Cottagecore, farmcore, or countrycore – whatever name you choose to categerise the quintessential country kitchen aesthetic as, the muched loved rustic interior design trend isn’t going anywhere. Farmhouse style decor is still in, especially when combined with modern features that pull together to create a welcoming space full of charm and elegance.
How to nail the country kitchen aesthetic
When you visualise countryside kitchens, you immediately conjure images of warm and cosy open spaces. I think about a welcoming kitchen that boats natural materials and provides an open space for plenty of cooking (especially baking) with the children. It’s no wonder that the rustic charm of country kitchens appeals to so many, but how do you get the look in your own home? Here are my tips for nailing the country kitchen aesthetics for your own home, (something MBR Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations Cork can help you with), starting with the appliances.
Invest in a range cooker
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so installing a luxurious freestanding range cooker is certainly a show-stopping way to get your friends and family talking, as well as cooking!
Range cookers are wider than standard cookers and are the epitome of the home-cooking, family orientated, modern farmhouse kitchen. These appliances are much more than just a stylish statement though – with extra oven and hob space for plenty of cooking, they allow you to multitask in the kitchen with ease.
Range cookers come in a variety of colours and styles, some with complimenting hoods to make styling your country kitchen even easier. Choose from dual fuel – a combination of a gas hob and electric oven – gas or electric fuel types.
Choose your sink and hardware wisely
Add timeless beauty to your country-style kitchen by installing a large, natural kitchen sink. There are three styles of sink commonly associated with country kitchens: the farmhouse, the butler, and the Belfast sink. All three are very similar and the style you choose will depend solely on your personal taste. Some sinks are slightly deeper whereas others were designed historically to conserve water, however these days the design features make very little difference to the sink’s usage thanks to water shortages no longer being an issue.
Once you’ve got your sink of choice installed, don’t forget to finish the look with vintage styled taps!
Use natural materials and colour palettes.
Natural stone flooring is a traditional must-have, and with the invention of underfloor heating, it’s no longer a design feature to be ignored. For a more modern country kitchen aesthetic, opt for natural-looking wood flooring panels instead.
Shades of cream and white make great bases for the walls, but by adding painted kitchen cupboards, you can instantly fill your kitchen with colour. Try opting for duck egg blue or sage green to refresh your kitchen space. You might want to consider using peel and stick wallpapers too for your convenience. It is an easy and quick way to add some country aesthetic to your kitchen.
The use of reclaimed wood or wicker storage baskets bring a sense of calm into your kitchen, as well as creating focal points. You could even take it a step further with woody, natural shades by laying down basket weave jute rugs – however, make sure these are carefully placed in order to keep them looking pristine for as long as possible.
Use accessories to bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
When we recall nostalgic memories, we often feel a sense of security and familiarity. Usually, we associate these experiences with things we found comfort in during our childhood. For example, it’s not uncommon for us to see vintage cabinets or clocks and immediately think back to happy times with our parents or grandparents.
Using vintage furniture to add nostalgic charm to your kitchen is a great way to create a warming, welcoming environment that promotes a feeling of relaxation and calmness. Maybe use a vintage tea table to store fruits and vegetables, or consider having open shelving to display glasses and tableware.