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Country kitchen island ideas


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(Image credit: John Lewis of Hungerford)

Once a modern status symbol, the farmhouse kitchen island unit is now widely regarded as one of the most useful features you can have in any kitchen. In farmhouse kitchens, they are fast replacing the traditional cook’s table; still providing a similar social role, but with surfaces at a more comfortable height for prepping. 

Make kitchen island ideas a part of your farmhouse kitchen planning from the start. The best farmhouse kitchen islands are carefully located to ease traffic flow through the space, rather than creating a barrier, and, with seating included, will help secure the kitchen as the natural hub of your country home. 

Farmhouse kitchen island ideas

Farmhouse kitchen island ideas can come in many shapes and forms, but all have an easy informality and characterful look that's imprinted into the DNA of farmhouse style.  

‘To maintain an authentic farmhouse style, we like to design kitchen islands that look like freestanding pieces of furniture, topped with natural surfaces such as solid stone or a chunky butcher’s block,’ says Richard Davonport, managing director of bespoke luxury kitchen maker, Davonport .

We've asked the experts to share their farmhouse kitchen island ideas and tips for designing a kitchen island so you can integrate them into your own farmhouse decor ideas and create the perfect rustic cookspace.

1. Be inventive with repurposed furniture

(Image credit: Sabbe Interior Design / Paige Rumore Messina)

A farmhouse kitchen island doesn't actually need to be, well, a farmhouse kitchen island. In the farmhouse style, there's an authenticity and charm that comes from rescuing and upcycling vintage furniture and giving it new life and purpose, perfect for anyone who loves freestanding kitchen ideas.

'Something old/something new is definitely my formula for kitchens. Whether vintage lanterns, an antique cupboard, or in this case, a repurposed woodshop workbench,' says Stephanie Sabbe, founder of Boston-based Sabbe Interior Design . 

'This piece gives the space so much life and history that this kitchen can not be duplicated, which is also one of my main goals in design.'

This is a great approach for country kitchen island ideas, too.

2. Be inspired by traditional shopfittings

(Image credit: deVol)

Traditional Mom and Pop stores and shop cabinets inspire the handcrafted oak Haberdashery kitchen from deVOL .

This takes farmhouse kitchen island ideas away from conventional block-style units, with a basin or integrated appliances. Instead, the island becomes about organizing a kitchen and displaying chinaware and kitchen accessories. The island has a more open design, which brings a lightness to the kitchen overall, while offering plenty of kitchen island storage ideas.

You can replicate the look by repurposing a vintage display piece or shelving unit, adding a countertop to create a bespoke farmhouse kitchen island idea.  

When you're buying a freestanding piece to introduce your kitchen, consider how it will deliver on your kitchen island storage ideas and be sure it has the necessary compartments and cabinet space you need.

3. Add task lighting with pendants

(Image credit: John Lewis of Hungerford)

When you're planning your kitchen lighting ideas, a duo or trio of pendant lights along the length will be a great addition to your farmhouse kitchen island ideas, creating both a focal point and essential illumination. You could match the finish of the shade to your hardware for a seamlessly coordinated look, or create standout with a contrast material or color.

Marketa Rypacek, Managing Director at Industville , has these suggestions for kitchen island lighting ideas.

'Look at the areas of your kitchen and think about the activities that will happen in each space. Some spaces, such as food preparation zones, the kitchen sink and above the hob, will require task lighting, while others, such as the dining area, call for mood and accent lighting,' she says.

'Hanging pendant lights above an island is a great way to create a statement in your kitchen. Not only are pendant lights attractive, but they also provide functionality for tasks such as reading recipes and food preparation.'

4. Consider the scale of your farmhouse island

(Image credit: John Lewis of Hungerford)

The size of your farmhouse kitchen island should fit the scale of your kitchen. Choosing the right size kitchen island isn't just about practicality, although you'll need clearance all around the island in order to move around your kitchen and open drawers, cabinets and appliance doors. It's also about the look of the space.

A kitchen island can be a substantial piece that creates the centerpiece of your kitchen, but it should still connect visually with the room around it. In this kitchen from John Lewis of Hungerford , the size and shape of the kitchen island echoes that of the Aga range cooker behind it, giving the overall kitchen design a sense of balance.

'While this is a large island, it works perfectly in the space and is really well zoned within the room,' explains Rebecca Nokes, Head of Design & Brand Creative, John Lewis of Hungerford. 'There’s lots of the room between the Aga and the other cabinetry; an island such as this offers an excellent touch point which isn’t too big or too small.'

5. Make it an island of two halves

(Image credit: John Lewis of Hungerford)

This half-and-half island from John Lewis of Hungerford combines a working side with integrated sink and appliances, with a side designed for sitting, eating and conversation. 

It's the ideal combination when you want a social kitchen space that doesn't leave the cook isolated. And it also means the more attractive side, with open shelves for display, faces outwards to the room.

'The island is a spin between both classic and contemporary,' says Rebecca Nokes, Head of Design & Brand Creative. 'The pot ends are a very traditional style for kitchen islands but we’ve matched them with the simple, contemporary handles and a sleek tap, and it’s been topped with honed granite.  

'Honed granite is more a contemporary look than traditional polished granite. It gives the best of both worlds for someone who likes the classic look Shaker kitchen ideas, with some contemporary touches.'

6. Use a farmhouse island to color block

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

Make your farmhouse kitchen island stand out from the rest of the space by giving it a different color. Island paint color ideas are a lovely way of injecting bolder shades if you prefer to stick to more neutral tones on the remainder of your kitchen cabinetry.

If you don't want to mess with your painted kitchen ideas color scheme too much, another great way to dip your toe in the trend is to paint your farmhouse kitchen island a lighter shade for brightness, or a darker one for intensity.

7. Make a curved bar space

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

If you love to entertain guests, then a curved kitchen island could be a feature you didn't know you needed.

'The rounded nature isn't typically like the other kitchen islands found in homes, so this instantly makes it more interesting – plus it's super practical for dishing up dinner or serving drinks to those seated around it,' says Editor of Homes &Gardens, Lucy Searle.  

We love this alternative take on traditional breakfast bar ideas.

(Image credit: Neptune/Daniel Boden-Wilson)

When it comes to kitchen sink ideas, a butler or Belfast sink is a popular choice for adding to that countryside aesthetic, and some people choose their kitchen island as the spot to house this rustic feature.

This design means you can face anyone who might be sitting or standing at your island, making it a sociable design tactic.

9. Shine a light on it

(Image credit: Future/David Cleveland)

Coming up with strong farmhouse kitchen lighting ideas is just as important as the feature itself. After all, what's the point of investing time and money in a kitchen island if you're not going to show it off in all its glory?

There are so many options to choose from, too, from linear varieties and modern statement pieces to spotlight lamps and industrial-style hanging bulbs.

'All too often with a kitchen, the lighting is an afterthought but it should be considered and research carried out at the initial planning stage,' says Marketa Rypacek from Industville. 'Don’t wait until after cabinetry and appliances are place as the position of the lights may affect where sockets and cables are placed and it’s much harder to alter these things further down the line.'

10. House the hob

(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)

In many ways, a kitchen island is the social hub of the room, where everybody tends to congregate. 

This means it's great for housing a hob, as hosts can face their guests whilst entertaining. It also offers enough worktop space for food to be prepped pre and post-cooking.

From ovens and wine fridges to warming drawers and hobs, installing appliances into your kitchen island is a great way to make the most of your kitchen space and allows you to use the rest of your kitchen for cabinetry to keep your space functional and neat and tidy.

11. Stand out with stone

(Image credit: Gerald Culliford)

Island countertop ideas can be adventurous, even in a farmhouse kitchen. Seriously striking stone doesn’t need to cover every surface to make a statement – allowing you to invest a little more on something truly special, like this Terra Bianca Satinato Marble by Cullifords .  

In fact, many designers recommend switching up the worktop on an island as a way to help it stand out as a freestanding piece of furniture, lending farmhouse-style kitchens a relaxed ‘unfitted’ feel.

If marble isn't the look you want, you could consider, stone, wood or a composite material for your kitchen countertop ideas.

12. Split levels

(Image credit: Harvery Jones/Darren Chung)

Kitchen island seating ideas that allows for dining at table height is undoubtedly more comfortable than when perched on bar stools, so if you don’t have a separate dining table consider a split-level island. This clever design uses a change in worktop to clearly mark the cooking and eating zones. 

Providing ample leg room is an important comfort factor when sitting for prolonged periods – aim for an overhang of at least 30cm. 

13. Create a cook's table

(Image credit: Plain English)

Styled on the traditional chef's kitchen, the kitchen table typically found at the heart of farmhouse kitchens makes for a wonderful long-legged portable kitchen island. This one from Plain English is perfect for baking and food prep. In island form, the drawers are deeper than an actual cook’s table, so there’s no need to compromise on storage. 

Lifting the island off the floor is also a well-recognized design technique for making a kitchen feel more spacious. Table style islands aren’t usually suitable for sink installations but the electrics for a hob can be hidden inside a leg if required.

14. Find a flow

(Image credit: Searle and Taylor/Paul Craig)

‘Planning a curved island unit within a rectangle or square room is a real joy. Curves not only introduce a safety aspect with fewer sharp corners, but a softer design aesthetic, too,’ says Darren Taylor, managing director, Searle & Taylor . 

‘This kitchen features a lot of straight lines, especially because of the stunning beams, so we added curves to provide contrast. Seating around a circular table allows for a more sociable dining experience and we designed the breakfast bar as a raised area so that three people could sit round it comfortably. ' 

'This was also designed at a height where they can look directly out through the windows to the lovely countryside beyond.’

15. Start small

(Image credit: Caesarstone)

An island doesn’t have to be huge to prove a valuable asset. If space is tight, you’re not ready to commit or you just want flexibility, a freestanding unit could be the answer. It's a good move to keep your island compact when you're working with small cottage kitchen ideas.

This vintage-style piece in the home of fashion writer Louise Roe was made from the same reclaimed floorboards as the flooring below to achieve design cohesion with an element of relaxed imperfection. 

The above London Grey quartz worktops are by Caesarstone , whereas the cabinets are from British Standard , with Louise Roe behind the design.

(Image credit: Davonport)

If you’re for an open-plan kitchen and have unavoidable structural joists to navigate around, an island unit can play a big role in maintaining easy traffic flow through the space.  

‘The island in this kitchen has been designed around the large pillar in the centre of the room, creating additional space for food preparation and storage, whilst allowing the Aga range oven to remain the focal point.' 

'Without the island, the pillar would have been far more obstructive and visually dominating,’ explains Richard Davonport, managing director, Davonport. The above design is the Tillingham kitchen by the brand.

17. Zone the surfaces

(Image credit: DeVOL)

Switching up the surfaces can prevent a long island from appearing bland and monolithic. It’s also a popular way to zone different uses, in this case copper defines the breakfast bar/social end, while marble demarks cooking and cleaning. 

When connecting two materials it is essential to get a neat joint to avoid creating a dirt trap – request a line of silicone if there’s a water source close by. Alternatively, make a feature of the divide by going chunkier with one surface to create a purposeful step.  

18. Include a corner bar

(Image credit: Laura Marin/ Extreme Design)

Positioning bar stools at right angles aids better eye-contact for conversation compared to a lining stools up in rows – a trick the pros use when creating kitchens for entertaining.

This chunky timber corner bar puts the chef center of attention for a sociable cooking space with ample room for four guests. Raising the breakfast bar is a great safety feature when including a hob within an island, especially for children. 

19. Create a display

(Image credit: Darren Chung for Kitchen Architecture)

A mix of open and glazed shelving lends lightness to this impressive 4m-long island. ‘It’s important to consider how an island looks from all angles, especially if it’s taking up a large footprint,’ says Pierce Coyne, design manager, Kitchen Architecture . 

‘In this 18th century farmhouse, the front of the island is the first thing you see when entering from the garden. The owners wanted shelving to create attractive displays. Using bleached oak inside also links nicely with the exposed oak beams.’ 

If this handy clutter-free solution has caught your attention, our kitchen storage ideas should be right up your street.

20. Mimic traditional furniture

(Image credit: Artisans of Devizes)

Modelling your island on a more traditional piece of furniture can feel more in keeping in a farmhouse setting. The balanced design of this island unit mimics the symmetry of a robust sideboard, complete with pot rack style centre shelf – perfect for rustic baskets and recipe books. 

A clever faux door on the left allows bar stools to be tucked out of the way, without ruining the illusion.

This lovely bespoke kitchen is from Thomas Ford & Sons , while the flooring is by Artisans of Devizes .

How much does a farmhouse kitchen island cost?

The price can range from $350/£250 to around $3,500/£2,700 for a high-quality kitchen furniture brand to build and install an island. But, if you want something a little more bespoke, costs can reach upwards of $28,000/£20,000.

Can I have an island in a small farmhouse kitchen?

The most important thing to remember is that a kitchen island is going to take up precious floor space in a square kitchen. 

Generally, it's recommended that an island is no less than 40 by 40 inches (1 meter x 1 meter) for a small kitchen. If you're going for something narrower and longer, it's important to give yourself enough work space and plenty of room to move around it.

Does a farmhouse kitchen island add value?

A kitchen island can add value to a property, due to its functionality and aesthetic. It's also a less expensive option compared to other kitchen renovation projects, so it's usually a safe bet for a high return on investment.

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism.  

Country kitchen island ideas: 10 stylish designs |

(Image credit: VSP Interiors/Harvey Jones/The Main Company)

Country kitchen island ideas will give you extra storage and countertop space. Adding a country kitchen island enables you to create dedicated zones, too, providing an informal divide between the kitchen and adjacent living areas while still keeping the cook space involved in the social activity.

Indeed, a central kitchen island can serve a multitude of purposes – from being a preparation station to housing sinks, cookers and appliances – transforming the way in which you use your country kitchen. Extending the countertop and adding bar seating even provide a dining space that's perfect for quick breakfasts or entertaining.

‘Larger, fitted islands can be multi-functional, incorporating appliances, breakfast bars and many other elements. In smaller kitchens, a peninsula can often be a better alternative to a central island. This layout is less space hungry, but still has the same capacity for storage and multi-tasking,’ advises Richard Moore, design director at Martin Moore .

Country kitchen island ideas

While the country kitchen island as we know it is new, the concept of a versatile surface in the heart of the kitchen is not. In Medieval European kitchens a large wooden table dominated the room. Much bigger than the modern dining table, it was a workhorse that served as a place for everything from food preparation to dining. 

Today's modern country kitchen island designs take inspiration from this tradition, incorporating a large table into the heart of the kitchen, while others are more aligned with cabinetry. Regardless of the style you choose, a country kitchen island may be the starting point for your kitchen layout, so that it efficiently bridges the gap between cooking and living. Here, we bring you the best ideas.

(Image credit: Cortney Bishop/Katie Charlotte Photography)

One of the largest draws to country kitchen islands are the social space that they create. When paired with a recessed section and bar-style kitchen island seating, they create an informal dining space that connects the functional kitchen with the rest of the room.  

'It's no secret everyone wants to be in the kitchen – make sure to create ample seating for your crowd. When selecting a countertop, remember to account for overhang depth so your stools fit underneath,' advises Cortney Bishop principal designer and owner of Cortney Bishop Design . 

Approximately 15 inches of kitchen countertop overhang will be sufficient to accommodate most styles of bar-seating.

'When creating island seating, I also purposely extend the side panels along the countertop's full width,' continues Cortney. 'This design allows the island to appear more like a piece of furniture while casually tucking the stools away from traffic flow.'

2. Consider size and shape of a country kitchen island

(Image credit: Interior Impressions)

Regardless of whether you are researching country kitchen island ideas or are looking for more general advice on designing a kitchen island, the principles of the are the same.

First you need to ensure that the island does not become an obstruction. Ensure that there is at least 42 inches between the island and wall cabinets, as this will let two people pass each other without difficulty, and at least 60 inches between a wall and breakfast bar to allow chairs to be pulled out. At the same time, it is important that your island is not too distant from the rest of your cooking space. Ensure that any cooking zones are at most 9 feet away from one another.

This elegant design from Interior Impressions strikes a perfect balance offering a practical cooking space, complete with sink, as well as a spacious area for family and friends to take a seat.

3. Make the most of country views

(Image credit: Bert & May)

As our kitchens are redesigned and rebuilt, we find ourselves prioritizing ways to increase natural light and space in equal measure. As such, glazed doors have quickly become a favorite feature, flooding the space with light while also providing seamless access to the garden. 

When incorporated into country kitchen diners, particularly those that boast beautiful views of the countryside, doors can also define your entire kitchen's design. By positioning your country kitchen island in front of them, an ever-changing view while cooking will be on offer, while your cooking and entertaining space will be nice and bright. 

Designed and crafted by Bert & May , this kitchen has cabinetry crafted from sustainable wood and solid oak dovetailed drawers topped while the country-style island is topped with a raw copper worktop that helps to reflect light in to the room.

4. Opt for a farmhouse table style country kitchen island

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

Country kitchen island ideas don't have to reflect your cabinetry. Instead, consider upgrading an antique farmhouse table with a stone countertop which can help to imbue your kitchen with a softer, country-inspired look, perfect for complementing other traditional kitchen ideas. If you don't want to use an actual table, other farmhouse kitchen island ideas include cabinetry inspired by workbenches and butcher's blocks, but with the style and functionality of a modern kitchen.

'To help tone down the utilitarian feel of the room I like to add antiques, art, soft furnishings and decorative items,' explains Henriette von Stockhausen, designer at VSP Interiors . 'Adding an island to the space helps with this, instantly becoming a relaxed place where someone can sit with a glass of wine and chat while the host is cooking, to prepare food, and a place to display some beautiful pots, flowers – a centerpiece of your kitchen.'

5. Incorporate a small country kitchen island in a compact space

(Image credit: Oakley Moore)

Country kitchen islands are not just the preserve of expansive open plan spaces as even small kitchen ideas can benefit from the additional preparation space that country kitchen island ideas bring. 

The key is to prioritize and streamline. First decide whether you want your country kitchen island to provide preparation space or a social, sitting area. This will help you to define the intention of your design. Secondly, ensure that no space is wasted. This country island, designed by Oakley Moore , prioritizes preparation space, while also incorporating open shelving on the end of the island and cabinetry on the reverse.

'Help your small kitchen island ideas stand out by using a different color to the rest of the cabinetry. Here we used a warm yellow from Benjamin Moore to work with the Fired Earth tiled backsplash whilst the rest of the space is very neutral. This is a great way to inject a little color in a neutral space,’ says Kate Aslangul, founder of Oakley Moore.

(Image credit: Olive & Barr)

Classic designs are timeless for a reason, and so is the case with the quintessential country kitchen island. Channel Shaker kitchen ideas in your island design for a timeless piece that will complement any era of home. In this kitchen designed by Olive & Barr the tongue and grove panelling on the wall is reflected in the base of the island, while wooden countertops bring a natural edge to the scheme.

'Built-in chopping boards, oak slat shelves and easy-access drawers help to free up counter space, they also add characterful charm to the modern kitchen,' says Al Bruce, founder at Olive & Barr. 'It is important to incorporate storage solutions that utilize every inch of space too. Practical storage results in an organized and stress-free kitchen, even under the sink can be rescued from clutter with a pull out drawer and fixed shelves.'

7. Add a sink to your island to create a multifunctional space

(Image credit: Styleberry Creative Interiors /Madeline Harper Photography)

A multifunctional country kitchen island can transform the way in which you use your kitchen and so is the case for country kitchen island ideas. This design by Styleberry Interiors combines the best of both worlds by pairing a wooden countertop, ideal for food preparation, with a sleek marble countertop that adds practical elegance to the space. An excellently positioned sink divides the two areas offering the ideal counterpoint to the stove opposite. Together these four features create the perfect format to aid seamless cooking.

‘There is something about having a counter to lean on, set drinks or plates on, and be able to move freely around, that facilitates interaction. How many times have you been to a gathering and spent a significant amount of time in the kitchen chatting in this very spot? Add a place to sit, and I’d put money on someone having a cup of coffee and wanting to stay awhile,’ says Shawna Percival, founder of Styleberry Interiors.

8. Use different materials to serve different purposes 

(Image credit: The Main Company)

When you think of country kitchen island ideas, the first image that comes to mind will be a large rectangular block of solid cabinetry. However, this does not need to be the case, consider playing with textures and shapes to create a space that reflects your own needs and sense of design. This clever country kitchen island physically separates the preparation and entertaining spaces by elevating the latter. Not only does this offer a welcoming space for people to come and sit but also keeps the preparation area hidden from view, helping to maintain a minimalist aesthetic. 

'Ensure country kitchen islands work as both a cooking and entertaining space by changing work surface materials to suit each area specifically. Opt for a softened textured wood for the entertaining area, while granites, zinc or stainless steel are ideal surfaces for cooking areas,' advises Alex Main, director at The Main Company . 'Create an L-shape seating area to ensure stools are not in one long line in order to aid conversation, too.'

9. Work in lighting to make the most of your country kitchen island

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

Your country kitchen island will serve as a space to cook, relax and entertain and as such it will need versatile lighting. A series of statement pendants will not only provide useful task lighting but also emphasize the island as the heart of the room. These antique French lights, from Kate Beard Lighting , make the perfect kitchen island lighting ideas for this elegant Martin Moore kitchen.

When considering pendant lights, it is also important to think about the cord. ‘No longer just a practical necessity, the cord is now a design essential that forms part of your lighting aesthetic,’ says Emily Butterill, founder of Glow Lighting .

Consider color, material and the amount of cord you want on display. ‘Over a dining table, pendants were historically mounted lower, but these days it is more about how formal a space you want to create. As a general rule, pendant lighting fixtures should be 29 to 35 inches above your table or island or 1.8m off the floor,’ continues Emily.

10. Think: alternatives to country kitchen islands

(Image credit: Heaven & Stubbs)

Not every kitchen suits a kitchen island. In some vintage kitchen ideas, such as this characterful space, an island would feel dominating and disguise the beautifully crafted wooden cabinetry and flooring. However, there are alternatives that bring some of the benefits of an island without compromising the overall character of the space.

‘Sometimes an island can look too fitted and detract from the character and period feel of a kitchen. It might be that a freestanding table or a small moveable country kitchen island provides the extra storage and work surface required whilst being a little more sympathetic to the feel and proportions of the room. ’ says Howard Stubbs, founder of Heaven & Stubbs . 

11. Use your country kitchen island to play with color

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

Color plays a huge role in design, and the kitchen is no different. Adding an island gives you the opportunity to be more creative with your scheme. 

’The trend for darker and bold colors in the kitchen is continuing but starting to branch out from just the dark blues to include more greens and even deep reds. The bold feeling is following through in countertop and backsplash choices, with more and more people opting for heavy veined marble-looking countertops, as opposed to the more discreet looks we have seen in the past,’ explains Charlotte Campbell, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones . ‘

'Texture is also becoming a more understood and used element to kitchen design, with countertops, backsplashes, and handle finishes moving away from the high polished, to now include honed and satin finishes. As well as reeded glass creating a more layered aesthetic. ’

12. Use country kitchen island ideas to create zones

(Image credit: Neptune)

Zoning is essential in open-plan kitchen/living spaces, creating a separation between cooking, dining and living areas. In a country kitchen, an island can help you to achieve this curated space.

‘Deploy different colors for islands, wall cabinets, or under-seat storage to give definition while ensuring the overall look is cohesive and open-plan,’ advises Mike Turley, technical manager at Mereway Kitchens . ‘Another zoning device is to use lighting to highlight different areas, ambient lighting for dining areas, accent lighting for feature areas and task lighting for meal preparation.’ 

How do I build storage into a country kitchen island?

There are many clever ways in which you can integrate storage into your country kitchen island design. From the conventional drawers and cupboards, to the more creative options, such as double, in-drawer dishwashers, both on the cooking side of the island, to shallower storage spaces for china and cutlery, recipe books and wine glasses on the dining side. Bear in mind that drawers will be more accessible than cabinets – deep and wide for cookware and china, shallow and narrow for spice storage. Consider adding a minimalist space to store and display glass jars or if you have a four-legged friend, think about whether your island could also incorporate their bed, keeping it out of the way and giving them a safe space to relax. 

How long should a country kitchen island be to seat 6?

As a general rule of thumb to choose the right size kitchen island, you should factor around 30 inches (2.5 ft) per chair. Therefore, if you want to accommodate six seats around your kitchen island, it will need to be 15ft long. Equally, if you want an island that only has two seats, it will need to be 5ft long. 

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

Country style kitchen design (+55 photos) – Interior ideas

Translated from English, “country” means countryside, but even in the center of the metropolis, a kitchen decorated in this style will give a relaxed atmosphere of a ranch, cozy cottage or country estate. The inspiration for such an interior can be found in American westerns and traditional rural culture, borrowing from them natural simplicity, solidity and convenience. If you approach the design of a country-style kitchen with a soul, then the result will bring you the most positive emotions!

Highlights of country style

Rustic business card - natural materials. Roughly crafted wood and stone, solid solid furniture, wickerwork and earthenware are the basis of the interior, while cute trinkets, rustic textiles and vintage decor give it a lived-in look.

The natural harmony of natural textures and shades contributes to relaxation - in such an environment, problems and hardships are quickly forgotten, and instead of them there is a mood to cook a delicious cake or arrange a festive dinner. It is pleasant to touch matte wooden surfaces, they exude home comfort.

Country style is very practical, you want to spend as much time as possible in it, feeling the calm regularity of country life.

Colors

Brown country style kitchen

At the mention of a rural house, wooden walls and antique furniture in brown tones immediately appear.

The color of chocolate, from bitter to milky, is simply irreplaceable in country style. Even if the kitchen is entirely made in light colors, it should still contain at least minimal dark accents. For example, the surface of the tabletop or the upholstery of chairs can be brown. At the same time, harsh black in a rustic interior is out of place.

Country white kitchen

Instead of a cold snow-white shade, the country uses slightly diluted matte tones: milky, cream, vanilla, light beige and sand.

Walls or ceilings are often painted white, kitchen furniture is often presented in this color - but, unlike the classical design, neither carved curls nor golden frames adorn the facades.

Country green kitchen

The life-affirming color of grass and leaves looks as organic as possible next to natural wood. Green walls and textiles wonderfully emphasize the texture of solid wood furniture.

Delicate olive, mint and emerald shades are usually chosen for kitchen sets, for which the best complement is beige or gray of equal saturation.

Red country style kitchen

Red kitchen is a bold and unusual solution, but in country style it looks quite calm. Matte lingonberry, terracotta and burgundy tones look great on the facades of the headset, they are elegantly repeated in the small pattern of textiles, dishes and decor.

The ideal background for such rich furniture will be white or light wood color.

Kitchen finishing in country style

Until the end of the 20th century, natural materials were the only ones available for home improvement. Now, when plastics and polymers are gradually replacing them, the once simple wood, limestone, vine and clay have gained elite status - often the price of such an eco-friendly design exceeds even cutting-edge high-tech. However, it is possible to equip a country-style kitchen even with a limited budget, especially since high-quality natural finishes will subsequently last for decades.

Sex

It is impossible to imagine a rustic kitchen without a plank floor. To increase the life of a parquet board, it should be coated with a matte varnish or moisture-proof oil impregnation.

A more practical finish is white or brown tiles, as well as porcelain stoneware imitating stone or wood.

In a small kitchen, it is better to make the floor plain or checkerboard, using small tiles (10x10 cm).

Walls

Moisture-resistant coatings and materials should be used to finish the walls in the kitchen. In country style, decorative “chipped” stone, ceramic and clinker tiles are ideal for this purpose. If desired, they can only be lined with an apron, and the rest of the walls can be left for painting, upholstery with wooden clapboard (in extreme cases, with plastic wood-like panels) or wallpapering.

Even in rustic design, textured plaster with the effect of antiquity, brick and stone masonry, wallpaper with floral ornaments, patchwork tiles, and mosaics with pastoral scenes will be appropriate.

Ceiling

The ceiling in a country-style kitchen is usually decorated with wooden beams. If the height of the room allows, then you can use false MDF beams. Hollow inside, they will help hide the wiring and will not hang menacingly over your head.

In small kitchens, it is better to simply whitewash the ceiling or paint it with white water-based paint. If a stretch film is used, it must be matte, as light as possible.

Textile

Rustic coziness is inconceivable without beautiful light fabrics. Curtains, tablecloths, napkins, kitchen towels, upholstery of chairs - all this gives the interior of a country-style kitchen a very nice homely look.

Chintz, cotton and linen are traditional for this style of design. However, given how difficult it is to care for these materials, it is better to give preference to synthetic imitations, which are easier to wash off stains, do not wrinkle and do not fade in the sun.

Country kitchen will be decorated with textiles with small floral patterns, as well as checks or polka dots. Ruffles, lace, ruffles, ribbons and bows are welcome.

Country style kitchen furniture

Beautiful country-style kitchen furniture is sometimes found in elite salons, and its price is quite high. But you can always find a compromise, for example, turn to craftsman carpenters, restore antiques, or do it yourself.

Kitchen set

The headset, which at first glance gives the impression of reliability, durability and rough simplicity, is very likely to belong to the country style. It can be made of solid wood, MDF or chipboard, with a unique wood texture or painted, but it is always solid functionality without any frills.

The facades of the set can be decorated with simple geometric carvings, diamond-shaped grilles or perforations. Doors are always with handles, the old fashioned way. Fittings are used mainly copper, brass or iron. The hood can close the facade to match the rest of the wall design or in the form of a chimney.

As for the placement rules, for a small country-style kitchen, it is better to choose a high, but narrow, L- or U-shaped. In a large space, you can afford an island option, when a place in the center is reserved for a functional high table.

Dining area

Furniture for a rustic dining area is a traditional rectangular or round wooden table, stable chairs with high backs or a massive bench. Hammered metal elements, wickerwork from rattan or wicker are possible. Seats are often upholstered in soft fabric with a floral pattern or brown leather.

In a small kitchen, the function of a dining table can be played by a folding shelf mounted vertically on the wall, a large window sill or other device.

Storage systems

In a country-style kitchen, it is not necessary to hide everything behind blank facades. Beautiful crystal and painted ceramic sets will only decorate the interior, being behind a glass partition; for pans and improvised appliances, you can make wooden hangers with hooks - so they will always be at hand.

Open shelves, no matter how attractive they may seem, are rather impractical - dust, grease and moisture particles will accumulate on the objects placed there. Therefore, most products and kitchen utensils are best placed in closed cabinets, drawers, mounted on hooks or magnets on the inside of the doors. It will be more convenient to store plates and lids vertically in special grids, rather than stacking them.

Separately, organizer boxes should be provided for various small things, cutlery or spices. You can store vegetables, bread and other food in a rustic kitchen in pull-out wicker baskets or slatted pallets.

Country style kitchen decor

Old things from grandma's attic are ideal for rustic style: a cuckoo clock, a wooden chest with metal corners (by the way, a fairly roomy storage system for stocks of flour, sugar and cereals), an oil lamp, antique stove tiles (any of them looks like a work of art). art and can be used as a panel), embroidered towels or crocheted napkins.

Any wooden, wicker and forged decorations can also become a highlight of the interior. Do not neglect hand-painted wall plates in folk style, earthenware, figurines of domestic animals and birds. All this can be easily found at fairs or ordered online.

How to arrange lighting?

When choosing lighting fixtures for a country-style kitchen, you should avoid cutting-edge options. Spotlights, neon ribbons, fluorescent lamps with their cold white or bluish light are best left for high-tech. In a rustic style, soft yellowish light from spot diodes, discreetly mounted above work surfaces, will look much better.

As for the chandelier, it is advisable to choose it in the form of antique wrought iron candlesticks, but simple white, "lace" and even stained glass shades are also quite suitable.

Kitchen design in country style - photo

More interesting country style kitchen interior design ideas can be seen in our photo gallery. Here are the best examples of design that will help you decide on the choice of colors, finishing materials, furniture and appliances!

Video: Country style kitchen - interior ideas

90,000 kitchen design in the country style - 52 photos of design ideas - Portal on the construction, repair and design of

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