Clean, bright colours and minimalist features are the in-vogue trends when it comes to kitchen design. Whilst this type of kitchen design suits many of today’s homeowners, there’s something to be said for a more traditional, cosy kitchen design often seen in older, country houses.
If you are someone who prefers a more rustic look to their cooking space, there are a few simple guidelines you can follow to create a more traditional country kitchen design. Take a look at our top tips below for giving your kitchen a more traditional, homely feel.
Use Wood
Modern kitchen design will generally favour a sleek, clean appearance using metal, plastic, and vinyl, but these will look out of place in a country kitchen. For a more homely feel, use hardwood fixtures and fittings – utilising the same type and style of wood across your cupboards, worktops, flooring and kitchen island. Oak is durable, water-resistant and truly looks the part in a traditional kitchen, although other hardwoods can substitute for a cheaper alternative.
Using wood throughout the kitchen will make your kitchen feel more natural and homely, with natural materials found to reduce stress when compared to more modern components.
Create a Harmonious Appearance
For top marks with a cosy, traditional kitchen design, you should focus on every aspect of your kitchen’s appearance. Even if your fixtures and fittings look the part, the ambiance will be ruined if it’s filled with bright, modern components such as plastic kitchenware and modern white appliances.
Don’t fear though, there is always a way to find appliances that don’t conflict too much with the rest of your kitchen. There is a huge range of more traditional appliances available including things like fridges with more earthy green or brown exteriors. Also, consider using more traditional-looking cookware and cutlery such as cast-iron pans and stove-top kettles. For smaller modern kitchenware such as food processors, try and keep these hidden in your storage units if possible.
Of course, we’re not saying you need to return your kitchen design to Victorian times – you’ll still need modern-day appliances such as microwaves and dishwashers! To make sure these don’t affect your traditional kitchen design, consider adding wooden cupboards around the appliances, meaning they’re only seen when needed.
Choosing vintage appliances and hiding ones that can’t be replaced is a great way to create a harmonious, traditional kitchen design with every aspect ‘on-trend’.
Add a Range Cooker
Range cookers such as Aga range cookers have been integral to the traditional country kitchen in Britain for decades. Their popularity really took off during the Second World War when their ability as a reliable source of heat was valued against the unstable public heating network. Their appeal is also aesthetic, with an Aga range cooker usually the centre of attention in the kitchen, with its classic enamel exterior and cast-iron components giving it a traditional appearance.
These cookers use a radiant heat that makes them a unique cooking experience, this method of cooking heats up food without drying it out – ideal for roast dinners! They are a multifunctional kitchen tool, with the ability to act as a clothes airer, toaster and heat source ultimately meaning you can reduce the number of modern appliances we mentioned earlier.
Range cookers are the embodiment of a well-made kitchen appliance that will last for generations. With all the components being easily-replaced using spare parts and new upgrades making them more energy-efficient, a range cooker is an eye-catching yet functional means of creating a cosy and traditional kitchen aesthetic.
A traditional country kitchen design is a great way of stamping your personality on your home, in contrast to many modern, mass-produced kitchens. We hope the tips above will help you give your kitchen a more traditional, homely feel – making it a fantastic place for you and your family to relax and unwind.
Author Bio
Matthew is a content writer for Blake & Bull. Blake & Bull specialise in Aga range cooker accessories and services such as cooker refurbishment and conversion.