Country Kitchen Styles
Light wooden cabinets and blue-and-white ceramic tiles help make a classic country kitchen. Designed by DeWitt Designer Kitchens, Studio City, CA.
Country kitchens are cheery and welcoming, with light and/or bright colors, painted and glazed cabinets, woven baskets, floral motifs, and decorative shelving and molding.
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: 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. To maintain a handcrafted look, light or natural cabinets in pine or oak are prevalent. A sizable wooden mantle range hood, wood cutouts in valances, and intricate crown and rope molding add authenticity.
Farmhouse: 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.
Other country styles: Tuscan Country, Swedish Country, garden
