplash.

Country folks aren’t afraid to show off their favorite crafts and knick knacks. Don’t be surprised to find wooden ducks sitting on shelves, cow clocks on the walls and homemade cookie jars and flour canisters on the counter. In a country kitchen the trick isn’t to hide the homemade ceramics, it’s to put them on display! If you have a framed cross stitch sampler, or needlepoint kitchen towel, they’re perfect in a country kitchen. Corner shelves are just right for your handcrafted items.

An attractive look in these kitchens is the use of beadboard or wainscoting on the bottom half of the wall with a contrasting wallpaper or color painted above. If beadboard isn’t for you, consider breaking up the walls with crown molding or a chair rail. Also consider a plate rack on one wall to showcase some favorite pieces.

Colors

A country kitchen is colorful, but not over the top. If you’ll be decorating in this style, expect to use light blues, pale yellows, creams and whites. You might also find pinks and reds in country kitchens, but they’re generally part of a wallpaper or furniture pattern.

Country Kitchen Patterns

Those with a country kitchen aren’t afraid to use patterns. Curtains, tablecloths and chair coverings use plaids, florals, dots and farm animal patterns for color and interest. If colors other than blues or whites are used, you’ll find them in the textile or wallpaper patterns.

If you’re not a fan of frill, you might want to stay away from this type of décor. Drapes and tablecloths in a country kitchen usually include slightly ruffled bottoms with tasteful bows to pull it all together.

Furniture

You won’t find stainless steel in a country kitchen. Instead look for a kitchen table made of maple, perhaps painted white, or with a tiled top. Cane back chairs finish off the look. An island topped with butcher block looks great in the center or the room.

Where to Find Country Kitchen Items

If you’re looking to decorate your kitchen with some of the ideas in this article, try one of these online retailers.

• Sticks and Stiches offers a large selection of country kitchen decorations. You won’t find furniture here, but if you’re looking for small items to finish the look, this a good place to start.

• McVay’s Limited is also a wonderful source for decorative items.

• Alice’s Home and Cottage offers a selection of linens, decorative items, towels and accessories.

• Try HensTooth.com for an interesting selection of kitchen items.

• Pops Unfinished Furniture offers a nice selection of pieces for a rustic kitchen.

Written by DebNg